John Swinney has said an SNP majority in the Scottish Parliament election would open the path to independence while preventing Nigel Farage from gaining influence in Scotland.
Launching the party’s campaign in Glasgow today (Thursday), the First Minister sets out his case for re election, linking independence with wider priorities around public services and the cost of living.
A renewed SNP government would focus on improving the NHS, supporting households and delivering policies aimed at families and first time buyers.
Among the commitments outlined are extending childcare support from nine months through to the end of primary school and providing up to £10,000 to help first time buyers with a deposit.
John Swinney is expected to say:
“Our task at this election is clear.
“We can deliver an SNP Government that keeps on making our NHS better.
“A government that delivers more support with the cost of living.
“That extends support for childcare to every family in Scotland from nine months to the end of primary school.
“Which helps first time buyers with £10,000 towards a deposit.
“And a government that always puts Scotland first.
“But we can do more than that.
“If we win big.
“If we persuade enough of our fellow citizens to put their faith in us.
“We can achieve a historic majority that will deliver so much more.
“Because an SNP majority does two things.
“It unlocks the potential for truly transformational change with independence.
“And it locks Nigel Farage out of any influence in Scotland’s Parliament.
“Because be in no doubt, without an SNP majority there is always the potential for a grubby, backroom deal between Labour and Reform.
“So let us resolve today that we will take them on, we will defeat them, we will make sure Nigel Farage is locked out of power in Scotland and we will make sure Scotland’s future is in Scotland’s hands.”
The remarks underline how independence remains central to the SNP’s campaign, alongside pledges on public services and economic support.
With the election approaching, the party is positioning a majority as both a route to policy delivery and a decisive moment in Scotland’s constitutional future.
