World
John Swinney claims Scotland’s voice ‘simply doesn’t matter’ to Westminster
Scotland’s voice “simply doesn’t matter to Westminster”, First Minister John Swinney will claim today.
The SNP leader will make the comments while campaigning in Aberdeen on Monday, railing against Brexit on the day after the eighth anniversary of the vote.
The decision to leave the EU, Swinney will say, exposed the “myth of the union of equals”.
People in Scotland voted by 68% to 32% to stay in the EU – a fact that has been used by the SNP to show the disparity between north and south of the border.
The First Minister will say the result of the 2016 referendum did not just impact the relationship with Europe.
“It told us something fundamental about the United Kingdom too,” he will add.
“It demonstrated that the UK is not a partnership of equal nations.
“The fact that Scotland voted to remain ultimately mattered not one jot to Westminster.
“That’s not equality – it’s a ‘know your place’ attitude.
“The way Scotland is being treated over Brexit is symptomatic of a wider ‘Westminster knows best’ union, whatever the cost to Scotland.
“While yesterday was the anniversary of the Brexit vote, today is the anniversary of people in Scotland waking up to the new reality.
“The reality not just that we were about to be dragged out of the EU against our will.
“But the reality that Scotland’s voice simply does not matter to the Westminster establishment.
“The myth of the union of equals was extinguished for so many people across Scotland on this day eight years ago.”
Your one-stop shop for General Election 2024 news
At the Daily Record, we’ll be working tirelessly throughout the general election to keep you up to date.
There are many ways you can follow along with our coverage:
Watch our Planet Holyrood Election 2024 podcast
We will be putting out new episodes every week day with special guests, discussing the election, campaign trail and more.
You can subscribe and watch on YouTube or subscribe and listen on Spotify.
Got a burning question for our panel? Simply leave it in the comments and we’ll pick it up.
Join our General Election 2024 WhatsApp community
You’ll receive daily updates and breaking news alerts straight to your mobile phone. Simply click here or scan the QR code above to join.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Subscribe to the Record Politics newsletter
We send out a daily briefing as well as any breaking news and important updates. Click here to subscribe.
Follow us on X/Twitter and join our Facebook group
As well as tweeting regular updates from our daily live blog which you can follow along with, we also have a Record Politics Facebook group where you can join in the discussion.
Speaking on the day both the Prime Minister and the shadow chancellor visit Scotland, Swinney will add: “We see Westminster politicians take campaign trips north of the border to dismiss the very idea that Scotland can have real, genuine influence at Westminster.
“That is the reality of this unequal union.
“It is a reality that was made clear on this day eight years ago – and it is a reality that Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer are reinforcing every single day of this campaign.
“So I am asking people to vote SNP if you believe it is best for Scotland’s future to be back in the European Union.”
Labour and the Conservatives are committed to upholding the UK-wide Brexit vote.
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here
Men’s college basketball opening night winners and losers: Gonzaga makes early statement
3 observations after George misses game-tying jumper try in debut, Sixers fall to Suns
How Draymond’s shooting can change Warriors’ offensive geometry
No. 22 UCLA routs Rider 85-50 in season opener behind Bilodeau’s 18 points in Bruins debut
NFL Power Rankings After Week 9: At midseason, Lions look like league’s best team
Steph, Warriors ‘vibing’ after beating Wizards to move to 6-1
Braves reliever Joe Jimenez to miss 8-12 months after left knee surgery
Here’s what you need to know ahead of the inaugural College Football Playoff rankings release
Draymond, Poole trade taunts at end of first half in Warriors-Wizards
