A political row has erupted over a proposed Westminster amendment that the SNP claims could criminalise election materials published in Scotland’s native languages.
The SNP has accused Reform UK of attempting to outlaw campaign material written in Gaelic and Scots by backing an amendment that would restrict election publications to English and Welsh.
The party says the proposal would mean anyone producing election material in Gaelic or Scots could face criminal sanctions, including a prison sentence of up to six months if the amendment became law.
The amendment has prompted strong criticism from the SNP, which says it represents an attack on Scotland’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
Highlands and Islands MSP Maree Todd has called on Reform UK to withdraw the proposal and apologise for what she described as an anti Scottish measure.
She said:
“This despicable anti Scottish amendment is deeply telling.
“Reform want to see any trace of our native languages removed from Scottish politics.
“Not content with plans to cut our MSPs and ‘review’ the powers of Holyrood, Farage and his cronies want to threaten jail time upon anyone in Scotland who publishes political materials in Scots or Gaelic.
“We know Reform could not care less about Scotland, but this move is all too reminiscent of the brutal anti Gaelic laws of the Highland Clearances.
“Reform must now do the right thing, apologise to the people of Scotland for attempting to criminalise election materials written in Scottish languages and immediately withdraw this outrageous amendment.”
The proposed amendment has reignited debate over the status and protection of Scotland’s indigenous languages, both of which are recognised as an important part of the nation’s cultural identity.
Gaelic continues to be spoken in communities across the Highlands and Islands, while Scots remains widely used throughout Scotland in everyday speech, literature and public life.
Reform UK has not responded publicly to the SNP’s criticism.
The proposed amendment will be considered as part of the Westminster legislation currently making its way through Parliament.
