Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has issued a stark warning that Scotland faces another divisive independence referendum if the SNP secures a majority in the upcoming Holyrood elections, blaming Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for being too "weak" to prevent it.
Starmer's Weakness Could Enable SNP's Separation Bid
During a campaign visit to Aberdeen South Harbour, Badenoch asserted that Starmer would approve another separation vote because he lacks the strength to stand up to the SNP and is a "hostage" to the left wing of his own party. She emphasised that Scotland risks being dragged into a renewed campaign to break up Britain unless First Minister John Swinney is denied a majority in May's elections.
"What I do know is that Keir Starmer is weak and he is a hostage to the Left wing of his party," Badenoch stated. "He hasn't even really been up here. I don't think he'd be able to withstand any pressure. We can see from the relationship with Anas Sarwar that he is very weak. I do not believe he would be able to stand up to a strong SNP."
Reform UK Dismissed as 'Bunch of Jokers'
Badenoch was scathing about Reform UK, describing its candidates as a "bunch of jokers" who cannot be trusted on protecting the Union. She claimed that Reform becoming the largest opposition party is part of "John Swinney's plan" to provide a "path to independence," as it would result in less scrutiny for the First Minister compared to facing Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay.
"These people cannot run anything. They are a populist party," she said. "When they see pro-independence people, they tell them they are pro-independence, when they see pro-Union people they tell them they are pro-Union. They are a one-man band. Outside of Nigel Farage, none of the people are credible."
Commitment to Leadership and Policy Priorities
Despite potential setbacks in the upcoming Scottish, Welsh, and English elections, Badenoch insisted she will remain as Conservative leader, highlighting a "long-term strategy" for a "new Conservative Party under new leadership." Her visit to Aberdeen also focused on economic policies, including stepping up efforts to protect oil and gas jobs by allowing new North Sea drilling, lifting the windfall tax, and pledging to cut VAT on energy bills to help families with soaring costs.
Badenoch criticised the SNP for using independence as a distraction from pressing issues in Scotland. "They cannot fix anything, they can't get Scotland working and that's why they are talking about independence again. That is all they are about, it is a distraction from the things that matter to people in Scotland right now," she argued.
Political Reactions and Defence of the Union
In response, Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie defended her party's stance, stating, "We are clear that we oppose a divisive second independence referendum." Meanwhile, SNP campaign director Angus Robertson countered, "The fact is when the SNP wins a majority, Westminster is forced to listen."
Badenoch reiterated her opposition to another referendum, asserting that the question was "settled for a generation," and expressed concern over Scotland facing more divisive politics due to the SNP's actions. She warned that only the Conservatives are "strong enough and firm enough" on the issue of preserving the Union.
