Swinney launches 'Choose Scotland' campaign, says independence 'is very close'
First minister reveals six-figure war chest for 'most sophisticated campaign in history' as UK prime minister urges focus on cost of living
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.