THE First Minister has refuted reports that he will enter into negotiations with Reform UK to pass the Scottish Budget.
John Swinney previously said he would “hear all views”, but his official spokesperson insisted that they would not be inviting Reform’s MSP Graham Simpson for Budget talks.
Simpson defected to Reform from the Tories ahead of the Scottish Parliament returning from summer recess.
Reports had previously suggested that Swinney’s comments that he would listen to contributions from all parties signalled there could be a deal with Reform.
Simpson had described Swinney’s comments as a “welcome change of tone”.
The First Minister also appeared to open the door to negotiations with the Scottish Conservatives during FMQs.
Asked if the Scottish Government would enter into negotiations with Nigel Farage’s party, the First Minister’s official spokesperson said: “We’re not going to deal with Reform.”
Asked to clarify if this meant Finance Secretary Shona Robison would not be inviting Simpson for Budget talks, he responded: “That’s correct.”
The spokesperson added that Simpson was welcome to make proposals in the Holyrood chamber.
Asked if they would take written proposals from Reform, he added: “We can’t stop what letters come in to us.”
During FMQs, Scottish Tory MSP Brian Whittle asked the First Minister if he would bring forward “substantial plans” to tackle NHS waiting lists to the Holyrood chamber for MSPs to debate.
In response, Swinney said that there was a “necessity” to ensure the NHS is “well funded” and that the Scottish Government had brought forward “record funding” for the health service.
“The Budget does need to be supported within Parliament, and we have had parliamentary support for a Budget, and I would encourage Mr Whittle to use his influence within his own party to secure support for the Government's Budget, which was absent last year,” Swinney added.
“And if Mr Whittle is interested in taking forward collaborative discussion to ensure that we have all-party support for investment in our National Health Service, then the Government is willing to take forward those proposals.”
Asked by The National if Swinney’s comments suggested he was reaching out for backing from the Conservatives for the Budget, the spokesperson said: “We’ll see what Mr Whittle comes up with.”
The Scottish Budget has been delayed until January 15, with Robison describing the move as “unavoidable” due to the late scheduling of the UK Government’s autumn statement.
