Sir Keir Starmer has dismissed John Swinney's push for a second Scottish independence referendum as a "diversion tactic". The Prime Minister accused the SNP of attempting to distract from their governmental record.
Starmer made the comments during a visit to the BAE shipyard in Glasgow, where a £10 billion deal to build Norwegian ships had just been signed. The visit highlighted new job creation opportunities in Scottish shipbuilding.
Swinney's independence strategy
The First Minister unveiled his new independence strategy in July, focusing on building public support for another referendum. Swinney's plan involves securing a majority of MSPs at next year's Holyrood elections.
Starmer's detailed criticism
Speaking to STV News, Starmer delivered a pointed critique of the SNP's approach to independence campaigning. He said: "Every time the record is poor, the same tool is pulled out, which is 'let's talk about something else, let's talk about a constitutional issue'."
The Prime Minister emphasised his preference for focusing on economic achievements rather than constitutional debates. He said: "I want to talk about the jobs we are creating, jobs here in this shipbuilding yard in Scotland. I'll work with the Scottish Government on that, of course I will, and on the very many other jobs - but this is pure diversion tactics."
Immigration dispute
Starmer also rejected Swinney's claim that he was "toadying along behind Nigel Farage" on immigration policy. The Prime Minister drew a sharp distinction between Labour's approach and that of Reform UK.
He said: "No, there is a complete difference between a Labour Government which is committed to renewing our country, making sure our borders are secure and that we process claims as quickly as possible and return those who shouldn't be here, which is practical, sleeves rolled up, getting on with the hard yards of governing, and Nigel Farage and Reform who are only interested in grievance politics."
The SNP and Reform UK have been approached for comment on Starmer's remarks.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
