Here's why John Swinney was invited to attend the Pope's funeral
John Swinney is the First Minister of Scotland, a country recognised by Rome with its own national hierarchy. The Catholic hierarchy in Scotland had been re-constituted in 1878, following its earlier demise in 1603 with the death of Archbishop Beaton.
READ MORE: Scottish Labour by-election candidate gets pope's name wrong
An independent Catholic hierarchy in Scotland had first been established by King Robert Bruce as part of the arrangements around the 1328 Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton, which abolished the English claim to our Crown. The York claim to suzerainty over the Scottish Church at St Andrew's was ended. The Church had strongly supported Wallace and Bruce in the cause of Scottish independence to end the York claim. (A separate Scottish aristocracy was also agreed in 1328.)
Until 1328, the Scottish Catholic Church had merely had the semi-national status of 'Special Daughter' under Rome.
Councillor Tom Johnston
Cumbernauld
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The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Why Scotland joining Efta or EEA is infinitely preferable to the EU
Since then, there has been an understandable desire expressed by many to rejoin the EU after independence, though how that is delivered remains to be seen. However, the debate thus far has not fully addressed other options: notably membership of Efta/the EEA, at least in the medium term. Efta is the European Free Trade Association. It was formed in 1960 as kind of an economic waiting room prior to EU accession. The UK was a member of Efta before 1973 when it passed legislation to become a member of the EU. Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Lichtenstein never left the waiting room, and currently comprise Efta. READ MORE: These key economic truths show how independent Scotland and Wales can succeed The EEA is the European Economic Area. This was a treaty signed in 1992 which enabled all the EU states and the Efta members (excluding Switzerland) to be part of the single market. This requires all members of the EEA to respect the four freedoms of movement – workers, goods, services, and capital. Switzerland has a series of bilateral treaties with the EU under which it must abide by these four freedoms, but it is much more complicated than EEA membership. I have attended two biennial seminars of the Efta/EEA council in Brussels, and was struck by the positive engagement between all EEA members, Efta and the EU. There is this slogan against Efta membership that Scotland would be 'rule takers, not rule makers'. This ignores the fact that within the EEA treaty, all EEA states must be closely consulted on any change in EU law pertaining to the EEA agreement. On many occasions, Efta/EEA members engaged in the process early and had a positive formative influence on the law. READ MORE: Assa Samake-Roman: What if we are wrong about reasons for rise in far-right support? 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It doesn't, because the 'Scottish' civil service is merely an appendage of the UK state. File photo of a Yes for EU rally at the Scottish parliamentAll 27 EU member states have veto power at any stage in the process. Think Spain and Catalonia. At the recent SSRG conference in Dunfermline, we held a panel on Efta/EEA membership. I was in touch with @YesforEU, and asked if any known prominent advocate for Scotland in the EU would be willing to speak. We got zero responses. There seems to be a contrived prevailing assumption that, because Scots voted to remain in the EU in 2016, rejoining the EU after independence would be easy and preferable to Efta membership. I was in touch with a well-known purportedly pro-indy corporate lobbyist, who after changing his mind, assured me that the EU membership 'polled' better than Efta/EEA, therefore independence should be automatically linked with EU membership. 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The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Top SNP figures in secret meeting to discuss John Swinney's leadership
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(Image: PA) Last year, Swinney faced a leadership challenge from party activist Graeme McCormick, who claimed to have secured the necessary nominations. However, McCormick was later talked out of the challenge after a 'lengthy and fruitful conversation' with Swinney. An SNP insider predicted similar challenges, saying: 'NEC members better start looking for new hobbies unless the leadership announces a change of direction soon — because at this rate we are heading for a mass clear-out.' They went on: 'The ability to make the case for independence is not a desirable part of the job description – it is essential – and he has failed on probation. 'The Presbyterian schoolmaster might fly in Perthshire – but in the rest of Scotland it just does not land. Stabilising the party only works for a short time. There is no energy, no fire, no boldness, no long-term vision.' Last week's Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election saw the SNP lose to Labour by 602 votes. READ MORE: 'Absurdity' of UK position on Israel while still supplying arms called out by SNP MP The party had been favourites, with Swinney calling it a two-horse race between his party and Nigel Farage's Reform UK. Yesterday, the constituency's new MSP, Davy Russell, took his oath at Holyrood and, in a speech on the steps of the garden lobby, said his win could be a 'springboard' to Labour winning power next year. The seat had been held by Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie until her death earlier this year at the age of 57. At a press conference on Friday, Swinney insisted there had been progress for his party when the result was measured against their dire performance at last year's general election. One MSP told The Herald on Sunday that that was not enough. They said it was time for Swinney to make changes to his top team. 'I think a proper ministerial reshuffle is required, and an exercise undertaken to seek new policies. For example, I would call in the former MPs who have experience but have had time to refresh their perspective. 'I can sense that many – for the first time – are now nervous, and rightfully so. 'On independence – again, it can never be enough to simply run a competent devolved government without a vision of what could be.' The First Minister is expected to conduct a limited reshuffle of his ministerial team in the coming days. Swinney's previous time in charge saw the party's vote share and number of seats fall. He resigned in 2004, paving the way for the return of Alex Salmond. Asked by the BBC on Sunday if he was still the man to lead the party, Swinney said: 'Yes. Twelve months ago, the party turned to me. 'I was not seeking high office – I had held high office for a long time in my life – and the party turned to me, at a moment of real jeopardy, and asked me to use all of my skills and experience, and the loyalty I command in the party, to bring people together and focus us on the future.' Professor Sir John Curtice said the close battle for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse did not mean Anas Sarwar was a shoo-in for Bute House. READ MORE: These key economic truths show how independent Scotland and Wales can succeed The election expert told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'The recent message from opinion polls is the SNP is running at just over 30%, Labour is around 20%, so it seems a reasonable expectation that such a result would not mean Anas Sarwar is Scotland's next first minister.' An SNP spokesperson said: 'Since John Swinney became leader last year he has brought the SNP back together and the party is back to doing what it does best – standing up for the people of Scotland. 'In the run-up to next year's Scottish Parliament election, the SNP will continue to deliver for people across the country, while setting out a clear and hopeful vision for their future as an independent country. 'With the latest polling putting support for independence at 54%, the SNP will continue to focus on demonstrating how having the full powers of an independent country is key to addressing the everyday concerns of people across Scotland and creating a more prosperous society for us all.'
STV News
3 hours ago
- STV News
EU membership could bring security, stability and opportunity, Swinney says
John Swinney has highlighted the 'security, stability and opportunity' Scotland could have if it was in the European Union (EU). Speaking before meeting Pedro Serrano, the EU ambassador to the UK, the Scottish First Minister stressed this could be crucial amid the current 'uncertain' political environment. The SNP leader said the recent deal between the UK Government and the EU was 'long overdue progress' towards rebuilding relationships post-Brexit, but insisted that it was no substitute for membership of the trading bloc. Wednesday's meeting with the EU ambassador will also involve Slovenian ambassador Sanja Stiglic and Bulgarian ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev. In addition the First Minister will also meet the minister-president of Flanders at an event to mark 25 years of Flemish trade and investment in Scotland. Mr Swinney made clear he regards both visits as being opportunities to build Scotland's relationship with the EU. The First Minister stressed that 'the European Union is one of our most important economic and security partners'. Speaking about the deal the UK Government agreed in May, he said that this 'represents long-overdue progress in rebuilding our relationship' but added that 'no agreement can deliver the economic, social and security benefits we lost with Brexit in 2020'. Mr Swinney stated: 'That is why I firmly believe Scotland's best future lies as an independent country within the EU. 'More than ever, the current uncertain economic and geopolitical environment reinforces the importance of Scotland having the security, stability and opportunity that comes with EU membership. 'In the meantime we will continue to engage with nations and regions across Europe to maximise opportunities through trade, investment, innovation and academia. 'As we enter the next phase of negotiations, we stand ready to be closely involved as the UK Government develops its future priorities for working with the EU.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
