John Swinney Says He Will Block Reform From Scottish Government

Scottish First Minister John Swinney pledged to lock Nigel Farage and Reform out of any role in governing Scotland after his Scottish National Party won the most seats in the Scottish Parliament but fell short of a majority. The SNP secured 58 seats while Labour and Reform each took 17, leaving no single party with control of Holyrood.

Speaking in Edinburgh, Swinney said he would engage other opposition parties in talks to form a stable government that excludes Reform. Swinney described Reform's entry into the Scottish Parliament as a cause for concern among many Scots. He said the party holds hostility toward minority groups and that he remains committed to building a Scotland where everyone feels seen and able to contribute.

"I will build a Scotland where everyone feels seen, where everyone feels at home and where everyone is able to contribute to Scotland’s story," Swinney said. " Swinney linked Reform's gains to the case for Scottish independence. He warned that Nigel Farage is galloping towards Downing Street and that a Reform-led UK government is more likely than not.

"The UK may well soon have a Prime Minister who is openly hostile to minority groups, who has called for the privatisation of the NHS and the abolition of the Scottish Parliament," Swinney said. "It is vital that we unite in Scotland to ensure our parliament is fully Farage-proofed.

He said the results across the UK made clear why the need for independence is so urgent and that the way forward must be decided in Scotland. Swinney stopped short of setting a firm date for a new referendum but indicated the SNP would pursue the legal ability to hold one before the end of the current UK parliamentary term.