SNP calls for second independence referendum 'diversion tactic', PM says

Keir Starmer has said John Swinney’s call for a second independence referendum is a “diversion tactic”.

During a visit to the BAE shipyard in Govan, the Prime Minister addressed comments by Swinney that a second vote has “never been more important”.

Starmer accused the SNP of bringing up the referendum to “distract” from the party’s current record.

“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,” he told STV News.

It comes after Swinney said a second independence referendum “has never been more important, more urgent or more necessary”.

The First Minister said he was “determined” to see the SNP win a majority of seats at next May’s Holyrood election to achieve another vote.

Starmer was in Govan speaking to workers in the shipyard after a £10bn deal to build Norwegian warships in Glasgow was struck last week.

It will see Type 26 frigates constructed at the BAE Systems yard in Govan. This will allow a fleet of at least 13 anti-submarine ships from the UK and Norway – at least five of which will be Norwegian – to operate jointly in northern Europe as they look to deal with increased Russian activity.

Starmer signalled that other countries could follow Norway and place orders for frigates in the UK and also urged Swinney to be more “full-throated” about the deal.

“Yes, he did well on Monday, and I absolutely acknowledge that through you. But I would like just to gently lob it back into his court for him to be a bit more full-throated about this,” he said.

“He’s very wary of defence contracts. These are good, well-paid jobs in Scotland. So my challenge back to him is, come on, a bit more full-throated.”

Starmer also addressed the First Minister’s comments accusing him of toadying behind Nigel Farage on immigration.

He refuted the claims, saying Reform are only interested in “grievance politics”.

“There is a complete difference between a Labour government which is committed to reducing our country, making sure our borders are secure, that we process claims as quickly as possible, return those who shouldn’t be here, just practical sleeves rolled up, getting on with the hard yards of governing,” he said.