Scottish music duo The Proclaimers have publicly criticized transgender activists, labeling them as 'truth-phobic,' and announced they no longer support the Scottish National Party (SNP) due to its policies on gender self-identification, a shift that marks a departure from their lifelong liberal alignment.
Twins Craig and Charlie Reid, 64, known for hits like "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" and "Sunshine on Leith," had historically been supporters of the SNP and advocated for Scottish independence. However, they stated they could not vote for the party in recent Holyrood elections, alleging that the party's leadership has caused "real damage to the cause."
Craig Reid specifically cited the Scottish government's 2022 Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, which aimed to simplify the legal process for individuals to change their gender. While the bill received support from Scottish Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and the Greens, it was ultimately blocked by the UK Conservative government. Reid claimed that the former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's support for gender self-ID led to instances where "violent men, including convicted rapists, being sent to women's prisons." He described the policy as "unforgivable" and expressed that gender-critical women are often "shouted down" by individuals who identify as male but believe adopting feminine attire makes them female.
Charlie Reid, meanwhile, referenced figures such as Graham Linehan and J.K. Rowling, who have expressed controversial views regarding the transgender community. He asserted that those campaigning for expanded transgender rights are "truth-phobic." Despite these remarks, Charlie Reid clarified that he is not transphobic, stating, "I'm not against a man identifying as a woman, dressing as a woman... All I'm against is saying that he actually is a woman when he's not a woman."
The brothers also shared views aligned with their liberal identity on other matters, condemning Donald Trump as a "moron" and criticizing the "ignoring of international law." They also expressed concern that organizations like army cadets might be "grooming" children into military service.
These perspectives are reflected in the band's upcoming 13th album, "You May Offend," scheduled for release. The album includes a reinterpretation of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Imagine" titled "But It Is," featuring anti-war lyrics. Other tracks, such as "The Grooming," address their views on child conditioning into the military and the right to express controversial opinions, including those on the gender debate.
Despite Nicola Sturgeon no longer leading the SNP and John Swinney now at the helm, the Reid brothers show no immediate inclination to return their support to the party. The SNP has faced challenges in recent years, including an embezzlement scandal involving Sturgeon's estranged husband and former SNP chief executive, Peter Murrell, who was sentenced to prison for financial misconduct. Sturgeon herself resigned as leader before Murrell's arrest and has not been implicated in any wrongdoing. Westminster is set to conduct an inquiry into the embezzlement scandal.