Vote for Reform will strengthen UK claims

Farage as he campaigns in Scotland

- By David Walker

NIGEL FARAGE vowed that he will protect the Union as he dismissed concerns that a vote for Reform UK will allow the SNP to continue to fail Scotland.

He made his first public appearance north of the Border since 2013 yesterday as he campaigned in Aberdeen and South Lanarkshire, leaving trademark chaos in his wake. The Reform leader sunk a pint at a pub in Larkhall where he spoke to locals about their concerns.

Voters in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse will go to the polls in a by-election on Thursday, with both the SNP and Labour worried about a shock upset.

The day started in lively fashion for Mr Farage as his press conference in Aberdeen was marred by protestors who descended on The Silver Darling pub at the harbour.

He firmly dismissed the idea that he would “abolish devolution” as claimed by both John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon.

However, he did suggest a change in how Scotland is funded by Westminster, with the Barnett formula in the firing line a move which was criticised by the Scottish Tories.

Mr Farage was more bullish about claims he will boost support for independence when the Scottish Daily Express joined him in the Central pub in Larkhall's Union Street.

A poll at the weekend suggested that support for Scexit would increase to 58% if the MP for Clapton ever became Prime Minister.

Improbable

However, he said: “I’m pro the Union, I’ve always been pro the Union. I think actually when push comes to shove and people look at it remotely, so are a clear majority of Scottish people. The idea that Reform succeeding means the Union will fall to pieces, we had that argument before Brexit, and it didn’t work then and won’t work now.”