Scottish Parliament Election: 7 May 2026

[jailender]

2 hours ago, TDYER63 said:

Has it been established that its legal? I haven’t had the time to read much about it the last day. Trying to work out why on earth someone on a short term visa would be able to hold a position like this. 

Exactly this. Who allowed this to happen? How can someone with no obvious connections to scotland be able be elected to government? Did the SNP sanction this? If, lots questions. 

Edited May 10 by jailender
Messed

[Caledonian Craig]

7 hours ago, kumnio said:

I just googled 'SNP racist'

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/snp-councillor-suspended-racism-row-12692728

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/julie-dettbarn-approved-as-snp-election-candidate-despite-racist-post-r0qv8h2qr

Id hazard a guess that the vast majority of people who voted SNP aren't racist. Yet here we have a woman saying the N word, then being allowed to stand for election after that.

Ally, Craig, are you racists, do you agree with using N as a joke?

No I don't agree with it.

Do you agree with a party blindly lying to incite hatred and drum up support using hatred? Look to Reform who lazily used their 'Stop the Boats' trope in the Scottish Election. I have never seen one boat with Illegal immigrants landing on any beach in Scotland yet the brain-dead get suckered in to vote for them.

Good on John for freezing out the electoral pariahs. Start acting like civilised human beings to everyone and they will start being recognised. 

And I will re-iterate. Anyone worrying about alienating voters for voting Reform think of those you alienate (a far greater amount of the electorate) who despise Reform who may be pliable to voting Yes in the next IndyRef.

And on top of that Reform have already stated they aren't looking to make ANY friends in Holyrood. Good - then they won't want to indulge in any talks anyway.

[vanderark14]

11 hours ago, TDYER63 said:

On the Swinney thing, I am reluctant to rush in and criticise him for a couple of reasons 

1. Whether you rate him or not he is one of the most respectful politicians out there. If anything he is normally criticised of being too accommodating and nice. He came out after the election results and said he wanted to work with everyone to improve Scotland.

2. The Reform spokesman on BBC election day, when asked if he would work with the SNP , said they would not work with any  parties and they were there to disrupt and break the system . If Reform voters voted for this then that is what they have got. 

I totally agree with the sentiment that everyone should be included but who exactly are the children here ? I personally think something has happened in the background . 

Swinney and reform are the children here. Swinney could've made an ass of offord by inviting him and expressing how an independent Scotland would be open to all parties, not just those hand picked by the SNP. If offord goes, he makes himself look stupid as it means going back on what he says. If he doesn't go, he shows people that they aren't open minded

[exile]

I'd like to hear what talk and ties the first minister is planning with the first ministers of Wales and NI. But I'm sure the British media happier to have people arguing about domestic party political spats, where Reform is the story, rather than the break-up of the UK.

Edited May 11 by exile

[Saint4805]

I do think Swinney was in a bit of a no win situation but he definitely could have handled it better. He would have gotten pelters from quite a few from within if he'd even entertained Reform (why are we fraternising with that vile racist corrupt lot people would say) but he could have said things like "I'm going to be FM for everyone in Scotland, including those who voted for the other parties including Reform. We've listened to all voters concerns on the doorsteps and we want to unite people rather than divide etc".

For independence to become a reality the SNP need a pantomime villain and a far right pro English/British nationalist party like Reform with Farage at the helm are ideal on paper, especially if they are favourites to be the largest party at the next GE. 

 

Edited May 11 by Saint4805

[vanderark14]

26 minutes ago, exile said:

I'd like to hear what talk and ties the first minister is planning with the first ministers of Wales and NI. But I'm sure the British media happier to have people arguing about domestic party political spats, where Reform is the story, rather than the break-up of the UK.

I think this is inevitable and a great way forward.  

[Saint4805]

Another thing the SNP need to do is to play Reform/Tories at their own game by hiring a political strategist like Dominic Cummings (maybe not him but someone like him). A proper cunt who is a master of dark arts, political slogans, messaging, data analysis, social media algorithms - all key to have successful political campaigns in this day and age. 

[TDYER63]

13 hours ago, phart said:

Yes it's "legal" they've been here 5 years. They're now on what seems like a graduate visa which is a three year visa. This is extrapolated through the cost which is 2 grand and what options remain post PhD, although with election they will now be skilled worker or global talent probably with an aim for ILR (which is indefinite leave to remain)

My godson's dad had much the same route when he came here. Did his PhD here he eventually married a citizen as well (my friend hence how i know him)

Looks like the current rules were implemented in 2025 in a vote 

Everyone voted for it. no one voted against it.

https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/bills/s6/scottish-elections-representation-and-reform-bill?

 

Thanks. Can I check, I assume they currently have limited leave to remain rather than indefinite? If so, how does this work with the restricted hours . Surely you cannot have an MSP unable to work more than 20 hrs a week ( though some would suggest this is normal practice 🙂) 

 

[TDYER63]

12 hours ago, jailender said:

Exactly this. Who allowed this to happen? How can someone with no obvious connections to scotland be able be elected to government? Did the SNP sanction this? If, lots questions. 

See Pharts reply. It was voted in across the board. 

[TDYER63]

4 hours ago, vanderark14 said:

Swinney and reform are the children here. Swinney could've made an ass of offord by inviting him and expressing how an independent Scotland would be open to all parties, not just those hand picked by the SNP. If offord goes, he makes himself look stupid as it means going back on what he says. If he doesn't go, he shows people that they aren't open minded

Fair points . I am just a bit suspicious as Swinney is a man who normally plays everything ( at times boringly) by the book. He said the below in his speech after the results which makes me think something has happened. 

"Living in a democracy is something that all of us should cherish and I would like thank everyone who voted in this election.

"Once again the people of Scotland have put their trust in

US.

"However you voted today, I promise that I will be a First Minister for all of Scotland.

 

[Squirrelhumper]

13 hours ago, Caledonian Craig said:

And why are Scots voting for that.

As there are plenty racist, bigots in Scotland.

And not all vote Reform. 

 

Edited May 11 by Squirrelhumper

[TDYER63]

I don’t think anyone is denying there is the odd SNP candidate / representative who has made unacceptable comments, but FFS, when it comes to vetting errors ,  Reform are leagues ahead of any other party.

Or are they errors ? Grannies fannies springs to mind. 
 

[Saint4805]

We can draw similarities between MAGA and Reform. Voters across the pond proved how amoral/immoral they are by voting for a man who advocated grabbing a woman's pussy as well as mocking a disabled reporter on stage amongst many other things. Those should be red lines for most people with any morals even if they are feeling the pinch of a cost of living crisis.

I suspect the same applies to many Reform voters - their anger towards immigrants and foreigners trumps everything else regardless of how immoral. It's actually a shocking indictment on large parts of modern society in general. 

Edited May 11 by Saint4805

[shaddypeekey]

23 hours ago, phart said:

I'm not talking about kids looking for parental figures or asking for data, that's something you made up so you could then argue against it.

I'm just saying adoptive parents is in the same category. Something which is biologically refuted but because of complex social structures in humans is viewed beyond the biology. That's the argument taxanomic agreement between the two cases.  

Adoptive parents aren't parents they are pretending, they are acting full time. That's a biological fact. Is the same argument from biological absolutism.  

 

I've already argued extensively on here about how transwoman shouldn't be participating in woman's sports because of the biological advantages of being male especially if they transitioned post-puberty etc. 

At the same time , in the same way i don't go round reminding adoptive parents they are not really parents, I don't judge an obviously complex issue just for the sake of it. 

Anyway i'm just reiterating the argument now for clarity as it wasn't reproduced correctly during your rebuttal. 

 

On 5/9/2026 at 11:54 PM, phart said:

The best example is actually people who adopt children then say they are the parent of said child. Clear "scientific" evidence that is not the case, complex social arguments where it is actually the case. 

Then a legal framework slowly built to enshrine the same rights as if they were parents, despite scientific evidence to the contrary etc.

We can see how close to identical cases are treated within sub-sections of society though. 

Are you on crack? How can you say adoptive parents aren't really parents? How dare you? Those legal frameworks aren't only about rights, but about responsibilities to the wee one. By your dodgy ingested mushroom addled logic, some deadbeat jakey who managed to get some wee lassie pregnant and then didn't hang around is more of a parent than a couple or individual who adopt a wain? 

[Squirrelhumper]

1 hour ago, shaddypeekey said:

 

Are you on crack? How can you say adoptive parents aren't really parents? How dare you? Those legal frameworks aren't only about rights, but about responsibilities to the wee one. By your dodgy ingested mushroom addled logic, some deadbeat jakey who managed to get some wee lassie pregnant and then didn't hang around is more of a parent than a couple or individual who adopt a wain? 

Seems that's his/her logic. 

Mental. Two of my good mates adopted two young kids. The kids were in care and had a very traumatic childhood. They now have an upbringing in a loving household that they could only have dreamed of a few years ago (and will be in Boston).

Being a parent is far more than just genetics. Anyone can get pregnant/get somebody pregnant. Takes more than that to be a parent. 

[shaddypeekey]

1 minute ago, Squirrelhumper said:

Seems that's his/her logic. 

Mental. Two of my good mates adopted two young kids. The kids were in care and had a very traumatic childhood. They now have an upbringing in a loving household that they could only have dreamed of a few years ago (and will be in Boston).

Being a parent is far more than just genetics. Anyone can get pregnant/get somebody pregnant. Takes more than that to be a parent. 

i hear ye! 

[Saint4805]

9 minutes ago, Squirrelhumper said:

Seems that's his/her logic. 

Mental. Two of my good mates adopted two young kids. The kids were in care and had a very traumatic childhood. They now have an upbringing in a loving household that they could only have dreamed of a few years ago (and will be in Boston).

Being a parent is far more than just genetics. Anyone can get pregnant/get somebody pregnant. Takes more than that to be a parent. 

👍

Parenting is a role and how that role is fulfilled determines the emotional bond that is created. That is far more important than the biological bit.

[hampden_loon2878]

59 minutes ago, Squirrelhumper said:

Seems that's his/her logic. 

Mental. Two of my good mates adopted two young kids. The kids were in care and had a very traumatic childhood. They now have an upbringing in a loving household that they could only have dreamed of a few years ago (and will be in Boston).

Being a parent is far more than just genetics. Anyone can get pregnant/get somebody pregnant. Takes more than that to be a parent. 

Absolutely one of the things we can agree on, lots of really poor parents out there who are only mam or dad by title 

[Ally Bongo]

I think Phart was making an analogy 

[Squirrelhumper]

11 minutes ago, hampden_loon2878 said:

Absolutely one of the things we can agree on, lots of really poor parents out there who are only mam or dad by title 

I'm not maternal in the least, neither is my missus. 

We like our life as it is and never really had any interest in kids. 

Others are the complete opposite which I admire but plenty of folk have kids without actually having a consideration for the future and pap them off from pillar to post so they can enjoy the life they had pre kids. To me, that's very unfair on the kids. If you have kids, they should be the first thing you prioritise (maybe after work as you need that to provide for them). 

Too many folk have kids and then have no interest in actually raising them. 

People who adopt kids/foster kids have my upmost admiration. i've seen first hand how difficult and challenging it can be but also very rewarding when you are able to give kids a life they would never have had. 

[hampden_loon2878]

4 minutes ago, Squirrelhumper said:

I'm not maternal in the least, neither is my missus. 

We like our life as it is and never really had any interest in kids. 

Others are the complete opposite which I admire but plenty of folk have kids without actually having a consideration for the future and pap them off from pillar to post so they can enjoy the life they had pre kids. To me, that's very unfair on the kids. If you have kids, they should be the first thing you prioritise (maybe after work as you need that to provide for them). 

Too many folk have kids and then have no interest in actually raising them. 

People who adopt kids/foster kids have my upmost admiration. i've seen first hand how difficult and challenging it can be but also very rewarding when you are able to give kids a life they would never have had. 

Absolutely, I know a few folk who have adopted and they have given the kids a life that they could never have had with their biological parents, it really is great to see 

[Redz]

A parent is a father or mother, a person who begets, gives birth to, or nurtures and raises a child. It defines a person with legal responsibility for a child’s care, including biological, adoptive, or stepparents. 

Legal and Protective Role: A parent is someone who has legal responsibility for a child's safety and welfare. This includes foster parents and legal guardians, regardless of biological connection.

[AlfieMoon]

8 hours ago, Saint4805 said:

I do think Swinney was in a bit of a no win situation but he definitely could have handled it better. He would have gotten pelters from quite a few from within if he'd even entertained Reform (why are we fraternising with that vile racist corrupt lot people would say) but he could have said things like "I'm going to be FM for everyone in Scotland, including those who voted for the other parties including Reform. We've listened to all voters concerns on the doorsteps and we want to unite people rather than divide etc".

For independence to become a reality the SNP need a pantomime villain and a far right pro English/British nationalist party like Reform with Farage at the helm are ideal on paper, especially if they are favourites to be the largest party at the next GE. 

 

The main beneficiaries of the inevitable criticism Swinney would have got for inviting Reform would have been Labour & Greens. 

[StirlingEgg]

20 hours ago, kumnio said:

If you want disappointment, you need to try a fancy Asda Easter Egg, gluten free, dairy free, reduced from about a tenner to a few quid. Genuinely one of the worst things Ive ever tasted, thank god that my body, although it may be too bloody large, it can handle things that make food taste good. 

Sounds delightful. Also chocolate with 100% cocoa content; has the ability to remove all the moisture from your mouth. 😄

[exile]

5 hours ago, shaddypeekey said:

 

Are you on crack? How can you say adoptive parents aren't really parents? How dare you? Those legal frameworks aren't only about rights, but about responsibilities to the wee one. By your dodgy ingested mushroom addled logic, some deadbeat jakey who managed to get some wee lassie pregnant and then didn't hang around is more of a parent than a couple or individual who adopt a wain? 

I don't think anyone is meaning to cast doubt on adoptive parents. If anything, the opposite. The point is that society legally absolutely treats adoptive parents as parents, full stop. You don't even need to use the term adoptive parents, just parents. In this sense, society is saying the biological connection - though 'scientific fact' - is not paramount. That is the bit that was in the analogy. 

I am sorry if you found the analogy offensive. It was not meant to be starting a debate on parenthood!

It just shows that internet forums are not the best places to discuss sensitive issues. It's so easy for remarks to be taken out of context.

Edited May 11 by exile