The SNP’s failed ‘independence unit’ is symptomatic of its failing government

A recent Freedom of Information request has revealed that the Scottish Government’s Constitutional Futures Division has been closed down. Launched in 2019 under former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the division spent millions of pounds of public money on reports that failed to win Scots over to independence. Now John Swinney has closed it, accepting it was a flop.

Scotland in Union has been clear for years that this kind of spending on divisive projects is a waste of public money, using taxpayers’ contributions to support the SNP’s narrow party interests, so it’s good to see it gone. But scrapping one failed unit doesn’t fix things. We need to go further in the 2026 Scottish Parliament election and disband the SNP’s nationalist government.

The SNP has been in charge in Scotland for nearly 20 years, and its record is a mess. It has been so focused on breaking up the UK that it has let Scotland down on the things that truly matter. The NHS is struggling badly, with people waiting months for treatment, and Swinney’s sudden talk about fixing it is just an attempt to save face before the election.

Education has taken a hit too. Scotland’s schools used to be something to be proud of, but now we’re falling behind other countries, and children from the poorest communities are still getting a raw deal. The SNP’s promises for education haven't been delivered, leaving teachers stretched and pupils missing out.

Transport is no better. The ferries the nationalists promised for island communities are years late, way over budget, and still not ready. Scotland’s economy is suffering as well. Higher taxes, muddled strategies, including over oil and gas, and not enough help for businesses have left businesses reluctant to invest. This is what you get from a government that puts its own goals ahead of people’s needs.

Closing the independence unit shows the SNP knows its big idea isn’t working, but that won’t stop them from trying to break up the UK through other means - and letting Scotland suffer through their distraction and incompetence. The 2026 election is our chance to disband this worn-out, divisive government and build a Scotland that works for everyone.

Scotland in Union’s tactical voting guide, which will be published prior to the Scottish Parliament election next year, will be key to making the change we need in 2026. It will suggest to you how to vote for candidates who can beat the SNP in your constituency, and more general advice on how to use your list vote, so that every vote makes a difference. Our guide was 100% accurate in the UK general election last year - and we’re aiming to have the same impact in 2026 with your help.

It doesn’t matter who you support personally. If your priority is getting rid of the SNP after nearly 20 years in power, you must vote for candidates who are best placed to win - even if they don’t match your usual persuasion.

In the meanwhile, here are three ways you can help us right now:

1.       Sign up to Scotland in Union today, and encourage others to do so, to help us reach even more people with our message. 

2.       If you are already signed up, you can volunteer and deliver leaflets locally – email info@scotlandinunion.co.uk

3.       Donate today and help ensure our campaign is prepared and equipped ahead of next year’s election.