Scottish independence in five years – Swinney
SCOTLAND’S First Minister John Swinney has said that independence can be delivered within five years “because the arguments for it are compelling”.
Mr Swinney told Sky News that independence is the “answer” to the cost-of-living crisis and Brexit, since these were the result of decisions taken in Westminster.
He also denied the appointment of Kate Forbes as his deputy would make his government less socially progressive, insisting the rights of LGBT people remain a priority.
When asked whether independence can happen in five years, Mr Swinney told the broadcaster: “I think independence can be delivered in that time-scale 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 of those major strategic factors that are doing severe economic and social damage to Scotland are because of bad decisions taken in Westminster, and independence is the answer to that.”
However, he acknowledged support for independence is not yet “compelling”.
He added: “We have got work to do to build greater support for independence, to make that support level compelling within Scotland.”
He was also asked about the appointment of Ms Forbes as Deputy First Minister.
Ms Forbes, a member of the Free Church of Scotland, has previously faced criticism for her views on gay marriage and abortion rights and the Scottish Greens have expressed concerns about her attitudes towards some social issues.
Speaking from Bute House in Edinburgh, Mr Swinney said: “The protection of the rights of LGBT individuals in our society is absolutely fundamental to my government.”
In response to Mr Swinney’s comments on independence, Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy said: “The latest SNP leader is just another nationalist obsessed with plotting to break up the United Kingdom. The real priorities of Scots will continue to be ignored because vital time and resources are being wasted on the SNP’s push for independence.”