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John Swinney defends immigration as Scotland faces rise of Reform

Release Date
2025-12-06
Media
The Guardian
Summary
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney delivered a strong defence of immigration and diversity amid rising support for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK ahead of next May’s Holyrood elections. Public sentiment in Scotland has shifted, with Reform winning 26% in a recent by-election and anti-asylum protests emerging across several towns, challenging Scotland’s self-image as an open, welcoming nation.

Swinney said he was deeply concerned but remained proud of Scotland’s growing diversity, insisting that far-right hostility represents only a small minority—often bolstered by outside activists. He distinguished extremists from residents with legitimate worries about local services, acknowledging that immigration has become a voter priority for the first time in Scotland.

The First Minister emphasised that Scotland faces a shrinking working-age population and therefore needs migration to support its economy. He urged rational debate, noting that many frustrations about living standards stem from long-term UK government austerity, not migrants. He highlighted the Scottish government’s efforts to invest in public services by raising taxes on higher earners.

Swinney rejected complacency, despite Scotland avoiding the far-right riots seen in England in 2024. He pointed to numerous integration programmes and argued that Scotland has long held more pro-immigration attitudes, shown by its Remain vote in the Brexit referendum.

Looking ahead to the 2025 Holyrood elections, he predicted Reform UK would win seats but vowed never to work with them. Polls show the SNP regaining its lead after a poor general election performance, with Labour slipping. Swinney said he aims for an outright SNP majority and noted that nationalist-led governments in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland could collectively pose major challenges for the UK government.
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United Kingdom

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