Scottish party leaders clash in televised debate over key issues

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – The leaders of Scotland's main political parties went head-to-head Monday in a televised debate, outlining their visions for the country’s future and engaging in heated exchanges on key issues.

Douglas Ross of the Scottish Conservative Party used his platform to emphasize his party’s focus on “top priorities,” vowing to end the Scottish National Party’s (SNP) “obsession with independence for good.”

He stressed the need to move away from independence debates and concentrate on pressing matters that affect the daily lives of Scots.

Anas Sarwar, leader of the Scottish Labour Party, framed the upcoming elections as a critical opportunity to vote out the Conservative government in Westminster. He argued that Scottish Labour would work to “maximize Scotland’s influence” and ensure that the country does not miss this pivotal moment for change.

First Minister John Swinney defended the SNP’s record, asserting that the party is doing everything it can to “protect Scotland in tough times.”

He described the Westminster system as “broken,” highlighting the SNP's efforts to shield Scotland from what he portrayed as detrimental policies from London.

Swinney faced persistent questioning about new licenses for oil and gas fields in the northeast of Scotland.

Despite being pressed repeatedly, he refrained from taking a definitive stance, advocating instead for a “climate compatibility test” on every decision made.

The response drew criticism from Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross, who demanded a straightforward answer.

The debate intensified as Swinney accused Scottish Labour of echoing the mistakes of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s government.

He argued that Labour’s policy on higher windfall taxes for oil and gas companies would devastate the northeast of Scotland, turning it into an “industrial wasteland.”

Alex Cole-Hamilton of the Scottish Liberal Democrats criticized both the London and Edinburgh governments for losing sight of what truly matters to the people.

He positioned his party as the only one capable of securing a fair deal for “people, families and Scotland.” Cole-Hamilton faced scrutiny over his party’s stance on European Union membership and marine protection policies. In response to SNP leader Swinney’s question about the UK’s re-entry into the EU, Cole-Hamilton admitted that “no one can promise” a return during the next parliamentary term but remained optimistic about it being on future ballots.