SNP launches 'biggest independence campaign' since 2014 as Burnham heads to Scotland to overshadow its conference
John Swinney, Scotland's First Minister, whose claim that Prime Minister Andy Burnham's decision to visit during the Aberdeen conference proves independence is "got into his head.The SNP's "Choose Scotland" campaign will target nearly 1.5 million Scottish households with an independence survey, backed by a £100,000 budget.
The SNP has opened its Aberdeen conference by launching 'Choose Scotland', a £100,000 pro-independence drive it calls its biggest push since the 2014 referendum, running until Christmas with a national day of action on St Andrew's Day. Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn is to challenge Burnham directly to 'bring it on' and let Scots decide their future. Burnham is expected to arrive in Scotland on Friday — the middle of the SNP gathering — in what the party calls a thinly veiled bid to steal its limelight.
Veteran SNP figure Alex Neil warned of 'utter depression' among members, saying the leadership 'clearly don't have a clue' how to advance independence.
New polling puts Burnham as Scotland's most popular party leader, with a positive net approval rating, while Swinney sits underwater at 30% good versus 34% bad.
Swinney insists Burnham has already made the case for a referendum 'undeniable', pointing to the PM's earlier Commons remarks appearing to acknowledge circumstances where IndyRef2 could be legitimate.
