Nigel Farage can’t be trusted to stand against the SNP

Nigel Farage and his Reform party “can’t be trusted” to oppose Scottish nationalism, the country's largest pro-UK campaign group said today.

Scotland in Union is urging people not to cast protest votes in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election which takes place in a week’s time.

In Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse we are encouraging voters to back Scottish Labour in this contest as the pro-UK party best placed to defeat the SNP.

Farage has ruled out backing Anas Sarwar to become first minister after next year's Holyrood elections, saying he is "not worried" about an SNP resurgence.

A vote for Reform in this by-election risks letting the SNP in by the back door.

Alastair Cameron, chair of Scotland in Union, said:

“Nigel Farage can’t be trusted to stand against Scottish nationalism and the SNP.

“Despite two decades of nationalist failure in government, Reform is willing to let the SNP remain in power.

“Some voters may be tempted to use this by-election to protest against governments at Holyrood or Westminster, but a vote for Reform risks letting the SNP in by the back door.

“Scotland is best served by getting rid of this incompetent SNP government – and in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election that journey starts with voting for the Scottish Labour candidate.

“We need politicians who will work in Scotland’s interests. Farage's latest statements suggest that the only interests he prioritises are his own."

This has been reported in today's Herald and Sun newspapers.