John Swinney

The people of Scotland democratically elected the largest number of members of the Scottish Parliament ever to support the concept of Scottish independence and the right of the people to decide that in a referendum.

We’ve got to respect democracy here.

What I want to do is engage in a constructive dialogue with the Prime Minister about making sure that the mandate I’ve received from the people of Scotland can be turned into reality, and the people of Scotland can have an opportunity to…

I congratulate Andy Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister.

This investment will be built upon further through the delivery of Scotland’s significant future pipeline of offshore wind projects.

It is also an important decision for Scotland’s renewables sector.

This consent decision is a significant step in Scotland’s progress towards tackling climate change and reaching net zero, which is a key priority for the Scottish Government.

We have given the Caledonia North and South offshore wind farm applications very careful consideration.

If Westminster fails Scotland yet again, it will be clearer than ever that the only way we can take the powers we need to deliver the progress people want is with the fresh start of independence.

It must be decided by the people of Scotland.

If Andy Burnham is serious about strengthening the powers of the Scottish Parliament so we can grow Scotland’s economy and raise living standards, then he will find a willing partner in me.

The clear desire people have for self-determination cannot simply be wished away.

John must also declare that without a resultant referendum prior to the next General Election, that election will become a de facto referendum.

John must defy the doubters and demonstrate some leadership qualities in establishing a Citizens’ Convention to debate Scotland’s future.

We're the party that campaigns for independence. We just fought an election campaign in which we had a very, very strong anchoring of our campaign for independence.

I’m saying it’s part of the ongoing activities of the Scottish National Party.

I am very saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe and the awful circumstances in which this has happened. I extend my sympathy to her family, friends and many colleagues.

I can confidently say to members of the party that the money they donate to us is used to further the aims and objectives of the SNP, and it always will be.

The governor of Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey, started off her speech in a most appropriate fashion. She said: ‘I hear the right words to say at the start of a speech like this is “No Scotland, no party.”’

I have recent experience of visiting the United States of America for an unreservedly happy occasion. It involved Scotland winning for the first time in a World Cup game in over 40 years.

It is absolutely vital that conventional military capabilities are enhanced, but this is made ever more difficult by the enormous investment made by the UK Government in the Trident nuclear weapons system.

I welcome the publication of the long-overdue Defence Investment Plan, although I am disappointed that it falls short of the ambition that was previously promised and we are still to receive full details of the budget reductions for…

If Andy Burnham proposes the devolution of further powers to the Scottish Government, and of course, I'm going to welcome that, because it will give the parliament, as we've seen on a number of occasions since the parliament was…

What we have now is a Scottish parliament that has the largest number of independent supporting MSPs in its membership ever in its history, so that is an indication that after the May 7 elections there remains the solid appetite within…

I think Andy Burnham has got a lot to live up to in terms of what he has set out, because I think if he's going to be in any way effective as a Prime Minister, he has to be consistent with some of the things that he said, and he's made a…