Swinney urges all MSPs to unanimously endorse Scotland's right to decide its future
First Minister Humza Yousaf Swinney called on every Scottish MSP to back a motion affirming Scotland's right to determine its own future, regardless of party stance.
Humza Yousaf Swinney told MSPs that the movement for Scottish self-determination is gaining momentum and that there is growing consensus that Westminster's power to block a vote is unsustainable. He will request that the Scottish Parliament unanimously adopt a motion declaring Scotland a nation with the right to decide its own future, irrespective of individual members' positions on independence. This initiative follows a joint memorandum signed with Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth and Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill, aimed at compelling Prime Minister Andy Burnham to grant a Section 30 order for a referendum.
Earlier, a Holyrood vote supported a motion urging Westminster to devolve the necessary powers, and the Scottish Government has drafted legislation for a second referendum pending those powers. Swinney framed the motion as a step toward a modern, equal partnership with the rest of the UK, emphasizing Scotland's economic strengths.
Why it matters
The vote could shape the legal path toward a second Scottish independence referendum.
How this story developed
- Sep 12 Trump says he hopes to see a united Ireland someday
- Sep 12 Unionist leaders issued sharp criticism of Trump’s remarks.
- Sep 12 Leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will meet in Cardiff on Monday to sign a declaration calling for independence referendums and the dissolution of the United Kingdom.
- Sep 13 The leaders are presenting the Cardiff gathering as a party‑leader dialogue rather than a formal inter‑governmental summit.
- Sep 13 Trump reiterated his support for a united Ireland at a press briefing at his Doonbeg resort.
- Sep 13 Mary Lou McDonald attended the Cardiff signing and DUP deputy Emma Little‑Pengelly denied O’Neill’s authority to represent Northern Ireland’s first‑ministerial office.
- Sep 14 Trump announced the United States would drop tariffs on Irish whiskey.
- Sep 15 Leaders signed a memorandum of understanding calling for the UK government to prepare independence referendums for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In this story
Related stories
18 in this thread