In a direct reference to the party’s 1970s ‘It’s Scotland’s Oil’ campaign, the First Minister launched a new document, ‘It’s Scotland’s Energy.
He said Scotland has a second chance at taking advantage of natural energy-producing resources with renewable wind technology.
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At an event in Glasgow, Swinney pointed to the example of Norway, drawing comparisons with the Scandinavian country’s experience with North Sea oil.
He said the profits from North Sea oil: “Flowed south, leaving Scotland with economic scraps from Westminster’s table”.
Norway, he said: “With the full powers of independence, has been able to build an economy and society that is fairer and better than the UK.”
Swinney said Scotland has a “second chance” with renewables.
He said: “We may have missed out on the full benefit of our oil and gas bonanza, but with our vast, low-cost renewable energy resource, Scotland has a second chance to get it right.”
He added Scotland produces a surplus of energy and added: “But the folly of UK energy policy even serves to turn the fundamental rules of economics on their head – a surplus of low-cost energy in Scotland should mean, and must mean, not ever higher bills but low-cost energy for the people of Scotland for good”.
The First Minister said there would be lower energy bills, stating bills could be one third cheaper, and as well as homes and businesses benefiting, there would be a boost to public services.
Swinney said lower energy bills for schools and the NHS would mean more money available for more teachers and nurses and doctors.
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The First Minister said: “Let’s not miss this second opportunity to transform our nation.
“Let’s not let Westminster take the decisions and take the wealth.
“Because it is Scotland’s Energy, it is Scotland’s opportunity.”
He said if there is a majority of SNP MSPs in Holyrood, then the UK Government would have to agree to a second referendum, just like in 2011, which led to the 2014 vote.
He said: “The people of Scotland have a right to determine their future.
Swinney said the lesson he takes is that Scotland must elect a majority of SNP MSPs for another referendum.
Opposition parties reacted to the speech.
Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader said: “John Swinney is a man stuck in the past – talking about independence while I am looking forward and talking about fixing our NHS.
“John Swinney wants to talk about anything but his record, and anything but the big challenges facing people across Scotland.
“I’m interested in building an NHS fit for the future; he just wants to focus on the arguments of the past.
“John Swinney has no energy, no ideas, and he has run out of time. That’s why Scotland need a change with a Scottish Labour government.”
Rachael Hamilton Scottish Conservative deputy leader, said: “Scots will be scunnered that John Swinney is still pushing his independence obsession at every turn, when they just want him to move on.
“This latest speech just sums up why we must get rid of the SNP at next year’s Holyrood election. If we don’t the nationalists will spend another five years demanding an independence referendum to the further detriment of Scotland’s economy and public services.”
