SNP manifesto will unite Scotland, says Sturgeon

NICOLA Sturgeon has insisted the SNP’s election manifesto is designed to “unite Scotland” as the country looks to recover from coronavirus.

While the policy proposals, published this week, set out plans to hold a second vote on Scottish independence by the end of 2023, they also promised free dental treatment, extended childcare and a “green transport revolution”.

Ms Sturgeon insisted the manifesto is the “most bold and ambitious” the SNP has produced.

Her comments came as she urged Scots to vote for her party “for a serious government which will deliver the fairer and more prosperous Scotland that we all want to see”.

She also vows she would give “the people of Scotland a choice over their future once the Covid crisis has passed”.

Her political rivals have claimed if the SNP wins a majority in next month’s Holyrood elections, Ms Sturgeon will be focused on independence and not ensuring Scotland recovers from the pandemic.