Starmer accused of ‘skulking’ and shunning Sarwar in Scotland

Sir Keir Starmer faced criticism from Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and other opposition figures for allegedly avoiding engagement during a brief trip to Scotland. The prime minister spent two-and-a-half hours at the Faslane nuclear base after returning from a UK-France summit on the Iran crisis. This marked his first visit north of the border since Sarwar had called for his resignation in February.

BBC Scotland reports that Starmer did not meet with Sarwar or other Scottish Labour representatives as they campaigned for the Holyrood election. First Minister John Swinney described the visit as “very quiet” and questioned its purpose, suggesting it appeared detached from the party’s efforts. “It’s strange that a Labour prime minister comes to Scotland during an election and doesn’t campaign with the Labour Party,” he remarked.

“It seems that Kier Starmer is skulking around a top-secret high security submarine base, unable to face the public or even look Anas Sarwar in the eyes,” said Russell Findlay, leader of the Scottish Conservatives. “And that’s because he’s a busted flush. He has lied to the public and to Parliament.”

Starmer’s office explained the trip as a way to “thank UK personnel for their dedication and service” following discussions in Paris about the Strait of Hormuz. However, Sarwar emphasized that the visit did not align with his campaign priorities. “His job is to be prime minister and govern the country,” he stated. “My job is to lead a campaign and change the government here in Scotland.”

“People know what the tipping point was for me, but what I’m focused on is making sure we change the first minister in this country,” Sarwar added. “This election is about our schools, hospitals, and local services. It’s not about endorsing the prime minister.”

The Faslane base, located on the Gare Loch about 25 miles northwest of Glasgow, hosts the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines, including the UK’s four Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines. Lord Mandelson’s failed vetting process, a key issue in the current political climate, has drawn scrutiny from Starmer’s critics. Some opposition MPs have challenged his claims about first learning of Mandelson’s mishap earlier this week.

Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay highlighted the divide within Labour, stating that the lack of meeting between Starmer and Sarwar “shows the ridiculous position Labour are in.” She argued the situation underscores the party’s internal fractures and questioned their suitability to lead the nation.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton echoed concerns, noting Sarwar’s reluctance to associate with Starmer. “He still has monumental questions to answer in the House of Commons about what he knew about Peter Mandelson’s vetting situation,” Cole-Hamilton said. “If he misled Parliament, he should resign.”

Swinney further accused Starmer of being a “failed” and “incompetent” leader, claiming he would not survive beyond the 7 May elections. The criticism reflects broader dissatisfaction with Starmer’s leadership, as his visit to Faslane was seen as a strategic move to distance himself from the SNP’s long-standing governance in Scotland.