Monday October 20th 2025
MSP Colin Beattie
Colin Beattie MSP, Midlothian North & Musselburgh, writes his monthly column for Midlothian View
This year’s SNP Conference was full of energy and optimism. Conference is a great opportunity for members from across Scotland to gather under their shared purpose, to deliver for the people of Scotland and to set out our vision for the future. It serves as a platform to meet new people and hear new perspectives, whether from members, or the experts from organisations attending.
The key messages from the conference were self-determination, economic growth and fairness.
Throughout all the speeches the SNP’s record of delivery was at the heart. We have plenty to be proud of, record funding in our NHS, tackling child poverty through the Scottish Child Payment, the commitment to ending the two-child benefit cap, and delivering thousands of affordable homes.
It is clear from the SNP Governments record that only the SNP will stand up for the people of Scotland. At a time when decisions made at Westminster are making a negative impact on our economy, such as the increase to Employer National Insurance contributions.
I was proud to propose a motion condemning this Labour Government decision which has increased costs across businesses, charities and the public sector. This has had a profound impact on Scottish businesses, reducing their ability to contribute to Scotland’s economy and hurting employees’ pay packets.
Examples like this is just one of the reasons why I believe independence is our best hope at improving living standards and tackling the root causes of inequality and economic insecurity. That is why I am proud to support the First Ministers plan to deliver a SNP majority at the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections repeating the precedent of 2011 that led to the 2014. If delivered this will test if we are in a voluntary union as the Labour Government claim.
As we look ahead to 2026, the message from conference was clear. The SNP will continue to deliver for the people of Scotland to make the case for independence. We can be a fairer, greener and wealthier nation.
The conference showed the SNP at its best – united, determined and laser focused on the future.
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