Latest news with #FirstMinister
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
EUAN MCCOLM: As a delusional Swinney claims independence is just within his grasp, the stench of panic in the SNP is overwhelming
The stench of panic is overwhelming. First Minister John Swinney, humiliated by the SNP 's defeat in the recent Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse by-election, faces a revolution in his party. There have already been public calls for him to step down while, privately, colleagues have discussed a possible coup. In desperation, Mr Swinney is fighting back in the only way he knows how: by promising another push for Scottish independence. In a speech in Edinburgh yesterday afternoon, the First Minister set out what aides described as 'his vision' for what Scotland could achieve if only it was no longer part of the United Kingdom. Speaking at the Scotland 2050 conference, Mr Swinney waxed tiresome about the potential just bursting to be unleashed. It was time, he said, for Scotland 'to stand and flourish on our own two feet'. 'Independence,' said the First Minister, 'is the defining choice for this generation, have no doubt.' Like a 'clear majority' of Scots, he believed 'our nation should have the right to choose'. Of course, there is nothing especially notable about a Scottish Nationalist insisting the Union is in crisis. That mantra has existed for decades. But Mr Swinney knows not only that there is no second independence referendum on the horizon but that most Scots do not think the constitutional settlement a priority. A YouGov poll published in March showed that the question of whether Scotland should become independent sits at a lowly ninth on the list of things voters would like to see politicians deal with. More important to the overwhelming majority are such matters as the state of the NHS, the economy, the housing crisis, and the need to tackle crime. But Mr Swinney's speech was not directed at those voters. Facing the prospect of a destabilising leadership challenge, he was playing to the gallery of nationalist monomaniacs for whom independence must be achieved, no matter the cost. In common with other rigid ideologues – think supporters of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn or hardcore Brexiteers – Scottish nationalists entertain no doubts about their convictions. To the obsessive 'Braveheart', rejection by voters – whether in a Lanarkshire by-election or a national referendum – is simply proof that they've not pushed their agenda hard enough. This crank mindset led to Corbynistas complaining they'd lost the 2017 general election to the Conservatives not because their leader was too Left-wing but because he wasn't Left-wing enough. Similarly, many SNP politicians and activists believe their party lost in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse because Mr Swinney had not played the independence card often enough. There is no question that the First Minister made errors during the campaign which saw his party lose the seat, made vacant by the untimely death of sitting MSP Christina McKelvie, to Labour. Mr Swinney's insistence that the by-election was a two-horse race between the SNP and Reform was not merely wide of the mark, it was catastrophically wrong. In fact, the numbers show it was the collapse in the nationalist vote that allowed Reform to come third. Mr Swinney's speech in Edinburgh was straight from the Nicola Sturgeon playbook. During her nine years as leader of the SNP, Ms Sturgeon repeatedly declared that independence was just one last heave from being achieved. She promised referendums she could not deliver and she urged supporters to prepare for victory. Unfortunately, despite the undoubted passion with which Ms Sturgeon spoken on the subject, her words could not bend reality. Not only had she no power to deliver 'Indyref2', polls showed that the majority of Scots didn't want it. John Swinney now stands in the delusion zone, established by Ms Sturgeon. From there, he proclaims victory is within his grasp. The fact that the power to run another referendum remains with the UK Government is not the only bump in the road Swinney wishes to travel. His government's record of failure is another barrier to him achieving his ambition of shattering the Union. In yesterday's speech, the First Minister spoke of the ways in which Scotland had been held back by a 'broken' and 'failing' Westminster system. 'I have long believed,' he intoned, 'that Scotland is an afterthought to successive UK governments. 'Scotland is not on Westminster's radar in the same way, say, as London, the Midlands or the South East. 'It holds us back in ways big and small, leaving us waiting and praying, hoping that decisions taken at Westminster are not too damaging. 'We are prey to a broken system and a failing economic model – a system that delivers for a very few at the very top, while living standards stagnate and real wages are squeezed for the vast majority.' I have no doubt that this 'analysis' will satisfy nationalist fundamentalists for whom 'independence, nothing less' is the sole objective. But others may, I must inform Mr Swinney, have noticed that, for the past 18 years, the SNP government has taken the vast majority of decisions relating to public services in Scotland. Our NHS is not in crisis because of the actions of politicians at Westminster but because of the failure of the SNP to invest and reform. Standards in Scottish schools have not plummeted because of the decisions taken by successive Prime Ministers in London but because of the neglect of the Scottish Nationalists. Given the powers of the Scottish Government he leads, Mr Swinney's claim that Scots are 'prey' to a broken system is beyond laughable. The First Minister's characterisation of Scotland as victim of the Union is further undermined by the latest spending review, announced last week, by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, which will see Scottish Government coffers swell with an extra £9.1billion. When, two decades ago, the SNP moved from the fringes of Scottish politics to become the dominant force, the claim that the UK Government had forgotten Scotland had real power. Disillusionment with Tony Blair's Labour Government was widespread in Scotland and the Nationalists, under the late Alex Salmond, had real energy. But it's a very long time since the SNP could credibly blame 'Westminster' for Scotland's ills. Under the Nationalists, our devolved parliament has gained greater powers, including over taxation, yet these steps on the road towards independence have not improved living standards for Scots. Fighting to save his job, John Swinney wishes us to believe that Scotland will only truly prosper when it finally frees itself of the ties of Union. The truth is that the SNP government is to blame for the parlous state of Scottish public services. John Swinney and the SNP do not hold the solution to Scotland's problems. Rather, they are the cause of them.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
John Swinney accused of trying to 'buy off' party rebels with fresh independence call
John Swinney has been accused of desperately trying to 'buy off' rebels threatening a leadership challenge after stepping up his calls for breaking up Britain. The First Minister has used a major speech to claim that independence is 'the defining choice this generation' and that no Westminster politician will be able to deny it. He also claimed that he would build the case through 'good government' – despite heavy criticism of a long line of SNP failings during 18 years in power. But critics said he had 'reached for the panic button marked independence' amid mounting internal criticism of his lack of strategy on the issue and speculation of a potential leadership challenge at the SNP's annual conference later this year. Speaking at the 'Scotland 2050' conference in Edinburgh, Mr Swinney claimed that Scotland has been an 'afterthought' to successive UK governments and that 'Scotland is not on Westminster's radar in the same way as London, the Midlands or the South West'. He said this was 'completely understandable' from a UK perspective but that it would be 'total folly' to accept it from a Scottish perspective. Mr Swinney claimed that the current situation 'amounts at worst to poison pills and at best to policy scraps from the UK table'. He said: 'Independence is the defining choice for this generation, have no doubt about that, because the UK status quo has proved itself incapable of delivering on the hopes and ambitions of the people of Scotland. 'That is why, like a clear majority of Scots, I believe our nation should have the right to choose our future. 'If this is a voluntary union, as Westminster politicians insist, then it is completely untenable that there is no mechanism for Scotland to leave the United Kingdom, if it so wishes. 'Whether it is Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch or Nigel Farage, no Westminster politician should have the ability to deny Scotland her right to national self-determination.' Mr Swinney had come under fire from sections of the SNP for failing to make the case for independence, amid rumours of a potential leadership challenge when the party meets for its annual conference in October. But his decision to talk up the case comes despite a series of electoral reversals for his party, which lost 39 seats in last year's general election, while it also lost the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election this month after support plunged. Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: 'It's a signal of John Swinney's desperation to buy off his SNP critics that he has reached for the panic button marked 'independence'. 'With rumours of a leadership challenge circulating, he is throwing a slab of red meat to diehard Nationalists by once again fixating on his party's obsession with breaking up the UK. 'Hard-pressed Scots want the First Minister to focus on fixing the mess the crisis he's created in our public services and reducing the taxes he's hiked, not pandering to his disgruntled base. 'The public are sick and tired of the SNP's relentless push for independence. Unless and until they are voted out of office, this obsession will continue to prevent the government from tackling the issues that really matter. A vote for the Scottish Conservatives next May will help achieve that.' During his speech, Mr Swinney claimed Scotland would win back its place as an independent member of the European Union through 'good government' - and claimed this has been his focus since becoming First Minister. He said: 'By having a government focused on a clear set of priorities, and producing policy that is determined by the real-world, real-life needs of people rather than what might best suit the system' But in a speech at the same event, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar attacked the SNP's record at Holyrood and promised to refocus on using key powers if his party ousts Mr Swinney next year. He said: 'Do we carry on with the way we have over the last two decades where we don't use our maximum levers, our economic levers, and instead use it as a shield to fight a different argument about what is happening across the UK? 'Or do we maximise delivery using the powers of our parliament, using it more than just a vehicle of protest and actually using power as an opportunity to change people's lives rather than an opportunity to campaign for something else because that's what you believe rather than actually delivering for the citizens that exist and live in our country. 'That's the choice: the choice we face next year is do we go down the road where we carry on the managed decline, where we talk about reform but the context is something different from that, or do we use all the levers at our disposal to change Scotland for the better and make it fit for future generations?' Alastair Cameron, chairman of Scotland in Union, said: 'We've got to the stage where John Swinney talks up independence purely to distract from his government's terrible record over almost two decades. 'But the public will not overlook the SNP's neglect of health, education and the economy. 'Voters showed in the latest Holyrood by-election that they see through SNP spin. 'Scots want a government which prioritises the things they care most about, not the nationalists' divisive constitutional obsession.'
The Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Conflict between Israel and Iran could escalate to ‘very dark place'
Scotland's First Minister has called for de-escalation in the Middle East as he warned the conflict between Israel and Iran could escalate to 'a very dark place'. Attacks from both sides have ramped up since Friday, with Iran's health ministry claiming 224 people have been killed, while Israel has killed three of Tehran's top generals. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has warned Britons against travelling to Israel, amid ongoing operations in Gaza. Speaking to journalists in Glasgow, John Swinney urged world leaders to calm tensions. 'The conflict with Iran has the potential to escalate to a very dark place,' he said. 'So I think all of that says to me that the international community and the United Kingdom Government particularly have got to marshal their efforts to constrain Israel and to de-escalate this conflict, both in Gaza and between Israel and Iran. 'The sooner that happens, the better.' The UK Government, according to Mr Swinney, has to step up diplomatic efforts. 'I think the UK Government has got to put more emphasis and weight into the de-escalation and the resolution of this conflict, because I think – you don't need me to tell you – this has got catastrophic implications written all over it.' The ongoing conflicts in the region 'could not be more concerning', the First Minister said, adding: 'The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has been unconscionable. 'Amongst the main discussions I had at the British-Irish Council at the end of last week were discussions about the importance of humanitarian aid, which is sitting on the border in Jordan. 'It's all sitting there, able to go in, being stopped. 'So it's unconscionable that is happening just now.'
Sky News
12-06-2025
- Sky News
Peter Krykant: 'Beautiful, kind and courageous' drug policy campaigner found dead
A leading drug policy reform campaigner who championed safe consumption rooms has died at the age of 48. Peter Krykant became a public figure in 2020 after setting up an unofficial facility in a minivan in response to Scotland's growing number of drug-related deaths. The vehicle, which was later upgraded to a former ambulance, was taken around Glasgow in a bid to provide a clean space and support for addicts. Mr Krykant, who was a recovering heroin addict and often spoke of his own battles with drugs, hoped the service would prevent overdoses and blood-borne viruses (BBV) among users. The activist, who ran as an independent candidate in the 2021 Holyrood election, always called for dignity for those seeking help. The Thistle - the UK's first safer drug consumption facility (SDCF) - opened in Glasgow in January. Police Scotland said Mr Krykant's body was found by officers on Monday at a property in Graham Avenue, Larbert, following a report of concern for a person. A force spokesperson added: "His next of kin has been informed. A post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course. The death is being treated as unexplained." First Minister John Swinney said he was "shocked and saddened" to learn of Mr Krykant's death. He added: "His powerful voice on drugs policy reform, in particular his tireless work to deliver safe consumption rooms, leaves an important legacy which will be remembered." 2:40 High-profile lawyer Aamer Anwar described Mr Krykant as "a one-man army, with a mission to save lives". Mr Anwar represented Mr Krykant when he was arrested in 2020 in connection with the mobile overdose prevention centre. Charges were later dropped. Mr Anwar said: "It was humbling to see him single-handedly fight to deliver the first safe consumption room for drugs in the UK. "Since childhood he was driven by demons, but Peter was also a beautiful, kind and courageous man. "He leaves behind his two boys whom he loved dearly and family and friends who will be utterly devastated. "I hope with time they can find some comfort in that Peter will be at peace and his name will one day be remembered as a drugs campaigner decades ahead of his time." Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said his party was "deeply saddened" by the news. He added: "Peter was a tireless campaigner for a fairer, more compassionate approach to handling drug misuse and addiction, and his campaigning has left such an important legacy in the UK's first safe consumption room in Glasgow. "His advocacy for drug reform, and of course, his yellow van have no doubt saved countless lives in Scotland."
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
John Swinney news, interviews and updates on the First Minister
John Swinney became Scotland's First Minister in May 2024. He replaced Humza Yousaf, who resigned after ending the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens. Before this, Swinney had stepped down from his role in the Scottish Government following Nicola Sturgeon's resignation. He is the seventh person to hold the position. Read on for all the latest John Swinney news, interviews, and updates on the first minister. As reported by The Herald, here is a selection of the latest John Swinney news stories. Sarwar and Swinney accused of 'inaction on child poverty' Nigel Farage to campaign in Scotland in by-election visit Farage returns to Scotland for by-election campaign John Swinney expressed concerns about the potential societal impact of Reform UK. He told The Herald's Unspun Live podcast that he does not want to regret not doing enough during his time in office to counter their rise. He highlighted that Nigel Farage's party's campaign for the upcoming Holyrood election could "undermine... cohesion in our society." Swinney: 'Reform will have an undeniable presence - I want to stop that' John Swinney has served in both Westminster and Holyrood. The politician first stood as the MP for Tayside North from 1997 until 2001. (Image: PA) He was then elected as the MSP for North Tayside in 1999 and held both positions until stepping down from Westminster at the 2001 general election, where he was replaced by Pete Wishart. He has remained an MSP ever since. However, following boundary changes, he now represents Perthshire North. Before entering politics, Swinney was employed as a strategic planning principal with Scottish Amicable and was a business and economic development consultant for five years. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a degree in politics and first joined the SNP in 1979. John Swinney was elected as the First Minister of Scotland in May 2024 after Humza Yousaf resigned. Swinney, who had previously led the SNP from 2000 to 2004, was legally sworn in on May 8. Despite speculation after Yousaf's resignation, Kate Forbes (below) did not contest Swinney for the SNP leadership and now serves as the Deputy First Minister. Kate Forbes (Image: PA)Swinney made his statutory declarations and was granted his official title of First Minister and Keeper of the Scottish Seal. He described his induction as an "overwhelming moment" and an "extraordinary opportunity to change lives for the better". He told reporters after the ceremony: 'I look forward to dedicating my future to serving the people of Scotland." All pupils in Primary 1 to 5 in Scottish Government-funded schools or schools run by local councils receive free lunches during term-time. The SNP pledged to expand this to include free breakfast and lunch for Primary 6 and 7 pupils in their 2021 manifesto. However, last September, John Swinney confirmed that the government would not be continuing with this plan when he laid out his Programme for Government. Instead, the provision will only extend to Primary 6 and 7 pupils who qualify for the Scottish Child Payment. This decision, according to Swinney, was due to the need for the government to manage its spending. He attributed this financial restraint to "the austerity agenda" supported by Tory MSPs. He said this forced the Scottish Government to make cuts to its spending. John Swinney's extensive political career began in 2007 when he was tasked with the finance and sustainable growth brief. In November 2014, he was appointed as deputy first minister and Scotland's finance, constitution, and economy secretary. He served as education secretary from 2016 until 2021 before being named Scotland's secretary for Covid recovery from May 2021 until March 2023. He also served as acting finance secretary during Kate Forbes' maternity leave. After Nicola Sturgeon's resignation, Swinney decided to take a step back from his Scottish Government duties. However, following a year on the backbenches, he was once again re-elected as leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland. John Swinney was born in Edinburgh in 1964 and is 61 years old. He married BBC Scotland journalist Elizabeth Quigley in 2003. The couple have one child together, and Swinney is a father of three. Quigley, a well-known BBC Scotland reporter, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2000. John Swinney with his wife Elizabeth Quigley and son Matthew (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)Speaking at the 2024 SNP conference, Swinney thanked his wife for the 'sacrifices' she has made to allow him to serve as First Minister. John Swinney has described himself as 'a man of deep Christian faith.' He said this to the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme in 2023 after Kate Forbes, his Deputy First Minister, revealed she would have voted against gay marriage if she was an MSP at the time. Swinney told the broadcaster that he "profoundly disagreed" with Forbes despite his "deep religious faith".
