New Scottish Leader Plans Alliance with Welsh, Northern Irish Counterparts

John Swinney, the new leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), plans to collaborate with the first ministers of Wales and Northern Ireland. The goal is to create a unified opposition to the UK government's policies. This includes their approach to the cost of living crisis and government spending.

Swinney spoke with Michelle O’Neill, the First Minister of Northern Ireland, on Friday. O’Neill, whose party is Sinn Féin, called to congratulate Swinney. She celebrated his party's significant win in the recent Scottish Parliament elections. Swinney is set to be sworn in as Scotland's First Minister next week.

He also anticipates Rhun ap Iorwerth becoming First Minister of Wales. Ap Iorwerth leads Plaid Cymru, which won the Welsh Parliament elections for the first time on Thursday. Swinney stated he looks forward to ensuring the voices of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are clearly heard within the UK.

O’Neill expressed enthusiasm for the three nationalist-led governments working together. Swinney noted that O’Neill must share power with the Democratic Unionist Party in Northern Ireland, which limits her authority. This planned alliance emerges amid rising political tensions in the Scottish and Welsh parliaments.

The Reform UK party has become a significant force, now holding second place in both legislatures. This development, along with Swinney's push for another Scottish independence referendum, shapes the political landscape. Reform UK's Scottish leader, Malcolm Offord, will have the right to ask the first questions in Scotland's parliamentary sessions.

Swinney indicated that the three leaders might challenge the UK government's use of the Internal Markets Act. This law aims to standardize trade and business rules across the UK after Brexit. Swinney believes the UK government uses this act to impose policies without consulting the devolved governments. He stated this practice causes anger in all devolved administrations.

He also mentioned past efforts by Scottish and Welsh governments to remove the benefit cap for two children. Swinney added that all three parties agree on the importance of rejoining the EU. They believe this could help address the UK's economic decline. Swinney feels that the UK government in London needs to catch up with the changing situation.

In Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth echoed Swinney's sentiments in his victory speech. He described the election win as a "new beginning" for Wales. Ap Iorwerth stated that a determined national voice from Wales cannot be ignored by any UK government.

Sources within Plaid Cymru suggest that the SNP and Sinn Féin have already assisted the party in preparing for government in Cardiff. However, UK government sources have indicated they are not concerned about the prospect of these parties collaborating. They noted that differing parties in different administrations are a normal part of democracy since devolution began.

Swinney confirmed he will introduce a draft bill next week seeking powers for Holyrood to hold a second independence referendum. This bill will not have legal effect, as current law prevents the Scottish Parliament from legislating on constitutional matters. Swinney pointed to the increased number of pro-independence members in the Scottish Parliament.

He stated that the addition of 15 Scottish Green Party members creates the largest pro-independence majority ever in Holyrood. Despite this, Swinney did not claim it provided an absolute mandate for a referendum. He also confirmed he will limit cooperation with Reform UK to essential legal requirements.

Malcolm Offord of Reform UK called Swinney's stance "arrogant, petty and deeply undemocratic." He argued it contradicts Swinney's claims of supporting democracy and inclusion. Offord suggested his party would bring a "different level of scrutiny" to Holyrood, especially if the SNP allies with the Greens.

Offord described some Scottish Green policies as "extremist." He cited examples like legalizing drugs, abolishing prisons, or having open borders. However, the Scottish Greens' actual policies include decriminalizing drug use and reducing prison populations, not abolishing prisons. They also advocate for ending a "hostile environment" for immigrants, not open borders.