SNP proposes joint EU push with Liberal Democrats ahead of Brighton conference
The Scottish National Party has invited the Liberal Democrats to cooperate on a plan to re-enter the European Union as the Lib Dems hold their conference in Brighton.
Ahead of the Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton, the Scottish National Party extended an invitation to work jointly on a strategy to bring the United Kingdom back into the European Union. SNP MSP Alex Kerr emphasized that, despite divergent views on sovereignty, both parties share a belief that European integration best serves their citizens. The SNP calls for an immediate return to full EU membership and envisions an independent Scotland as part of the union, whereas the Liberal Democrats presently aim for access to the single market.
Kerr appealed to party leaders Alex-Cole Hamilton and Ed Davey to restore a firm EU-entry policy and cooperate on the issue. Liberal Democrat external affairs spokesperson David Green acknowledged the SNP’s pro-European credentials but remained skeptical, while reaffirming the Lib Dems’ commitment to a pro-EU agenda. The overture reflects a broader push for closer UK-EU ties, echoed by recent discussions between UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Why it matters
A potential SNP-Lib Dem alliance could reshape the UK’s approach to EU relations and influence future independence debates.
How this story developed
- Sep 1 Prime Minister Andy Burnham to Address Commons on First Day Back
- Sep 3 Burnham announced a plan to extend devolution to all parts of England and to increase public control of utilities.
- Sep 3 During the opening of Reform UK's three-day conference in Birmingham, deputy leader Richard Tice warned against Chinese buses and goods, urging support for British manufacturing. Yet the nearby merchandise stall offered caps, hoodies and water bottles that were produced in China alongside items from Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. Prices ranged from £5 for pins to £45 for hoodies, with a UK-made Nigel Farage tea towel costing £20. The speech also highlighted the party’s broader business agenda and its leader Nigel Farage’s recent controversies.
- Sep 4 Bond yields surged to their fastest rise since the 2022 mini‑budget, wiping out £12 billion of fiscal headroom.
- Sep 6 Burnham pledged to transfer failing utilities into public ownership.
- Sep 6 John Healey will launch a £150 million fund aimed at supporting university spin-outs and other high-growth companies across northern England.
- Sep 6 West Midlands Police have issued a call for the protester to come forward to assist their inquiry.
- Sep 7 Healey also pledged steps to curb borrowing costs, energy bills, regulation and labour expenses on UK businesses.
- Sep 9 Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he will not trim social security programmes to meet the 3 % of GDP defence spending goal and gave no timetable for reaching it.
- Sep 9 Burnham publicly rejected the welfare‑cut funding plan.
- Sep 13 Burnham faced his first Prime Minister's Questions where opposition members pressed him on funding for his agenda.
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