The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Corbyn ‘not a credible PM’, says Sturgeon
SNP would look to be part of a progressive alliance in a hung parliament, however
Jeremy Corbyn is not “credible as an alternative Prime Minister”, Nicola Sturgeon has claimed as the UK Labour leader held a rally in Scotland.
The First Minister did say, however, that the SNP would “look to be part of a progressive alliance” at Westminster if the general election results in a hung parliament.
Recent opinion polls across the UK have shown Theresa May’s lead shrinking, with an ORB survey for the Sunday Telegraph putting support for Labour on 38% – six points behind the Conservatives and more than both Ed Miliband and Gordon Brown returned.
Ms Sturgeon told Andrew Neil during a BBC interview that “if there was to be a hung parliament of course we would look to be part of a progressive alliance that pursued progressive policies”.
She added: “Let’s get back to the reality of this election.
“The reality of this election, even with the narrowing of the polls, is that we’re going to face a Tory government perhaps with a bigger majority, so my priority in this election is to say to the people of Scotland if you want Scotland’s interests to be protected and our voice heard you’ve got to vote SNP.”
Asked about independence, Ms Sturgeon said the election would “determine whether the people of Scotland think that whether and when we have a choice about our future should be a decision for the Scottish Parliament or a UK Prime Minister.”
Mr Corbyn attacked the idea of a second independence referendum during his speech in Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket, saying: “It is a tragedy for Scots that they have not used the full powers of this Parliament to tackle poverty and inequality.”
The Labour leader, who twice singled out Scottish deputy boss and Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alex Rowley for praise, said: “I say directly to people who have recently voted Tory or SNP have a look at our manifesto, listen to our vision for our society and compare that with the records of the SNP at Holyrood and Tories at Westminster.”
A shadow cabinet ally earlier suggested Mr Corbyn will try to continue as Labour leader even if the party is defeated in the election.
Elections and campaign coordinator Ian Lavery, who will visit Kirkcaldy today, told the rally that “whatever happens” the “Corbyn project” is only beginning.
A Labour source said: “Ian was talking about our transformative manifesto and its policies for the many, not the few.” “This Parliament will be crucial making big decisions that affect us all, not least pensions, tax, resources for public services and our future relationship with Europe.
“This will have a big impact on us all in North East Fife and am asking for your support to continue with our work to provide a strong voice at Westminster.
“We know there is a challenge from the Tories – however, the SNP has been the effective opposition at Westminster. We need that strong voice now more than ever.
“I am asking for your support to continue the work I started two years ago.” “The SNP would dismantle our union, leaving Scotland divided, isolated and broke for generations to come.
“A second referendum isn’t justified or wanted and the only party that has consistently and absolutely declared against the SNP is the Scottish Conservatives.
“Brexit brings risks and opportunities, but it’s too late to change direction – the only way forward is to send a capable leader with a strong mandate into the negotiations and achieve what is best for Britain.
“You have a choice – a coalition of Nicola Sturgeon, Jeremy Corbyn and Tim Farron – or Theresa May.” Elizabeth Riches has represented the East Neuk as a councillor for 27 years.
She was leader of the opposition from 19972007 and then depute leader from 2007-2012).
She said: “I want to be the MP for North East Fife so that I can stand up in Westminster for our area. North East Fife deserves a representative who will put the needs of the local area first.
“Local people rejected independence by a large margin and should have an MP who can speak for them.
“Independence is not in the interests of the academic, fishing, farming and tourism sectors.” “I have been wholly consistent in my support for the integrity of the United Kingdom and for British sovereignty.
“The Parliament to which I aspire, and Holyrood, will now control all our business rules, employment, health and safety, social policies, etc.
“Constituents should have an MP who supports that in full – not one who is bent on disrupting the progress of the UK.”
“As an independent, I will not be a whipped party poodle, but will seek to discover and apply the views of his constituents.
“I will be your MP.”
We turn the General Election 2017 spotlight on Perth and North Perthshire