SWINNEY 'TAKING SCOTS FOR FOOLS OVER SPLITTING UP UK'

Starmer launches a scathing attack on renewed campaign for referendum

- By David Walker Scottish Politics Reporter

JOHN SWINNEY has been told he is "insulting the intelligence" of Scots by claiming he has a "secret plan" for independence.

The First Minister has insisted that if the SNP win a majority of MSPs at the Holyrood elections in May then he will get a second Scexit referendum. But he will almost certainly need the permission of Sir Keir Starmer, who must grant a so-called Section 30 order to devolve temporary power over the constitution.

Speaking to Scottish journalists at 10 Downing Street last night, the Prime Minister scoffed at the idea of Mr Swinney having a secret plan to force the issue.

He said: “Oh, does he? I'd have thought he might want to say... he’s insulting the intelligence of the Scottish people. This is his record he needs to talk about, after 18 years in government, he really needs to explain to you why he’s not running on his record.

“When we get to 2029 you will enjoy a drink here with me, and you will ask me what we're running our election on in 2029 and I'll tell you I’m running it on our record.