Exclusive:'Quite reasonable': Farage open to future independence referendum as he says SNP voters will turn to Reform
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage shared his thoughts on the SNP and John Swinney while on a visit to a pub in Glasgow’s east end
Nigel Farage has said a second independence referendum would be “quite reasonable” if the issue becomes “relevant” in future.
The Reform UK leader also claimed two types of SNP voters could be convinced to turn to his party ahead of the Holyrood election.
Mr Farage spoke while meeting Scottish Reform members in a pub in the east end of Glasgow.
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He had flown by private jet from a rally in Aberdeen to Shetland and then on to Shettleston on a whistlestop campaign tour.
Speaking exclusively to The Scotsman, Mr Farage said he believes independence is not an issue of importance to voters at this election.
Saying that his stance was more nuanced than headlines would allow, the MP said Reform is “totally opposed to a dissolution”.
He added: “We believe in the United Kingdom. We think it'd be bad for both parties.
“But look, we were told in Scotland in 2014, and the whole country was told in 2016, that these referendums were once in a generation and we just stick to that.”
However, he went on: “If at some point in the future this issue comes back, then it's probably quite reasonable to Scotland [to have a referendum].
“It's not relevant now, but I can't tell you how people will feel in 20 years time.”
While the party is confident of taking votes from the Scottish Conservatives and Labour, Mr Farage said he believes there are two types of SNP voters who may swing to Reform.
One group, he said, are invested in a political party that will prioritise Scotland’s interests.
He said: “Those who vote SNP just because they're there and they're Scottish”.
Mr Farage said he wants to frame Reform as the eminent party for Scotland and “we're going to stand up for things that are directly in the interest of the Scottish people, and be prepared to be robust in defending those interests against Westminster”.
Outlining the second type of SNP supporter that might soften to his party, Mr Farage said he wants to go after “genuine nationalists”.
“The genuine nationalist would not want to join the European Union,” he said, “Because otherwise why be a nationalist?”
“What the hell is the point in Scotland breaking away from the UK to become a tiny little state in the European Union?
“So I would attempt to appeal to those people as well.”
Mr Farage also stopped short of calling First Minister John Swinney weak but said he failed to exert sufficient pressure on the UK government.
Speaking of the Jackdaw gas field, he added: “Swinney could exert the most incredible pressure on Starmer’s government.
“I think Starmer would buckle. There are times when the Holyrood government can flex its muscles.”
He added: “He’s a perfectly decent human being but he's not the kind of guy I'd want next to me in the trench saying, ‘Over we go, chaps’.”
The SNP’s Keith Brown said: "It is not for arrogant politicians from the Westminster establishment like Nigel Farage to tell Scotland when we can make our voice heard - it is a decision for the people of Scotland.
"Farage's comments underline why he should never have any power or influence in Scottish politics - and why Labour's plan to force their way into power off the back of Reform votes would be so dangerous.
“Only the SNP are strong enough to stand up to and defeat Farage in every constituency in Scotland - and an SNP majority will lock Farage out of power in Scotland."
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