More powers for Scotland challenge after ‘full fat’ devo pledge

KEIR Starmer has been challenged to offer more powers to Scotland – after pledging to give “full fat” devolution to England. The Labour leader has promiseda sweeping new devolution settlement for England, despite the party previously ruling out new powers for Holyrood. Starmer is also opposed to granting permission for another independence referendum.

But earlier this week he announced Labour would give English mayors new powers over transport, skills, energy, and planning – saying there would be a “presumption towards devolution” to take power out of Westminster.

The SNP said his promises will ring hollow with Scottish voters. Tommy Sheppard, the party’s Scotland spokesperson, said: “While Starmer positions himself as some champion of devolution in England he simultaneously blocks more powers for

Scotland, leaving ordinary Scots at the mercy of right-wing Westminster governments they don’t elect.

“Actions speak louder than words, and if the Labour party truly believe in more devolution and more powers we will gladly welcome their support in devolving energy powers and employment law to Scotland – but we won’t hold our breath.”

Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner has previously ruled out giving the Scottish Parliament powers over employment law and shadow Scottish secretary Ian Murray has rejected more devolution to Edinburgh.

Sheppard added: “At every opportunity Starmer has shown that he is no friend of devolution, because ultimately the Labour Party believe in Westminster control.

“Only a vote for the SNP at the next general election can secure representatives who will stand up for Scotland in the face of Westminster and who will defend our devolved Scottish Parliament to the hilt.”