UK's Farage holds rally in Scottish town affected by immigration protests

Populist leader Nigel Farage addressed a crowd in Scotland on Saturday, criticizing immigration, climate policies, and other government measures, as he seeks to expand support for his anti-immigration party, Reform UK. His visit, uncommon north of the English border, comes five months before Scotlands parliamentary elections and follows an unexpected surge in Reform UKs popularity, raising the prospect of the party winning its first seats in the Scottish parliament.

The Brexit advocate held a midday event in Falkirk, northwest of Edinburgh, a town that has witnessed clashes between pro- and anti-immigration demonstrators outside accommodation for asylum seekers. Similar protests have taken place in several English towns this year.

Addressing attendees in a local hotel, Farage said: Who voted for areas of our cities to be unrecognizable from their Scottish roots? The answer is simple: nobody. He avoided discussing recent allegations of racist and antisemitic remarks from his youth, instead focusing on what he perceives as the UKs decline.

Our nation faces serious challenges, Farage said. Economically, socially, and morally, the United Kingdom is in decline.

Reform UK Gains Ground

Despite lacking strong leadership and infrastructure in Scotland, Reform UK has increased its support from 7% in the last UK general election to consistently polling in the high teens. The party has surpassed Labour in several recent surveys, positioning itself behind the Scottish National Party (SNP) in projections for the May 7 elections.

Analysts suggest Farage is drawing voters primarily from the Conservatives and, to a lesser extent, Labour, which governs in London. The May elections are seen as an opportunity for Reform UK to consolidate momentum. Pollster John Curtice noted that securing over a dozen Scottish Parliament seats could set the stage for future influence in the 2029 UK-wide elections.

Founded in 2021 as a successor to Farages Brexit Party, Reform UK recently received a 9 million boost from Thai cryptocurrency investor and entrepreneur Christopher Harborne. The party also announced a defection from the Conservatives, with House of Lords member Malcolm Offord resigning to run under Reform UK in Scotland.

Challenges in Scotland

Farages popularity in Scotland has historically been low. In 2013, police had to escort him from an Edinburgh pub after confrontations with opponents. Scots overwhelmingly voted to remain in the EU in 2016, making him unpopular among many. A recent YouGov poll found 69% of Scots view him unfavorably.

Nevertheless, Reform UK appeals as a protest option against mainstream parties, especially among voters with socially conservative attitudes toward immigration. University of Edinburgh lecturer Fraser McMillan said the party serves as the most credible vehicle for socially conservative immigration attitudes in Scotland.

The SNP, in power for nearly 20 years, is expected to win the May election but with reduced support. Farages party fragments the anti-independence vote while remaining unpopular among Brexit opponents, carving out a niche market in the Scottish electorate, according to Curtice.

Author: Noah Whitman