‘Civil war’ within Labour directly harming Scots, claims Stephen Flynn

The “cost of chaos” within the UK Government is directly harming Scottish families and businesses, Stephen Flynn has warned.

The SNP Westminster leader said ministers are “so caught up in their own civil war that they are completely ignoring Westminster’s never-ending cost-of-living crisis”.

He said Labour engaged in civil war following Scottish leader Anas Sarwar’s calls for the Prime Minister to resign in light of revelations about Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Mr Flynn said Labour ministers are “downing tools” to focus on internal party divisions, something he said is resulting in “economic and political paralysis”.

He pointed to sluggish economic growth, the impact of Brexit, and the falling value of the pound against the euro.

The MP for Aberdeen South said: “The cost of chaos under the Labour Party is growing and getting worse – Keir Starmer’s Labour Party are so caught up in their own civil war that they are completely ignoring Westminster’s never-ending cost-of-living crisis.

“When it comes to managing the economy, tackling Westminster’s cost-of-living crisis or even the basics of passing promised legislation – Keir Starmer’s distracted and divided Labour Party have blatantly downed tools.”

Mr Flynn said the public are “wise to the fact” that while Labour deals with “fighting amongst themselves, they will never fight for them”.

He added: “Another week of Westminster scandal has come with real costs and consequences – the pound plummeted, borrowing rates soared and even passing laws came to a standstill – people were promised ‘change’; Keir Starmer’s Labour Party has only delivered chaos.

“While the cost of chaos continues at Westminster under Labour, this week the story in Scotland stands in stark contrast – the SNP’s focus is on our people’s priorities with the opening of the first GP walk-in clinic, freezing rail fares, marking five years of the Scottish child payment and securing a resident doctor pay deal.

“Under John Swinney, our NHS is turning a corner with waiting times falling thanks to that relentless focus on improving our health service.

“While the Labour Party rips itself apart, John Swinney’s SNP Government can always be trusted to be on Scotland’s side.”

The UK Government has been approached for comment.