Jeremy Corbyn attacks SNP over 'unwanted and unnecessary' independence vote

Jeremy Corbyn: Picture credit - PA

Jeremy Corbyn will use Labour’s manifesto launch today to attack the SNP over their plans for an “unwanted and unnecessary” second independence referendum.

The Labour leader will call on Nicola Sturgeon’s party to “get on with the job of governing”, rather than focusing on constitutional issues.

Corbyn has previously come under fire for suggesting that it would be “absolutely fine” for the Nationalists to call another referendum.

But speaking ahead of today’s launch in Bradford, he said holding another vote would be “the wrong thing to do” for Scotland.

“Labour opposes a second Scottish independence referendum,” he said.

“It is unwanted and unnecessary, and we will campaign tirelessly to ensure Scotland remains part of the UK. Independence would lead to turbo-charged austerity for Scottish families.”

He will be joined at the launch by Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale, who has made clear her own strong opposition to another referendum.

But her party faces an uphill battle on 8 June, with just one MP and a recent opinion poll putting them 10 points behind the Tories.

She framed the election as a chance for Scots to reject both the SNP and the Conservatives.

“By voting Labour on June 8, Scots can tell Nicola Sturgeon that we don’t want another divisive independence referendum,” Dugdale said.

“Voters can reject a second referendum and deeper Tory cuts with one vote for Labour.

“Voting Tory doesn’t send Nicola Sturgeon a message; it sends Theresa May back to Number Ten. A Labour government led by Jeremy Corbyn will work for the many, not the few.”