The UK Government says it will not hold talks with the SNP on the issue of what triggers another referendum. Our Writer at Large believes that plays right into the hands of Yes voters like him

At least we now know the one issue on which Keir Starmer will never u-turn: Scottish independence.

He’ll twist and turn on any other matter, but he’s an implacable mountain of certainty when it comes to democracy – or the denial of it – in Scotland.

Starmer’s latest about-face came amid bloodshed. First, the UK wouldn’t allow America to use British bases in its war on Iran, with Israel. Then he reversed his decision.

You may support the war, or not, but surely everyone will agree that a Prime Minister who cannot make up his mind on issues of defence is unfit for office.

He’s incapable of taking a decision and sticking to it, despite matters of life and death being at stake. Unless, evidently, that decision involves another referendum – even if the SNP, as is likely, wins an outright majority in May.

Surprisingly, for unionists, there are independence supporters shrugging their shoulders at Starmer’s intransigence. The mood is: "So what? Who cares what Starmer says? He’ll be gone come May."

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