SNP Calls on Labour to Respect Devolution Ahead of 2026 Elections

Keith Brown, the Deputy Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has issued a call to the UK Labour Party to end its “disrespect for devolution” as the country approaches the 2026 elections. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Brown criticized Labour for failing to uphold its commitments regarding devolved powers, particularly highlighting concerns related to funding for Scotland’s fishing industry.

Brown underscored several issues that he believes demonstrate Labour’s disregard for Scotland’s devolved government. Among these, he pointed to changes in inheritance tax that he claims disproportionately impact family farms in Scotland. He also expressed concern that the UK Government has utilized the Internal Market Act to bypass the Scottish Parliament, citing the Pride in Place programme as a specific example of this overreach, which provides funding to local communities.

In response, Douglas Alexander, the Scottish Secretary, defended the Labour Government’s record. He stated that this administration has delivered the largest budget settlement in the history of devolution to the Scottish Parliament. Alexander criticized Brown and the SNP for what he termed “manufacturing constitutional grievances” while failing to address pressing issues related to public services in Scotland.

Brown countered Alexander’s remarks by asserting that Labour’s actions since assuming power have contradicted their prior promises concerning devolution. He stated, “Before coming to power, Labour talked a good game on devolution, but their actions since then have shown otherwise.” He highlighted cuts to fishing funding, national insurance increases, and the retention of the controversial Internal Market Act as evidence that Labour is no longer the party of devolution.

He also mentioned that even some Labour representatives in the Welsh Senedd have voiced concerns about the party’s commitment to devolved governance, contrasting this with the silence of their Scottish counterparts. Brown concluded by asserting that the only way to safeguard Scotland’s Parliament in the long term is through independence.

As the political landscape shifts leading up to the 2026 elections, the discussion surrounding devolution is expected to intensify. The SNP aims to leverage these concerns to bolster its position in the upcoming electoral race, while Labour seeks to defend its record and address Scotland’s pressing public service needs. The dialogue between these parties will likely shape the future of devolved governance in Scotland.