Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks during a visit to BAE Systems in Govan, Glasgow, June 2, 2025
THE Prime Minister insisted today that another referendum on Scottish independence is not a “priority” for him or even SNP First Minister John Swinney.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer made the remarks on BBC Radio Scotland as he continued his tour of Britain’s military-industrial complex.
Asked if there would be a rerun of the 2014 poll on the future of the union, if a nationalist majority once again were returned in next year’s Holyrood elections, he said: “I think it’s really important to focus on the priorities that matter most.
“We got a big election win last year on the basis that we would stabilise the economy and ensure that on that foundation we build a stronger Scotland in a stronger United Kingdom, and that’s what I intend to do.”
Despite Mr Swinney’s insistence that a Holyrood majority for separation should spark another poll, when asked if he could imagine another referendum in his time left at No 10, Sir Keir said: “No, and nobody’s raising that with me as their first priority.
“Certainly, in the discussions I’m having with the First Minister, that is not – we’re talking about jobs, energy, security, and dealing with the cost-of-living crisis.”
Turning to his plans for a war economy, he argued his recent defence announcement would build on the 25,000 jobs in Scotland already tied to the sector, saying: “I would like to see many, many jobs in Scotland.
“Scotland has an incredible heritage and skilled [workers].
“We’ve just been looking at some of the frigates which have been built and are being built in Scotland.”
He insisted the SNP is “wrong” in its opposition to nuclear weapons and said “we’re entering a new era on defence and security.”
On the same programme, SNP MP Stephen Gethins said he accepted the policy of “running down the army” in recent years had been wrong.
But returning to the constitution, he hit back: “It’s a bit disappointing and maybe a bit arrogant of the Prime Minister to think he can speak for everybody.
“This shouldn’t be an issue that’s decided by one person at Downing Street or elsewhere. This should be a matter for the people of Scotland.
“I would have thought that, given Keir Starmer’s troubles, he would have learned something.”
It’s hard to understand how minor divisions can come to dominate the process of building a challenge to the rule of the rich when the desperate need for a vehicle to fight poverty and despair is so abundantly clear, writes MATT KERR
