Following the horrific attack on Manchester Arena earlier this week when 22 people died and 120 people injured, all campaigning in the General Election was paused, but with the election only two weeks away it is now felt necessary to resume politics. And so later today all the political leaders will be back on the campaign trail.
SNP Leader Nicola Sturgeon said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives in Manchester, and all those who were caught up in this despicable attack.
“In the face of unbearable tragedy, the last few days have also shown us examples of exceptional courage and selflessness – and there is a clear determination from people across the UK and beyond that we will stand defiant in the face of such cowardice.
“Free and fair elections can all-too-easily be taken for granted – and as we resume campaigning for the election on June 8th, 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.
“The MPs they elect will be taking crucial decisions affecting jobs, the economy, family budgets, public services and our place in the wider world – and it is absolutely right that we have a robust debate about the kind of country we want to live in.
“But while we should be passionate in making our political arguments, we must never forget that we all want the best for our constituents and communities – and we are all united in our defence of democracy.”
Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said:
“This weekend thousands of political activists from all the parties will hit the doorsteps to campaign in the General Election.
“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.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
