John Swinney urged to ditch ‘separatist fantasy league politics’ and get on with the job
John Swinney is facing criticism for attending a summit with Sinn Féin and Plaid Cymru leaders in Cardiff to discuss independence for Scotland and Wales, with opponents arguing he should instead focus on tackling failures in education and health. The First Minister's talks with Michelle O'Neill, Mary Lou McDonald and Rhun ap Iorwerth have proved contentious given Sinn Féin's historic links to terrorism, and critics say the trip, which also includes a taxpayer-funded bilateral meeting with Wales's First Minister, amounts to a distraction from more pressing domestic issues.
The summit aims to strengthen co-operation between the three nationalist movements and press the UK Government to prepare for constitutional change, with Swinney describing it as a "pivotal moment" for the Union. Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton and Shadow Scottish Secretary Harriet Cross accused him of pursuing "separatist fantasy league politics" while ignoring poor PISA education results, and Scottish Labour's Dame Jackie Baillie said he was neglecting his promise to be a First Minister for "all of Scotland". The row follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham's suggestion that "majority public support" could trigger another independence referendum, a remark he later partially retracted.
In short
- Swinney meets Sinn Féin and Plaid Cymru leaders in Cardiff over independence
- Critics say he should tackle education and health failings instead
- Row follows Andy Burnham's comments on a possible new referendum
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters can argue that discussing constitutional change is a legitimate part of Swinney’s role, particularly when questions about Scotland’s future are again being raised in UK politics. Co-operation with Welsh and Irish nationalist leaders may help build peaceful political support for change and press the UK Government to plan for it, while a bilateral meeting with Wales can also serve practical interests.
The case against
Critics can argue that the summit risks giving priority to party and constitutional campaigning when Scotland faces urgent challenges in education and health. As First Minister, Swinney has a responsibility to serve people across Scotland, including those who do not support independence, and a taxpayer-funded trip with nationalist leaders may reasonably be seen as a distraction from that duty. Sinn Féin’s historical links to terrorism may also make the association especially contentious for some constituents.
Explained simply
John Swinney, Scotland's First Minister, has been attending a meeting in Cardiff with the leaders of Sinn Féin and Plaid Cymru, along with Wales's First Minister, to discuss closer working between Scottish, Welsh and Irish nationalist movements and the case for constitutional change across the UK. Sinn Féin, one of the parties involved, has a history linked to the Troubles in Northern Ireland, which has made the meeting a sensitive one for some observers.
Critics, including figures from the Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Labour, argue that Swinney should be concentrating on domestic problems such as school standards and the NHS rather than pursuing constitutional talks, and have questioned the cost and purpose of the trip. Swinney and his allies see the gathering as an important moment for building support around the future of the Union between Scotland, Wales and the rest of the UK.
The debate also touches on wider questions about Scottish and Welsh independence, and comes after separate comments from Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham about the possibility of another independence referendum, which added to the political backdrop of the row.