John Swinney rejects UK decentralisation plan at SNP conference

First Minister John Swinney has declared that Scotland is ready to become an independent nation, BBC News reported. Speaking at the SNP conference in Aberdeen, Swinney took aim at those who believe Scotland should be just like Manchester. BBC News said Swinney issued a veiled retort to Prime Minister Andy Burnham following the former Greater Manchester mayor's visit to Scotland. [1]

During his speech, Swinney also announced plans to bring the bus network in Scotland under public control, according to BBC News. The first minister stated that the bus transport system would be placed under public ownership by the end of the parliamentary term in 2031. [1]

The remarks follow recent proposals by Burnham to offer Swinney collaboration on further devolution, the Morning Star, The Herald, and AOL.com reported. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Burnham travelled to Scotland to urge Swinney to work together on shifting decision-making powers away from both Westminster and Holyrood to local councils. [3][4][5][11]

Burnham served as Mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 to 2026 before becoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Labour Party in July 2026. Scotland established a devolved parliament in 1999, which holds authority over domestic policy areas including health and education. [7][8][10]