PM described as 'walking advert for independence' ahead of Scotland visit

Boris Johnson has been described as a “walking advert for Scottish independence” ahead of his expected visit to Scotland.

The Prime Minister is anticipated to embark on a tour of the UK in order to press ahead with his ‘levelling up agenda’.

Downing Street has indicated that Johnson will visit a manufacturing site in Scotland, before heading to the North West of England.

But, the trip comes amidst accusations that multiple lockdown-breaking gatherings were held at No 10 and across Whitehall during the pandemic.

A Metropolitan Police investigation is underway, with officers sending formal questionnaires to more than 50 people, including the Prime Minister, in relation to a certain number of events.

Speaking ahead of Johnson’s visit, SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said that support for Scottish independence goes “through the roof” each time that the Prime Minister appears in the country.

“Boris Johnson is a walking advert for Scottish independence – demonstrating beyond doubt the need for Scotland to become an independent country, so we can escape the damage of Westminster control and build a fairer future,” said Blackford.

“Every time the Prime Minister visits Scotland, support for independence shoots through the roof as people are reminded of the litany of scandals and damaging decisions imposed on Scotland by this disastrous Tory government.

“With the police closing in on his rule-breaking, Mr Johnson should use his farewell tour to apologise for the damage he has inflicted on Scotland and hand in his resignation.”

On the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland programme, Scotland Office minister Iain Stewart was asked why Johnson would not be meeting with Scottish Conservative colleagues and the party’s leader, Douglas Ross, during his visit to Scotland.

“He’s in regular contact with them. I don’t know whether their diaries didn’t align up today or not, but this is just nonsense from the opponents,” he said.

“Douglas Ross and the Prime Minister are in regular contact.”

Stewart also could not confirm when the Johnson and Ross last spoke.

He said: “I don’t know the detail of the PM’s minute by minute diary I’m afraid.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also criticised the Prime Minister, as well as the Scottish Conservatives, who had previously called for Johnson to resign over the lockdown breaches.

“Boris Johnson is not fit to be Prime Minister and he is single the biggest threat to the future of the UK,” said Sarwar.

“If the Scottish Tories welcome him back with open arms, it will confirm once and for all that they are a party devoid of any principles.

“This is a humiliating climbdown from Douglas Ross, whose total irrelevance within his own party has been revealed.

“The Tories are not good enough to lead the U.K. and not strong enough to stand up to the SNP.

“It couldn’t be clearer that it isn’t enough to oppose this Tory government, we need to replace them. Only Labour can do that.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton suggested that every minute longer spent in office by Johnson is “an insult” to those who lost a loved one during the pandemic.

“The Prime Minister should be making the shorter trip to the Palace to offer the Queen his resignation,” he said.

“The failure of Scottish Conservative MPs to hand in letters to the 1922 Committee shows contempt for their constituents.

“Every minute Boris Johnson remains Prime Minister is an insult to all those who lost a loved one, adhered to the rules, educated their children at home, went to work in care homes or applauded from the doorstep.”