John Swinney has warned that Reform UK represents an 'acute threat' to Scottish self-government, arguing that nationalist victories across the UK in May could 'irrevocably change' constitutional dynamics. The SNP leader made the comments as recent polling puts Reform neck and neck with Scottish Labour for second place in the Holyrood elections, behind the SNP.
Swinney said the rise of Reform, led in Scotland by former Conservative peer Malcolm Offord, could bring in 'a sizeable number' of MSPs who want to abolish the Scottish parliament. He added that after the next UK general election, a Reform government 'could well attempt to abolish the Scottish parliament'.
Although Reform's Scotland manifesto does not propose abolishing Holyrood, the Scottish Election Study found that abolishing the parliament was the most popular constitutional change among Reform supporters. Swinney said this would shift the constitutional debate, with Reform representing an 'acute threat' to self-government.
The First Minister also highlighted the possibility of centre-left nationalist parties governing simultaneously in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland after May. He said this would force the UK government to recognise the consequences of devolution, and confirmed discussions are already under way with Plaid Cymru and Sinn Féin.
When asked if the three nationalist governments could work together on separation from the UK, Swinney said each part of the UK has its own right to decide, but he would collaborate on common agendas. He dismissed criticism of aligning with Sinn Féin, pointing to the Good Friday Agreement as a reason to move on.
