Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Scotland's Labour leader calls on pro-independence voters to oust Tories

The Scottish Labour leader appealed directly to independence supporters, irrespective of their past voting choices

Scotland's Labour leader calls on pro-independence voters to oust Tories

During his first major speech on Monday (8), Anas Sarwar, Scotland's Labour leader urged independence backers to switch allegiance from the Scottish National Party (SNP) in a bid to unseat the Tories from Downing Street.

Simultaneously, during his speech, first minister Humza Yousaf emphasised to undecided voters that the current cost of living crisis has increased the urgency for independence.


In what is expected to be a general election year, both leaders specifically addressed pro-independence supporters, recognising their pivotal role in the upcoming campaign.

Former SNP loyalists are increasingly swayed by Labour's perceived capability to swiftly address escalating household expenses and declining public services, making this cohort crucial in shaping the forthcoming political landscape, The Guardian reported.

Sarwar, buoyed by recent polling aligning Scottish Labour closely with the SNP in Westminster voting intention, informed activists that the year 2024 would be a “momentous” one, in which Scotland could “lead the way in booting out these Tories, and electing a UK Labour government.”

He added that after “16 years of decline and incompetence” this was “a chance to turn the page on the SNP too.”

Addressing Rutherglen town hall, a symbolic win for Scottish Labour, against the SNP in last autumn’s byelection, Sarwar appealed directly to independence supporters, irrespective of their past voting choices.

He emphasised the need for unity to effect change in the country, echoing a sentiment of shared purpose.

Contrasting Sarwar's stance, Yousaf, in a series of talks at Glasgow University, emphasised the urgency of independence amid the pressing cost of living crisis.

He underlined Scotland's economic potential and the need for immediate action.

Yousaf highlighted the perceived neglect of Scotland's interests in the broader UK political landscape, stressing the urgency of independence in addressing societal concerns.

The divergent approaches between Sarwar and Yousaf also played out in their perspectives on the upcoming election.

Sarwar pitched electing more Scottish Labour MPs as pivotal in representing Scotland's interests within a UK Labour government.

In contrast, Yousaf expressed doubts about Westminster's consideration of Scotland's welfare, nudging voters to opt for SNP MPs, proven in their advocacy for Scotland's interests.

Amidst these political maneuvers, the debate around the SNP's Westminster majority remained contentious.

Tommy Sheppard, a prominent SNP MP, cautioned against abandoning the party, warning that progress toward independence might stall without SNP's representation in Westminster.

Liz Lloyd, a former aide to Nicola Sturgeon, added another layer to the discourse, suggesting that Labour's reliance on pro-independence supporters might complicate the party's long-term stance on separation.

More For You

 University of Kent

The Office for Students welcomed the move, saying more universities may look at mergers as many face financial difficulties. (Photo credit: University of Kent)

University of Kent

Kent and Greenwich to merge into UK’s first regional university group

THE UNIVERSITIES of Kent and Greenwich will merge in 2026 to form the UK’s first regional “super-university”.

The new institution, to be called the London and South East University Group, will have one vice-chancellor and around 50,000 students, the BBC reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
British Sikh MPs

Sardar Tarlochan Singh

British Sikh MPs asked to preserve Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s legacy

FORMER Indian lawmaker Sardar Tarlochan Singh has urged British Sikh MPs and peers to commission proper research into the scattered treasures of Maharaja Ranjit Singh so they can be catalogued and preserved in a museum for future generations.

The 92-year-old former Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Indian parliament) MP and former chairman of the National Commission for Minorities was speaking at an event hosted in his honour by the British Sikh Association at the House of Lords in London on Monday (8).

Keep ReadingShow less
Nepal troops deployed

An aerial view shows smoke billowing from the torched President House in Kathmandu on September 10, 2025. (Photo by PRABIN RANABHAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Getty Images

Troops move in as Nepal reels from parliament blaze and riots

NEPALI soldiers patrolled the streets of Kathmandu on Wednesday (10), seeking to restore order after protesters set parliament ablaze and forced the prime minister to quit in the worst violence to hit the Himalayan nation in two decades.

Soldiers issued orders via loudspeakers enforcing a curfew during the political vacuum, as armoured personnel carriers rumbled past the carcasses of burnt vehicles and buildings on the largely quiet streets.

Keep ReadingShow less
BHAUK anniversary London

The event also included a financial report, a documentary on the organisation’s history, and an exhibition on Hindu genocide in the subcontinent.

Getty images

Bangladesh Hindu Association UK marks 25 years with London event

THE BANGLADESH Hindu Association UK marked its 25th founding anniversary with a silver jubilee programme on Saturday, August 30, at the Ravidassia Community Centre in Manor Park, East London.

Members from Birmingham, Bradford, Loughborough, Portsmouth, Hull, Sheffield, Leeds and Coventry attended the event.

Keep ReadingShow less
English Channel

A group of migrants board an inflatable dinghy before leaving the coast of northern France in an attempt to cross the Channel to reach UK on August 25, 2025.

Reuters

Three dead, including two children, in Channel crossing attempt

THREE people, including two children, died while attempting to cross the English Channel overnight off the coast of Calais, French authorities said.

French media reported that the children were on a boat carrying 38 people. The Prefect of Pas-de-Calais, Laurent Touvet, said another three people were missing from a separate boat trying to cross at Neufchâtel-Hardelot, BBC reported.

Keep ReadingShow less