SNP branches push John Swinney to adopt new independence roadmap at conference

At the SNP’s upcoming conference, over 50 local branches are demanding that First Minister John Swinney back a newly drafted independence strategy. The amendment, authored by former policy development convener Toni Giugliano, outlines four pillars: forging a democratic route for a future vote, mounting a nationwide campaign to grow support, treating the next UK general election as a decisive test of Scotland’s right to choose, and establishing an independence delivery unit to lay the groundwork for a sovereign state.

The call comes after ten recent polls placed pro-independence sentiment slightly ahead of opposition and after UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said a clear majority should lead to a second referendum. Party activists like Jacqui Jensen stress the need for a unified, sustained effort to turn majority sentiment into decisive political momentum. SNP officials note that the First Minister has already engaged with members across Scotland and has written to the Prime Minister to formalise the principle of majority-driven action.