Labour has been accused of considering a new unionist electoral pact with the Conservatives and Reform UK in an attempt to defeat the SNP at the next Westminster election.
SNP Depute Leader Keith Brown described the reported discussions as “Better Together 2.0” and said no electoral agreement between unionist parties would prevent Scots from deciding their constitutional future.
The intervention follows a report in The Sun claiming Labour MSPs are considering whether cooperation between unionist parties could help them challenge the SNP.
According to the report, the arrangement could involve parties withdrawing candidates in selected constituencies to improve the chances of another pro union candidate defeating the SNP.
The suggestion emerged following Monday’s Cardiff summit, where nationalist leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland strengthened their cooperation and called for the UK Government to prepare for constitutional change.
John Swinney, Rhun ap Iorwerth, Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill met in the Welsh capital before the SNP, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Fein signed a memorandum of understanding.
The Scottish and Welsh Governments also separately signed the Cardiff Agreement, establishing closer cooperation between the two administrations on areas including poverty, economic growth, climate change and international engagement.
A Labour source quoted by The Sun said:
“It could be that a unionist ticket is the way forward.
“It would mean playing the SNP at their own game.”
Brown seized on the suggestion and linked it directly to the Better Together campaign which brought Labour and the Conservatives together in opposition to Scottish independence during the 2014 referendum.
He said:
“The Labour Party’s response to the historic summit between nationalist First Ministers in Cardiff is a desperate attempt to ‘get the ‘Better Together’ band back, with Nigel Farage as their newest member.
“This Labour Party plot is as dirty as it is transparent, do a deal with the Tories and Nigel Farage in a bid to rig the next Westminster general election.
“Our collective democratic response to Better Together 2.0 will be robust, no unionist electoral pact will stop the Scottish people democratically deciding their own future.
“Britain is broken and Westminster will never work for the people of Scotland.
“After year upon year of Westminster austerity cuts, Brexit and the soaring cost of living in the UK, people are desperate for a better future beyond Westminster control.
“Independence in the EU offers us that future, the fresh start of independence is the only way that energy-rich Scotland can build the better future and stronger economy that we need.”
The reported discussions do not amount to an agreed electoral pact, but the prospect of Labour, Conservative and Reform candidates cooperating against the SNP would represent a significant development in Scottish politics.
For the SNP, the mere suggestion provides an opportunity to revive memories of Better Together and portray its political opponents as preparing to unite once again around the defence of the Union.
