John Swinney faced criticism at Holyrood after attending a Cardiff summit with Sinn Féin and Plaid Cymru representatives to discuss independence across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Opponents said working with Sinn Féin was inappropriate because of its alleged failure to condemn IRA terrorism, while Swinney insisted he unreservedly opposed terrorism and supported victims.

Swinney defended his participation by saying Sinn Féin was part of the democratic political process, including in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. He also rejected claims that he had not accepted the 2014 independence referendum result and reiterated his intention to hold another referendum during the current parliamentary term, arguing that Scots should have the chance to decide their future.