Alistair Darling tells SNP to rule out a referendum and 'focus on the day job'

Alistair Darling: Picture credit - PA

Former Labour chancellor Alistair Darling will today challenge the SNP to rule out a second independence referendum and "focus on the day job".

Lord Darling, who chaired the successful Better Together campaign in 2014, will use a speech later to play up Labour's achievements in government in Scotland. 

And he will tell voters they have a chance to send a message to Nicola Sturgeon that Scots do not want another referendum.

However, a poll over the weekend suggested a majority north of the border think the SNP should be able to call a second vote if they win a majority of Westminster seats in the upcoming general election.

While the polls suggest the SNP could lose some seats to the Tories and the Liberal Democrats, Labour is being tipped to lose its only Scottish constituency in Edinburgh South. 

Darling, one of the party's best known faces in Scotland, will today campaign in the seat, currently held by Ian Murray. 

At an event with Labour activists he will underline the party's record in government, saying: "We delivered on our promises, by lifting millions of families out of poverty, investing in schools and hospitals, and introducing a National Minimum Wage. 

"Labour's proud record shows what can be achieved when a government focuses on the day job. The priority of a Labour government is always to grow the economy, create jobs, lift people out of poverty and give everybody a fair chance in life, not seeking to divide the country." 

And he will lay down the gauntlet to the SNP over independence.

"On 8 June people can vote Labour to send Nicola Sturgeon a message that Scotland doesn't want or need another divisive referendum.  

"In 2014 we were told that the referendum was a once in a generation event, and Scotland voted No by a clear margin. That's the mandate the Nationalists must respect. 

"Scotland is divided enough. The majority of people in Scotland believe that together we're stronger by remaining in the UK."