Sturgeon Says Farage Would Abolish Scottish, Welsh Parliaments
Nicola Sturgeon has sparked controversy with a warning that Nigel Farage, if given the opportunity, would seek to abolish both the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Senedd. Her remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Reform UK, who deny any intention to dismantle devolved governments and instead says their opposition is to “nasty nationalism.”
Sturgeon’s concerns were echoed by her successor, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, who said Reform’s presence in devolved legislatures could directly threaten their existence. Speaking to the Daily Record, Swinney warned: “What it would do is 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 whether he believed Reform MSPs would try to abolish Holyrood, Swinney didn’t hesitate. “I think that’s exactly what would happen and they would use it to undermine the credibility of the Scottish Parliament,” he said.
Sturgeon made similar remarks during a recent event in Wales hosted by Yes Cymru. Highlighting the vulnerability of devolved institutions, 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 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 has not formally called for the abolition of devolved parliaments. However, former Reform MP Rupert Lowe has previously stated that the UK should operate as a single unit, with fewer powers given to regional bodies.
Reform councillor Thomas Kerr dismissed the claims, saying: “John Swinney’s getting increasingly unhinged as each day goes on – but given our canvass data, we aren’t surprised.
“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.”
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