Squirming Keir Starmer says he will be supporting Scotland in Euro match tonight - amid claims he shunned wearing England shirt to avoid losing votes north of the border
Squirming Keir Starmer insisted he will be supporting Scotland in their crucial Euros match tonight.
The Scots are taking on Switzerland this evening as they try to get their campaign back on track after a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany last week.
The Labour leader faced claims he shunned wearing an England shirt as he watched the Three Lions' 1-0 victory over Serbia on Sunday because he feared losing votes north of the border.
Instead Sir Keir - a fervent Arsenal fan - donned a plain white t-shirt, while his deputy Angela Rayner and comics Jon Richardson and Matt Forde all wore England strips.
Scotland is a critical battleground for Sir Keir, with Labour hoping to pick up dozens of seats from the SNP to boost their majority.
Asked about tonight's match on a visit to Wiltshire, Sir Keir said: 'I want Scotland to win, and I will keep wanting them to win unless and until they get drawn against England. But until that point, actually, I want them to win the game.'
Squirming Keir Starmer insisted he will be supporting Scotland in their crucial Euros match tonight
The Scottish team training ahead of the game against Switzerland tonight
Sir Keir Starmer has been ridiculed for not wearing an England shirt as he watched the Three Lions' 1-0 win against Serbia at a pub with Angela Rayner and two comedians
Sir Keir was not wearing an England-branded shirt, even though he is known to own one (picture watching a match in 2021)
Ms Rayner tweeted a selfie with Sir Keir after the match on Sunday night, with the caption: 'Celebrating a vital win with the gaffer. Well done lads!'
Sir Keir was the only one pictured not wearing an England-branded shirt, even though he is known to own one.
Labour is increasingly hopeful of picking up a hatful of seats north of the border – gains which could guarantee Sir Keir the keys to No10.
Mr Sunak also posted a photo of him watching the tight game. He also avoided wear an England shirt but had two St George's flags in a pint glass on the table at the pub.
He wrote: 'Tense finish but they got the job done. Jude Bellingham is something special. Onto the next one!'
Ahead of kick-off, he said: 'Come on England! We're all behind you. Make us proud.'
Sir Keir also wished Gareth Southgate's side well, saying: 'There is no feeling like the build up to the first England game of an international tournament: the pubs filling up, the flags waving, the nerves and excitement building.
'As fans up and down the country get ready for kick off, I want to wish Gareth and the team all the best on behalf of the Labour Party.
'We will be with you for every twist, turn and VAR decision. England is behind you. Make it a summer to remember.'
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage posted an edited picture to show him with his arm around Southgate on X with the caption: 'Good luck tonight @England!'
England fans were left jubilant Bellingham starred in the 1-0 victory to begin the national team's Euro 2024 championship campaign with a win - albeit a nervy one.
The Labour leader watched the game at the pub as Jude Bellingham gave England a 1-0 win
