Parties halt electoral campaign
POLITICAL parties have suspended their Holyrood election campaigning and the Scottish Parliament will be recalled following the death of Prince Philip.
It is understood MSPs will express their condolences during a session on Monday.
Campaigning is expected to resume at some point on the same day.
The Duke of Edinburgh, 99, was the longest-serving consort in British history and married to the Queen for more than 70 years.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was among those paying tribute in Scotland, stressing the impact of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross said: “This is not the time for political campaigning. It is a time for national mourning.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar offered his party’s sympathies: “Scotland is today mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant who contributed so much to our country.”
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “We recognise that the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh will be felt deeply by some across the country and express our sympathies with his family, who join many others who have lost loved ones in this last year.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said Philip had “99 years of an outstanding life and 70 years of astonishing service”.
Former first minister and Alba Party leader Alex Salmond praised Philip’s service to the UK: “On behalf of the Alba Party, my condolences go to Her Majesty the Queen. The Duke of Edinburgh was the longest serving consort in history and no one can question that record of public service.”
Holyrood parties halted their campaigns yesterday as a mark of respect for him.
Next week is a crucial time in the campaign as a number of parties are due to publish their manifestos.
An STV leaders’ debate is also scheduled and door-todoor canvassing will be allowed across Scotland.