During his closing address at the SNP conference in Aberdeen, First Minister John Swinney declared that Scotland will soon function as an independent nation. Swinney used the platform to deliver a pointed, though unnamed, rebuttal to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, rejecting suggestions that Scotland should emulate the Manchester model following the Prime Minister’s recent visit. John Swinney’s 2026 SNP conference speech – look back on what he said.
Beyond his constitutional agenda, the First Minister outlined significant policy shifts, most notably a commitment to bring the national bus network under public control by the conclusion of the 2031 parliamentary term. He further pledged to expand the 2-pound bus fare cap to the north east of Scotland.
Swinney’s speech also emphasized social and political goals, including the launch of a renewed independence campaign. He additionally promised funding for anti-racism initiatives and introduced specific measures intended to address and combat misogyny within schools.
