LABOUR LEADER TALKS TO DELIVERY

Starmer promises to make extra powers for Scotland a priority and immediate measures to tackle the cost of living crisis if he is made PM

- PAUL HUTCHEON

KEIR Starmer has promised boosting the powers of the Scottish Parliament will be an early priority if he is Prime Minister.

In an exclusive interview with the Record, the Labour leader pledged to “settle” the issue of Scotland's place in the UK without a referendum.

He also demanded the UK and Scottish Governments tackle the cost of living crisis and called for a general election to sweep out Boris Johnson from power.

Starmer spoke as Johnson's future as PM hangs by a thread over the scandal of lockdown parties at Downing Street.

A report by civil servant Sue Gray has been delayed over concerns by the Metropolitan Police, which is also investigating the allegations:

“I want the Sue Gray report published in full as soon as possible, no redactions, no edits, no summaries, no parts left out." Starmer said.

“I want the Metropolitan Police investigation completed as soon as possible as well.

"We've got a prime minister and a government that is totally paralysed by these allegations.

"The sooner there's a general election, the better."

Labour under Starmer is enjoying a poll lead over the Tories, but he knows he has to take seats off the SNP if his party is to win a majority at Westminster.

Sitting in a cafe in Glasgow's east end, Starmer said his approach to Scotland has three strands.

The first element is focusing on the cost of living crisis, which is clobbering Scots by way of rising food costs, soaring energy bills and looming national insurance increases.