Reform UK attack on Gaelic election materials
Key Questions
What amendment has Reform UK proposed regarding Gaelic in elections?
Reform UK tabled an amendment to the Elections Bill that would criminalise the use of Gaelic and Scots on election materials, despite claims it would not apply to Scotland, as the text clearly extends to it.
How have Scottish parties responded to the Reform UK proposal?
The SNP, Labour, and Greens have strongly condemned the amendment, with a Scottish minister writing to the UK Government to urge strong opposition and drawing historical parallels to the Clearances.
What are the potential consequences of the Reform UK amendment?
The proposal introduces jail time for using Gaelic on election materials and represents a direct political threat to Gaelic's official status and public visibility, requiring urgent community and political mobilisation.
Reform UK tabled an amendment to the Elections Bill that would criminalise the use of Gaelic (and Scots) on election materials, claiming it would not apply to Scotland but text clearly does. SNP, Labour, and Greens strongly condemn; historical parallels to Clearances drawn. A new article details proposed jail time and Reform's weak defence. This is a direct political threat to Gaelic's official status and visibility, requiring urgent community mobilisation and political pushback.