Politics · United Kingdom · 9 hrs ago
SNP conference sets up clash over Scotland’s independence referendum
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is challenging the SNP’s case for independence as the party holds its conference in Aberdeen.
Burnham is expected to visit Scotland during the gathering and argue for keeping the UK together.
SNP leader John Swinney wants another independence referendum by 2031, and is due to address delegates on Saturday.
The UK Supreme Court has ruled that Scotland’s government cannot hold a referendum without Westminster’s consent.
Burnham has said there is no clear consensus for another vote, but his approach to devolution and Europe may make him a more difficult opponent for the SNP than previous UK governments.
The debate comes as the SNP tries to rebuild support after a difficult period for the party.
Swinney says there is no shortcut to independence and that supporters must persuade people one by one; the sources give no date or plan for a referendum.
The SNP conference has set up a political clash over Scotland’s independence referendum, with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham making the case for the union.
Burnham is expected to visit Scotland on Friday, while SNP leader John Swinney is due to address delegates in Aberdeen on Saturday.
Swinney has said he wants a second independence referendum by 2031.
The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the Scottish government cannot hold a referendum without Westminster’s consent.
Burnham has said there is “no clear consensus” for another vote, while SNP figures argue Scotland should be able to revisit the question.
- Who
- The SNP, led by John Swinney, and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham are at the centre of the dispute.
- What
- The parties are taking opposing positions on whether Scotland should hold another independence referendum.
- When
- The SNP’s three-day conference is taking place around 15 October 2026. Burnham is expected in Scotland on Friday, and Swinney is due to speak on Saturday.
- Where
- The SNP conference is in Aberdeen; Burnham is expected to visit Scotland at a different venue.
- Why
- Swinney wants a second referendum by 2031, while Burnham opposes holding another vote, saying there is no clear consensus.
The SNP
Andy Burnham and the UK government
Referendum
The SNP
Swinney wants a second independence referendum by 2031.
Andy Burnham and the UK government
Burnham has said there is no clear consensus for another vote.
Scotland’s constitutional future
The SNP
SNP figures argue Scotland should be able to revisit referendum decisions and say the union cannot continue in its current form.
Andy Burnham and the UK government
Burnham is making the case for the union in Scotland.
Burnham referred to Swinney’s prediction in a speech to the Labour party conference.
Burnham is expected to visit Scotland during the SNP conference.
Swinney is due to address SNP delegates in Aberdeen and promote his push for independence.
Swinney wants to hold a second independence referendum.
- Conference location
- Aberdeen
- Conference length
- Three days
- Swinney’s referendum target
- By 2031
- Supreme Court ruling
- A referendum cannot be held by the Scottish government without Westminster’s consent
- Burnham’s polling
- 46% of Scots had a favourable view of him in polling by PF Global
3 sources
What people are saying
Utterly determined to prove him wrong.
The idea that the union can continue to exist in its current form is absolutely farcical.
no shortcut