It is right we remember the end of a terrible war. Today, we must hope for victory in another

– First Minister on VE Day anniversary

The sacrifice of the wartime generation has been hailed by Nicola Sturgeon as the world’s war against Covid- 19 rages on.

Writing for The Sunday Post ahead of the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday, the First Minister paid tribute to those who endured through the Second World War, adding: “As the world currently finds itself fighting a different kind of battle, we should all strive to do what we can to embrace and celebrate our common humanity.”

She saluted the courage, resilience and sacrifice which secured victory in Europe in 1945, as the latest figures revealed there have now been 28,131 deaths linked to coronavirus in Britain. Experts believe the country will overtake

Italy within days meaning only the US, where there have been 65,000 victims, will have more recorded deaths. All of the official figures are thought to underestimate the true toll.

Meanwhile, doctors in Scotland yesterday warned the public health emergency is likely to cause the death of thousands of patients suffering f rom unrelated conditions.

Detailed analysis of hospital admissions has revealed that, since the pandemic began, patients who have suffered heart attacks are waiting three times longer before calling for emergency assistance. That delay, cardiac specialists warn, can often mean the difference between life and death.

Professor Hany Eteiba said: “When we asked patients why they delayed calling us they told us they thought we were too busy with Covid patients, or that they would catch it in hospital.”