Downing Street disputes ‘referendum talks’ claim – Daily Business

Starmer and Swinney previously met in Edinburgh

Downing Street has disputed claims by the Scottish Government that Sir Keir Starmer has agreed to talks that will include a second independence referendum.

The meeting is scheduled for next month – assuming Sir Keir is still Prime Minister – and was agreed in a call from Downing Street congratulating Mr Swinney on his election success.

However, No 10 has disputed the SNP leader’s claims that a referendum will be discussed and has insisted that the UK Government remains opposed to another independence vote.

A spokesperson for the First Minister earlier said: “The First Minister is pleased that the Prime Minister reached out to congratulate him on his emphatic election win and that the Prime Minister stressed his willingness to work in collaboration with the Scottish Government where possible.

“It is particularly welcome that the Prime Minister agreed to meet next month to discuss a referendum on independence.

“Given the SNP’s landslide victory and the fact that the people of Scotland have elected more pro-independence MSPs than at any point in the Parliament’s history, the previous refusal of the UK Government to consider Scotland’s right to decide its own future was clearly unsustainable.

“A way forward must be found and so these discussions are welcome.

“Coming alongside Labour MSPs making clear that there must be a way for this question to be resolved, it is now very clear that the momentum is building behind Scotland’s right to decide.

“The First Minister looks forward to the talks with the UK Government, and is confident that the people of Scotland will choose the fresh start of independence.”

A Downing Street spokesperson poured cold water on the suggestion that Sir Keir would entertain another referendum, saying: “The PM committed to meeting to discuss shared issues including the cost of living.

“As the PM told the First Minister, the manifesto this government was elected on was unambiguous that Labour does not support independence or another referendum.

“Our position remains unchanged.”

On speculation that the talks would include the referendum, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “We warned during the election campaign that if Swinney achieved his self-imposed ‘mandate’ of an SNP majority, Starmer would be likely to surrender to his referendum demands. 

“If he wasn’t so weak, Starmer would have sent Swinney packing and told him to get on with the day job.”

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