UK PM Starmer Pledges Scotland Renewal Amid Labour Election Challenges

Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a keynote speech at the Labour Party conference emphasizing his pride in the Saltire and other national flags, pledging to renew Scotland alongside other UK nations amid upcoming elections. He positioned Labour as patriots of the four nations of the UK, aiming to reclaim national symbols from far-right groups and unite the country through shared solidarity and working-class values. Starmer acknowledged tough decisions ahead while committing to grow the economy, improve living standards, and address concerns over immigration, including efforts to "smash the gangs." Despite recent polling showing Labour trailing the SNP and Reform UK in Scotland, Starmer vowed to fight the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as well as Welsh and English local elections with a message of national renewal. His speech also took aim at figures like Nigel Farage and the SNP, accusing them of wanting Britain to fail. Opposition figures criticized Starmer's approach as desperate, but he maintained that unity and pride in all UK nations' flags are integral to his vision for the country's future.