Keir Starmer to meet Norwegian PM in Scotland

Keir Starmer will meet with the Norwegian prime minister in the north of Scotland on Thursday to highlight strengthened ties between the two countries.

It comes as the Labour prime minister seeks to shore up support for his party with less than six months to go until the next Holyrood election.

Scottish Labour has been floundering in the polls in recent months, mirroring discontent with the UK Government across the UK since it took office last year.

After meeting Norway’s Jonas Støre at an RAF base, Starmer will head south to meet Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar to highlight efforts to tackle child poverty.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is in Greenock to talk up investment for the area announced in last week’s Budget.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Starmer said: “My government has always placed Scotland at the heart of every decision it makes. That is what I promised and that is what I am delivering, because Scots are in my mind’s eye every single time…. There will be those who want yet more political rows or distractions – not us. That doesn’t change people’s lives, it delays change.”

In September, it was announced the UK had secured an order from Norway to build at least five new frigates.

The government has said it will support 4,000 jobs in the UK – including over 2,000 at the BAE shipyard in Glasgow.

The prime minister and chancellor will also be keen to highlight announcements that will impact Scots, including investment in Grangemouth, efforts to reduce energy bills, and the removal of the two-child limit.

The latter is expected to benefit 95,000 Scottish children from low-income families.

The event with Sarwar will focus next steps to combat poverty, with campaigners and other stakeholders also invited.