Reform’s Scottish leader defends Labour deal claim

Malcolm Offord, the head of Reform UK in Scotland, has reaffirmed his assertion that Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, expressed a desire to collaborate against the SNP. The claim emerged during a debate on Channel 4, following Sarwar’s criticism of Reform for alleged racism and his questioning of a candidate’s remarks. Offord cited a prior encounter where Sarwar reportedly approached him and stated the need for a partnership between Labour and Reform to “remove the SNP.”

The Labour-SNP Allegation

Sarwar initially dismissed the statement as “nonsense” and later labeled it “a desperate lie from a desperate man.” Despite this, Offord remains steadfast in his position, insisting the conversation was genuine. The SNP has since framed the claim as evidence of a “grubby deal,” suggesting Sarwar would “happily work with Reform if it gave him a whiff of power.” Meanwhile, the Scottish Liberal Democrats’ leader, Alex Cole-Hamilton, called the notion of a Labour-Reform alliance “dirty tricks,” dismissing any potential cooperation with the party.

Energy Policy Debate

During the same discussion, Offord aligned himself with US President Donald Trump, endorsing the call to “drill, baby, drill” in the North Sea. He argued that Scotland’s energy needs should prioritize “safe and affordable” sources, despite its small global emissions footprint. SNP leader John Swinney countered, emphasizing Scotland’s potential in renewable energy. He criticized the billboard ads featuring the slogan “Scotland is at breaking point” as inciting division, though Offord defended them as a reflection of public sentiment.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay also backed the push for oil and gas extraction, stating it was “absolutely critical” for the UK to harness its resources. However, he acknowledged nuclear power as part of a “sensible energy mix,” a stance the SNP opposes. Interestingly, Sarwar supports nuclear energy and has endorsed two oil projects—Jackdaw gas field and Rosebank oil development—that the UK Labour government is considering.

Climate and Economic Concerns

Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay challenged the continued focus on drilling, asserting it is “not compatible with the climate crisis.” She argued that new fossil fuel exploration would not reduce energy bills and urged a shift toward renewables. Cole-Hamilton, meanwhile, criticized Trump as a “gangster,” highlighting the need for leadership that stands against such figures. The debate underscores diverging views on Scotland’s energy future and the political alliances being formed around it.