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4w ago

Starmer insists second Scottish independence vote 'not a priority' during his premiership

He told BBC’s Good Morning Scotland his talks with John Swinney centred on jobs, energy, security, tackling the cost-of-living crisis instead of a new referendum.

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Sir Keir Starmer said it was important to focus on what “matters most” when asked about Scottish independence

Overview

  • Starmer reiterated that a second independence referendum is not a priority during his term, dismissing speculation even if the SNP secures a nationalist majority after next year’s Holyrood election.
  • He said discussions with First Minister John Swinney focused on stabilising the economy, energy and security challenges and tackling the cost-of-living crisis.
  • The prime minister defended the strategic defence review, noting the government’s plans to build on Scotland’s 25,000 defence sector jobs and strengthen the UK’s military posture.
  • Starmer asserted the SNP’s opposition to nuclear weapons was misguided and described his agenda as building a stronger Scotland within a united UK.
  • John Swinney maintains a ‘democratic majority’ of pro-independence MSPs should mandate a referendum, while SNP MP Stephen Gethins criticised Starmer’s stance as overbearing.