Swinney could ‘bludgeon’ Starmer into referendum, claims Findlay

John Swinney could “bludgeon” the Prime Minister into allowing another referendum on independence if he wins a majority in May, Tory leader Russell Findlay has said.The First Minister has set the bar at winning at least 65 seats in May’s election for an increase in his lobbying for another vote on separation.While UK ministers have repeatedly said there are no conditions where a second vote would be allowed, Scottish Tory leader Mr Findlay said Sir Keir Starmer’s position was “weak” and he could change position.Speaking to the Press Association after a speech in Glasgow on Monday, Mr Findlay said: “Keir Starmer has been in Downing Street since summer 2024 and I’ve lost count of the number of major u-turns he has committed.“The idea that an emboldened John Swinney, on May 8, potentially with a majority, would be able to bludgeon Keir Starmer into potentially committing another u-turn – the threat is very, very real.