SNP deputy leader urges immediate second independence referendum, pledges £100,000 campaign

SNP depute leader Stephen Brown said that a fresh Scottish independence referendum should be held "as soon as possible" and expressed confidence that voters would choose to leave the United Kingdom. He pointed to the May election, which delivered 73 SNP and Green MSPs, as evidence of growing pro-independence sentiment, even though the party did not secure an overall majority at Holyrood. The SNP has allocated £100,000 for a short-term "hearts and minds" campaign to increase public support.

In response, the Prime Minister retracted earlier remarks that hinted a second ballot could be feasible, prompting Brown to accuse unionist parties of stubbornness because they anticipate an independence win. Meanwhile, newly elected Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra reiterated his party's opposition to another referendum, arguing that Scots need action on the cost-of-living crisis, the NHS and schools before any new vote.