Scottish National Party leader John Swinney suggested during a televised debate that Scotland could hold an independence referendum in 2028, according to statements made ahead of next month's Scottish election.

The comments were made during the BBC's televised debate featuring leaders from six political parties participating in the 2026 Holyrood election campaign. The debate included fact-checking of various claims made by the participating party leaders.

Swinney's timeline represents the latest indication from the SNP regarding their aspirations for another independence vote, following the 2014 referendum in which Scottish voters chose to remain part of the United Kingdom by a margin of 55% to 45%.

The 2026 Scottish Parliament election will determine the composition of the next Holyrood government, with independence remaining a key policy distinction between the SNP and unionist parties. The SNP has consistently maintained that Scotland should have the opportunity to reconsider independence, while opposing parties argue for maintaining the union.

Any future independence referendum would require approval from the UK government in Westminster, as constitutional matters remain reserved to the UK Parliament under the current devolution settlement.