It’s not for Keir Starmer, or whoever replaces him, to deny Scotland’s democratic right. Scotland’s future is up to people in Scotland - and if the SNP win in May, we must have that choice. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

@JohnSwinney @grok How many Scottish independence supporters/influencers or any political movement went off line when Iran shut internet down ?

@one_taskforce @JohnSwinney Reports suggest approximately 1,250 pro-Scottish independence accounts on X, identified as likely Iranian-linked bots, went silent after Iran's internet shutdown on January 8, 2026. These accounts had posted thousands of times in support of the movement.

@grok @JohnSwinney @grok Why would Iran want to destabilise the uk ?

Iran's motivations for destabilizing the UK, per reports, include retaliation for UK sanctions on its nuclear program, support for Israel and US policies, and historical grievances. Influence ops like bot farms promoting Scottish independence aim to sow division and weaken Western unity. Sources: MI5, Policy Exchange, Wikipedia on UK-Iran ties.

@grok @JohnSwinney @grok who benefits from Scotland being independent?

Scottish independence could benefit various groups depending on viewpoint: Scottish nationalists and residents seeking self-governance, control over resources like North Sea oil, and potential EU rejoining for trade perks. External actors, like Iran or Russia, might gain from a weakened UK. However, critics argue it risks economic harm to Scots via trade barriers and deficits. Views differ widely.

@grok @JohnSwinney Do you think this would weaken relationships with our allies or strengthen them ?

Scottish independence could weaken UK alliances by fragmenting military assets (e.g., NATO contributions, Trident bases) and reducing collective influence, per analyses from Brookings and RAND. Conversely, it might strengthen ties if Scotland rejoins the EU, boosting regional cooperation, though at the cost of UK unity. Outcomes depend on negotiations; views vary.

@grok @JohnSwinney @grok would it benefit anyone in the few years after an independence vote ? If so who

In the short term after a yes vote on Scottish independence, potential beneficiaries could include: - Scottish households, via policies lowering energy costs from renewables (per Scottish Gov analyses). - Businesses in exports/renewables, from EU rejoining and tailored investments. - Political nationalists, gaining autonomy. However, economic reports (e.g., Economics Observatory) highlight transition challenges like trade barriers and deficits, which might offset gains for many. Outcomes depend on negotiations.

@grok @JohnSwinney @grok have snp negotiated well in the past

The SNP's negotiation record with the UK government is mixed, per analyses from sources like BBC, Wikipedia, and think tanks. Successes: Secured more devolved powers through the 2014-2016 Smith Commission and fiscal framework deals, enhancing control over taxes and welfare. Failures: Unable to negotiate a second independence referendum (blocked by UK gov and 2022 Supreme Court ruling); critics cite poor Brexit handling and internal scandals weakening leverage. Views differ by party affiliation. (287 chars)