JEREMY Corbyn has denied suggestions that he privately supports Scottish independence, as claimed by Mhairi Black.
The SNP MP had said that a private conversation with the Labour leader made it clear he did not support Labour's policy "of keeping Scotland within the Union".
READ MORE: Corbyn secretly backs Scottish independence, claims Mhairi Black
Black added that she felt "let down" by Corbyn, and that he'd "sold his soul, especially in terms of Scotland".
Sources close to Corbyn have rejected the claim as a "smear", and addressing party supporters in Glasgow today, he also denied backing a Yes vote.
He said: "I have never supported Scottish independence. What I want is to lead a UK Labour government. I want to see a Labour government in Scotland.
"I'm a socialist who wants to improve living standards and reduce inequalities across this country, and I invite everyone who wants to live in a society that's more democratic, more open and values everybody – rather than giving free market capitalism the altar that it has at present, under this current Tory government – to join Labour in our determination to create a society that really does work for the many, not the few.
"That's what the Labour Party is about."
Corbyn did accept that Clause 11 of the UK Government's EU Withdrawal Bill represented a "power grab" on devolution, backing Scottish Labour's position.
The Labour Government in Wales has struck an agreement with the UK, but the Conservatives are the only party in Scotland to back the renewed Westminster deal.
He said: "We're relaxed that the Welsh Government has taken its position. That's how devolution works."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel