Britain12 April, 20261 min read
John Swinney Vows To Hold Scottish Independence Referendum By 2028 Despite UK Opposition
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Second independence referendum remains on the political agenda. UK Labour opposes a second independence referendum.
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Swinney Pushes Referendum
First Minister John Swinney declared it was perfectly conceivable that Scotland could hold a second independence referendum as soon as 2028. Swinney told a BBC Scotland Debate Night audience that the people of Scotland were entitled to decide their own constitutional future but were stuck in a constitutional logjam. The Scottish Daily Express reported Swinney claiming he won't allow Sir Keir Starmer to block a referendum if the SNP achieves a majority.
Labour UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting ruled out a second referendum, saying the country has had enough of chaos. The SNP responded by accusing Labour of sticking two fingers up at Scottish voters.
Divergent Stances
The debate over a second referendum exposed deep divisions between Holyrood and Westminster. Labour leader Anas Sarwar told the BBC the next month's election was not about independence. Green co-leader Ross Greer said a majority of pro-independence MSPs would represent a mandate for a referendum.
Immigration emerged as a major campaign issue, with Reform UK's Scottish leader Malcolm Offord saying another referendum would be divisive. Glasgow houses more asylum seekers than any city outside London.
Swinney's Secret Plan
Swinney insisted he has a secret plan to secure a vote to break up the UK. The Labour UK Government is likely to shut down any attempts to transfer powers for a Scexit vote. Both Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf asked the UK Government for a Section 35 but were knocked back.
Some polls have suggested that the SNP could win a majority of 65 seats. This carve-up of the electoral system will mean another SNP Government on just over 30% of the vote.