Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the “sheer might” of the UK has been shown throughout the coronavirus pandemic ahead of a visit to Scotland.
Mr Johnson will arrive north of the border on Thursday, ahead of his first anniversary of becoming Prime Minister on Friday.
In his first visit to Scotland since December’s election, Downing Street said that he will meet with businesses impacted by coronavirus, those working in green energy, and military personnel to thank them for their efforts in the response to coronavirus.
As yet there are no plans to meet with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who said at her Wednesday media briefing that she would be open to meeting with Mr Johnson.
Mr Johnson has pledged £50 million for Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles to develop the economy of the islands as part of a growth deal.
The Scottish Government said it will invest the same amount in the islands, meaning every area in Scotland will now receive funding from the joint UK and Scottish government initiatives.
Ahead of the visit, the Prime Minister said: “When I stood on the steps of Downing Street one year ago, I pledged to be a Prime Minister for every corner of the United Kingdom. Whether you are from East Kilbride or Dumfries, Motherwell or Paisley, I promised to level up across Britain and close the opportunity gap.
“The last six months have shown exactly why the historic and heartfelt bond that ties the four nations of our country together is so important and the sheer might of our union has been proven once again.”
The Prime Minister’s visit comes after a surge in support for Scottish independence in recent months, according to polls, with two Panelbase surveys reporting 54% of respondents would like to see Scotland split from the UK.
The same polls predicted the SNP will win a majority of seats in the Scottish Parliament at next year’s election.
Then prime minister David Cameron agreed to stage the independence vote in 2014 after the SNP won a majority at Holyrood in the 2011 election, however Mr Johnson has repeatedly ruled out another referendum.
Ahead of Thursday’s visit, the Prime Minister praised the work of the armed forces in running mobile coronavirus testing centres in Scotland and providing air transfers support.
He added: “The UK Treasury stepped in to save the jobs of a third of Scotland’s entire workforce and kept the wolves at bay for tens of thousands of Scottish businesses.
“More than ever, this shows what we can achieve when we stand together, as one United Kingdom.”
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