John Swinney Urges Focus on Independence at SNP Conference

During his first speech as SNP leader at the party conference, John Swinney emphasized the urgency of Scottish independence, framing it as essential for a stronger and fairer Scotland. He criticized the new Labour government for imposing austerity and pledged to make independence a priority in future elections, contrasting his message with calls for patience from some party members. Swinney acknowledged the SNP's significant electoral losses, which left the party with just nine MPs, and called for humility in addressing public concerns, urging a focus on issues that matter to the Scottish people. He indicated a shift towards relating independence to everyday life rather than solely pushing for its narrative. Meanwhile, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn stressed the need for the party to reconnect with the electorate and admitted the challenges in convincing the public about the case for independence. As finance secretary Shona Robison prepares to announce substantial public sector cuts, Swinney is tasked with rebuilding trust and confidence in the party's governance amidst ongoing financial pressures.