JOHN Swinney drew applause from a live TV audience in York when he set out why he believed in the right to fight for a second referendum for Scottish independence.

When asked on the BBC’s Question Time Leaders’ Special by an audience member whether he would keep holding referenda “until you get what you want”, he said politicians should set out what they “actually believe in” and let people decide, and that he was a democrat who respected “the right of the people of Scotland to decide their own future”.

"I honestly believe that Scotland would be a stronger country and would have better prospects if we were an independent country," he said.

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This led to applause from the audience as he said: "That has been my honest view over the course of my entire adult life.

"I do believe in the right of the people of Scotland to decide their own future and, generally, there is an accepted view that self-determination is an important political principle."

He then added (below): "And one of the frustrations I've got is that today in the Scottish Parliament there is a majority in favour of a referendum for independence and that Scotland should be an independent country but we're not being permitted by the UK Government to put that idea and concept to the public. And I think we should have the right to do so."

Swinney also highlighted the importance of independence and of rejoining the EU to the SNP’s domestic agenda, and made his arguments for independence clear when asked whether he would settle for more devolved powers instead.

Swinney said: “I’m never going to say “no” to more powers for the Scottish Parliament. But what I want to be able to do is to do the things that will transform people’s lives.

“I want to live in a fairer, more equal country. I want to live in a country that prioritises the improvement of our economy and strengthening the rights and the responsibilities of people in our country. I don’t think that can be achieved for us in the United Kingdom.

“I want Scotland to be like Denmark, or Ireland, or Sweden as an independent country. And when you look at those countries, they are more prosperous, they are more equal, they are fairer than Scotland and the United Kingdom.

“And that’s a prize I think people in Scotland are attracted to and want to make sure happens for our country.”

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It was a strong performance from the SNP leader, with Swinney also receiving applause when he took aim at the Conservative government.

When asked on the BBC’s Question Time Leaders’ Special which Westminster leader would be the better choice for Scotland, the First Minister said: “I think the Conservative government has been a total disaster and a calamity. So it cannot be out of office quick enough in my view.

“I think it is an absolute certainty that the Labour Party will win the election in England, and I hope people in Scotland will recognise the importance of having strong SNP voices in the House of Commons who will argue for decisions to be made in Scotland for Scotland and will put the interests of people in Scotland first.”

Swinney also said that when he became party leader at a “difficult time” just over six weeks ago, he was tasked with rebuilding the trust of the Scottish people and with improving people’s lives.

He said the SNP are committed to eradicating child poverty and strengthening the economy, as well as pledging to “put in the resources” to address immediate problems like NHS waiting lists.