Swinney says value of self-determination remains

Speaking at the Scottish National Party’s annual Bannockburn rally today, SNP leader John Swinney MSP, said:

“As we gather together from all over Scotland to commemorate the Bannockburn battle, we should also take the time to remember and reflect on the distinguished history and traditions of our country and of our party.

“The roots of our national movement and the independence cause are deeply set in the long history and proud traditions of Scotland, roots that stretch back to even before the time of Bannockburn in 1314.

“That history and those traditions are steeped in a common value -that the people of Scotland have the right to decide their own affairs and determine their own future. And that principle is as valid today as it was 689 years ago when men lost their lives on this battlefield.

“Earlier this week, when Jack McConnell went to London, he said that the constitutional arrangements between London and Scotland “will depend on the views of this and future Prime Ministers” . He has never been so wrong. The constitutional arrangements of our country depends on the people who live in Scotland and not on whoever resides in 10 Downing Street.

“The SNP is a relatively young party only 69 years old but that has been a tremendous time in Scottish and world history. The world has changed and changed again over these years, as has Scottish politics. But one thing has not changed. The values we were founded on then are still as valid and relevant today as they were then. The right to self-determination remains.

“We are lucky now that we can pursue this aim through democratic means. Nearly every year we have the opportunity to push and promote our case at the ballot box. This year in the Scottish Parliament and local councils, next year in the European Parliament, and the year after at Westminster.

“At every election we fight for independence and at every level of government the SNP represents and fights for the best deal for the people of Scotland. These are fights we will continue and not give up. We will secure independence for our nation and make Scotland the best place it can be.

“Whatever comes and goes in Scottish and world politics, the SNP’s foundation remains true. Our party is rooted in the traditions and history of our country and that is something we should be very proud of.”

West of Scotland MSP, Stewart Maxwell, who also addressed the rally, said:

“I come to Bannockburn to celebrate our history and to remember those who fought for Scotland's Independence. But I also come to remind myself of an important lesson from history and that is that the struggle for Independence is not an easy one. That what those of us who seek Scottish Independence in the 21st Century require is the same level of determination and perseverance that was shown by Robert the Bruce and his contemporaries. It is a democratic struggle that we are involved in, but we must be equally determined to win."

SNP President Dr Winnie Ewing, also speaking at the rally concluded:

“The enemies of Scotland are not the English, as one of our founders RB Cunningham Grahame said, they are in fact well disposed towards us. The enemies of Scotland are the traitors within the gate, the unionist parties who, whilst claiming to be Scottish, don’t wish for their country the normal freedom that every world citizen expects for their country.”