Scottish independence could be achieved within five years, Scotland’s new First Minister has told Sky News.
John Swinney, who became prime minister and leader of the SNP this week, said he believes the country could separate itself from the rest of the UK within five years thanks to Brexit and the cost of living crisis.
He told Sky News: “I think independence can be achieved in that time frame because the arguments for it are compelling.
“If we look at two of the biggest issues we face as a country in Scotland: the effect of the cost of living and the implications of Brexit.
“Both are important strategic factors that are causing serious economic and social damage to Scotland due to poor decisions made at Westminster.
“And independence is the answer to that.”
He said Scotland was “forced out of the European Union against our will” when the majority of the country voted to remain.
“If we were an independent country, we would be able to participate in Europe and not have all the harmful disruptions that we have faced,” he added.
Swinney was deputy first minister to Nicola Sturgeon, who was leader of the SNP and first minister from 2014 to 2023, when she stepped down.
Sturgeon wanted to use the upcoming general election as a second de facto referendum on independence, after the High Court ruled that a vote cannot be held without the consent of the UK government – but it remains to be seen what Swinney prefers.
Gender recognition reform cannot move forward
The new Prime Minister has faced questions over his stance on gender recognition after MSPs voted in 2022 to pass a bill that makes it simpler for people to change their gender without having to get a medical certificate.
However, the UK government prevented the bill from being passed into law and the High Court rejected a Scottish government request for a judicial review.
Asked if he was fighting to get the bill passed, Swinney said: “The reality of the situation we face is that the Supreme Court has said we cannot legislate in this area. “
His predecessor, Yousaf, had previously suggested he wanted to work with the UK Labor Party to change laws before the general election, but Swinney has made clear he will not push for this.
Swinney named former leadership contender Kate Forbes his deputy this week, causing some consternation within the party as she previously said she would have voted against gay marriage but would not seek to overturn the law if she became prime minister.
But Swinney sought to reassure the LGBT community, saying he voted in favor of gay marriage and introduced inclusive education in schools when he was education secretary.
He added: “I think the most important thing I can see is that for LGBT people in our society, the Scottish Government is on their side.
“We stood by them and we will stand by them for years to come.”
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