Starmer treating Scotland as an afterthought as he avoids by-election
by Scotland will always be an afterthought to Labour.
Keir Starmer’s reported absence from the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse is yet another example of how the Labour party treats Scotland, says Katy Loudon, the SNP’s candidate in the by-election.
In comments reported in the Daily Record, Labour’s Scottish leader, Anas Sarwar, said that he didn’t expect Keir Starmer to be campaigning in the by-election, excusing his absence on the basis of “national security”. Yet he has found time to campaign in local elections in England.
Other reports describe how Keir Starmer is not playing well on the doorsteps in light of widespread backlash to Labour decisions like cutting the Winter Fuel Payment from 900,000 Scottish pensioners, and £5 billion of cuts to support for people with disabilities.
Katy Loudon said his absence shows that Scotland is little more than an afterthought to this Labour government, and it is no surprise he will be avoiding this by-election.
“The Labour Party has lost its way, saying they’ll reduce bills by £300 and then doing the opposite and cutting support for disabled people”, she said.
She continued by saying, “The Prime Minister is clearly embarrassed by his own record, but he owes it to the people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse to answer for it.
“While Keir Starmer remains missing in action, the SNP under John Swinney’s leadership is taking action to keep key bills lower and improve our NHS.”
Cllr Loudon concluded: “This election is a chance to send a message to Labour that we expect them to keep their promises – and to vote for the SNP, a party that always wants what’s best for Scotland.”