John Swinney
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Swinney's emotional explanation for his commitment to independence
BBC Scotland's political editor Glenn Campbell reflects on John Swinney's SNP conference speech.
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Swinney vows to bring Scotland’s bus network back into public control by 2031
John Swinney used his SNP conference speech to pledge bus franchising across Scotland by 2031, a new misogyny criminal offence before next summer, and a £30 million fund to tackle racism in communities.
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For all of John Swinney's confidence, independence remains stuck
John Swinney says SNP independence campaign has begun at Aberdeen conference, but Scotland remains divided as polls clash over a second referendum debate.
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SNP says campaign for next referendum on independence ‘has already begun’
John Swinney tells party conference SNP will use ‘six-figure war chest’ to renew argument for leaving UK
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Emotional John Swinney says he'll deliver Scottish independence for teenage son
The SNP leader has closed his party’s annual conference in Aberdeen on a personal note
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John Swinney says the campaign for Scottish independence has already begun
John Swinney used his SNP conference speech in Aberdeen to declare that the campaign for a second independence referendum has already begun.
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Scottish Greens co-leader says 'realisation' of Zionism is racist
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay hesitates on whether Zionism is racist, citing Gaza, the West Bank and Palestinian self-determination at SNP conference.
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NHS staff anger over bombshell plan to reshape orthopaedic surgery across Scotland
A confidential Scottish Government blueprint for orthopaedic surgery — revealed by The Herald — calls for 100 extra clinics and 15 extra theatres monthly, while surgeons, nurses and unions say they were never consulted.
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Swinney says the 'stars are aligning' for independence but polls show Scots split
John Swinney will tell SNP conference the stars are aligning for independence but three polls published this week show Scots are split on the constitution and rank it well below the cost of living in their list of priorities.
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Swinney insists 'stars are aligning' for Scottish independence
The first minister will tell delegates at the SNP conference in Aberdeen that 2026 has been a turning point in Scotland's "journey to nationhood".
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Chris Mason: Burnham and Swinney tussle over where power lies in Scotland
UK political debate has a distinctly Scottish feel after SNP's annual conference, says the BBC's political editor Chris Mason.
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Diver exclusion zone imposed off Lewis as two fishermen remain missing
Police Scotland searches continue for two men missing after fishing boat FV Kilda went missing off Lewis. MAIB imposes diver exclusion zone near Port of Ness.
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Government settles out-of-court with 'scapegoat' Sir Olly Robbins over dismissal
The UK Government settles with 'scapegoat' Sir Olly Robbins after his dismissal by Keir Starmer over his alleged role in the Lord Mandelson scandal and judicial review
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We’re not backing away from Jackdaw and Rosebank decisions, says Andy Burnham
The PM was speaking during a visit to Motherwell.
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Burnham makes 'deeper devolution' vow and sets out view on independence referendum
Andy Burnham made a "deeper devolution" pitch to John Swinney in Motherwell, offering DWP and employment powers to Scotland — but his refusal to explicitly rule out a second independence referendum was described as "a significant moment" by Stephen Flynn.
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Sir Alex Ferguson would make 'effective' mayor of Aberdeen says PM
Andy Burnham invoked Sir Alex Ferguson's name during a Motherwell speech on deepening Scottish devolution, but stopped short of calling for elected mayors — as Glasgow's £7.3bn productivity gap sharpens the debate.
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Burnham to deliver speech in Scotland on devolution – UK politics live
The prime minister is expected to announce plans on devolving decision-making powers away from both Westminster and Holyrood towards regions and towns
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UK Government 'cautious' over controversial Rosebank field to avoid 'mistakes'
The UK Government is being “cautious” about making public announcements over its decisions on the Jackdaw and Rosebank oil and gas fields in order to avoid the “mistakes” of the previous government, the Scottish Secretary has said
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Government being ‘cautious’ about public announcements on Jackdaw and Rosebank
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander also dismissed John Swinney’s claim GB Energy has so far done ‘absolutely nothing’.
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Nigel Farage has done more to tackle racism than ‘almost anybody’, Jenrick claims
The extraordinary claim came as Reform’s Treasury spokesperson sought to defend the party after a new undercover sting operation found councillors and candidates within Reform UK had used racist language
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Scottish Government to abandon 12-week orthopaedic target, leaked NHS plan reveals
A confidential NHS blueprint, obtained by The Herald, reveals the Scottish Government is set to abandon its legally-backed 12-week orthopaedic target — replacing it with a 26-week standard — while centralising surgery into regional hubs and telling patients to expect to travel.
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Scottish Government urged to intervene over Dundee University job cuts
The Scottish Government has been urged to intervene as "unacceptable" job cuts take place at the University of Dundee
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Burnham invites Swinney to work together on 'deeper Scottish devolution'
On his first substantive trip to Scotland since becoming PM, he says politicians should focus on solutions "right now" and move beyond the issue of Scottish independence.
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Andy Burnham to offer John Swinney deal to 'hand more power to Scotland's regions'
Andy Burnham is set to offer John Swinney a deal to empower Scotland’s regions, shifting power from Westminster and Holyrood to boost jobs and growth.
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Kemi Badenoch says Scotland Act may need reform to force through nuclear power
Kemi Badenoch has raised the prospect of rewriting the Scotland Act to end what she calls the SNP's use of planning rules to veto reserved energy policy, while branding John Swinney a broken record with no answers on drug deaths or education.
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Scotland could crackdown on e-bikes and balaclavas amid crime fears
Scotland considers balaclava exclusion zones as Neil Gray backs action on masked gangs, e-bike crime and calls for off-road vehicle licensing schemes.
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SNP MP warns Aberdeen could be 'decimated' ahead of North Sea conference clash
Kirsty Blackman warns Aberdeen could be "decimated" without a better energy transition as she pressures the SNP and UK Government over the North Sea.
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The SNP's internal independence divide won't disappear after party conference
This article appears as part of the Unspun: Scottish Politics newsletter.
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‘No standing ovation’: What Greens expect from Gillian Mackay at SNP conference
Scottish Greens were surprised by Gillian Mackay’s SNP conference invite, with one source admitting they do not expect a “standing ovation”.
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Fishermen missing off coast of Scotland named after crewmate dies
Emergency services are searching for the vessel, which was reported missing off the coast of Port of News
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Teachers doubt Scotland can meet 2030 child poverty target amid rising pupil hardship
Scottish teachers report rising child poverty, hunger and financial stress among pupils, while only 34 trust ministers to meet 2030 targets.
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Wes Streeting in US for Hegseth meeting as Ukraine tensions escalate – UK politics live
Defence secretary’s meeting comes after Burnham said he would help facilitate reconciliation between Zelenskyy and Trump
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Crew in Lewis fishing boat tragedy named by police
The alarm was raised after the men's fishing boat failed to return as planned to Lewis on Tuesday.
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Crew of missing fishing vessel off Lewis named by police
A fisherman who died after his vessel went missing off the Isle of Lewis has been named alongside his missing crewmates.
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Swimmer Archie Goodburn thanks prime minister as brain cancer review announced
The Scottish athlete, who has inoperable brain tumours, previously made a tearful plea for more investment in brain cancer research on BBC Breakfast.
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I do not have confidence UK is safe from Russian threats - Swinney
The first minister speaks to BBC Scotland News ahead of the SNP's annual conference in Aberdeen.
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SNP to launch biggest pro-independence campaign since 2014 referendum
John Swinney announces the SNP’s Choose Scotland campaign, the biggest pro-independence drive since 2014, launching at the party conference in Aberdeen.
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'Help us survive': Rape crisis centre warns of more cuts as it launches urgent appeal
Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis has warned of further cuts within weeks unless funding is secured as it launches its 50th anniversary For Her appeal.
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Scotland records second-worst week on record for long A&E waits
Scotland records second-worst A&E week as 12,074 patients wait over four hours, with just 58.9 seen on time, figures for October 4 show.
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Scottish ports face grid constraints that could hold back offshore wind jobs
Investment in offshore wind could be undermined by constraints on Scottish ports, a new report has warned, holding back skilled job creation in coastal communities
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Andy Burnham has been invited to SNP conference - but should he actually go?
Andy Burnham has been invited to SNP conference during his Scotland visit, setting up an intriguing political dilemma over whether he should accept.
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Andy Burnham invited to SNP conference in Scotland amid independence row
The SNP has invited Prime Minister Andy Burnham to its Aberdeen conference as the party presses him on Scotland’s constitutional future.
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Second man jailed over Sycamore Gap tree felling released on licence
Sycamore Gap tree vandal Daniel Graham released on licence after serving 16 months for felling the Northumberland landmark beside Hadrian’s Wall in 2023.
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Swinney recommits to triple lock for an independent Scotland despite backlash
SNP First Minister John Swinney recommits to the pension triple lock in an independent Scotland amid a row over UK pension changes and claims of misleading Scots.
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After a year of gloom, Scottish firms see signs the economy is turning
Business sentiment has climbed to its strongest level in more than a year, while expectations for sales and profits have also improved
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What are the SNP thinking giving the Scottish Greens an indyref2 platform?
Nicola Sturgeon warned the SNP about the rise of the Scottish Greens. And yet, the leadership have given their rivals a major conference platform.
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SNP facing legal action for cancelling controversial abortion fringe event
The SNP faces legal action after cancelling a conference fringe event on coerced abortion at its Aberdeen conference.
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Edinburgh councillor calls for referendum on major council boundary changes
Conservative Neil Cuthbert is seeking assurances that a referendum would be held in the event of “any major change to the boundaries of Edinburgh”.
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Push for independence has 'turned a corner', Swinney claims
The push for Scottish independence has “turned a corner”, John Swinney has claimed.
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John Swinney warned as SNP faces legal action over 'unlawful' event ban
John Swinney faces pressure to reverse the SNP's cancellation of an abortion coercion event amid the threat of legal action.
