John Swinney, the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has announced his intention to collaborate with the nationalist first ministers of Wales and Northern Ireland to present a united front against Labour's policies on the cost of living and UK government spending. Speaking in Edinburgh on Saturday, just days before he is officially sworn in as Scotland's first minister, Swinney revealed that he had spoken with Michelle O'Neill, the Sinn Féin first minister of Northern Ireland, who called to congratulate him on the SNP's "emphatic" victory in the Holyrood elections.
Coordinated Opposition to UK Government
Swinney expressed his expectation that Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, would become first minister of Wales after his party won the Senedd elections for the first time on Thursday. "I look forward to making sure our respective countries' voices are heard loud and clear in the UK," Swinney stated. He noted O'Neill's enthusiasm for the three nationalist-led governments working in concert, despite her having to share power with the Democratic Unionist Party in Stormont, which limits her authority.
Reform UK's Rise and Political Dynamics
This alliance is forming against a backdrop of increased political conflict in Holyrood and the Senedd, particularly with the rise of Reform UK. The party now holds second place in both parliaments, shocking other leaders by tying with Scottish Labour at 17 seats each in Holyrood. This gives Reform's Scottish leader, Malcolm Offord, the right to ask the opening questions at First Minister's Questions and potentially secure committee convenership posts. Swinney also highlighted plans to challenge the UK government's use of the Internal Markets Act, a post-Brexit measure that harmonizes internal trade and business regulations, which he claims imposes policies "over the heads" of devolved administrations. "Believe you me, that causes fury in all devolved governments, and perhaps us all working in concert with a shared agenda might get us somewhere on that," he said.
Shared Agenda on Benefits and EU Rejoin
Swinney also referenced previous campaigns by Scottish and Welsh Labour governments to lift the two-child benefit cap, stating that all three parties are clear about the merits of rejoining the EU to address the UK's economic decline. "The UK is in a fundamentally different position and the bit that's got to catch up with this is Whitehall, and the sooner they do the better," he added.
Plaid Cymru's Victory and New Beginning
In a victory speech at the Senedd on Saturday, ap Iorwerth echoed Swinney's points before being drowned out by the crowd singing the Welsh national anthem. He hailed a "new beginning" for Wales, asserting that no UK government can ignore Wales' needs when they speak with a determined national voice. The Guardian understands from Plaid Cymru sources that the SNP and Sinn Féin have already helped the party prepare for government in Cardiff.
UK Government's Reaction
UK government sources have indicated they are unperturbed by the prospect of collaboration among the three parties. One source noted that having different parties in different administrations "is in the very nature of democracy" and has been normal since devolution began.
Independence Referendum and Reform UK Criticism
Swinney confirmed he would table a draft bill next week calling for Holyrood to be given powers to stage a second independence referendum. However, the document has no legal force under the Scotland Act 1998, which prevents Holyrood from legislating on constitutional change. When asked about his mandate, given that the SNP failed to achieve an overall majority—which Swinney had previously stated as a precondition—he argued that the addition of 15 Scottish Green Party MSPs gives Holyrood its largest ever pro-independence majority. Nevertheless, he stopped short of claiming a cast-iron mandate.
Swinney also confirmed he would refuse to collaborate with Reform UK beyond basic legal requirements. Offord called this "arrogant, petty and deeply undemocratic," contradicting Swinney's claims of favoring democracy and inclusion. Speaking in Glasgow, Offord claimed his party would bring "a different level of scrutiny" to Holyrood, especially if the SNP forms an alliance with "extremist Greens." When asked to define extremist policies, Offord cited "legalising drugs, abolishing prisons, or having open borders." However, the Scottish Greens actually advocate for decriminalizing illegal drug use, do not have a policy to abolish prisons but favor reducing incarceration and focusing on community rehabilitation, and aim to end the hostile environment strategy rather than support open borders.
