Swinney says Scottish independence referendum could be held in 2028

Scottish Independence Referendum Could Happen in 2028, Says Swinney

First Minister John Swinney has suggested that a second vote on Scottish independence might occur as early as 2028. During a BBC Scotland Debate Night event in Paisley Town Hall, the SNP leader emphasized that such a constitutional decision could take place within two years, calling it “perfectly conceivable” for Scotland to hold another referendum. Other party leaders were present to discuss the implications of this potential shift.

Parties Clash Over Scotland’s Constitutional Future

The debate featured stark contrasts in views. Ross Greer, co-leader of the Greens, argued that Scotland’s direction should be determined by its own people, stating the country’s future must remain “in Scotland’s hands.” Meanwhile, Labour’s Anas Sarwar stressed that the upcoming election was “not about independence,” focusing instead on improving public services and tackling the cost of living. Conservative chief Russell Findlay warned of a “disaster” if the UK were to break apart, while Reform UK’s Malcolm Offord cautioned that a second referendum would be “divisive” unless independence support hit 60%.

“We’re not having one”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed this sentiment earlier on Sunday, telling LBC that another vote was “not on the agenda” and criticizing the current state of affairs as “enough of chaos.” However, Swinney defended the idea, asserting that Scotland was “entitled” to decide its own constitutional path. He attributed the delay to a “constitutional logjam” that could be resolved by an SNP majority, which the party recently secured.

Arguments for and Against the Referendum

Greer contended that a strong showing of pro-independence members in the next parliament would signal public support for a referendum. He called Westminster’s stance “profoundly anti-democratic,” arguing that independence could address critical challenges in the NHS and economy. In contrast, Cole-Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said he had “not given a second referendum a moment’s thought,” prioritizing other issues like education and cost of living.

“By every measure you’ve been distracted and Scotland has got worse.”

Findlay accused Swinney of being “distracted,” claiming that a referendum could be approved by a “weak” prime minister and that the Conservative party would “stand up for Scotland’s place in the union.” Offord, meanwhile, acknowledged that a second vote might be necessary if independence support surged, but stressed the need for “cohesion” in Scottish communities.

Immigration and Social Challenges

Control over borders and immigration remains a UK government responsibility, yet it has become a central issue in the Holyrood election campaign. Offord argued for a balanced approach, warning against “jumping the queue” by immigrants at the expense of locals. Findlay highlighted the strain on services in Glasgow, which hosts over 3,800 asylum seekers—more than any other city outside London. Susan Aitken, Glasgow City Council leader, noted that the city had “run out of temporary accommodation” last year.

“The problem is we do not have enough immigration to meet the needs of the country.”

Greer countered by advocating for increased immigration, citing its role in sustaining the NHS, social care, and rural areas. Cole-Hamilton, though, defended the current focus, insisting that while small boat crossings were a concern, immigration was essential to address a “skills crisis.” Sarwar accused Offord of undermining “my loyalty to my country,” framing the Reform UK leader’s comments as an attack on migrant communities.