The new leader of Reform UK in Scotland, Lord Malcolm Offord, has said any future referendum on Scottish independence should be postponed for at least 10 years to allow the country to focus on economic recovery and public services.
Speaking to the media on Scotland Sunday Show, Lord Offord said the issue of independence has dominated Scottish politics for too long, creating what he described as a damaging doom loop.
He argued that Scotland needs two full terms of the Scottish Parliament to concentrate on the day job, including boosting economic growth and improving public finances, before revisiting the constitutional question.
Lord Offord, who defected from the Conservative Party in December, said Reform UK is developing a manifesto focused on devolved issues ahead of the Holyrood election in May 2026.
He stressed that party leader Nigel Farage would not dictate Scottish policies and said Reform plans to field candidates from professional backgrounds such as education, law and medicine, rather than career politicians.
On the economy, he said Scotland has developed what he called a “welfare economy” and argued that tax revenues must grow to sustain public spending.
He highlighted concerns about high taxation, saying it risks discouraging those who contribute most. He added that while welfare support is important, more effort is needed to help people of working age into employment.
Lord Offord also reaffirmed his support for the NHS being free at the point of use, insisting there are no plans to charge for GP appointments.
His comments drew criticism from Scottish Conservative MP Andrew Bowie, who accused Reform UK of weakening the pro-union vote and indirectly helping the SNP’s push for another independence referendum.
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