Scottish Labour leader ditches support for electoral reform

In comments ahead of the visit, he vowed to put Scotland “back at the beating heart of everything we do” and usher in a new era of cooperation with the SNP-led Scottish Government.

He is to meet with John Swinney, the First Minister, during the trip.

“To the people of Scotland my message is simple and clear: You are at the heart of how we unleash prosperity across the country,” Sir Keir said. “We will rebuild a strong Scotland at the forefront of our decade of national renewal.

“My offer to the Scottish Government is the same.  We can turn disagreement into co-operation and, through meaningful co-operation and a genuine seat at the table, deliver change for a generation.”

Mr Swinney will face a dilemma over whether to raise the issue of independence with the Prime Minister, after his party was trounced by Labour at the polls.

He has maintained the SNP still has a mandate for a new referendum from the 2021 Holyrood elections, though he admitted last week that he would reconsider his stance in light of the historic drubbing.

Mr Swinney said: “I look forward to welcoming the Prime Minister to Scotland where I hope to have constructive discussions with him on our shared priorities for the people of Scotland.

“This includes eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, prioritising net zero, and ensuring effective public services.

“I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to forge a positive relationship between our governments and for our part, the Scottish Government is committed to working constructively with the UK Government to build a better Scotland.”