Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has branded Nigel Farage an "opportunist" and a "threat to the Union" after the Reform UK leader suggested that a second Scottish independence referendum could be "reasonable" in the future.

 

Badenoch calls Farage an ‘opportunist’ after he urges Scottish nationalists to back Reform

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has branded Nigel Farage an "opportunist" and a "threat to the Union" after the Reform UK leader suggested that a second Scottish independence referendum could be "reasonable" in the future.

The row escalated during the final weeks of the Holyrood election campaign (ahead of the May 7, 2026, vote), as Reform UK sought to challenge the Scottish Conservatives for second place in Scotland.

 

Key Points of the Conflict

Farage’s Appeal to Nationalists: While campaigning in Glasgow, Farage argued that "genuine nationalists" who want Scottish sovereignty should back Reform UK because the Scottish National Party (SNP) intends to rejoin the European Union, which he claims is a contradiction of true independence.

Indyref2 Stance: Farage caused a stir by telling The Scotsman that although he opposes the dissolution of the UK, holding a second referendum would be "probably quite reasonable" if the issue becomes relevant again in the long term.

Badenoch’s Response: Speaking at a rally in Edinburgh, Badenoch accused Farage of not being a true unionist. She stated that Reform UK is "paving the way" for an SNP majority and that a vote for Farage's party effectively supports the nationalist agenda for separation.

Conservative Strategy: The Conservatives are positioning themselves as the only party capable of blocking the "twin threat" of the SNP and Reform UK, warning that any split in the pro-UK vote could lead to a nationalist victory.