Overview
- Swinney said a referendum could take place in 2028 and argued Scotland could become independent within 18 months of a Yes vote, citing the 2014 timetable as his model.
- He framed an outright SNP majority as the mandate for that plan and linked independence to using Scotland’s energy wealth to cut household bills.
- Opposition leaders attacked the focus on independence, with Conservatives warning an SNP majority would drive separation and Labour calling the pitch a distraction from public services.
- Swinney repeated claims that Labour would seek a deal with Reform or Tory figures after the election, while Labour and Reform denied any such plan.
- Recent polling reported in the coverage points to the SNP staying the largest party but short of a majority, which would leave any new referendum push dependent on post-election math and a UK Government that has rejected another vote.