Starmer to promise to ‘push as much power as possible away from Westminster’ if elected

Labour leader Keir Starmer will promise to “push as much power as possible away from Westminster” with a new round of devolution if elected as he gears up for next May’s elections in Wales and Scotland.

His speech tomorrow will fire the starting gun on campaigning ahead of next year’s 2021 elections to the Welsh and Scottish Parliament.

Keir Starmer will argue that the shared “history, values and identity” throughout the UK leave no place for internal borders.

He will also say that he wants devolution and decentralised power from Westminster to be a hallmark of the next Labour Government.

“I don’t believe in putting up borders across any part of our United Kingdom, in dividing people, communities and families who have stood together for so long,” he will say.

“I believe in that core Labour principle that we achieve more together than we do alone.

”All four nations working together to build a more open, more optimistic and outward-looking country.”

It continues: “A United Kingdom that’s a force for social justice and a moral force for good in the world.

“That’s why I’m so determined to preserve and to renew the United Kingdom.”

Polls

His comments come as a new poll show that support for Scottish independence has equalled its record level of 58 per cent when undecided voters are excluded.

The research by Savanta ComRes for The Scotsman is the 17th study in a row to show majority support for leaving the UK, with just 42 per cent backing the Union. Backing for independence first turned the tide in June.

That majority is maintained when those who are yet to make up their minds are included, with 52 per cent saying they would vote “yes” and 38 per cent favouring “no”.

The latest poll for Welsh independence, in November, puts support at 33%.