KEIR Starmer has refused to be drawn on whether he discussed independence during his meeting with John Swinney.
Polls consistently show that around 50% of Scots support the country becoming independent.
However, during an interview with Sky News the Prime Minister refused to confirm whether he discussed independence at his meeting with John Swinney at Bute House on Sunday.
"I'm not going to go into the details of all the discussions we had," said Starmer.
"But we were of a joint view that we can work constructively together.
"During the campaign I made a commitment that my Labour government would deliver for Scotland.
🗣️Just interviewed Prime Minister Keir Starmer for broadcasters. ✔️Asked him 4 times whether he’ll listen to 50% of Scots who support independence. ✔️Save Grangemouth jobs? ✔️Refuses to tell me 4 times whether he will review two child benefit cap this Parliament.@SkyNews pic.twitter.com/qBHJjYOn34
— Connor Gillies (@ConnorGillies) July 7, 2024
"That's why I'm back here making good on that commitment, that promise, and starting the work of change across Scotland and took this opportunity to reset relations with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister"
When pressed over whether independence was discussed, Starmer replied: "There are clearly differences of opinion between us on some of the constitutional issues.
"But the point of this meeting was to reset the relationship in a respectful way."
When asked if he thought there would be a second Scottish independence referendum within the next five years, Starmer said: "I've been clear about the priorities of my government and they're about delivering for Scotland.
"We now have 37 Labour MPs in government and I want them to start straight away on delivering.
"My Secretary of State has already been in touch with the Scottish Government here on important issues, as you would expect.
"So, this is about my priorities. Very much about the economy, about energy, and most pressingly about Grangemouth."
Starmer was greeted by dozens of protesters waving Palestinian flags and demanding a ceasefire in Gaza during his visit to Bute House.
However, he appeared to exit via the backdoor in order to avoid a confrontation with the protesters.
It comes after the Prime Minister promised to "preserve jobs" at the oil refinery after bosses announced plans to close the site last year.
