John Swinney has claimed Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is a “direct threat” to the Scottish Parliament, and could abolish Holyrood if he becomes Prime Minister.
Speaking in Glasgow on Monday, the First Minister said a potential Reform UK Government could put Holyrood’s future at risk.
“I think there’s a very real risk that Nigel Farage – as a long-term opponent of devolution, who holds devolution in contempt – is a direct threat to the Scottish Parliament,” Swinney said.
“And I think there’s every likelihood that if Farage becomes Prime Minister of the UK, then the Scottish Parliament is at risk of being abolished by a Reform government.”
The First Minister also said he was “deeply concerned” by US President Donald Trump’s threats to ramp up tariffs against allies until a deal is reached for the US to buy Greenland.
Speaking out about the international row over Greenland, the First Minister said the issues being raised by Trump and the approach that is being proposed are “deeply destabilising to the NATO alliance”.
“I’m deeply concerned by what’s been set out over the weekend by President Trump. I think it’s completely unwarranted and the wrong thing to do,” Swinney said.
Over the weekend, the US President said he would charge the UK a 10% tariff “on any and all goods” sent to the US from February 1, increasing to 25% from June 1, until a deal is reached for Washington to purchase Greenland from Denmark.
Trump said the same would apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland.
Swinney added: “The suggestion of an increase in tariffs because the President doesn’t get his way on the situation in Greenland is completely and utterly unacceptable.”
The UK Prime Minister held a series of calls on Sunday afternoon, speaking with Trump as well as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Nato chief Mark Rutte.
On Monday morning, Keir Starmer said the dispute with Trump over Greenland must be resolved through “calm discussion between allies”.
He stated: “Any decision about the future status of Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and Denmark alone. That right is fundamental, and we support it.”
As the First Minister of a devolved nation, Swinney cannot conclude trade deals, but he said the proposed tariffs “can stand only to be deeply damaging to the economy”.
Swinney said: “Obviously, the US is a long-term trading partner, security partner and diplomatic partner with the UK and NATO and with Western Europe.
“So, it’s important that every effort is taken to try and find a way through dialogue to ensure we can maintain those relationships and avoid the imposition of what will be incredibly damaging economic tariffs on businesses and organisations within this country.”
Swinney was speaking from Glasgow on Monday morning as the Scottish Government launched a new entrepreneurial programme to support young people who want to start their own businesses.
The First Minister’s Start Up Challenge, in partnership with The King’s Trust and social enterprise Dechomai, will empower young people aged 18-30 from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds
Around 20 participants will be selected for a six-month accelerated entrepreneurial apprenticeship, and they will receive a £500 “Test Your Business” grant.
Entrepreneurs who are ready to launch are eligible to apply for a £5,000 start-up grant. At the end of the programme, one winner will be awarded £30,000 to dedicate a full year to developing their business.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
