The SNP cannot deliver the social justice and fairness that most Scots want from a government, Keir Starmer will tell the country on Tuesday.
In a swipe at the SNP Starmer will say that only a Labour government can deliver the change that most Scots want and will again spell out his refusal to enter any deal in government with Nicola Sturgeon.
In a speech to the Labour conference in Liverpool Starmer will again spell out the message that he will not co-operate with the SNP to get into Downing Street.
He will say: “We can’t work with them, we won’t work with them. No deal under any circumstances.”
Starmer is expected to tell members that only his party can deliver change on issues such as the cost-of-living crisis.
He is expected to say: “Scotland needs a Labour government that can deliver change. But it also needs the power and resources to shape its own future, whoever’s in power in Westminster.
He will add: “Labour will deliver change. You will never get that from the Tories. And you won’t get it from the SNP either.
“And the SNP are not interested in this. For them, Scotland’s success in the UK is met with gritted teeth, seen as a roadblock to independence. And so they stand in the way.”
The speech builds on Anas Sarwar's conference address on Monday, stressing the crucial role Scotland has to play in delivering a Labour government.
Sarwar told delegates: “Labour will win the next general election. And Scotland will deliver the seats to get us over the line.
“Scotland will elect Keir Starmer as its next Prime Minister. Because only Labour can replace the Tories and change lives for the better.”
A party source claimed Labour are hopeful of winning up to 15 seats in Scotland.
This would require a marked improvement on past Westminster elections.
The party was routed in 2015 after winning one seat, jumped to seven two years later and fell back to one in 2019.
