Scottish Minister Jamie Hepburn has written to the UK Government urging it to “strongly oppose” Reform UK proposals that the SNP claims could ban the use of Gaelic, Scots, or British Sign Language (BSL) in elections. The letter, addressed to UK democracy minister Samantha Dixon, escalates a dispute over amendments to the Representation of the People Bill.
Reform amendment sparks cross-party criticism
The amendment, tabled by Reform deputy leader Richard Tice, mandates that election materials—including placards, posters, and other literature—must be in English or Welsh. Under the proposals, violators could face up to six months in prison and a fine. While Reform UK Scotland argues the amendment targets non-“domestic languages” like Urdu or Bengali, the text does not exempt Gaelic, Scots, or BSL. It explicitly mentions penalties for those in Scotland breaking the rules.
Scottish Green and Labour politicians have attacked the proposals, with the SNP labeling them “despicable” and “anti-Scottish.” Scottish Labour MP Torcuil Crichton, a Gaelic speaker, called the amendment “narrow-minded.” He stated on social media: “Much of my election material is in Gaelic – do Reform want to outlaw me in my own country? This narrow-minded amendment which will never reach the statute book tells you everything you need to know about Reform and their blinkered view of the diverse multilingual, multicultural country Britain really is.”
Hepburn warns of devolution impact
In his letter, Hepburn expressed concern that the Reform amendment, along with a Conservative amendment prohibiting election materials in “a native language of any foreign country outside the British Islands,” could affect devolved matters. He wrote: “Aspects of these amendments appear to have the potential to impact upon matters devolved to the Scottish Parliament. I am concerned that NC107 in particular takes no account of Gaelic, Scots or British Sign Language. As you will know, Scottish Gaelic, Scots and BSL are all legally recognised languages in Scotland, and the ethos of our respect for these languages run contrary to these amendments which show an entire lack of understanding of Scotland.”
Hepburn also stressed that the amendments undermine democratic participation: “I also consider that these amendments do not meet the principle of encouraging full participation in the democratic process. I am therefore keen to obtain your reassurance that they will be strongly opposed by the UK Government.”
Scottish Greens and Labour join condemnation
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay, who has hearing loss, claimed the proposals would amount to “putting people in prison simply for publishing a political campaign video in sign language.” The amendment has been backed by Reform MPs Lee Anderson, Sarah Pochin, Danny Kruger, Robert Jenrick, Andrew Rosindell, and Suella Braverman. It has not yet been voted on. The UK Government and Reform UK have been approached for comment.
