Reform UK has been accused of attempting to criminalise the use of Gaelic and Scots in election materials, sparking outrage from the SNP. The party's amendment to the UK Government's Representation of the People Bill would require election materials—including placards, posters, or other literature—to be in either English or Welsh. Under the proposals, individuals breaking the rules could face up to six months in prison and a fine.
SNP Condemns Amendment as 'Anti-Scottish'
The SNP described the amendment as "despicable" and "anti-Scottish." Maree Todd, an MSP for the Highlands and Islands, stated: "This despicable anti-Scottish amendment is deeply telling – Reform wants to see any trace of our native languages removed from Scottish politics. Not content with plans to cut our MSPs and ‘review’ the powers of Holyrood, (Reform leader Nigel) Farage and his cronies want to threaten jail time upon anyone in Scotland who publishes political materials in Scots or Gaelic."
Todd added: "We know Reform could not care less about Scotland, but this move is all too reminiscent of the brutal anti-Gaelic laws of the Highland Clearances. Reform must now do the right thing – apologise to the people of Scotland for attempting to criminalise election materials written in Scottish languages and immediately withdraw this outrageous amendment."
Amendment Backed by Conservative Figures
The amendment, proposed by Reform deputy leader Richard Tice, was backed by Reform MPs Lee Anderson, Sarah Pochin, Danny Kruger, Robert Jenrick, Andrew Rosindell, and Suella Braverman. It is almost certain not to pass. The amendment did not explicitly mention Scots or Gaelic.
Context of the Bill and Language Recognition
The Representation of the People Bill, if passed, would lower the voting age to 16 and 17 for the next general election. It also aims to tighten rules on political donations, protect against foreign interference, move toward automatic voter registration, and expand acceptable voter ID to include UK-issued bank cards.
Under the Scottish Languages Act, Gaelic and Scots are recognised as official languages in Scotland. According to the 2022 Census, around 130,000 Scots have some Gaelic skills, while nearly 2.5 million have some skills in Scots.
Reform UK has been approached for comment.
