Vote Labour to send referendum message to SNP, says Alistair Darling

Former chancellor Alistair Darling is urging people to vote Labour to send the SNP the message that Scotland does not want or need another “divisive referendum''.

He said the Nationalists must respect the No vote of the 2014 referendum, when Scots were told it was a once-in-a-generation event.

Campaigning in Edinburgh, he said that when a government focuses on the day job it can transform the lives of people in Scotland.

Mr Darling will meet campaign activists in Edinburgh South with Labour MP Ian Murray and highlight Labour's achievements in government, including lifting 120,000 children out of poverty in Scotland, introducing the national minimum wage and introducing tax credits for those on low pay.

The former leader of Better Together said: “Twenty years ago today a Labour government that transformed the lives of people in Scotland and right across the UK was elected.

“We delivered on our promises, by lifting millions of families out of poverty, investing in schools and hospitals, and introducing a national minimum wage.

“Labour's proud record shows what can be achieved when a government focuses on the day job.

“The priority of a Labour government is always to grow the economy, create jobs, lift people out of poverty and give everybody a fair chance in life, not seeking to divide the country.

“On June 8 people can vote Labour to send Nicola Sturgeon a message that Scotland doesn't want or need another divisive referendum.

“In 2014 we were told that the referendum was a once-in-a-generation event, and Scotland voted No by a clear margin. That's the mandate the Nationalists must respect.

“Scotland is divided enough. The majority of people in Scotland believe that together we're stronger by remaining in the UK.''

Edinburgh South Labour MP Ian Murray said: “Only Labour can defeat the SNP in Edinburgh South.

“The Tories came a distant third in 2015, so the only way to send Nicola Sturgeon a message that she should scrap her plan for another divisive referendum is to vote Labour.''

Scottish Conservative candidate for Edinburgh South West Miles Briggs said that Labour would return the UK to chaos.

He said: “Labour may think wheeling out Alistair Darling will convince voters they are strong on Scotland's place in the union.

“But they know Jeremy Corbyn is itching to do a deal with the SNP that would sell pro-UK Scots down the river.

“Darling may want another referendum ruled out, but he's trumped by his leader who says it's 'absolutely fine'.

“Labour would return the UK to chaos, and turn their back on the two million Scots who voted No in 2014.''