He's a three-point plan that can actually bring about independence

The National

23-07-2025

Having read your plan, I have to say, you could do a lot better. I know you're busy running the country and so on, so I've drafted it for you:
1. Make Holyrood 26 an independence election.
Put country before party for [[Holyrood]] '26. SNP step forward and the rest walk alongside. Use the list vote as the count of votes for independence (where every pro-indy party declares a vote for them is a vote for independence). Use the constituency vote to deliver the pro-indy majority needed in parliament (with only the [[SNP]] standing, by agreement with the movement).
READ MORE: John Swinney: Why I'm launching a renewed strategy for independence
In this way, we demonstrate a democratic vote for independence to be the will of the majority of the people.
2. Upon winning that vote, Holyrood, led by an SNP majority pro-independence government, declares that the sovereign people of Scotland have instructed the Scottish Parliament to deliver our independence.
[[Holyrood]] declares Westminster no longer has power over Scotland, from the day of the result until our 'official' independence day, some 12-18 months later – a period to allow for discussion of practical matters (fixed date). This period will also include discussion with international bodies, initiating an associate agreement with the EU, reinstating our own currency/using the euro, starting a Citizen's Convention to shape the future of Scotland, working with a wellbeing economy as our foundation, and the introduction of a draft interim constitution for iScotland.
Act like an independent country and pave the way for a better future.
READ MORE: Mike Small: I pored over John Swinney's strategy – here's what we must do now
3. No wavering, no ceding, no backpedaling.
The sovereign people have spoken and Scotland will leave the Union within 12-18 months. The only permission needed is from the people of Scotland. We will seek a friendly and cooperative future across the British Isles, and across the world. We will not cede our rights, our resources, our land or international sea territories, nor will we pay our neighbour's debts. Evicting the abomination at Faslane will be non-negotiable.
Our country, our future, our choices.
I could go on, of course, but as I said, you're a busy man. But if you want to chat about it further John, I know a wee cafe that makes a pleasant pot of Earl Grey tea and a lovely slice of lemon meringue pie … but be aware, the tea won't stay hot for long and it is much, much later than you think.
Ruth Ritchie
Lockerbie
THERE has been much informed, passionate debate in The National in recent weeks on how we might achieve Scottish independence. Several elements – the broken Treaty of Union, the sovereignty of the Scottish people and the connection of these to the United Nations – offer real prospects of leverage against [[Westminster]].
I was disappointed then, especially as an SNP member and activist, to read Friday's 'Three-point plan for independence' from John Swinney. The criticisms by Robin McAlpine, Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp and especially Lesley Riddoch are correct. This is essentially the same pitch used by the SNP in the last several elections with diminishing success.
READ MORE: Independence campaigners react to new John Swinney referendum plan
I believe John Swinney is doing an excellent job as First Minister – within the constraints of devolution. I do not believe he has adequately contested those constraints.
Where was his press conference when the UK Labour government decided to save an English oil refinery after Grangemouth was allowed to close? 'Our' media may be biased against independence, but that does not mean we cannot use it.
John Swinney wants to make the case for 'why independence', and we must never stop doing that. However, leaving the 'how?' to the usual 'we will build pressure that Westminster cannot ignore' is seriously inadequate. The 'how' is inextricably linked to the 'why'.
Recent [[SNP]] election strategy has been poor, barely mentioning independence and losing seats with a widening gap between Yes and [[SNP]] public support. I call for [[John Swinney]] to re-establish the position of Minister for Independence (MP or MSP) with specific responsibility to engage the wider independence movement, to join, and lead, that debate, to build the 'why' and the 'how'. In 2012, Alex Salmond recognised he could not govern Scotland and lead an independence campaign. It is time [[John Swinney]] should do the same.
Make no mistake. The United Kingdom will be seriously diminished by Scottish independence – economically, militarily and politically. Its place in the G7 and its permanent seat on the UN Security Council would be open to challenge. Its defence policy with reliance on nuclear weapons of mass destruction would be jeopardised. Westminster and Whitehall will never concede to a second independence referendum without external leverage.
Building that leverage will increase support for independence, help unite the movement and ... deliver more SNP seats in 2026!
Dr Ron Dickinson
Glasgow
I FEEL that I have to reiterate my point from a previous letter to The National. I wrote then that the UK Government will work towards raising the retiral age to 75. Those without a full insurance contribution will not qualify until they have this. Thus reducing average life expectancy, ergo the pension bill.
READ MORE: Labour launch review into raising retirement age
I would like to suggest that The National starts a campaign to have all Unionist newspapers printed on a much softer paper, so that they may be put to a more appropriate use. Special soaps are available for removing newsprint from sensitive nether regions.
M Ross
Aviemore