Starmer voices 'despair' at Holyrood chaos as 'Scottish people are being fundamentally let down'

Starmer voices 'despair' at Holyrood chaos as 'Scottish people are being fundamentally let down'

WATCH: Sir Keir Starmer celebrates Dan Poulter's decision to defect to the Labour …

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George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 29/04/2024

- 13:13

Updated: 29/04/2024

- 13:52

It comes as Humza Yousaf stood down as First Minister after just over a year in the job

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said Scottish people are being let down by failings in Holyrood.

It comes as Humza Yousaf announced he was standing down as First Minister after just over a year in the position.


Humza Yousaf resigned as First Minister after his decision to scrap the SNP’s coalition deal with the Scottish Greens caused his leadership to unravel.

The Labour leader called the situation "absolute chaos" saying he "despairs" at the ongoing situation in Holyrood.

\u200bStarmer said there was "chaos" in Holyrood

Starmer said there was "chaos" in Holyrood

PA

The Labour leader said: "I despair at the situation. It's absolute chaos from the Scottish Government. Scottish people are being fundamentally let down."

Starmer also addressed Labour's new signing, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich Dr Dan Poulter who crossed the floor leaving the Tories.

He said: "[I am] pleased that Poulter has joined to help on this. He has said his move to Labour is driven by his sense of wanted to support and ensure the future of the NHS."

When asked about calling a by-election, Dr Poulter said: "Thought long and hard about what the right thing to do was. We're now at a point where a general election will be called. Felt that right thing to do by my constituents was to continue to serve their best interests."

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\u200bStarmer with new Labour MP Dr Dan Poulter

Starmer with new Labour MP Dr Dan Poulter

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When asked about the ongoing migrant crisis, Starmer said: "The UK Gov have lost control of the borders. Only way to stop people arriving is to take down the criminal gangs that are allowing this vile trade."

It comes as GB News exclusively revealed increasing numbers of Channel migrants are using young children as “human shields” to prevent police getting to their boats on French beaches.

French law enforcement officers are also facing a huge spike in levels of migrant violence, with police regularly threatened and attacked with weapons including machetes and even firearms.

Over the weekend, the Border Force vessel Defender entered Dover harbour with another 66 migrants onboard, some of the 7,167 who have arrived so far this year. That figure is much higher than the 5,745 Channel migrants who crossed the English Channel at the same point last year.

Starmer

Sir Kier Starmer voiced his 'despair'

PA

Starmer has promised to keep the state pension triple lock for at least five years if the Labour Party wins the next General Election.

He declared that "pensioners deserve better" as older households continue to struggle navigating the ongoing cost of living crisis

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