THE SNP has said that Keir Starmer cannot "dodge scrutiny" ahead of the General Election after it was reported that the Labour leader's team weren't keen on him participating in TV debates.
The Times reported on Saturday that, despite televised debates between party leaders being expected, "aides close to Starmer would prefer to duck them".
A Labour aide also reportedly said: “We have nothing to gain [but] ... I guess we will have to.”’
Commenting, SNP MP Hannah Bardell said: “Try as he might, Keir Starmer will not be able to dodge scrutiny ahead of the General Election – and it is quite frankly pathetic for him to try to shy away from TV debates.
“As Starmer's list of u-turns continues to mount up, people deserve to know what on earth his Labour Party stands for."
READ MORE: Accident on A9: Two taken to hospital after 'serious collision'
Bardell then said that any politician "confident of themselves" would try to avoid TV debates.
She went on: “Just like speaking to people on doorsteps, these debates are an important part of an election where politicians can listen to what matters most to people and be questioned. I, and my colleagues in the SNP, relish the opportunity to hear from folk and outline our positive vision for the future.
“While Keir Starmer and his Labour Party believe they do not have to offer people anything other than a different coloured rosette in order to get the keys to number 10, the SNP will proudly deliver our plans for a better Scotland and the real change independence offers us.”
Labour have been contacted for comment.
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