Campaign to move up a gear as parties reveal their manifestos

Party manifestos are set to be released later this week, as the general election enters into its next stage.

Veteran support will be a key pledge in this year’s campaign, the SNP has promised.

In documentation seen by The Courier, the party is set to demand the UK Government guarantees funding for veterans charities after the closure of a scheme involving Libor fines from the banking sector.

The Libor scheme handed out nearly £773 million to armed forces and emergency service charities since it was established in 2012.

The party is set to demand new funding avenues for the groups after the programme closed.

David Doogan, SNP candidate for Angus, said: “Our veterans and emergency workers have dedicated their lives to public service – it is right that we give them whatever support that we can in return.

“The closure of this grant scheme has left charities supporting veterans in limbo. It is difficult to operate effectively when your future is insecure.

“The SNP will demand that the next UK government replace this funding and ensure that veterans get the support they deserve.”

Thirteen traders and money brokers were prosecuted over four years by the Serious Fraud Office in connection with rigging Libor rates in 2012.

The investigation was shut down in the UK in October.

Labour are set to announce a nationalised broadband in their manifesto, expected to be released on Thursday.

The Lib Dems’ manifesto is expected to contain environmental issues, with the party pledging to ban non-recyclable, single-use plastics.

The Conservatives are also expected to release their manifesto this week, with a promise to “get Brexit done”.