UK PM visits hospital's laboratory in Glasgow

British prime minister Boris Johnson travelled to Scotland on Thursday to laud the rapid rollout of coronavirus vaccines across the United Kingdom.The visit has sparked criticism, with the prime minister facing accusations that he is not abiding by Scottish lockdown rules.

The lockdown dispute threatens to undermine Johnson's efforts to promote the benefits of the union between Scotland and the rest of the UK.Numerous polls have shown increased support for Scottish independence from the UK.

Johnson is arguing that Scotland is benefiting from his Conservative government's approach to getting vaccine shots out quickly.But critics say he is politicking at a time when the UK is in a strict lockdown as a result of a huge resurgence of the virus.