Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has condemned the SNP's pursuit of independence as "dangerously irresponsible", arguing that efforts to break up the United Kingdom pose a threat to national security at a time of heightened international tensions.
First Minister John Swinney has set a target to hold a second Scottish independence referendum by 2031, despite successive UK prime ministers declining to permit another vote. Findlay contends that while the nation faces serious challenges from hostile powers, dividing the UK would undermine its ability to respond to those threats.
Speaking on BBC Scotland's The Sunday Show, Findlay stated:
"Today's world is more dangerous than it has been for many, many years. Right now, it's no longer just dangerously divisive of the SNP to continue agitating to break up the United Kingdom, it is actually dangerously irresponsible."
He argued that pursuing independence while China, Russia and Iran pose what he described as "grave threats" would amount to
"a gift to our enemies".
What happened in the Scottish Parliament vote?
The Scottish Parliament recently debated Swinney's motion affirming Scotland's right to determine its own future. According to a national broadcaster's report, the motion passed by 84 votes to 18, with Labour and Green MSPs supporting it while Conservatives and Liberal Democrats opposed it.
Findlay's amendment to the motion proposed language stating that Scotland had voted decisively to remain in the UK and that its future was best served by a government focused on public priorities. According to the Scottish Parliament's official record, this amendment was rejected by 85 votes to 12, with six abstentions.
A separate amendment from the Scottish Greens recognising that the 2026 Scottish election returned the largest-ever majority of pro-independence MSPs passed by 85 votes to 12, with six abstentions.
Why does Findlay oppose another referendum?
Findlay called on Swinney to respect the outcome of the 2014 independence referendum, in which a majority of Scots voted against separation. He stated:
"We had a vote. In 2014, the people of Scotland - more than two million of them - politely, firmly and respectfully said no to separation. From day one, John Swinney and the SNP haven't respected the outcome of that vote and they've agitated ever since."
The Scottish Conservative leader defended his party's decision to oppose the recent parliamentary motion, arguing that the SNP's focus on independence has distracted from pressing public concerns. He said:
"It's been a complete distraction and all the while they've run Scotland's public services into the ground and taxed people to the hilt. Just look at the real problems that John Swinney could be focused on - the NHS and their waiting lists, or the state of Scotland's schools."
What is the legal status of a future referendum?
The UK Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that Holyrood cannot hold an independence referendum without Westminster's consent. This legal barrier remains in place, with the UK government maintaining that a second referendum is off limits regardless of Swinney's stated ambitions.
What will Findlay say at the Conservative conference?
Findlay is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Conservative Party's UK conference in Birmingham, where he is expected to criticise Swinney for meeting with Sinn Féin representatives at a recent summit in Cardiff. In prepared remarks, he is anticipated to say:
"Since Mr Swinney was a teenager, all he's cared about is breaking up the United Kingdom. Sorry Mr Swinney, and your new friends in Sinn Féin, but we won't let that happen. Let's not forget that Sinn Féin has never denounced the IRA slaughter of innocent men, women and children. Yet Mr Swinney works with them to destroy the United Kingdom. A disgrace."
What happens next?
Swinney's stated target remains holding another independence referendum before the current Holyrood term ends in 2031. However, the UK government has said a referendum is off limits, creating a fundamental impasse between the Scottish and UK administrations on the matter.
Key Facts
- Russell Findlay, Scottish Conservative leader, has called the SNP's independence pursuit "dangerously irresponsible" amid international security threats
- John Swinney aims to hold a second independence referendum by 2031, but the UK government refuses to permit one
- The Scottish Parliament voted 84-18 to affirm Scotland's right to determine its future, with Conservatives and Liberal Democrats opposing
- The 2014 independence referendum saw Scots vote 55% to 45% against separation
- A 2022 UK Supreme Court ruling established that Holyrood cannot hold a referendum without Westminster's consent
