FM: Latest Covid variant ‘priority’

THE first minister is confronting the reality of a deepening Covid emergency as she tells Scots the pandemic is her “priority”.

Nicola Sturgeon goes into the final day of the SNP’s party conference knowing the world is scrambling to deal with the impact of the new Omicron variant.

Her closing speech to activists today is being framed as a plea to tackle Covid, not dominated by the constitution.

“Steering the country through this winter is my priority – it is my duty,” she is expected to say.

Yesterday, Ms Sturgeon was again asked how a referendum can take centre stage within two years while a public health emergency continues.

In a television interview, she was also confronted with major concerns about the management of the NHS.

Comments released ahead of her speech suggest the SNP leader will still address her party’s continued push for a referendum.

But she is expected to say: “There are big and very real challenges ahead over the winter months.

“Cases are rising in countries all around us. We know that colder weather, forcing us indoors, coupled with festive socialising will create increased opportunities for the virus to spread.

“And, most seriously of all, the Omicron variant is causing profound concern here and across the world so we must not drop our guard. This is a time to be more vigilant, not less.”

Restrictions are being tightened and Ms Sturgeon revealed she is keeping open the option of new travel rules.

In a plea beyond her party, she will add: “If all of us increase our compliance with the protections already in place, we will help slow transmission.

“So I am asking everyone to please, take the time now to think afresh about the basic steps you can take to keep yourself, your loved ones and the country safe.”

Earlier yesterday, Ian Blackford, the MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, delivered his set-piece speech to members and said the SNP will use time tomorrow to try to put more pressure on the prime minister.