Starmer Accused of ‘Skulking’ and Shunning Sarwar in Scotland During Flying Visit to Faslane

Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of “skulking” around Scotland and deliberately avoiding Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar during a brief visit to the Faslane nuclear base — his first trip north of the border since Sarwar called for him to resign in February.

PM Spends Two-and-a-Half Hours at Faslane

The Prime Minister flew in from Paris after a UK-France summit on the Iran crisis and spent two-and-a-half hours at the Faslane nuclear base, home of Britain’s Trident submarines. Downing Street described it as a defence and security visit to thank UK personnel.

No Meeting with Scottish Labour Colleagues

BBC Scotland understands Sir Keir did not meet Sarwar or any Scottish Labour colleagues as they campaigned ahead of the Holyrood election on 7 May. Sarwar said it did not surprise him and that he stood by his calls for Starmer to resign, which he described as personally painful.

• Starmer visited Faslane for two-and-a-half hours
• No meeting with Anas Sarwar or Scottish Labour colleagues
• Sarwar called for Starmer’s resignation in February
• First visit to Scotland since that call
• Opposition leaders criticise the “strange” visit

Opposition Leaders Pile Pressure

First Minister John Swinney said it was “strange” that a Labour prime minister would come to Scotland during an election campaign but not campaign with the Scottish Labour Party. Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay accused Starmer of “skulking” and said he seemed “unable to look Sarwar in the eyes”.