Swinney’s independence claims face questions over support and economic costs

John Swinney told delegates at the SNP’s annual conference that Scotland was ready for independence and that unionist politicians were panicking as support for the cause grew. The article’s author mocks his use of a lyric from The Smiths’ “Panic” and argues that the claim overstates the SNP’s momentum.

The piece says most Scots do not support independence and that Swinney has not answered key questions about the costs or economic consequences of leaving the UK. It also notes the SNP’s largest ever pro-independence majority in the Scottish Parliament, a proposal to bring bus services into public ownership, and Swinney’s claim that the party’s finances are strong.