John Swinney led a Scottish Parliament debate arguing that Scotland should have the right to hold another independence referendum, despite the 2014 vote in which 55% backed remaining in the UK. Opponents accused him and the SNP of repeatedly revisiting the issue while failing to focus on pressing concerns including homelessness, public services and children’s health.

The debate was the second since May’s Holyrood election to use Scottish Government time to promote independence, although the SNP lacks the overall majority Swinney had claimed would provide a mandate. Reform UK MSPs walked out, calling the debate a stunt, while Conservative leader Russell Findlay said the 2014 result should be respected; Swinney argued that the Scottish people should ultimately decide whether to revisit the question.