Corbyn rules out new independence vote before 2021 amid SNP warning

Jeremy Corbyn has ruled out holding another Scottish independence referendum before the Holyrood elections in 2021, following SNP demands for a vote next year.

The Labour leader said he would “certainly not” consider having a ballot on Scotland leaving the UK within his first year of government.

Mr Corbyn’s comments followed a warning from the SNP’S Westminster leader Ian Blackford that Scotland’s desire for independence is “unstoppable” and must not be blocked by the next prime minister.

On the BBC’S Andrew Marr Show, Mr Blackford pressed the case for a Scottish independence referendum and argued it would be undemocratic to prevent another vote.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants a second independence referendum in late 2020 and has said she will write to the prime minister after the election demanding the power to do so.

Mr Corbyn, asked if he could give Mr Blackford a commitment for a Scottish independence referendum within the first year under a Labour government, replied: “No. I can’t give him that.

“I do not want us to spend the first year on an independence referendum,” he added, instead focusing on Labour’s pledge to invest a further £70 billion in Scotland through their planned National Investment Bank.

“I say gently to the SNP, they will have the opportunity with a Labour government in Westminster of seeing a fair allocation of resources to Scotland, they will see an investment in Scotland that will deal with the massive health and social inequality they face.”

Meanwhile, the prime minister will tell business leaders the Tories will put an end to Brexit “uncertainty and confusion” if they are returned to power on December 12.

Boris Johnson made the pledge as he unveiled tax cuts his party said are designed to help companies “make the most of Brexit”.

A Tory government would cut business rates, launching a fundamental review at their first Budget, under the plans.

The party said they will increase the employment allowance from £3,000 to £4,000, providing a tax cut of up to £1,000 for more than half a million businesses.

The R&D tax credit rate will increase from 12% to 13%, which the Conservatives say will boost manufacturing and the professional, scientific and technical services sectors in particular.

They have also promised to increase the structures and buildings allowance from 2% to 3% to increase the tax relief on the purchase, building or leasing of a structure.

Mr Johnson will give a speech to the Confederation of British Industry annual conference today.