Starmer accused of 'skulking' and shunning Sarwar in Scotland

During a brief visit to Scotland, Sir Keir Starmer faced criticism for avoiding contact with Scottish Labour colleagues, including party leader Anas Sarwar. The prime minister spent two and a half hours at the Faslane nuclear base on Saturday after attending the UK-France summit in Paris addressing the Iran crisis. Sources within BBC Scotland revealed that Sir Keir did not engage with Sarwar or any members campaigning for the upcoming Holyrood election.

First Minister John Swinney described the prime minister’s absence from the Scottish campaign trail as “strange,” while Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay accused him of “skulking” and suggested that he was reluctant to face Sarwar directly. From Downing Street, officials stated that the visit was intended to recognize the service of UK defence personnel following discussions on security matters in Paris, with further details to be announced subsequently.

Anas Sarwar acknowledged the relevance of Sir Keir’s visit, particularly because of the defence context, but stressed their distinct roles. “He’s the prime minister of the UK and it’s right that he makes a visit, particularly when it relates to defence,” Sarwar said, adding that his priority remained leading the campaign to change the government in Scotland. He also maintained his stance on calling for Sir Keir’s resignation, despite limited support within the party and admitted personal disappointment over the lack of backing.

The Faslane base, located on the Gare Loch near Glasgow, is the site of the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet, including the four Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines armed with Trident missiles. The base is also associated with the Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarines and the nearby Royal Naval Armaments Depot at Coulport, where the UK’s nuclear warheads are stored. Faslane has been a focal point for peace protests for decades, notably hosting a peace camp since 1982 opposing the Trident system’s deployment. The continuous at-sea deterrence programme has been maintained by the UK since 1969, involving nuclear-powered submarines capable of extended underwater deployment

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