John Swinney to launch SNP's Holyrood election campaign with independence push

John Swinney will argue Scotland’s economy and living standards are being held back by the “broken” UK as he puts forward “a vision of hope for a better future” as the Holyrood election campaign gets into full gear.

The SNP leader will claim that the NHS, education and Scotland’s economy have improved under his leadership when he kickstarts his campaign to retain power in Glasgow on Monday.

John Swinney has claimed the SNP could cut energy bills by one third with Scottish independence | Getty Images

Mr Swinney will warn that Scotland’s economy and living standards are suffering at the hands of a Westminster system - arguing that victory for the SNP can chart a course for Scotland to gain independence.

But the SNP has no route to securing separation from the UK, with the Labour government adamant it will not agree to allow a re-run of the 2014 referendum, while Nicola Sturgeon’s attempt for Holyrood to legislate for its own referendum was shot down by the Supreme Court.

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Mr Swinney has insisted that the SNP winning a majority of seats in May’s election, an unlikely prospect according to polling, would compel Keir Starmer to rethink his opposition to a referendum being held.

With the route to independence having not looked more uncertain in 15 years, the SNP’s Holyrood election campaign - while expected to focus on independence - is likely to hone in on the case for separation and the potential benefits it could bring Scotland, rather than the practicalities of how it is delivered.

In a speech in Glasgow on Monday, Mr Swinney is expected to say that “2026 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for Scotland”.

Mr Swinney will say: ”The Commonwealth Games returns to Glasgow, and of course, Scotland returns to the FIFA men’s World Cup - a moment we have waited 28 years for.

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“But I want 2026 to be a year not just of sporting success - I want it to be a year of opportunity for everyone in Scotland.

“This party - the national party of Scotland - is committed to inspiring Scotland to be the very best country it can be. And this year we will offer people a vision of hope for a better future.”

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He is expected to add: “The election on May 7 is about much more than the next five years. It’s the chance to empower ourselves to fundamentally address the biggest long-term issues facing Scotland.

“Voters everywhere are telling us the same thing: the UK economy is broken. Living standards are flat as a pancake. Far too many people are living in poverty. Energy costs in energy-rich Scotland are scandalously high.

“This is not the case for independent countries all around Scotland. They have far less natural advantages than us, but enjoy far higher living standards - so let’s aspire to match their success.

“The biggest step we can take to bring down energy bills across the board, and the best way to make daily life more affordable for people is for Scotland to become an independent country.

“In this year of opportunity for Scotland, let us take the chance to empower ourselves to build the best possible future for Scotland - and that starts by voting SNP on May 7.”