The UK Health Secretary dismissed the prospect of a future vote on independence today, arguing that constitutional debate would only add further disruption.

John Swinney has said if the SNP wins a majority in the upcoming Holyrood election this would act as a mandate for an independence referendum.

However, speaking to LBC this morning, Mr Streeting said: “We are not going to introduce chaos into the UK by having an independence referendum. Absolutely not.

“The SNP would like to make this all about the constitution again to avoid their running on their domestic record.”

“The country has had enough of chaos!”

Wes Streeting rules out Scottish independence, telling @Lewis_Goodall that there will be no fresh referendum even if the SNP get a majority. pic.twitter.com/lVhk2ufozU

— LBC (@LBC) April 12, 2026

Asked how a second referendum could be secured in that case he replied: “Well, they’re not having one.”

Mr Streeting added: “We’ve had the financial crash, we had years of Tory austerity, we had the catastrophe of Brexit, we’ve had the war in Ukraine, the war in Iran, the Covid pandemic. I think this country’s had enough of chaos.”

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His comments signal Labour’s continued refusal to countenance a referendum, even if pro-independence parties secure a majority in Scotland.

The SNP has said “the Labour Party is sticking two fingers up at Scottish voters, and unwittingly making the case for independence, by arrogantly seeking to deny democracy”.

Commenting, SNP Depute Leader Keith Brown said: “The Labour Party is sticking two fingers up at Scottish voters, and unwittingly making the case for independence, by arrogantly seeking to deny democracy.

“The fact that senior Labour Party figures are telling Scottish voters their views and votes don’t matter is all the more reason to show them where to go on 7th May by voting SNP.

“The fact is that it will not be Wes Streeting, Keir Starmer or any other Westminster politician who decide Scotland’s future – it will be the people of Scotland. And an SNP majority on 7th May will unlock the fresh start of independence.”

He added: “Scotland is an energy-rich country with huge wealth but under the Labour Party we’re saddled with sky-high bills, Brexit and the constant chaos of Westminster control.

“Voting SNP on 7th May is the only way to secure a fresh start with independence and use our energy wealth to tackle the cost of living and protect our NHS.”

Streeting’s remarks also drew swift criticism from the Scottish Greens, with constitutional spokesperson Patrick Harvie accusing Labour of undermining democratic principles.

Mr Harvie said: “Labour is showing complete contempt for Scotland and our democracy. Scotland’s future isn’t up to Wes Streeting or Keir Starmer, it is up to the people who live here. That’s basic democracy and something Labour finds impossible to accept.

“It is vital that we return a pro-independence majority on May 7th, otherwise Labour, Tories and Reform will put up even more barriers and undermine our Parliament even more.

“The polls show that Scottish Labour couldn’t be further from power. That’s because people have seen what a Labour government looks like and they don’t like it. Even Anas Sarwar accepts that Starmer isn’t fit for office.

“Wes Streeting and his colleagues have kept many of the cruellest Tory policies, implemented even more racist anti-migrant restrictions and armed Israel’s genocide against Gaza. It’s no wonder that so many are demanding better.

“Every vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote for an independent Scotland and for us to use those powers to build a fairer, greener and better future away from decades of Westminster failure.”