Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has issued a stark warning about the growing influence of the far right in Scottish politics, calling for unity across party lines to resist what he describes as a politics of fear and division. Speaking at a press conference at Bute House, Swinney emphasized the need for a broad coalition of political, civic, and social leaders to take a stand against rising extremism.
His remarks come in response to recent developments, including the defection of Thomas Kerr, leader of the Scottish Conservative group on Glasgow City Council, to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. Reform has seen a notable increase in support in Scotland, with some polls suggesting the party is gaining traction ahead of the next elections.
Swinney’s Call for a United Front
Swinney, who has been First Minister since May 2024, stressed that Scotland’s values of inclusion, fairness, and democracy must not be compromised by what he views as a dangerous rise in extremist rhetoric. He urged politicians across the spectrum to set aside their differences and work together to prevent the far right from gaining a stronger foothold.
READ MORE: What Do Young People Want to See in Politics? Over 20,000 Pieces of Their Writing Hold Some Answers
“I want us to work together to agree on a common approach to asserting the values of our country, to bringing people together, and creating a cohesive society where everyone feels at home,” Swinney stated. “The threat from the far right is real, and that leaves me all the more convinced that working together is not only the right choice but the only choice.”
To address this challenge, Swinney has announced a summit in late April, where he will bring together leaders from political parties, trade unions, churches, and charities. The goal is to develop a collective response to the rise of far-right sentiment and ensure that Scotland remains a place of tolerance and unity.
Direct Attack on Farage and Reform UK
Swinney took direct aim at Nigel Farage, accusing him of being an “apologist for Russia” and of spreading anti-immigration rhetoric rooted in racism. He pointed to Farage’s past remarks about Ukraine and Vladimir Putin, claiming that Reform UK’s positions align with Russia’s interests rather than those of the UK and its allies.
“There is a very alive and active threat to our security from the aggression of Russia, and I think Farage is an accomplice to the Russian agenda,” Swinney said. “Farage has spent years leading arguments that are hostile to migration, and I believe that is based on a fundamentally racist view of the world—I reject that.”
Reform UK, which is positioning itself as a right-wing alternative to the SNP, Labour, and Conservatives, denied the allegations and accused Swinney of attempting to distract from the SNP’s failures in government.
A Reform Scotland spokesperson responded: “Scottish people are turning to Reform because we represent real change from the failed status quo. Wanting sensible, controlled immigration isn’t racist—it’s common sense. John Swinney’s inflammatory comments should be seen for what they are—nonsense.”
Scottish Conservatives Distance Themselves
The Scottish Conservative Party also pushed back against Swinney’s call for unity, accusing the SNP of being responsible for division and political stagnation. A Conservative spokesperson dismissed Swinney’s statements, saying:
“The SNP have sown division in Scotland for decades, so it’s galling to hear John Swinney preach about unity. People are disillusioned with the state of politics because of the SNP, which has focused on fringe issues like gender reform instead of real concerns such as job creation, education, healthcare, and public services.”
Despite the Tories’ criticism, Swinney remained firm in his stance, insisting that tackling far-right ideology should not be a partisan issue, but rather a shared national priority.
Trade Unions and Civil Society Back Swinney
While Reform UK and the Scottish Conservatives have pushed back against Swinney’s call to action, he has found support among trade unions and civic leaders.
Roz Foyer, General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), described the rise of the far right as a “real and present danger” that must be confronted head-on.
“For generations, trade unions have fought against fascism, racism, and discrimination, both in and out of the workplace,” Foyer said. “We must bring people together and show them that fear-mongering, scapegoating, and division are not the answer. We have united before to defeat fascism, and we will do it again.”
Other civil society groups, including anti-racism organizations, faith groups, and community leaders, have also expressed support for Swinney’s efforts to counter extremism. Many believe that tackling economic inequality and social injustice will be key to preventing far-right ideologies from gaining further traction.
What’s Next?
With the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections approaching, the debate over far-right politics, immigration, and national security is likely to intensify. Swinney’s call for unity may resonate with some voters, while others may view it as a political maneuver to counteract growing discontent with the SNP’s leadership.
The April summit will be a critical moment for Scottish politics, providing an opportunity for leaders across different sectors to determine whether genuine collaboration against extremism is possible—or whether Scotland will continue down a path of deepening political division.
For now, Swinney’s message is clear: Scotland must stand united against the far-right threat—or risk seeing its values and democratic institutions eroded.
