Jeremy Corbyn has emphatically stated that the decision to hold a Scottish independence referendum should rest solely with the people of Scotland, not the UK Government in Westminster. The Your Party co-leader delivered this declaration during a keynote speech at the Your Party Scotland founding conference in Dundee on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Corbyn's Firm Stance on Scottish Self-Determination
Speaking to attendees, Mr Corbyn, who currently serves as an independent MP in Westminster, reinforced his long-held position on Scottish sovereignty. He articulated that if Scottish citizens and their representative organisations desire a referendum to determine Scotland's future, that choice is fundamentally theirs to make.
"As far as I'm concerned, I've always maintained that if the people in Scotland and Scottish organisations wish to hold a referendum to decide Scotland's future, that is unequivocally their choice," Mr Corbyn asserted. "It should not be dictated by the UK Government in Westminster, and I believe we must make that principle abundantly clear."
Your Party Scotland's Founding Conference and Electoral Strategy
The conference marked a significant milestone for Your Party Scotland, with members gathering to formulate their approach to the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections in May. Should the party decide to field candidates, the selection process and policy development are scheduled to commence as early as the following week.
Ellie Gomersall, a member of the organising group, highlighted the party's grassroots ethos. "The political establishment has repeatedly failed the people of Scotland. It is evident that a new movement, built from the ground up by ordinary citizens, is urgently required," she stated.
"This weekend, we are laying the foundation for precisely that. Your Party Scotland is member-led, and it is members from across the nation who will collectively make crucial decisions in Dundee—ranging from our stance on Scottish independence to our organisational structure and strategy for the Holyrood elections."
Gomersall acknowledged the challenges of establishing a new political entity but emphasised its necessity. "No one claimed founding a party from scratch would be simple. However, with a genocidal right-wing Labour government in Westminster and a stagnant SNP administration in Holyrood, the need for Your Party in Scotland is unmistakable. This conference is merely the beginning."
Corbyn's Critique of Labour's Current Turmoil
In a separate interview with BBC Radio Scotland's Sunday Show, Mr Corbyn addressed the Labour Party's escalating crises, particularly concerning the Lord Mandelson scandal. He suggested that Sir Keir Starmer is under immense pressure and stress, potentially necessitating a temporary withdrawal from public duties.
"Starmer is facing enormous pressure and stress. He will likely appreciate the upcoming parliamentary recess and may disappear for a few days or a week to strategise," Mr Corbyn remarked. "Alternatively, he could resign or wait until after the local elections in England, as well as the elections in Scotland and Wales, given Labour's profound difficulties. It is a remarkable fall from grace—from being elected in July 2024 with a substantial parliamentary majority to now facing potential forced exit from office. I doubt he will call another general election."
Starmer's Response to the Mandelson Allegations
Speaking at Westminster on February 5, Sir Keir Starmer addressed the serious allegations against Lord Peter Mandelson, including his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer revealed that Mandelson had misrepresented the depth of his association with Epstein.
"Serious allegations and evidence have emerged regarding Mandelson's conduct, particularly his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. While it was publicly known that Mandelson knew Epstein, the extent and nature of that relationship were previously concealed," Starmer explained. "He portrayed Epstein as a mere acquaintance, which proved false. Upon discovering this deceit, I dismissed him. Such dishonesty is incompatible with public service. Let me be clear: no one is above accountability."
