Scotland's Independence Debate Heats Up: SNP Members Align Behind Swinney's Bold Strategy

SNP members have overwhelmingly backed John Swinney’s plan for a second independence referendum, should the party secure a majority in the upcoming Holyrood election. This strategy, revealed at the SNP conference in Aberdeen, aims to transform the 2026 election into a de-facto referendum on independence, reminiscent of the precedent set by the 2014 referendum.

Swinney confidently stated that winning another mandate would enable the SNP to deliver Scotland’s choice for independence, emphasizing that his leadership is focused on achieving this goal. He declared, “The precedent is clear; when the SNP wins a majority, we deliver a referendum on independence.”

An amendment proposed by members suggested treating the election as a substitute referendum, claiming a mandate if over 50% of votes in the Holyrood list ballot are for pro-independence parties. However, Swinney rejected this approach, insisting on a decisive victory rather than mere margin shifts.

Swinney’s emphasis on independence as the party’s primary objective highlights the frustration among some grassroots members regarding the lack of a guaranteed path to Scottish statehood, especially given the reluctance of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to agree to another referendum during his tenure.

Despite Swinney’s strong endorsement, criticism flowed in from opposition leaders. The Scottish Conservatives accused the SNP of losing credibility, while Scottish Labour branded the vote as a “waste of time,” urging the SNP to focus on pressing social issues that plague Scotland, such as drug overdoses and rising violence in schools. Alba’s leader, Kenny MacAskill, argued that the SNP had missed an opportunity to unify the independence movement and provide a clear strategy, suggesting that Swinney’s approach gives the UK government a veto over future independence discussions.

In a politically charged environment, the upcoming election will be pivotal for the SNP as they attempt to navigate the complexities of pursuing independence while addressing criticism over public services and the effectiveness of their governance in Scotland.