Swinney Outlines 3-Point Strategy for Scottish Independence Push

John Swinney, Scotland's First Minister and SNP leader, has unveiled a three-point strategy for Scottish independence focusing on building widespread public support, increasing pressure on Westminster to allow a democratic referendum, and securing an emphatic SNP victory in the 2026 Holyrood election. Swinney emphasized that the campaign aims to reaffirm the beliefs of 2014 independence supporters while persuading those previously unconvinced by highlighting the current state of Britain. His plan includes leveraging Scotland's energy wealth to promote economic benefits such as lower energy bills and a competitive business environment. The strategy has received mixed reactions from pro-independence parties; the Scottish Greens view it as limited to party promotion rather than a broader movement, while Alba criticizes it as hollow and overly reliant on Westminster's approval, which they doubt will be forthcoming. Despite these criticisms, Swinney insists that a democratic referendum remains the correct path forward, although the UK Supreme Court has ruled that only Westminster can authorize such a vote. The SNP leader intends to intensify efforts against what he calls Westminster's anti-democratic stance to advance Scotland's right to choose its future.