NATS HELL BENT ON PUSH FOR INDY 'REAL RISK TO UNION'

SCOTS voters were warned "the future of the Union is on the line" last night after John Swinney launched a new independence blitz.

- BY BEN BORLAND

The First Minister told SNP supporters in Edinburgh that "at this election, we're not just in it to win government, we are in it to win independence for Scotland".

He argues that achieving a Holyrood majority would give him a "mandate" for a second referendum, triggering another five years of division and constitutional uncertainty.

Polls have consistently shown most people in Scotland are opposed to Scexit and want to remain part of the world's most successful social, economic and political union. Even among those who back separation, it's not a top three priority.

However, despite support for the SNP hovering around 35%, insiders fear the SNP has a chance of winning a majority due to Reform UK splitting the pro-UK vote.

Last night, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: "John Swinney's speech was a stark reminder of what is at stake at the election in May. He has made it clear that every vote for the SNP will be presented as a mandate for another divisive independence referendum.