SNP leader hits 'panic button' with push for another independence referendum

By Katie Harris, Senior Political Correspondent

Scottish First Minister John Swinney (Image: Getty)

The SNP's John Swinney was accused of hitting the "independence panic button" after making a fresh push to break up the UK. The Scottish First Minister pledged to "turn the heat up" on the UK Government to allow a second independence referendum as part of his latest strategy to achieve separation.

Writing in the National newspaper on Friday, the SNP leader pledged to increase support for Scotland leaving the UK and stressed the importance of supporters of independence backing the SNP at next year's Holyrood election. But Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie accused him of hitting the "independence panic button", adding that Scots will be "shaking their heads".

She added: "Twenty-five years ago, the then SNP leader, John Swinney, claimed that independence was 'closer than ever'. Now he is attempting to lead his troops up the hill once more - but even they don't buy it.

"John Swinney offers absolutely no vision and no hope for the people of Scotland.

"It is time to turn our backs on John Swinney's old, failed politics of the past and to choose a better Scotland with better leadership."

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: "Scots are scunnered with John Swinney and the SNP's endless obsession with independence.

"The nationalists are continuing to prioritise their own interests rather than focusing on what truly impacts the lives of Scots.

"Patients cannot get a GP appointment, our economy is flatlining, and standards have plummeted in our schools.

"That is what John Swinney should be focusing on, rather than rehashing the same old arguments on independence that Scots are not interested in."

Since the first independence referendum in 2014, successive UK governments have repeatedly turned down calls for another ballot.

The UK Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that only Westminster can allow another poll.

Mr Swinney set out a three-point plan including boosting support for leaving the UK, putting pressure on Westminster and delivering an "emphatic win" for the SNP in next year's Holyrood election.