Latest news with #Scotland2050
STV News
3 hours ago
- Business
- STV News
Independent Scotland is within reach, Swinney expected to tell conference
First Minister John Swinney is expected to say an independent Scotland is 'within reach' when he addresses the Scotland 2050 conference in Edinburgh on Tuesday. In a speech to an audience made up of representatives from business, politics, and civic society, Swinney is expected to describe the UK status quo as 'a broken system' that has proved 'incapable of delivering on the hopes and ambitions of the people of Scotland'. He is due to set out his vision of an independent Scotland as 'modern, dynamic and forward-looking', and to call on Scots to 'make it happen' by working for it and voting for it. 'It is only by taking charge of our own destiny, with our own hand on the tiller, that we are better able to ride the waves of change, that we are better able to shape our own future,' the First Minister is expected to say. 'I have long believed that Scotland is an afterthought to successive UK governments. Scotland is not on Westminster's radar in the same way, say, as London, the Midlands or the South East. 'It holds us back in ways big and small, leaving us waiting and praying, hoping that decisions taken at Westminster are not too damaging. 'We are prey to a broken system and a failing economic model – a system that delivers for a very few at the very top, while living standards stagnate and real wages are squeezed for the vast majority. 'All this when we have the capacity to stand and flourish on our own two feet. 'Independence is the defining choice for this generation, have no doubt. Because the UK status quo has proved itself incapable of delivering on the hopes and ambitions of the people of Scotland. 'That is why, like a clear majority of Scots, I believe that our nation should have the right to choose. 'A Scotland that is modern, dynamic and forward-looking, living in anticipation of what more can be done, what else can be achieved. Moving forward as one, moving forward with hope and self-belief. 'Such a Scotland is within reach, I have no doubt. But if we want it, we have to work for it, we have to vote for it, we have to actively, purposefully, and I hope also joyfully, make it happen.' In his own conference speech, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is expected to call for an end to the 'same old arguments' that he will say are holding the country back. 'All of us have a stake in the future of our country and all of us want to see a thriving and fairer Scotland in 2050,' he is expected to say. 'But if we want Scotland to thrive by 2050 then we face a choice – are we going to be a Scotland that's having the same old arguments and talking about only what Scotland can't do, or are we going to have a hopeful, outward-looking Scotland that is maximising our potential? 'That is the choice before us and to make sure we thrive by 2050, we need to reject the old ideas and divisions now. 'That's why I am clear that we need big, bold, meaningful change to deliver a brighter future for Scotland. 'That's why Scottish Labour has bold plans to fix our NHS, renew our public services, fix our schools, end the housing crisis and unlock the potential of our businesses. 'This is the choice we face – managed decline with the SNP or a new direction and a thriving Scotland with Scottish Labour.' The Scotland 2050 conference aims bring together leading figures from the world of business, politics, and civic society to share ideas, knowledge, and understanding of where Scotland should aspire to be in 2050. 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
Edinburgh Reporter
5 hours ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Scotland 2050 – First Minister to address conference in Edinburgh
At the Scotland 2050 conference on Tuesday First Minister, John Swinney, will outline his vision for an independent Scotland. Addressing a mixed audience of public, private and third sector, academia and politicians, the First Minister is expected to say: 'It is only by taking charge of our own destiny, with our own hand on the tiller, that we are better able to ride the waves of change, that we are better able to shape our own future. 'I have long believed that Scotland is an afterthought to successive UK governments. Scotland is not on Westminster's radar in the same way, say, as London, the Midlands or the Southeast. 'It holds us back in ways big and small, leaving us waiting and praying, hoping that decisions taken at Westminster are not too damaging. 'We are prey to a broken system and a failing economic model – a system that delivers for a very few at the very top, while living standards stagnate and real wages are squeezed for the vast majority. 'All this when we have the capacity to stand and flourish on our own two feet. 'Independence is the defining choice for this generation, have no doubt. Because the UK status quo has proved itself incapable of delivering on the hopes and ambitions of the people of Scotland. That is why, like a clear majority of Scots, I believe that our nation should have the right to choose. 'A Scotland that is modern, dynamic and forward-looking, living in anticipation of what more can be done, what else can be achieved. Moving forward as one, moving forward with hope and self-belief. 'Such a Scotland is within reach, I have no doubt. But if we want it, we have to work for it, we have to vote for it, we have to actively, purposefully, and I hope also joyfully, make it happen.' The First Minister will be accompanied by the Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes who is also Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic. Other political leaders including the Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, Alex Cole Hamilton MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats will also attend as well as Cherie Blair, KC, Founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. The conference aims to 'foster an ambitious and forward-thinking atmosphere, allowing participants to dream big and set out challenging and credible paths towards the future of Scotland. 'By bringing together leading thinkers from civil society, industry, academia, and policy, Scotland 2050 will provide a space for creative and informed debate on the big ideas of today and the road to tomorrow.' The conference is sold out and will take place at Assembly Rooms. © 2025 Martin McAdam Like this: Like Related
The Herald Scotland
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Swinney: Only independence can fix UK's broken system
An independent Scotland, he will add, is "within reach." READ MORE Last week, The Herald revealed that senior SNP figures had warned the First Minister he had two weeks to do more to push Scottish independence or face a potential leadership challenge at the party's conference in October. Some party critics argue he is not doing enough to make the case for independence—failing to energise members or mobilise the SNP's core vote in seats like Hamilton, where Labour won by just 602 votes. Mr Swinney scrapped Humza Yousaf's minister for independence and ended Nicola Sturgeon's series of Scottish Government independence papers. One source told The Herald: '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." Over the weekend, MSPs loyal to the First Minister told the Sunday Times that the SNP would need a fresh independence offer in time for next year's Holyrood election. In his speech to the Scotland 2050 conference, Mr Swinney is expected to say: 'It is only by taking charge of our own destiny, with our own hand on the tiller, that we are better able to ride the waves of change, that we are better able to shape our own future. 'I have long believed that Scotland is an afterthought to successive UK governments. Scotland is not on Westminster's radar in the same way, say, as London, the Midlands or the South East. 'It holds us back in ways big and small, leaving us waiting and praying, hoping that decisions taken at Westminster are not too damaging. 'We are prey to a broken system and a failing economic model—a system that delivers for a very few at the very top, while living standards stagnate and real wages are squeezed for the vast majority. 'All this when we have the capacity to stand and flourish on our own two feet.' He will argue that independence is the 'defining choice for this generation' because the status quo 'has proved itself incapable of delivering on the hopes and ambitions of the people of Scotland.' 'That is why, like a clear majority of Scots, I believe that our nation should have the right to choose. 'A Scotland that is modern, dynamic and forward-looking, living in anticipation of what more can be done, what else can be achieved. Moving forward as one, moving forward with hope and self-belief. 'Such a Scotland is within reach, I have no doubt. But if we want it, we have to work for it, we have to vote for it, we have to actively, purposefully, and I hope also joyfully, make it happen.' The most recent Norstat poll for the Sunday Times had support for leaving the UK at 54%. The eight-point lead—excluding don't knows—increased to 16 points if people were asked to imagine Nigel Farage as Prime Minister. The lead was also 20 points higher than support for the SNP. However, polling also shows that the constitution is not a top priority for Scots, who are generally more concerned about health, the economy and education. There is also seemingly little prospect of a second referendum in the near future. Earlier this month, Sir Keir Starmer said he could not imagine one taking place during his time as Prime Minister. Asked if there would be another independence referendum if a nationalist majority emerged after next year's Holyrood election, Sir Keir said: 'I think it's really important to focus on the priorities that matter most. 'We got a big election win last year on the basis that we would stabilise the economy and ensure that on that foundation we build a stronger Scotland in a stronger United Kingdom, and that's what I intend to do.' Pressed further, he said: 'No, and nobody's raising that with me as their first priority. 'Certainly, in the discussions I'm having with the First Minister, that is not—we're talking about jobs, energy, security, and dealing with the cost-of-living crisis.' READ MORE Meanwhile, in his speech to the Scotland 2050 summit, Anas Sarwar will say it is time to move on from the 'same old arguments.' The Scottish Labour leader is expected to say: 'All of us have a stake in the future of our country and all of us want to see a thriving and fairer Scotland in 2050. 'But if we want Scotland to thrive by 2050 then we face a choice—are we going to be a Scotland that is having the same old arguments and talking about only what Scotland cannot do, or are we going to have a hopeful, outward-looking Scotland that is maximising our potential? 'That is the choice before us, and to make sure we thrive by 2050, we need to reject the old ideas and divisions now. 'That is why I am clear that we need big, bold, meaningful change to deliver a brighter future for Scotland. 'That is why Scottish Labour has bold plans to fix our NHS, renew our public services, fix our schools, end the housing crisis and unlock the potential of our businesses. 'This is the choice we face—managed decline with the SNP or a new direction and a thriving Scotland with Scottish Labour.'
Scotsman
27-04-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
John Swinney and Kate Forbes to set out 2050 vision at 'Davos-style' event for Scotland
Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... John Swinney and other party leaders will deliver their vision for society in 2050 in a 'Davos-style' event for Scotland. The Scotland 2050 event, taking place in Edinburgh in June, will bring together politicians, business and civic leaders - to chart a path over the next 25 years. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We can only hope John Swinney and Kate Forbes have brought a greater sense of pragmatism to the Scottish Government (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell) | Getty Images Organised by Barrie Cunning, managing director of Pentland Communications, the conference, hoped to be an annual event, will focus on long-term issues impacting Scotland and how they can be solved. Mr Cunning said the event would be 'the most inclusive conference that has taken place in Scotland', with tickets free of charge to attend. Mr Cunning said: 'We want to look at 'where do we want Scotland to be by 2050 and how do we tackle the issues affecting Scotland?'. The issues facing Scotland are too big to go way. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We do not hear the significance of the long-term impacts, we just end up hearing the same old messages, which usually fall within a parliamentary term. So this goes far beyond the parliamentary cycle. We want a vision of what Scotland will look like in 2050.' He added: 'The event has been born out of frustration of hearing the same things over and over and nothing being done. So this is getting that conversation started. We want to hear from people and what matters to them.' Mr Cunning, a former Labour candidate, has had confirmation the First Minister will speak at the event, as well as Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and Scottish Lib Dems leader Alex Cole-Hamilton. Invitations have also been sent to the Scottish Conservatives and the Greens, while other MSPs are also due to speak. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Business leaders and experts will also attend, with Mairi Spowage, professor of practice and director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, confirmed as a speaker. Barrister Cherie Blair - the wife of former prime minister Tony Blair - and broadcaster Bernard Ponsonby are also poised to speak at the event. The event has vowed to 'create a platform where the people of Scotland can come together, with visionary leaders from business, politics and civic society to share innovative ideas and inspire a forward-looking vision for our nation'. Scotland 2050 aims to 'address current challenges, explore new opportunities, and foster a collaborative environment that will shape the future of Scotland for generations to come'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland 2050 will hold its inaugural conference at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh on June 17. Mr Cunning said: 'We talk about having a housing crisis, but nothing has happened to fix that. Every year we hear about the NHS, but very little about how we achieve something better in the long term. 'My ambition is to have this on a yearly basis. Maybe next year could be in Glasgow.' He said the conference had been dubbed as 'a Davos-type event for Scotland', while he described it as 'the most inclusive conference that has taken place in Scotland.'
