The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Nationalists will launch manifesto in Fair City
Campaigning to get back under way following terror attack in Manchester
The SNP has shifted its manifesto launch to Perth, a key battleground seat in the general election.
Document launches postponed by the Nationalists, Scottish Liberal Democrats, and Scottish Greens in the aftermath of the Manchester bombing will now take place in the early part of next week.
Campaigning begins in earnest today following the terrorist attack. Local work began yesterday after a series of minute’s silences held across the country to pay respect to those affected by the atrocity.
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said: “Free and fair elections can all too easily be taken for granted – and as we resume campaigning for the election on June 8, we do so with an even stronger commitment to those freedoms which we are fortunate to enjoy.
“In under two weeks, people in Scotland and across the UK face an important choice about the future direction of their country.”
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said: “The dreadful events in Manchester will continue to be at the forefront of all our minds today. But it is vital that the democratic process continues as we prepare for the June 8 election.
“Terrorists are attacking us because they hate our freedoms and our way of life. Nothing better rebukes their twisted ideology than the sight of campaigners out on our streets in free and fair elections asking for people’s votes.”
Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: “The horrific events of Manchester will loom in everybody’s minds, but the time is right to restart the campaign to show how we value our freedom and democracy.
“In the coming weeks we’ll see endless photo opportunities, fiery clashes in TV debates, and passionate town hall hustings. It’s one way we can all show those who bring terror to our country that they will never win.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie will highlight the contribution of NHS workers after the Manchester attack, calling for EU national NHS workers to be given the immediate right to continue working in Scotland.
Ukip returned ahead of its rivals but was criticised for putting the terror attack at the centre of its manifesto launch as the party promised to cut immigration and tighten security.