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 was hailed by Nicola Sturgeon yesterday as she spoke ahead of the VE Day anniversary 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 hailed the bravery 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, although the rate appears to be slowing.

In the US, it emerged there have been 65,000 Covid-related deaths, although all official figures are thought to underestimate the number of deaths linked to the virus.

In Scotland, doctors have warned the coronavirus emergency is likely to cause the death of thousands of patients suffering from unrelated conditions. Analysis of hospital admissions reveals patients who have suffered heart attacks are waiting three times longer before calling for emergency assistance since the pandemic began. That delay, doctors say, can 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.”