John Swinney has warned that the “whole existence of the Scottish Parliament” would be threatened if Reform UK takes power at Westminster. The SNP leader made the comments during an event with actor Alan Cumming in Edinburgh on Monday evening.
Swinney’s Warning on Reform UK
Speaking ahead of the Scottish Parliament election on Thursday, Mr Swinney said there was a “very high risk” of Reform UK coming to power at the next UK general election. “If that’s the case – if you think our values are under threat just now, just wait until they get into power in the United Kingdom, and the whole existence of the Scottish Parliament will be threatened,” he said.
He added that on Friday, some Reform UK members would be in the Scottish Parliament, and “within it there will be direct people who don’t believe in the institution and that’s a big threat to Scottish self-government.” He argued that a Reform UK government in 2028/29 would be a “direct threat to the concept of Scottish self-government,” reinforcing the need for independence.
Independence Plans and Front Door Approach
Alan Cumming asked the First Minister about his plans for advancing Scottish independence if his party wins a majority. Mr Swinney reiterated that he would pursue another independence referendum if the SNP wins a majority of Holyrood’s 129 seats, a demand repeatedly refused by successive UK governments.
“I certainly will not side-channel the conversation (with the UK Government),” Mr Swinney said. “If I get an overall majority on Thursday, it will be a very front-door conversation with the UK Government as a consequence of what people vote for on Thursday.”
Reform UK Response
Thomas Kerr, Reform UK’s candidate in Glasgow Baillieston and Shettleston, dismissed Mr Swinney’s claims as “outright lies.” He said: “Poor John – bless his wee cotton socks. We’re just days away from a historic election and his desperation is on full show now, resorting to outright lies. Reform backs devolution and the Scottish Parliament. The problem isn’t the institution, it’s the useless politicians within it. Swinney has shown himself up during this campaign as a Nasty Nat who doesn’t deserve to be First Minister.”
Trump Call and Whisky Tariffs
Mr Swinney also reflected on his recent phone call with US President Donald Trump, who lifted tariffs on Scotch whisky after the conversation. The call took place in a garden centre while Mr Swinney was on the campaign trail. He said Trump lifted the tariff “in honour of the King,” but the key argument was improving trade between Scotland and Kentucky on bourbon casks used to mature Scotch whisky.
Polls suggest Reform UK, led in Scotland by Malcolm Offord, could come in second place in the upcoming election.
