2 weeks Ago By David Bol
SNP leader John Swinney has called on his party to put a re-run of the 2014 referendum on the backburner, ten years on from the independence vote which saw the Yes campaign defeated. Instead, speaking on the anniversary of the poll, which saw the No campaign win with 55 per cent of the vote, Mr Swinney said the SNP should prove that “independence is the solution to the immediate concerns of people in Scotland”. In a shift away from the strategy unsuccessfully pursued by Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister has suggested that the SNP and wider Yes movement building support for independence is the priority instead of securing a route to a new referendum.
Mr Swinney said that boosting support for separation would make Westminster’s opposition to giving Scotland a second say on the constitution “unsustainable” and admitted there is “no shortcut to independence”. But he claimed that Scotland is closer to independence than it was in 2014 and called on SNP activists to “reawaken that sense of hope, of optimism and of possibility” from the 2014 vote after enduring “a long, dark decade” he claimed has been caused by decisions at Westminster. Read more: The Steamie: 'I don’t know when Scotland will become an independent country' says former SNP leader Read more: Independence referendum was 'undoing' of the SNP, says Better Together campaign boss Read more: Why Nicola Sturgeon's independence failures pose questions over SNP's future at Holyrood Speaking in Edinburgh, the First Minister said it was important to “reflect on a moment of tremendous significance in Scotland’s past” but also “demonstrate our commitment to Scotland’s future”.
Mr Swinney said that for those pushing for separation in 2014, “the excitement of the campaign turned to heartbreak as the declarations started pouring in”. He added: “I remember seeing the boxes being opened in Perth and knowing, quite quickly, that we were not going to win at that count. But as the night wore on, it became clear we were not going to make it across Scotland.
“Even though I was devastated by the result, I am in no doubt that Scotland’s independence referendum has left an overwhelmingly positive legacy on our country. And we – the Scottish National Party – should be incredibly proud that, together, we made that happen.” The SNP leader argued that the expansion of devolved powers since the 2014 referendum is proof that “constitutional change delivers real change in our country”, adding “that’s Scotland’s legacy in the last ten years”.
He said: “We have delivered change for people in Scotland because this country demanded more power and more responsibility for the people of this country.” Mr Swinney bluntly told activists that “the SNP’s job is to get on with setting out the better alternative” than Scotland remaining part of the Union. He said: “Our job is to make independence relevant to the everyday concerns of every citizen in Scotland.
” Mr Swinney added that it was crucial to show the public “that the powers of independence can help us grow our economy in a way that works for everyone” and to “make our public services the best they can be”. He said: “I committed to proving that independence is the solution to the immediate concerns of people in Scotland - on the NHS, schools, the cost of living, on energy prices “That’s the way SNP campaigning will persuade more people in Scotland of the merits of Independence. That is how we will win Scotland’s independence.
” Asked if Scotland was any closer to independence than it was in 2014, Mr Swinney said: “I think we are closer”. He added: “As a result of that referendum, we were able to secure more powers that gave us more scope to act on tax and welfare issues, over plenty of other questions. “As a consequence, we have made a difference in the lives of people in Scotland.
People can see the positive impact of decisions being made here in Scotland. “We’ve got to extend that onto other issues that are on the minds are are priorities for people in Scotland. They see independence as the pathway to doing that.
“I think we’re closer to achieving that than we were in 2014.” But the First Minister would not be drawn on any method to actually delivering independence or a second referendum other than hoping increased support for separation would lead to Westminster buckling and agreeing to a re-run of the 2014 vote. He said: “The United Kingdom government cannot turn its back on the democratic wishes of the people of Scotland.
“Our priority is to build support for independence.” Mr Swinney admitted that “there’s no shortcut to independence”, adding that “a Westminster government that denies the democratic choices of the people of Scotland” was “an unsustainable position”..
