JOHN Swinney today accused Nigel Farage of being an accomplice of Russia as he warned voters of the “storm clouds” of far-right politics.
The First Minister slammed the leader of Reform UK and claimed Mr Farage was an “apologist” of war-mongering dictator Vladimir Putin – a claim rejected by the party.
John Swinney today accused Nigel Farage of being an accomplice of Russia[/caption]
Nigel Farage was branded an ‘accomplice and apologist’ of war-mongering Putin[/caption]
But the Nats chief lashed out at Reform and called on “mainstream Scotland” to “draw a line in the sand” against a “politics of fear”.
But he was blasted for using Mr Farage and Reform as a deflection from his “awful” record in government.
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A spokesman for Reform Scotland said: “Scottish people are turning to Reform because we represent real change from the status quo in Holyrood that has failed Scotland for far too long.
“Wanting sensible, controlled immigration isn’t racist, it’s common sense. John Swinney’s inflammatory comments should be seen for what they are – nonsense.”
Recent polling suggests Reform UK could win more than 10 MSPs at next year’s Holyrood election – potentially making them kingmakers in any vote to appoint the First Minister or key budget votes
And reports suggested Mr Farage could visit Scotland for the first time in years in May this year as the party begins its 2026 election campaign.
Asked what he would say to Scots considering voting for Reform, Mr Swinney said: “There is a very live and active threat to our security from the aggression of Russia.
“I think Farage is an accomplice to the Russian agenda, an apologist for the Russian agenda.”
He added: “To anybody who in this country who thinks that Farage represents a means to protecting this country from the external threats that we face, I would say have a good close look at what Farage has been connected with and what his MPs are saying about the Russian threat and their trivialisation of the Russian threat.
“We face a very real threat, if we don’t get it right by protecting Ukraine, by protecting territorial integrity and the independence and freedom of Ukraine then I think we will rue the day.”
Mr Swinney also labelled Mr Farage’s worldview “racist” due to his stance calling for less immigration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin grimaces during a meeting at the Kremlin[/caption]
He said: “It is crystal clear, Farage has been for years leading the argument which has been hostile to migration and I think that is based on a fundamentally racist view of the world.”
And the SNP leader went on to urge parties to work together to tackle the “threat” from the “far-right”.
He said: “Storm clouds are gathering. We can all see them. The threat from the far right is real, but that leaves me all the more convinced that working together is not only the right choice but the only choice.”
SCOTS SHOULD UNITE
By Conor Matchett, Political Editor
SCOTLAND should unite together to “lock out” Reform UK of Scottish politics, the First Minister said yesterday.
John Swinney called on “civic” and “mainstream Scotland” to unite to tackle the upstart party led by Nigel Farage who could win more than 10 MSPs at next year’s Holyrood election.
The Nats chief announced a cross-party summit to take place at the end of April, Mr Swinney called on political rivals to unite to “marginalise that far-right sentiment”.
“I’ll provide the hosting environment, the courtesy and respectful debate to bring people together to say we are going to do things in a way that makes sure our country is protected from the bigotry that Farage represents.”
He said: “You asked me specifically about the locking out of Farage. What I’ve set out today is the appeal I make to wider Scotland to come together with me.
The SNP leader’s closest rival, Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar, has faced criticism for failing to rule out working with Reform UK after the election.
Mr Sarwar has ruled out any coalitions but has left open the possibility of using Reform UK MSP votes to see him enter Bute House.
And he has said he is willing to listen to any good ideas from any party within Holyrood.
But Scottish Labour’s deputy leader Jackie Baillie said “It’s essential that we stand together against the intolerance and hatred of the far right.”
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay has also been accused of mimicking Reform in a bid to shore up his party’s plummeting support.
A spokesman for the Scottish Tories said the party would not take part in the summit if it was just a “talking shop”.
They added: “The SNP have sown division in Scotland for decades so it’s galling to hear John Swinney preach about unity.”
The comments come on the eve of the Prime Minister’s visit to Washington to meet US President Donald Trump.
Sir Keir Starmer announced a massive increase in spending as the UK Government responds to negotiations about the end of the three-year Ukraine war between the USA and Russia.
