Swinney says Scottish independence referendum could be held in 2028

Scottish Independence Referendum Could Be Held as Early as 2028, Says Swinney

During a BBC Scotland Debate Night in Paisley Town Hall, First Minister John Swinney proposed the possibility of a second independence referendum as soon as 2028. The SNP leader emphasized that such a vote on Scotland’s constitutional status could occur within two years, arguing that an SNP majority would resolve the current “constitutional logjam” hindering progress.

Parties Clash Over Referendum and National Issues

Swinney urged voters to grant his party an “emphatic mandate” to secure the nation’s future, while Green co-leader Ross Greer stressed that Scotland’s destiny should be decided by its own citizens. However, Labour’s Anas Sarwar dismissed the idea of independence as the focus of the upcoming election, stating it was “about having a government that works for the people.” Conservative Russell Findlay warned of a “disaster” if the UK breaks apart, accusing Swinney of “distracting” from pressing challenges.

“It’s profoundly anti-democratic for Westminster to deny Scotland a second vote,” said Ross Greer, highlighting independence as a solution to NHS and economic struggles.

“People want Holyrood to get on with the day job and improve people’s lives,” remarked Malcolm Offord of Reform UK, who conceded that a referendum might be inevitable if independence support hits 60%.

The debate also featured sharp disagreements on immigration, NHS funding, and energy policy. Swinney noted that the UK government would need to approve any new referendum, yet Sir Keir Starmer hinted he wouldn’t support one during his tenure. Earlier, Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed this sentiment, declaring, “We’re not having one” and calling the current situation “enough of chaos.”

Immigration and Borders: A Controversial Focus

Immigration has become a central issue in the Holyrood election, with Glasgow housing more asylum seekers than any city outside London—approximately 3,800. Susan Aitken, Glasgow City Council leader, noted the city had “run out of temporary accommodation” last year. Meanwhile, Reform UK’s Offord advocated for “cohesion” in communities, claiming some migrants were “jumping the queue,” while Greens’ Greer argued for increased immigration to address labor shortages in NHS and rural areas.

“The problem is we do not have enough immigration to meet the needs of the country,” asserted Greer, emphasizing the necessity of migrants for healthcare and community vitality.

Liberal Democrat Alex Cole-Hamilton, though skeptical of a second referendum, focused on NHS, education, and cost-of-living concerns. He criticized Offord for “trying to win an election based on dividing the people of Scotland,” while Sarwar accused the Reform leader of undermining migrant communities and questioning his loyalty to the nation.