Nicola Sturgeon has been slammed after insisting that Nigel Farage would look to abolish both the Welsh and Scottish Parliaments if he had his way. Reform UK have hit back at the claims, saying that they oppose “nasty nationalism” and not devolution.
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and his predecessor Ms Sturgeon have both claimed that success for Reform in Scotland or Wales could see both countries’ parliaments abolished.
Mr Swinney told the Daily Record: “What it would do is that it would bring right into the heart of the parliament opponents of devolution. We would have active opponents of devolution who want to dismantle it. It’s crystal clear from the Farage rhetoric that they despise devolution.”
When asked specifically if he thought that Reform MSPs would seek to abolish Holyrood, he added: “I think that’s exactly what would happen and I think they would use it to undermine the credibility of the Scottish Parliament.”
His comments echo those of former leader Ms Sturgeon who believes that the party poses a risk to the future of Scottish devolution.
Speaking at an event in Wales for Yes Cymru last week, she said: “Do you know what – now, would I sit here and say 100% that the existence of the Scottish Parliament will not come under threat?
“The Tories, I think, are very hostile now to devolution. And that’s before you factor in the possibility – and I’m not going to put it any stronger than that, although I think it potentially is stronger than that – that Nigel Farage will be in Number 10 after the next general election.
“Does anybody really believe that Farage wouldn’t come after the Scottish Parliament or the Senedd here? Because these are creatures of Westminster statutes: they can be abolished.”
Reform UK have not publicly indicated opposition to devolution, but former MP Rupert Lowe has said on record that he believes that the United Kingdom should be ruled as one, with less power given to regional assemblies.
Reform councillor Thomas Kerr said: “John Swinney’s getting more and more unhinged as each day goes on – but given our canvass data, we aren’t surprised.
“He and SNP MSPs have broken Scotland after 18 years of abject failure.
“It’s not devolution that Reform opposes, it’s nasty nationalism and incompetent politicians – that’s what Reform MSPs will bring to Holyrood, a real dose of straight-talking common sense.”
