UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer says no Independence Referendum During His Premiership

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reaffirmed his stance that there will be no Scottish independence referendum while he is in office, emphasizing that his government’s focus remains on economic stability and national security.

Speaking during a visit to Scotland ahead of the Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse by-election, Starmer stated that discussions with Scottish First Minister John Swinney have centered on pressing issues such as jobs, energy, and the cost-of-living crisis, rather than independence. He reiterated that even if the Scottish National Party (SNP) secures a majority in the 2026 Holyrood elections, his position will not change.

“The priorities that matter most to people are economic stability and building a stronger Scotland within a stronger United Kingdom,” Starmer said in an interview with BBC’s Good Morning Scotland.

However, SNP leaders have criticized Starmer’s stance, arguing that the decision should be left to the Scottish people. First Minister Swinney has previously stated that he aims to build “demonstrable support” for independence, comparing it to the overwhelming backing for Scottish devolution in 1997.