John Swinney backtracks on claim majority of MPs would be Yes mandate

Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney have set out Scotland's possible routes to independence

JOHN Swinney has backtracked on a comment that the Scottish Government would have a mandate to begin independence negotiations with Westminster if a majority of SNP MPs are returned at the next General Election.

The deputy first minister was questioned about the possible route to independence if the Supreme Court rules against Nicola Sturgeon’s bid to hold a legal referendum in October 2023.