Flynn steps up his attack on Labor as he heads to the polls
Mr Flynn will be in Cambuslang with SNP candidate Katy Loudon.
A date for the by-election has not yet been set but is likely to take place in October and is being opposed by Labor and the SNP.
The poll was sparked last week by a successful recall petition for Margaret Ferrier, who was suspended from the House of Commons for breaching coronavirus rules in 2020.
Ms Ferrier, who has been in office as an independent since the SNP whip was scrapped, has confirmed she will not run again for the Glasgow-area seat.
CONTINUE READING: Tories are urging people in Rutherglen not to vote tactically in by-elections
Ahead of the visit, Mr Flynn commented on Labour’s stance on Brexit, which the SNP remains opposed to. The SNP has made Labor’s approval of leaving the EU a key part of its strategy for the post-election campaign as it seeks to retain the seat and is poised for a Labor switch.
The SNP wants a second independence referendum and would plan to join the EU if Scotland becomes independent.
Labor opposed Brexit ahead of the 2016 referendum but has now accepted Britain’s exit from the EU and the single European market.
“Brexit is exacerbating the UK’s cost of living crisis and making families in Rutherglen and Hamilton West poorer – and the SNP is the only party offering an independent exit from Brexit,” Mr Flynn said.
“Sir Keir Starmer’s pro-Brexit Labor party has sold Scotland by backing a hard Conservative Brexit – and ruling out any return to the EU and the Single Market.
“This shameful decision has cost Scotland billions of pounds, cut EU financial support for South Lanarkshire and raised household mortgage bills, rents and food prices to unacceptable levels.”
CONTINUE READING: Labor’s Michael Shanks says pro-independence advocates oppose the SNP
Ms Loudon said: “Brexit has been a disaster for Rutherglen and Hamilton West.”
“The SNP is the only party that offers real living aid – and a way back to the EU with independence.”
“(Labour candidate) Michael Shanks needs to explain why the Labor Party is supporting a hard Tory Brexit that will impoverish families in Rutherglen and Hamilton West – and cost Scotland billions of pounds.”
“Brexit has drained vital EU funds from our community and cost local families a lot of money as it fuels inflation and drives up people’s mortgages, rents, food prices and the cost of living.”
Labor is the favorite for the narrow seat ahead of the SNP, which commanded a majority of 5,000 votes in December 2019.
CONTINUE READING: What will Rutherglen voters think as the by-election campaign begins?
It is seen as an open battle between Mr Shanks, a local teacher who runs a scout group for disabled children, and Ms Loudon, a South Lanarkshire councilwoman.
Asked about Labor’s current support for Brexit last week, Mr Shanks said he had voted to remain and believed a Labor government would deliver on Brexit better than the Conservatives.
The Herald urged him to support the UK’s entry into Europe’s single market, which would remove EU-UK trade barriers and allow free movement of people.
He said: “I think as Brexit progresses it becomes clear that the current government has absolutely no plans to make it work.”
“A Labor government will have plans for better cooperation with the European Union and the European Union working with us. What that should look like in the future is up to the people to decide and is independent of the current situation.”
“Right now I think we have to make the current situation work. But I definitely voted to remain, I campaigned to remain. I do believe in the European Union and believe that it will only work through closer ties.”
When asked if he personally would like to see the UK back in the single market, he replied: “No, because I think we need to make the current arrangements work.”
