Nicola Sturgeon says Alex Salmond should not be included in election TV debates because his new Alba Party is too small as she sets outs plans for £60m fund to revamp play parks
- First Minister launches scathing attack on SNP predecessor ahead of election
- Salmond will write to broadcasters to ensure ‘fairness and parity of coverage’
- But Sturgeon said ‘objectively’ she can’t see how Alba meets the conditions
Nicola Sturgeon says Alex Salmond should not be included in election TV debates because his new Alba Party is too small.
The First Minister launched a scathing attack on her predecessor within the SNP, with whom her relationship has been destroyed in recent months following an unlawful investigation into his conduct.
Salmond then launched a rival pro-independence party ahead of the Holyrood election and has demanded a slot on the live leaders’ duels.
He insists there is an ‘unanswerable’ case for him being on the bill, and will write to regulator Ofcom and the broadcaster to ensure there is ‘fairness and parity of coverage’ throughout the campaign, the Daily Record reports.
However, Sturgeon has said ‘objectively’ she can’t see how the Alba Party meets the necessary conditions.
Nicola Sturgeon says Alex Salmond should not be included in election TV debates because his new Alba Party is too small
Salmond insists there is an ‘unanswerable’ case for him being on the bill, and will write to regulator Ofcom and the broadcaster to ensure there is ‘fairness and parity of coverage’ throughout the campaign, the Daily Record reports
It comes as the First Minister pledges a £60 million fund to revamp every children’s play park across Scotland if the SNP is re-elected.
On Saturday, she set out a number of policies designed to help families during the coronavirus pandemic and recovery.
The party has already pledged a free laptop for every school pupil and free breakfasts and lunches in all primary schools.
It comes as the First Minister pledges a £60 million fund to revamp every children’s play park across Scotland if the SNP is re-elected. Pictured, Ms Sturgeon in Glasgow today with her son Cameron and MSP Bob Doris behind her
The First Minister said the outdoor community play fund would renew every play park in Scotland.
She visited a park in Glasgow on Saturday as campaigning continues for the Scottish Parliament elections.
Ms Sturgeon is expected to say: ‘We’ve already ensured that every P1 to P3 child has year-round access to free school meals – and if re-elected we’ll provide free school breakfasts and lunches to every primary school pupil in Scotland, year-round.
‘To break down barriers to learning and give every child a fair chance, we’ll provide every pupil with their own laptop or device, and a free internet connection.
She visited a park in Glasgow on Saturday as campaigning continues for the Scottish Parliament elections
‘And backed by a £60 million fund, we’ll put in place a plan to renew every play park in Scotland, so that all children have access to a place to play in their own community.’
She continued: ‘After a year in which many children have not had access to a garden, this investment has never been more important.
‘The last year has been incredibly tough for children and young people across Scotland, and by giving both votes to the SNP in this election, people will be electing an SNP government more determined than ever to make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up – and to put the tools for our recovery in Scotland’s hands.’