Wednesday May 27th 2026
Scottish Greens supporters calling for an independence referendum
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
MSPs yesterday endorsed the Scottish Government’s call to Westminster to agree to a second independence referendum, voting to pressure Downing Street to allow Scotland to choose whether or not to break from the United Kingdom.
With the UK Government refusing to transfer powers to Holyrood, a shift in control would need to take place to allow a second referendum to take place.
Following the recent Scottish Election, 73 pro-independence MSPs were elected across the country with the addition of a record-breaking number of elected Scottish Greens MSPs creating a pro-independence majority in parliament.
This was reflected in yesterday’s choice where MSPs voted to support the call to push for a referendum.
Highlighting that he will continue to ‘lead a government that is always on Scotland’s side’, First Minister John Swinney explained that ‘prosperity, security and fairness are the principles driving an ambitious vision for Scotland’s future’.
In a statement to Parliament setting out ambitious plans that his government will drive forward, the First Minister outlined measures to expand cost of living support, accelerate sustainable economic growth, strengthen public services and to unlock Scotland’s potential by delivering a fresh start with Independence.
Pro-unionist MSPs used the recent news surrounding former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who admitted to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party, as opposition in yesterday’s debate, using this to raise concerns on how Scotland would handle being separated from Westminster.
Following the democratic mandate being reached, the Scottish Greens shared a statement demanding unionist parties to ‘respect the will of the people of Scotland’ after voters returned a clear pro-independence majority at Holyrood.
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay explained that ‘Scotland has spoken, returning a clear pro-independence vote’, adding:
“That democratic mandate cannot simply be dismissed because Labour, the Tories, Reform or the Lib Dems do not like the result.
“This new record-breaking number of Scottish Green MSPs represents a rejection of Westminster control and a demand for Scotland’s voice to be heard. People voted for MSPs who believe Scotland should have the right to choose its own future.
“Keir Starmer, the UK Government and Westminster cannot keep pretending that Scotland’s future is not up for discussion. Westminster has no right to block, ignore or undermine the democratic will of the people of Scotland.
“It is now crucial that John Swinney and the Scottish Government deliver on its promise to the people of Scotland, and give Scotland its right to choose its own future.”
John Swinney agreed, explaining in a statement that’“a truly prosperous, secure Scotland can only reach its full potential outside the confines of the United Kingdom.’
He added: “The recent, emphatic election result, with the largest ever pro-independence majority within the Scottish Parliament, has given the clear mandate for Scotland to decide its own future, which is why this parliament calls on the UK Government to transfer the power to hold a referendum on independence.
“I hope that giving Scotland the legal right to decide its own future will help build the foundations of a fairer, more prosperous nation as an independent member of the European Union.”
Sharing a statement with the Midlothian View, Scottish Conservative & Unionist MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East explained that ‘the people of Midlothian and Scotland deserve better than this’, following yesterday’s vote.
He explained: “Last night’s vote marks the beginning of yet another long, petty argument with Westminster that will end in a colossal waste of time and money for the Scottish taxpayer.
“The fact that this was the SNP’s top priority in the new parliament demonstrates that the everyday issues of people are not high on the agenda.
“John Swinney ran on the platform of a majority but lost seats yet he believes he has the blessing of most Scots to have another toxic independence referendum.
“I understand that this is a very handy opportunity to distract from the SNP’s sleaze crisis, but the people of Midlothian and Scotland deserve better than this.”
Following the vote, Starmer still needs to be convinced with Westminster still needing to agree to transfer powers to Holyrood after Labour ministers have repeatedly said they would refuse to do so.
First Minister John Swinney is expected to raise the issue at upcoming talks with Starmer.
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