KEIR Starmer has not ruled out a coalition with the LibDems after the next General Election – but has insisted he will not make any deal with the SNP.
The Labour leader has refused to deny he would make a deal with the LibDems if his party were unable to win a majority of seats at the next General Election.
However, he was quick to set the record straight and ruled out “any deal” before or after the election with the SNP.
According to recent projections from after the English local elections, Labour would be the largest party after the next General Election. However, they are expected to fail to secure enough seats to establish a majority government by themselves.
READ MORE: Labour lead SNP in Westminster and Holyrood voting in new poll
Sky News analysed more than two million votes cast in the English council elections and used them to estimate a national vote share.
The stats indicate that Labour's vote has risen from 33% in 2019 to 35%, with the LibDems gaining a percentage increase by five points to 16%.
With Sky’s projection Labour could potentially have to reach an agreement with the LibDems to secure a majority in the case of a hung Parliament.
Speaking to Sky News, Starmer, who had previously said his party would not go into a coalition with anyone, would not rule out a potential deal with the LibDems if his party were unable to secure a majority.
He said: “I’m ruling out any deal with the SNP before or after the election.
“Am I going for a majority Labour Government? Yes, I am.
"That depends on whether we can earn the trust and confidence of voters across the country.”
When asked for confirmation if his party would link up with the Lib Dems if needed to have a majority government Starmer replied: “Well, I’m going for a majority.
“That's the answer I gave you two years, a year ago, it’s the same answer I gave you then.”
Starmer also ruled out any flights to Rwanda taking off under a Labour government.
He stated if his party takes power they don’t want to be seen as “flogging a dead horse” and called the scheme a “gimmick” he isn’t prepared to continue with.
He said: “There will be no flights scheduled or taking off after General Election if Labour wins that General Election.
“I think the scheme is a gimmick. I'm not flogging a dead horse; I'm not prepared to do government by gimmick.
“I want to start on day one, not with flights taking off by absolutely investing my political capital in the law enforcement.
“No flights, no Rwanda scheme. It's a gimmick.”
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