First Minister John Swinney has faced criticism for participating in a summit with Sinn Fein and Welsh separatists, an event that opponents have labeled a "shameless stunt" to divert attention from the Scottish National Party's (SNP) perceived failures. The meeting in Cardiff, aimed at promoting the breakup of the United Kingdom, has drawn accusations of disrespect towards the majority of Scots who oppose independence.
Swinney, alongside Sinn Fein's vice president Michelle O’Neill, president Mary Lou McDonald, and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, signed a memorandum of understanding at the summit. During the event, the leaders collectively stated that "Westminster’s time is coming to an end." Swinney also asserted that another independence referendum for Scotland would occur within the next five years, despite not securing an SNP majority in the recent Holyrood elections, which he had previously argued would serve as a mandate.
Critics, including Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay, condemned the "constitutional stunts." Findlay stated that many Scots would be "appalled by the SNP’s continued disrespect towards the majority of Scots who reject separation and want the devolved government in Edinburgh to get on with its job." He also noted that the association with Sinn Fein might anger Scots who remember "the trauma of the Troubles."
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: ‘Many people across Scotland will recoil at the sight of John Swinney joining forces with Sinn Fein in their shared desire to destroy the United Kingdom. They will also be appalled by the SNP’s continued disrespect towards the majority of Scots who reject separation and want the devolved government in Edinburgh to get on with its job.’
In the May Holyrood elections, pro-Union parties collectively received a majority of votes. On the constituency ballot, 40.5 percent voted for pro-independence parties (SNP or Greens), and 41.2 percent on the regional list.
Shadow Scottish Secretary Harriet Cross described the summit as a "blatant distraction from the real issues facing Scotland, like education and the economy." She criticized nationalist leaders for using comments made by Andy Burnham in the House of Commons as "fresh ammunition to plot the break-up of the United Kingdom." Cross added, "John Swinney happily sitting shoulder to shoulder with the leader of Sinn Fein shows just how far he is prepared to go in pursuit of his lifelong dream of independence. It is a sight that will anger many Scots who remember the Troubles."
Swinney characterized the event as "a pivotal moment in the constitutional journey of the United Kingdom" and expressed his desire for Scotland's people to determine their future "in this term of parliament." He further stated that "Scotland and the people of Ireland and the people of Wales must be able to determine their own future."
Alastair Cameron, chairman of the Scotland in Union campaign group, criticized Swinney for prioritizing "constitutional stunts" over pressing issues such as Scotland's "failing education system, over-stretched hospitals, or ferries crisis." He called the summit a "PR stunt which will come to nothing as a desperate attempt to distract from the SNP’s failures and scandals."
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, through Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, reiterated that independence and a referendum are "off limits" and would be a distraction from economic growth and cost of living support. Alexander stated, "If we want to build a better Scotland in the years ahead, uniting around our shared values and focusing on practical solutions offers a better route than division and grievance."
Despite opposition, Swinney has been explicit about his intentions, citing remarks made by Prime Minister Burnham in the House of Commons as a potential catalyst for a referendum. Swinney aims for a vote by the end of the current Scottish Parliament term in 2031, emphasizing the importance of accountability for the Prime Minister's statements. He also cited select opinion polls to support his claim that independence is Scotland's "constitutional preference."
Reform UK Scotland leader Malcolm Offord dismissed the initiative as "fantasy politics from a First Minister who has completely run out of ideas." He argued that Swinney is focused on constitutional matters rather than addressing issues like the NHS and education, stating, "Our schools are plummeting down the league tables, A&E waiting times are going nowhere, taxes are punishing the people who work hardest - and his answer is a photo-op with Sinn Féin and Plaid Cymru."
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP David Green noted that the SNP "did not achieve the majority they craved at this election to pursue another referendum," attributing this to the government's performance on critical issues like the NHS and ferry services. He suggested Swinney should acknowledge his government is "far too centralised" and use such summits to "find common purpose in pushing power out to communities."
The Scottish and Welsh governments also signed a "Cardiff Agreement" to collaborate on shared interests, including child poverty, the cost of living, economic growth, climate change, and culture.
