Starmer rules out second Scottish independence referendum while PM
Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out holding another Scottish independence referendum during his premiership, even if the SNP wins next year's Holyrood election.
The Prime Minister said staging a second vote on breaking up Britain is 'not a priority' and John Swinney had not raised it during their discussions.
He said his stance would not change even if the SNP wins a fifth term in office at the May 2026 Scottish Parliament election, or there is a majority of independence-supporting MSPs in the Holyrood chamber.
Speaking after he launched his Government's strategic defence review in Scotland, he said he would continue to focus on 'jobs, energy, security and dealing with the cost of living crisis'.
But Mr Swinney said it was 'completely unacceptable' for the independence movement 'to be thwarted by a Westminster government that just folds its arms and says no'.
The row erupted last month after the First Minister relaunched his independence campaign to break up Britain in a keynote speech marking a year until the election.
He said he wanted to restart the debate as voters were feeling 'disaffected and alienated' with Sir Keir's performance in government.
Mr Swinney also argued the rise of Reform UK showed Scotland needed independence, despite polls showing a surge in support for Nigel Farage's party north of the Border.
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