Labour’s Anas Sarwar says plans to rebuild Scotland’s economy ‘already underway’

Labour leader Anas Sarwar has insisted work to rebuild Scotland’s economy and public services has begun already.

He said: “If you look at the rise in the share of the vote across the UK for Labour the average was around 1.6per cent, while in Scotland it was 18 per cent.

“I always believed when I became leader three years ago that Scotland and Scottish Labour would drive electing a UK Labour government and getting rid of the Tories, and that has proven to be the case.

“The politics of division and fear are now in retreat and the politics of hope is on the rise.

“We have already started working on delivering a new deal for working people and setting up GB Energy which will be headquartered here in Scotland.

“That will create hundreds of jobs in Scotland directly, along with thousands more which will be created in the green energy industry.”

Speaking ahead of a visit to Scotland from Prime Minister Keir Starmer today, he added: “We are already preparing for the first budget which is going to close non-dom tax loopholes and put more money into public services.

“I have a very close relationship with Keir Starmer and we are determined to work together to change people’s lives for the better.

“We spoke directly after the exit poll result came in and there was of course celebration but the focus was also immediately on delivery.

“It is no coincidence that his first visit will be to Scotland – we are serious when we say Scotland will be at the heart of a Labour government.”

Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletter here.