SCOTTISH and Welsh nationalists are joining forces to put pressure on the Westminster government, leaders of the two parties agreed today.

SNP First Minister John Swinney and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iowerth met in Edinburgh to form a “progressive alliance” to challenge Labour and provide an alternative to the hard-right Reform.

The initiative comes as both parties are favourites to win next May’s elections for the Scottish parliament and Welsh Senedd respectively.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Swinney said: “Westminster is not working for Scotland or Wales. Keir Starmer’s government has been an unmitigated disaster for both our nations.

“After only a year-and-a-half in office Keir Starmer’s government is already hanging by a thread. Next year we have the opportunity to cut that thread — and bring an end to Starmer’s disastrous time as prime minister.

“And by electing strong, centre-left SNP and Plaid governments, we will also be sending a clear message that the hateful, extreme politics of Nigel Farage will never be allowed to win in our nations.

“The whole Westminster system is broken. Next year we can choose hope over Westminster despair with the fresh start of independence.” 

And Mr ap Iorwerth said: “Electing a Plaid Cymru government in Wales and an SNP government in Scotland would result in a powerful bloc — one that would serve as a wake-up call for the UK Labour government that they would ignore at their peril.

“As the by-election victory in Caerphilly demonstrated, there is a positive and principled alternative to Labour and Reform and a growing movement of people who want to choose a hopeful future over decline and division.”