Person

John Swinney

First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party since 2024

Two dead as storms lash UK, new weather warnings issued

Met Office warns of 70mph gusts and further disruption as 90,000 homes lose power

Two men have died after being hit by falling trees during Storm Boelo over the weekend, as the Met Office warns that further gale-force winds and heavy rain will continue to batter parts of the UK into Tuesday.

26 Oct 2026

World

Swinney launches 'Choose Scotland' campaign, says independence 'is very close'

John Swinney announced the official launch of the 'Choose Scotland' campaign at the SNP conference in Aberdeen on Saturday, declaring that the second referendum push for Scottish independence 'has already begun'. The first minister revealed a six-figure war chest and said the party would run its 'most sophisticated campaign in history' to build support for leaving the United Kingdom. Swinney told delegates that 'the stars were aligning' for independence, while UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham countered that the Scottish government should 'move beyond' constitutional questions and focus on the cost of living.

8 days ago