SNP launches 'Choose Scotland' independence campaign, says second referendum push has begun

John Swinney unveils six-figure war chest as party eyes hung parliament to force second vote

By LineZotpaper

Published18 October 2026

Updated18 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources2 outlets

John Swinney has declared that the campaign for a second Scottish independence referendum "has already begun", announcing a nationwide effort called Choose Scotland backed by a six-figure war chest. Speaking at the SNP party conference in Aberdeen, the first minister said the pro-independence cause was seeing "the stars aligning" and that a hung Westminster parliament could allow the SNP to negotiate another vote.

John Swinney told delegates on Saturday that the SNP would launch its "most sophisticated campaign in history" to convince Scots of the benefits of leaving the UK. The campaign, named Choose Scotland, aims to build consensus for independence and is funded by a six-figure war chest.

Swinney argued that nationalist first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland had unnerved pro-union parties. "For centuries, people in the Celtic nations have been told that we are not good enough," he said. "Never again can they portray us as separatists."

Leading SNP figures said a hung parliament was the most realistic route to securing a second referendum. Deputy first minister Jenny Gilruth said polling suggested the SNP would "hold the balance of power in a hung parliament", allowing the party to regain seats. Lara Bird, the MP for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, told a podcast that the next general election offered a "really great opportunity", with the SNP polled to win between 40 and 50 MPs. "That's huge. Let's put it to Westminster and put the onus on them to meet us at the table," she said.

Latest MRP polling by Electoral Calculus predicts a narrow Labour victory with the SNP winning 28 seats, though other polls have suggested higher figures.

On a visit to Lanarkshire on Friday, UK prime minister Andy Burnham said the Scottish government needed to "move beyond" the constitutional question, while offering to work more closely on devolving power from Holyrood. The Westminster government would need to grant permission for a second independence vote.

Analysis

Why This Matters

A renewed SNP push for independence could reshape UK politics, especially if the next general election produces a hung parliament.
The campaign signals that constitutional questions will remain central to Scottish and UK-wide political debate.
Any negotiation for a second referendum would put pressure on whoever forms the next Westminster government.

Background

The SNP has long campaigned for Scottish independence, holding a referendum in 2014 that resulted in a 'no' vote. Since then, the party has dominated Scottish politics but suffered setbacks in recent years, including a leadership change and declining Westminster representation. The UK government has consistently refused to grant the legal power for another referendum, arguing the 2014 vote was a once-in-a-generation event.

Key Perspectives

SNP (Swinney, Gilruth, Bird): See a hung parliament as the best opportunity to force Westminster to negotiate a second vote. They argue the pro-independence movement is gaining momentum. UK Labour government (Andy Burnham): Calls for moving beyond the constitution and offers more devolution, but opposes a second independence referendum. Unionist parties: Likely to oppose any new referendum, arguing it would be divisive and that the SNP should focus on domestic issues.

What to Watch

The next general election result and how many seats the SNP wins.
Whether Labour or other parties would agree to a referendum as part of coalition negotiations.
The effectiveness of the Choose Scotland campaign in shifting public opinion.

Sources

SNP says campaign for next referendum on independence ‘has already begun’ — UK news | The Guardian
SNP says campaign for next referendum on independence ‘has already begun’ — World news | The Guardian