John Swinney calls on leaders to unite for democracy | UK News

First Minister John Swinney has urged Scotland’s political, faith and civic leaders to unite to protect democracy ahead of a gathering in Glasgow.

About 50 organisations, including political parties, faith groups and charities, are attending the forum.

Swinney said it came in an “age of uncertainty” with “democratic systems across the world under pressure”.

All Holyrood parties except the Conservatives are attending.

When Swinney announced plans to hold the forum in February, he said parties had to unite to “lock out” the “far right” from Scottish politics.

He specifically mentioned Reform UK, which polls suggest could make an electoral breakthrough in Scotland in next May’s Holyrood election.

Reform, led by Nigel Farage, was not invited. The party insists it opposes far-right extremism.

Early Scottish government papers for the meeting – seen by Scotland News – do not mention Reform.

They instead focus on tackling misinformation, inequality and discrimination, improving trust in politics and guarding against electoral interference.

Swinney said: “Today’s civic gathering aims to unite political and civic leaders, presenting a vital opportunity to agree a common approach to asserting the values of who we are as Scots, in order to bring people together and create a cohesive society where everyone feels safe and at home.”

Reform councillor Thomas Kerr, who defected from the Conservatives in January, said he welcomed “any serious attempt to reflect on the state of our national discourse”.

He added: “If this summit is to mean anything, let it be the moment when our political leaders stop blaming the public for their discontent – and start asking what can be done to rebuild trust through honesty, competence, and courage.”

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay last week confirmed he would not attend the event and described it as a “talking shop”.

The Tory MSP said the first minister should instead hold a summit on tackling organised crime following a spate of gangland incidents in recent weeks.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton accused Findlay of deciding to “skulk at home”.

He said: “At this summit, I will make clear to the first minister that the best way to win back many of those who feel disaffected is to deliver on the things that matter, like access to local healthcare, education and the cost of living.

The MSP added: “You persuade no-one by labelling them or diminishing how they feel; you need to listen to them and govern well.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar accused Swinney of drawing attention to Reform UK instead of focusing on important issues such as education and the NHS.

He said: “John Swinney is talking Reform UK up because it’s a helpful political tool for his party, rather than taking on the issues that are pushing people towards them.

“I will engage with all concerned to tackle the rise of divisive politics, but what we can’t allow to happen is for this summit to look like the Scottish establishment talking to itself.”

Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie warned ministers must not legitimise the policies of the far-right ahead of the next Holyrood election.

He said: “You can’t beat the far right by acting like them; legitimising their toxic rhetoric simply makes them louder and draws more media attention.”

Harvie added: “People across Scotland need real change to improve their lives in the face of a broken economic system that is entrenching inequality.”