John Swinney has called for the Scottish Parliament to be “fully Farage-proofed” by 2029, as he warned of the threat posed by Nigel Farage and Reform UK. Speaking a day after being re-elected as First Minister, Swinney said Scotland must have the power to decide its own constitutional future before the next general election.
The SNP leader noted that Reform UK won its first seats in the Scottish Parliament, tying for second place with Labour. He described a potential Farage-led UK government as “absolutely disastrous” and “catastrophic”, citing Farage’s hostility to minority groups, calls for NHS privatisation, and desire to abolish Holyrood.
Swinney also highlighted the growing “significance” of the Celtic fringe, with pro-constitutional change first ministers in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. He warned Westminster that this region is “about to become centre stage”.
The SNP secured 58 seats in the Holyrood election, its fifth consecutive victory, but fell short of an overall majority. Combined with a record 15 Scottish Green MSPs, Swinney said there are now more pro-independence MSPs than ever. He insisted the way forward on a referendum “must be made in Scotland”.
Swinney confirmed he will invite other party leaders for talks next week but will exclude Reform UK, calling it a matter of “setting out the boundaries of my co-operation”. Reform UK’s Scottish leader, Lord Malcolm Offord, branded the move “arrogant, petty and deeply undemocratic”, accusing Swinney of trying to silence growing support for his party.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie dismissed Swinney’s focus on independence, stating the election was not about that issue and that the SNP lacks a mandate for it.
