From The Independent · · 2m
Swinney vows independence for his son's future
The SNP leader tells party members he is determined to deliver Scottish independence so his teenage son Matthew can grow up in a better country.
In brief
The SNP leader tells party members he is determined to deliver Scottish independence so his teenage son Matthew can grow up in a better country. John Swinney told the SNP conference he is determined to deliver Scottish independence for his teenage son Matthew, framing the cause as a personal mission alongside his role…
Swinney's emotional pledge
John Swinney told SNP members at the Aberdeen annual conference he is determined to deliver Scottish independence for his teenage son Matthew, who was in the audience.
“My greatest task is to leave Scotland a better place, the best place it can be, for him.”
Personal motivation
Swinney said Matthew is his motivation, describing him as being on the cusp of adulthood and framing independence as essential to building the nation his son deserves.
“Nothing is more important to me than building a nation on the cusp of statehood into the country I know it can be. For my son.”
Independence campaign launch
The SNP will launch its most sophisticated campaign this weekend, backed by a six-figure war chest, Swinney announced at the conference.
“the most sophisticated campaign that we have ever undertaken”
Misogyny legislation pledge
Swinney promised a new Bill making harassment and abuse based on misogyny a specific criminal offence, to be introduced at Holyrood before the end of June next year.
“one of the key drivers behind violence against women and girls”
Respect Fund and campaign expansion
A new one million pound Respect Fund will give every school resources to tackle misogyny. The Don't Be That Guy campaign will expand using high-profile sportsmen from football, rugby, cycling, swimming, athletics, golf and tennis.
Bus fares expansion
The two pound cap on bus fares will extend to Aberdeen and the north east of Scotland in April next year.
Scotland Together Fund
Swinney announced a three-year thirty million pound Scotland Together Fund to support community groups fighting racism and far-right forces in Scotland.
Labour's response
Jackie Baillie called the speech thin and threadbare, saying people want answers on NHS, education and public sector reform rather than political point-scoring.
“thin and threadbare speech, filled with the same old rhetoric”
Tory and Green criticism
Russell Findlay attacked Swinney's independence focus as reckless and divisive. Gillian Mackay said the bus fare cap rollout region by region is not good enough and falls behind England's nationwide two pound cap.
In short
John Swinney told the SNP conference he is determined to deliver Scottish independence for his teenage son Matthew, framing the cause as a personal mission alongside his role as First Minister.
