Archive · 18 Jan 2026
Scottish Leader Pushes for Independence Referendum
John Swinney, the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), said that if his party wins a majority in the upcoming Scottish parliament elections in May, he will push for another referendum on Scottish independence.
This comes after a 2014 referendum where most Scots voted to stay in the United Kingdom.
Swinney believes that a big win for the SNP would give them the right to demand another vote on independence.
However, the UK's top court has said that Scotland needs approval from the British parliament to hold another referendum.
Swinney also thinks that the current UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, might not be in office by the end of the year.
John Swinney, leader of the SNP, says a majority win in May's Scottish elections would push for another independence referendum.
The 2014 referendum resulted in 55% voting to stay in the UK and 45% for independence.
Swinney believes a majority win would give the SNP the mandate to demand another independence vote.
The UK Supreme Court ruled that Scotland needs approval from the British parliament to hold another referendum.
Swinney predicts that Keir Starmer may not be prime minister by the end of the year.
- Who
- John Swinney, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP)
- What
- Swinney's statement about calling for another independence referendum if SNP wins a majority in May's Scottish parliament elections
- When
- Upcoming Scottish parliament elections in May
- Where
- Scotland, United Kingdom
- Why
- Swinney believes a majority win would give the SNP the mandate to push for independence and potentially end Keir Starmer's premiership
- 2014 Referendum Result
- 55% voted to stay in the UK, 45% voted for independence
- SNP Leadership
- John Swinney, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP)
- Upcoming Elections
- Scottish parliament elections in May
- Legal Constraint
- UK Supreme Court ruled Scottish government needs UK parliament approval for a referendum
- Swinney's Prediction
- Believes Keir Starmer won't be prime minister by the end of the year
