John Swinney has called for a summit of mainstream political and civic leaders to push back against the rise of Reform UK and other right-wing forces. But can he truly unite his political rivals in this effort, or will divisions persist?
A Call for Consensus Amid Political Shifts
Scotland’s first minister wants to rally opponents of Reform UK and its leader, Nigel Farage, to counter their growing influence. He argues that frustration with traditional politics must be tackled directly, urging parties to work together rather than allow discontent to fester.
This isn’t just about party politics. Swinney is proposing cooperation across the political spectrum, banking on a shared interest in resisting the far right.
Strategic Timing and Political Risks
The timing of Swinney’s proposal raises questions. With the next Holyrood election just a year away, some see this as a political move to strengthen the SNP’s image as the unifying force against Reform UK.
- Opposition parties worry that aligning with Swinney could blur their distinctions ahead of 2026.
- Some within Holyrood question whether this is just another SNP roundtable discussion that lacks real substance.
- Others see the risk of giving Farage and Reform UK greater prominence by engaging in direct confrontation.
Tensions Over Immigration and Economic Policy
Reform UK, which gained its first Westminster MPs in 2024, has positioned itself as the party of strict immigration control and economic nationalism. Swinney, meanwhile, has accused Farage of being an apologist for Vladimir Putin.
Opposition parties have their own critiques of Swinney’s leadership, pointing to what they call years of SNP underperformance on key domestic issues. Reform UK, for its part, insists its stance on immigration is about control, not discrimination.
Holyrood’s Relationship With Westminster and Washington
While Swinney has been vocal about Reform UK, he has been more cautious in his criticism of Donald Trump. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to visit Washington for talks, and Swinney has chosen to focus his criticism on UK-based right-wing figures rather than the U.S. president.
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance recently targeted Scotland’s abortion buffer zone law, falsely claiming it criminalizes private prayer in homes. This highlights the broader ideological battles that Scotland finds itself in the middle of, both domestically and internationally.
Swinney’s ability to bring political rivals together against Reform UK remains uncertain. But one thing is clear—Scotland’s political landscape is shifting, and the next year will be pivotal in shaping the country’s direction.
