The Scottish government has confirmed that the issue of a second referendum on Scottish independence will be on the agenda in talks between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and First Minister John Swinney next month. The meeting was agreed during a phone call on Tuesday evening, with a spokesperson for Mr Swinney stating it was “particularly welcome that the Prime Minister agreed to meet next month to discuss a referendum on independence”.
Sir Keir has repeatedly made clear his opposition to a second referendum. A spokesperson for No 10 said: “The Prime Minister committed to meeting to discuss shared issues, including the cost of living. As the Prime Minister told the First Minister, the manifesto this government was elected on was unambiguous that ‘Labour does not support independence or another referendum’.”
Mr Swinney’s spokesperson argued that the SNP’s election victory and the largest pro-independence bloc in Holyrood’s history made the previous refusal to consider a referendum “clearly unsustainable”. They added: “A way forward must be found and so these discussions are welcome.”
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay criticised the Prime Minister, accusing him of an “extraordinary capitulation” on the issue. He said: “Even by Sir Keir Starmer’s dismal standards this is an extraordinary capitulation to John Swinney. … If he wasn’t so weak, Starmer would have sent Swinney packing and told him to get on with the day job.”
Mr Swinney had previously stated that an SNP majority would be key to forcing a second referendum. Although the SNP did not achieve a majority, Mr Swinney maintains that the combined number of SNP and Scottish Green MSPs provides a strong mandate for another vote. In 2014, 55% of voters rejected independence, with 45% in favour.
