Holyrood set to back Swinney on second independence referendum

Scottish First Minister John Swinney has tabled a motion at Holyrood calling on the UK Government to issue a Section 30 order, devolved powers required to hold a second Scottish independence referendum. The move comes amid growing SNP pressure, with Swinney citing the May 7 Scottish election results as evidence of a democratic mandate for another vote, despite repeated rejections from Westminster, including from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The debate marks the first since the election, where the SNP failed to secure an overall majority but still saw the highest number of pro-independence MSPs elected. Swinney’s proposal is expected to pass with support from SNP and Green MSPs, including Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay, who criticized unionist parties for blocking Scotland’s ability to address economic inequality and rising living costs. Opposition leaders, including Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar, Scottish Conservative’s Russell Findlay, and Scottish Liberal Democrat’s Alex Cole-Hamilton, countered by urging the government to prioritize domestic issues. Sarwar emphasized improving the NHS, public services, and affordability, while Findlay and Cole-Hamilton called for focus on NHS waiting times, education, and infrastructure, arguing the SNP’s referendum push distracts from these priorities. The SNP’s push for a referendum follows recent controversy after former chief executive Peter Murrell admitted embezzling over £400,000 from the party over 12 years, an incident that led to Swinney’s apology to party members. Despite internal challenges, Swinney remains determined to advance the independence agenda, framing it as a solution to Scotland’s economic and social struggles.