Kate Forbes describes 'heartbreak' at Labour refusal to hold independence talks with SNP

Kate Forbes has claimed feeling “heartbreak” over Labour’s repeated rejection of independence talks with the SNP after the general election.

The Deputy First Minister claimed Keir Starmer was copying Rishi Sunak’s approach to the constitutional question and “ignoring” Scottish voters.

The Nationalists have pledged if they win a majority of seats in Scotland - 29 or more - they’ll open indy negotiations with Westminster.

Although the SNP’s poll numbers have dropped in recent months, support for a breakaway among Scots sits just below the 50 per cent mark in most surveys.

Starmer has bluntly refused to take part in independence negotiations or sanction a new referendum after July 4.

Speaking to Times Radio this morning, Forbes said: "That's the heartbreak, that he is saying what Rishi Sunak said.

"I think Labour are going to have a job on their hands, and it's to their peril if they ignore Scottish voters."

She added: "People still support independence and what route is there for them in a democracy to express their views, not least after all the change of the last 10 years since the last independence referendum?

"That will be the question for any democrat, including Anas Sarwar and Keir Starmer."

Speaking during the campaign, Scottish Labour leader chief Sarwar has said it would be "for the Scottish people" to decide when another referendum should be held.

On visits to Scotland last month, Starmer said there will be “absolutely no deal” with the SNP “under any circumstances”.

Asked if he would enter independence talks should the SNP win a majority in Scotland, he replied: “No.”

A Savanta poll today suggests the SNP have narrowly inched Labour ahead of the final 24 hours of the campaign.

Seat projections put the Nats on 24 seats - short of their majority but ahead of Labour's forecast of 22.

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