Labour leader criticises First Minister’s summit on far-right

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has accused First Minister John Swinney of “talking up” Reform UK ahead of a summit to discuss the politics of the far-right.

The SNP leader has invited other political parties, faith leaders and community groups to a meeting in Glasgow on Wednesday to talk about far-right parties, in which he includes Nigel Farage’s party.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has already said he will not attend the event, describing it as a “talking shop” and suggesting the First Minister should hold a summit on organised crime instead.

Now, Mr Sarwar has accused Mr Swinney of drawing attention to Reform UK instead of focusing on issues that matter to voters such as education and the NHS.

Meanwhile, outgoing Scottish Green leader Patrick Harvie has warned ministers must not legitimise the policies of the far-right ahead of the next Holyrood election.

Mr Sarwar said: “Those that helped fan the flames of divisive politics – a failing SNP government – cannot pretend to be the ones to lead the fight against it.

“After nearly two decades, the SNP’s failures and deflection has left many Scots politically disenfranchised and believing that politics does not work for them.

“The uncomfortable truth is that the failure of the SNP to provide the public services people rely on and live up to the hopes people put in them has acted as a recruiting sergeant for the rise of divisive politics.

“Scots don’t need the politics of Nigel Farage – a man who wants to privatise the NHS and make working families pay for their medical treatment.

“John Swinney is talking Reform UK up because it’s a helpful political tool for his party, rather than taking on the issues that are pushing people towards them.

“I will engage with all concerned to tackle the rise of divisive politics, but what we can’t allow to happen is for this summit to look like the Scottish establishment talking to itself.

“The truth is that our country does need a new direction – but we only will get that if we remove the SNP from office and elect a Scottish Government that really delivers for Scots.”

Mr Harvie said: “You can’t beat the far right by acting like them; legitimising their toxic rhetoric simply makes them louder and draws more media attention.

“Mimicking the hateful and authoritarian policies of the far-right is not just a politically bad strategy, it’s morally wrong.

“People across Scotland need real change to improve their lives in the face of a broken economic system that is entrenching inequality.

“We need real investment in public services, action to lower daily costs like energy, rent, and bus and train fares.

“Most urgently we need to make sure that action to tackle the climate emergency works for people and communities, not for the super-rich who have raked in the profits while causing the greatest threat our society has ever faced.”

Mr Swinney said ahead of Wednesday’s summit: “As First Minister, I want to bring people together to help shape our response to these threats, and make sure we work together to protect and strengthen the democratic values that underpin who we are as Scots.

“Bringing together political, faith and community leaders will enable a discussion about key issues such as tackling misinformation, strengthening trust in politics, combating electoral interference, and ensuring Scotland’s democracy delivers equality.

“It will provide the initial foundation that will ensure Scotland has united leadership on values and principles that can help guide us in this age of uncertainty.”