The SNP has warned that Sir Keir Starmer’s values are far removed from Scotland’s values – after confirming a Labour government would implement more austerity-driven policies.

Ahead of his speech to the Resolution Foundation, the Labour leader has said that he will not “turn on the spending taps” if his party win the next General Election, despite thirteen years of devastating Tory austerity policies fuelling the cost of living crisis.

Over the last few days, Sir Keir Starmer has:

Praised former Tory Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for delivering “meaningful change” to the UK.
Claimed that the UK has "failed to realise the possibilities of Brexit".
Committed to continuing austerity.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“From celebrating the Thatcherite policies that destroyed communities across Scotland, to committing to continuing austerity, Sir Keir Starmer has really shown his true colours this week.

“It is clear that the values of this Labour Party align more with the Tories than the people of Scotland, who remember the damaging legacy of Thatcher all too well.

“The Tories and Labour rejected our calls for a £400 energy rebate, for mortgage interest tax relief and for action on food prices – a perfect demonstration of why Scotland urgently needs the powers to grow the economy and boost household incomes.

“Independent European countries like Scotland are wealthier and fairer than the UK - so the question is: why not Scotland?”