SNP leader John Swinney rules out Holyrood talks with Reform UK

SNP leader John Swinney rules out Holyrood – John Swinney, the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has confirmed that his party will not engage in discussions with Reform UK, even as it seeks to form a government in the Scottish Parliament. The SNP’s victory in the fifth consecutive Holyrood election was significant, yet it fell short of securing a majority, requiring alliances with other parties to advance key legislation. Despite this, Swinney maintained that the SNP remains the dominant force in Scotland’s political landscape and will lead the next administration.

Reform UK’s Role and Criticism

While the SNP clinched the election, Reform UK and Labour shared second place with 17 seats each, followed by the Greens (15), Conservatives (12), and Liberal Democrats (10). Reform UK’s Scottish leader, Malcolm Offord, accused Swinney of adopting an “arrogant, petty, and deeply undemocratic” stance. Swinney, however, defended his position, stating that the SNP is “by a country mile” the leading party and will proceed without needing input from Reform UK. He emphasized that talks with other parties would begin next week, but Reform would be excluded from the process.

“It is vital that we unite in Scotland to ensure our parliament is fully Farage-proofed,” Swinney said during a news conference in Edinburgh. “That means having the power before 2029 to decide our own constitutional future without Farage being able to block us.”

Swinney highlighted previous collaboration with the Greens and Liberal Democrats on budget negotiations, calling those efforts “constructive.” He also noted that the SNP has worked with the Conservatives and Labour on various issues, but the party’s focus now is on securing independence. The SNP leader argued that the election results in England, where Reform UK gained over 1,400 councillors, and Wales, where it is the second-largest party in the Senedd, underscore the need for a Scotland-wide independence movement.

Political Strategy and Constitutional Ambitions

Swinney warned that Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, is “galloping” toward Downing Street, a scenario he deemed “catastrophic.” He stressed that the SNP must consolidate support to prevent the UK government from undermining Scotland’s autonomy. The party’s ambition of holding a second independence referendum by 2028 was reiterated, with Swinney noting that the mandate for such a vote has been consistent for four elections in a row. However, he criticized Labour and Conservative leaders for ignoring this support, allowing the political momentum to stall.

Despite winning the election, the SNP’s constituency vote share dropped by nearly 10% compared to the 2021 Holyrood poll. The regional vote share also fell by over 13%, leaving the combined pro-independence vote between the SNP and Greens at just over 40% across both constituencies and regions. Swinney argued that this decline does not diminish the SNP’s mandate but rather highlights the urgency of Scotland’s independence aspirations.

“The SNP can lock the doors of St Andrew’s House if they like but they cannot shut down the growing demand for real change in Scotland,” Offord said, dismissing independence as a “dead duck.”

Offord criticized Swinney for “exactly the kind of out-of-touch establishment politics people are sick of,” accusing him of prioritizing a referendum over addressing immediate concerns. The SNP leader, however, defended his approach, stating that the “country mile” lead in the polls justifies the party’s focus on independence. He pointed to the success of past negotiations with the Greens and Lib Dems as evidence of the SNP’s ability to build coalitions without compromising its core objectives.

Reactions from Other Political Leaders

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay called Swinney’s strategy “shameless” and accused him of shifting the goalposts for independence. “He is brazenly peddling a massive lie by claiming that he has the support and the mandate for another divisive referendum,” Findlay said. Despite his party’s worst-ever performance in a Holyrood election, Findlay insisted the Conservatives remain the only “strong, credible voice of opposition” in the Scottish Parliament.

Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer echoed Swinney’s sentiment, stating that Reform UK’s exclusion from cross-party talks was justified. “There is no need for Reform to be part of cross-party discussions in the new parliament,” Greer said. He added that his party would continue working with the SNP to address pressing issues like the cost of living, which he described as a top priority for the new legislative term.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton, meanwhile, claimed that his party’s performance in the election deprived the SNP of a majority. “The question of another independence referendum should be put in the deep freeze for at least the next five years,” he said. Cole-Hamilton argued that the parliament of minorities must now focus on finding consensus rather than pursuing divisive policies.

Interestingly, Scottish Labour did not hold a media event on Saturday, unlike other parties. This absence was noted as a strategic choice, possibly reflecting internal debates about their role in the new parliament. Labour’s position remains pivotal, as the party could either support or challenge the SNP’s bid for power, depending on the evolving political landscape.

Constitutional and Electoral Implications

Swinney’s decision to exclude Reform UK from talks has sparked discussions about the future of Scottish governance. The SNP’s plan to hold a referendum in 2028 hinges on the ability to secure a constitutional majority, a challenge that remains unmet. Swinney emphasized that the current alliance of pro-independence voices is stronger than ever, with the SNP and Greens holding the majority of seats supporting independence. He argued that this coalition should enable the party to push forward with its agenda, even in the face of opposition.

While the SNP’s victory in the election is a clear mandate, the drop in vote share raises questions about its long-term support. Swinney acknowledged this shift but framed it as a natural consequence of the political climate, rather than a sign of weakness. The SNP’s ability to maintain its position despite these challenges underscores its resilience in Scottish politics.

The ongoing debate over independence has reached a critical juncture, with Swinney’s leadership under scrutiny. His emphasis on uniting Scotland against external influences, particularly from Reform UK, aligns with the SNP’s broader vision of self-determination. As the new parliament begins its term, the dynamics between parties will shape the path forward, with the SNP aiming to solidify its grip on power and advance its constitutional ambitions.