you now have the power, the chance to end the chaos, to turn the page and to rebuild britain. reform uk sets out plans to run candidates in nearly every seat but nigel farage says he won't be standing. and this is the scene at the post office it inquiry — where former boss paula vennells is appearing for a second day. welcome to downing street. party leaders have hit the campaign trail with six weeks to go until the general election. the prime minister rishi sunak said only the conservatives offer security and economic stability, while the labour leader sir kier starmer promised an end to what he called fourteen years of decline and chaos under the tories. nigel farage said he won't be

standing for reform uk but will campaign for them. let's get more from our political correspondent damian grammaticas. this is a man who has staked everything on this election. he has in her huge poll deficit to overcome. i in her huge poll deficit to overcome.— in her huge poll deficit to overcome. . ., , , ., overcome. i want a country where you can all have _ overcome. i want a country where you can all have confidence _ overcome. i want a country where you can all have confidence and _ overcome. i want a country where you can all have confidence and pride - overcome. i want a country where you can all have confidence and pride in i can all have confidence and pride in our communities and our society and our communities and our society and our nation _ our communities and our society and our nation. he our communities and our society and our nation. . , ., , our nation. he had promised deportation _ our nation. he had promised deportation flights _ our nation. he had promised deportation flights to - our nation. he had promised i deportation flights to rwanda. our nation. he had promised - deportation flights to rwanda. now he says they will happen, if he is elected. we he says they will happen, if he is elected. ~ . elected. we have hired the airfields- — elected. we have hired the airfields. all _ elected. we have hired the airfields. all that _ elected. we have hired the airfields. all that work - elected. we have hired the airfields. all that work is i elected. we have hired the - airfields. all that work is already ongoing — airfields. all that work is already ongoing. the choice in this election is clean _ ongoing. the choice in this election is clean if—

ongoing. the choice in this election is clean if i— ongoing. the choice in this election is clear. if i am elected as prime minister. — is clear. if i am elected as prime minister, these flights will go. the labour minister, these flights will go. tie: labour leader meanwhile was in kent. this was a less traditional location to launch a labour campaign. this election is— to launch a labour campaign. this election is about _ to launch a labour campaign. this election is about a _ to launch a labour campaign. this election is about a choice. two different— election is about a choice. two different countries, _ election is about a choice. two different countries, two - election is about a choice. two . different countries, two different features — different countries, two different features. decline _ different countries, two different features. decline in— different countries, two different features. decline in chaos - different countries, two different features. decline in chaos underl different countries, two different. features. decline in chaos under the tories _ features. decline in chaos under the tories or— features. decline in chaos under the tories or rebuilding _ features. decline in chaos under the tories or rebuilding our— features. decline in chaos under the tories or rebuilding our country- tories or rebuilding our country under_ tories or rebuilding our country under laboun _ tories or rebuilding our country under labour. sir— tories or rebuilding our country under labour.— tories or rebuilding our country under labour. . ,, . under labour. sir keir starmer will be pressed — under labour. sir keir starmer will be pressed on _ under labour. sir keir starmer will be pressed on me _ under labour. sir keir starmer will be pressed on me more _ under labour. sir keir starmer will be pressed on me more details - under labour. sir keir starmer will. be pressed on me more details about that change. we be pressed on me more details about that change-— that change. we will make sure the economy is — that change. we will make sure the economy is stable. _ that change. we will make sure the economy is stable. we _ that change. we will make sure the economy is stable. we will- that change. we will make sure the economy is stable. we will bring i economy is stable. we will bring down _ economy is stable. we will bring down waiting _ economy is stable. we will bring down waiting times. _ economy is stable. we will bring down waiting times. there - economy is stable. we will bring down waiting times. there will l economy is stable. we will bring. down waiting times. there will be 2000 _ down waiting times. there will be 2000 extra — down waiting times. there will be 2000 extra appointments - down waiting times. there will be 2000 extra appointments and - down waiting times. there will be 2000 extra appointments and a l 2000 extra appointments and a labour — 2000 extra appointments and a labour we _ 2000 extra appointments and a labour. we will— 2000 extra appointments and a labour. we will take _ 2000 extra appointments and a labour. we will take control- 2000 extra appointments and a labour. we will take control ofl 2000 extra appointments and a i labour. we will take control of our borders _ labour. we will take control of our borders which _ labour. we will take control of our borders which have _ labour. we will take control of our borders which have been - labour. we will take control of our borders which have been lost. - labour. we will take control of our borders which have been lost. wel borders which have been lost. we will bring — borders which have been lost. we will bring energy— borders which have been lost. we will bring energy prices _ borders which have been lost. we will bring energy prices down - borders which have been lost. we will bring energy prices down for. will bring energy prices down for good _

will bring energy prices down for aood. . ., will bring energy prices down for iood. . ., . will bring energy prices down for ood. . . . . will bring energy prices down for aood. . . . ., ., will bring energy prices down for nood. . . . . ., ., good. richard tice, leader of reform uk launch without _ good. richard tice, leader of reform uk launch without nigel _ good. richard tice, leader of reform uk launch without nigel farage. - good. richard tice, leader of reform | uk launch without nigel farage. stop he has chosen not to enter the fray. he is helping with the us election. we are going to check out them now. to the liberal democrats launch with ed davey. here is the liberal democrat leader.— ed davey. here is the liberal democrat leader. ~ , . ., democrat leader. with this election, we have the — democrat leader. with this election, we have the chance _ democrat leader. with this election, we have the chance to _ democrat leader. with this election, we have the chance to ring - democrat leader. with this election, we have the chance to ring the - we have the chance to ring the changes that our country so desperately needs. as i go round the country, i meet people who are working really hard, raising their families, caring for their loved ones, doing everything right, playing by the rules, but they are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet. people are saying that their bills are going up. they are

seen rocketing food bills, energy bills, rent and mortgages. seen rocketing food bills, energy bills, rentand mortgages. it seen rocketing food bills, energy bills, rent and mortgages. it is just getting worse. the nhs is on its knees under the conservatives. they promised to be a of hospitals, but they have not delivered. people are waiting hours just for ambulance. weeks for a gp appointments, months for urgent cancer treatment. these conservatives have allowed the water companies to get away with pumping theirfilthy fluid into companies to get away with pumping their filthy fluid into our rivers and onto our beaches. it really is time for change. that means the conservatives have to go. across the country, we have seen so many parts of the country, we have seen so many parts of the country country, we have seen so many parts of the country where country, we have seen so many parts of the country where it country, we have seen so many parts of the country where it is country, we have seen so many parts of the country where it is a country, we have seen so many parts of the country where it is a vote for the liberal democrats that will get rid of the conservative mps. there is a real chance in this election if people vote for s. they

will get back change. it is notjust a change of government we need to transfer our politics. our politics is broken. if we can transform it, that unlocks the chance to fix our health and care system, to get our economy back on track and to end the scandal of sewage, to get a fair deal that people so deserved. every vote for the liberal democrats is a vote for the liberal democrats is a vote for the liberal democrats is a vote for a local champion who is going to fight for you and your family and community. for that fair deal. a fair deal where everyone can have a decent home that is secure and clean. an affordable, comfortable retirement when the time comes. a fair deal where every child has a decent school, where they can have the opportunity to realise their potential. a fair deal where everyone can access high—quality

health care when they need it, where they need it. that is the fair deal that the liberal democrats are fighting for. come and join us and help make it happen. cheering and applause. huge cheers for ed davey as the liberal democrats get their campaign off the ground in cheltenham. here with me is rachel cunliffe who's the associate political editor of the new statesman... how do the liberal democrats stop

the electorate looking at this as a straight fight between labour and conservative? zg�*i’b straight fight between labour and conservative?— straight fight between labour and conservative? 2019 was an election where their— conservative? 2019 was an election where their leader _ conservative? 2019 was an election where their leader said _ conservative? 2019 was an election where their leader said that - conservative? 2019 was an election where their leader said that she - where their leader said that she wants to be prime minister. they were targeting seats all over the country. joe swinson ended up losing her seat. the lib dems are going to run a very targeted campaign this time. they're going to target seats that are mostly conservative marginals in the south and south—west. they want to pick pick up south—west. they want to pick pick up those disillusioned conservative voters. , ., ,, , ,, ., voters. john swinney, the snp leader is about to start _ voters. john swinney, the snp leader is about to start speaking. _ voters. john swinney, the snp leader is about to start speaking. this - voters. john swinney, the snp leader is about to start speaking. this is - is about to start speaking. this is the first snp _ is about to start speaking. this is the first snp campaign _ is about to start speaking. this is the first snp campaign event - is about to start speaking. this is the first snp campaign event for| the first snp campaign event for this general election. this is the cut and — this general election. this is the cut and thrust of debate in this

context — cut and thrust of debate in this context. innocent election, it is going _ context. innocent election, it is going to — context. innocent election, it is going to be different. it can be different— going to be different. it can be different in scotland. it will a unifying _ different in scotland. it will a unifying moment. community can never be imposed, _ unifying moment. community can never be imposed, comes when people are listening _ be imposed, comes when people are listening to _ be imposed, comes when people are listening to and understood. so that they can _ listening to and understood. so that they can get behind and respect their— they can get behind and respect their leaders. i want to speak very directly— their leaders. i want to speak very directly to— their leaders. i want to speak very directly to the people of scotland today~ _ directly to the people of scotland today i _ directly to the people of scotland today. i am listening to you. they want _ today. i am listening to you. they want to _ today. i am listening to you. they want to see — today. i am listening to you. they want to see the back of this disastrous tory government. even more _ disastrous tory government. even more extreme and shambolic, so chaotic — more extreme and shambolic, so chaotic. never does a government deserved — chaotic. never does a government deserved to lose more than rishi sunaks— deserved to lose more than rishi sunak's government. you want higher living _ sunak's government. you want higher living standards and a fairer country _ living standards and a fairer country where everyone can live a secure, _ country where everyone can live a secure, healthy and happy life. you want _ secure, healthy and happy life. you want services that you can rely

upon — want services that you can rely upon. brexit was a terrible mistake. i upon. brexit was a terrible mistake. i don't _ upon. brexit was a terrible mistake. ldon't think— upon. brexit was a terrible mistake. i don't think westminster woks for scotland — i don't think westminster woks for scotland. you want scotland to have a strong _ scotland. you want scotland to have a strong voice. you want a different way of— a strong voice. you want a different way of doing politics with a lot more — way of doing politics with a lot more reaching out, accepting that no one party— more reaching out, accepting that no one party has all the answers and looking _ one party has all the answers and looking for— one party has all the answers and looking for agreement wherever possible — looking for agreement wherever possible. all of those things sum up what i _ possible. all of those things sum up what i am _ possible. all of those things sum up what i am about. i hold moderate, left of— what i am about. i hold moderate, left of centre views. in the news mainstream of scottish public opinion — mainstream of scottish public opinion. this is why i believe so passionately in independence. the decision— passionately in independence. the decision taken its graph in scrapping for scotland, is how we can bring — scrapping for scotland, is how we can bring about change. i am asking you to _ can bring about change. i am asking you to vote — can bring about change. i am asking you to vote snp in this election to bring _ you to vote snp in this election to bring about that better country that we all _ bring about that better country that we all want to see. that starts by

seeing _ we all want to see. that starts by seeing the — we all want to see. that starts by seeing the back rep back of rishi sunak— seeing the back rep back of rishi sunak and — seeing the back rep back of rishi sunak and his government. by voting snp, you _ sunak and his government. by voting snp, you can get rid of this tory government. forthe nhs, i don't government. forthe nhs, idon't know— government. forthe nhs, i don't knowabout— government. forthe nhs, i don't know about you, i am alarmed at the language _ know about you, i am alarmed at the language that is coming out notjust from the _ language that is coming out notjust from the tories, but from labour too~ _ from the tories, but from labour too~ very— from the tories, but from labour too. very alarmed indeed. the air they— too. very alarmed indeed. the air they say— too. very alarmed indeed. the air they say the — too. very alarmed indeed. the air they say the nhs is looking for excuses— they say the nhs is looking for excuses for more money. they are picking _ excuses for more money. they are picking fights with doctors. i ask you to _ picking fights with doctors. i ask you to vote snp to send a very clear message _ you to vote snp to send a very clear message that unites scotland to protect — message that unites scotland to protect the national health service. our economy and the cost of living, i 0ur economy and the cost of living, i know— 0ur economy and the cost of living, i know many— our economy and the cost of living, i know many of you feel that the economic— i know many of you feel that the economic system is broken. it has failed _ economic system is broken. it has failed far— economic system is broken. it has failed far too many people. that

goes _ failed far too many people. that goes the — failed far too many people. that goes the very core of why i in scottish— goes the very core of why i in scottish independence. at present, it is westminster that holds most economic— it is westminster that holds most economic power over scotland. that power _ economic power over scotland. that power has _ economic power over scotland. that power has been used disastrously. the tories — power has been used disastrously. the tories have imposed austerity, the catastrophic liz truss budget. millions _ the catastrophic liz truss budget. millions of pounds have been wiped from the _ millions of pounds have been wiped from the scottish economy. it is hampered — from the scottish economy. it is hampered our ability to fund vital public— hampered our ability to fund vital public services. labour knows all that, _ public services. labour knows all that, but — public services. labour knows all that, but keir starmer supports brexit— that, but keir starmer supports brexit no— that, but keir starmer supports brexit no matter what the cost to scotland — brexit no matter what the cost to scotland. let us unite to get scotland _ scotland. let us unite to get scotland back into the european union _ scotland back into the european union and — scotland back into the european union and to stop the damage brexit. with our— union and to stop the damage brexit. with our economic powers in skadden, we make _ with our economic powers in skadden, we make a _ with our economic powers in skadden, we make a difference where we can.

productivity, the key driver of living — productivity, the key driver of living standards has also grown faster— living standards has also grown faster in — living standards has also grown faster in scotland since the snp came _ faster in scotland since the snp came to — faster in scotland since the snp came to office at holyrood. we have helped _ came to office at holyrood. we have helped the _ came to office at holyrood. we have helped the cost of living through measures such as free prescription, free bus _ measures such as free prescription, free bus travel for under 22 is, and off-peak— free bus travel for under 22 is, and off-peak rail— free bus travel for under 22 is, and off—peak rail fares. this is what we can do— off—peak rail fares. this is what we can do when— off—peak rail fares. this is what we can do when decisions are made in scotland _ can do when decisions are made in scotland for — can do when decisions are made in scotland for scotland. looking across — scotland for scotland. looking across europe, when we look at independent countries that are similar— independent countries that are similar to _ independent countries that are similar to scotland, we find that compared — similar to scotland, we find that compared to the uk they have higher livin- compared to the uk they have higher living standards, less poverty and they are _ living standards, less poverty and they are more equal. so why not scotland? — they are more equal. so why not scotland? we have the people, the talent _ scotland? we have the people, the talent and — scotland? we have the people, the talent and the resources. let us unite _ talent and the resources. let us unite to— talent and the resources. let us unite to win the power of independence, strengthen our economy tackle the _ independence, strengthen our economy tackle the cost of living and bring about _ tackle the cost of living and bring about a _ tackle the cost of living and bring about a fairer country. independence, is of course fundamentally about democracy, about

getting _ fundamentally about democracy, about getting the governments you vote for. sadly, we know that the only outcome — for. sadly, we know that the only outcome of — for. sadly, we know that the only outcome of a labour government is a tory government that will follow it. and they _ tory government that will follow it. and they usually last a lot longer. and they usually last a lot longer. an independent scotland, will never again— an independent scotland, will never again be _ an independent scotland, will never again be subjected to an unelected tory government. for those who are not persuaded of independence, i look forward over the next six weeks to listening — look forward over the next six weeks to listening to your concerns, making — to listening to your concerns, making the case and help in persuading, but if not engaging in respectful dialogue. for those of you were — respectful dialogue. for those of you were already persuaded, i cannot stress _ you were already persuaded, i cannot stress enough how important it is to vote snp— stress enough how important it is to vote snp onjuly the 4th. we can bring _ vote snp onjuly the 4th. we can bring our— vote snp onjuly the 4th. we can bring our country independence through— bring our country independence through democratic pressure. injuly the 4th, _ through democratic pressure. injuly the 4th, independence day, make sure your voice _ the 4th, independence day, make sure your voice is— the 4th, independence day, make sure your voice is heard. the 4th, independence day, make sure yourvoice is heard. on the 4th, independence day, make sure your voice is heard. on that issue of making — your voice is heard. on that issue of making scotland's voice heard, they snp— of making scotland's voice heard, they snp will always fight for

scotland's interest, quite simply be put scotland first. i expect over the next — put scotland first. i expect over the next six weeks we will see labour— the next six weeks we will see labour and the tories really going at it _ labour and the tories really going at it going — labour and the tories really going at it. going hammerand labour and the tories really going at it. going hammer and tongs to destroy— at it. going hammer and tongs to destroy each other. we will also be going _ destroy each other. we will also be going hammerand destroy each other. we will also be going hammer and tongs against mainstem and to put scotland that is why sn _ mainstem and to put scotland that is why sn p_ mainstem and to put scotland that is why sn p n _ mainstem and to put scotland that is why sn p n p stewart westminster. they put _ why sn p n p stewart westminster. they put scotland first. it is in our dna~ _ they put scotland first. it is in our dna. our snp colleagues do that 'ob our dna. our snp colleagues do that job every— our dna. our snp colleagues do that job every week with real passion. let job every week with real passion. let us _ job every week with real passion. let us unite to make scotland's voice _ let us unite to make scotland's voice heard. the task is more important _ voice heard. the task is more important than ever before. in recent— important than ever before. in recent years, it is becoming clear that devolution can never be taken for granted. we have challenging times, _ for granted. we have challenging times, not least because...

devolution has made a real difference to peoples lives. we have more _ difference to peoples lives. we have more than _ difference to peoples lives. we have more than doubled nhs funding and have the _ more than doubled nhs funding and have the highest number of gps per head _ have the highest number of gps per head since — have the highest number of gps per head. since the snp came to office, there _ head. since the snp came to office, there has— head. since the snp came to office, there has been 40% more affordable homes _ there has been 40% more affordable homes per— there has been 40% more affordable homes per head of population than in england _ homes per head of population than in england. and more than 70% more than in wales _ england. and more than 70% more than in wales. new technology has generated more than 22% of scotland's gross electricity consumption. this has soared 213% the number— consumption. this has soared 213% the number of schools in good or satisfactory condition has gone from 60% to _ satisfactory condition has gone from 60% to more than 90% we have the highest _ 60% to more than 90% we have the highest levels of literacy and numeracy in primary schools. this year. _ numeracy in primary schools. this year. using — numeracy in primary schools. this year, using our limited social

security— year, using our limited social security powers, measures like the scottish _ security powers, measures like the scottish child payment will help to keep an _ scottish child payment will help to keep an estimated 100,000 children in scotland out of relative poverty. and it _ in scotland out of relative poverty. and it is _ in scotland out of relative poverty. and it is brexit, the tories have checked — and it is brexit, the tories have checked away the powers of the scottish — checked away the powers of the scottish parliament. we have demonstrated what we can do together when decisions about scotland are made _ when decisions about scotland are made in _ when decisions about scotland are made in scotland. we can take decision— made in scotland. we can take decision to protect the environment. they are _ decision to protect the environment. they are threatening the hard—won gains _ they are threatening the hard—won gains in _ they are threatening the hard—won gains in policies. let us unite to protect— gains in policies. let us unite to protect our— gains in policies. let us unite to protect our scottish parliament. i have _ protect our scottish parliament. i have directed all my remarks so far to the _ have directed all my remarks so far to the people of scotland will stop but i want to say to snp activists, members — but i want to say to snp activists, members and supporters, if ever there _ members and supporters, if ever there was— members and supporters, if ever there was a — members and supporters, if ever there was a time to get involved and make _ there was a time to get involved and make a _ there was a time to get involved and make a difference, then this is it.

every— make a difference, then this is it. every election is an opportunity to move _ every election is an opportunity to move scotland forward to a better future _ move scotland forward to a better future in — move scotland forward to a better future. in the uk election, the snp faces— future. in the uk election, the snp faces particular challenges, so we need _ faces particular challenges, so we need you — faces particular challenges, so we need you to do you can to our cause. iwill— need you to do you can to our cause. i will never— need you to do you can to our cause. i will never take anything for granted, _ i will never take anything for granted, but i have no doubt that the snp — granted, but i have no doubt that the snp can win this election and that is— the snp can win this election and that is what i intend to do, to lead the snp _ that is what i intend to do, to lead the snp to— that is what i intend to do, to lead the snp to victory. i have only been back in— the snp to victory. i have only been back in front — the snp to victory. i have only been back in front line politics for a month — back in front line politics for a month i_ back in front line politics for a month. i could not have imagined only two— month. i could not have imagined only two months ago standing here launching _ only two months ago standing here launching the snp campaign for the 2024 general election stop i am here because _ 2024 general election stop i am here because i_ 2024 general election stop i am here because i knew i could unify my party _ because i knew i could unify my party i— because i knew i could unify my party. lam _ because i knew i could unify my party. i am two weeks in and i have done _ party. i am two weeks in and i have done that— party. i am two weeks in and i have done that already. more than that, i am first _ done that already. more than that, i am first minister because i have a wider— am first minister because i have a wider position to unify. unite around — wider position to unify. unite around a _ wider position to unify. unite

around a better way of doing politics _ around a better way of doing politics. tonight scotland to protect _ politics. tonight scotland to protect our national health service, to unites _ protect our national health service, to unites govan to strengthen our economy, — to unites govan to strengthen our economy, to unite scotland to eradicate _ economy, to unite scotland to eradicate poverty. to ensure that scotland's — eradicate poverty. to ensure that scotland's voice is heard. unite scotland — scotland's voice is heard. unite scotland for independence, reaching out, listening and persuading. i scotland for independence, reaching out, listening and persuading. lam relishing _ out, listening and persuading. lam relishing the opportunity to campaign across this modern and diverse _ campaign across this modern and diverse country. i cannot make any promises _ diverse country. i cannot make any promises about the outcome. that is for the _ promises about the outcome. that is for the voters to decide. i can promise — for the voters to decide. i can promise you this, the snp will be fighting _ promise you this, the snp will be fighting an energetic, and campaign full of— fighting an energetic, and campaign full of enthusiasm. a campaign full of hope _ full of enthusiasm. a campaign full of hope for— full of enthusiasm. a campaign full of hope for the future. i will be leading — of hope for the future. i will be leading the campaign from the front. i will leading the campaign from the front. i will travel _ leading the campaign from the front. i will travel the length and breadth of scotland bring that campaign of hope and — of scotland bring that campaign of hope and unity. i can't wait to get started _ hope and unity. i can't wait to get started. let's get out there and put scotland _ started. let's get out there and put scotland first.

cheering and applause. i will take some questions from the media _ i will take some questions from the media. bbc. the i will take some questions from the media- bbc-— media. bbc. the poll suggests that --eole are media. bbc. the poll suggests that people are fed _ media. bbc. the poll suggests that people are fed pp _ media. bbc. the poll suggests that people are fed up of— media. bbc. the poll suggests that people are fed up of your _ media. bbc. the poll suggests that people are fed up of your party. - media. bbc. the poll suggests that| people are fed up of your party. the snp has sent pretty dramatically in oppose recently. they are notjust discontented with the uk government, but with the scottish government you need as well. i but with the scottish government you need as well-— need as well. i will be the first to admit that _ need as well. i will be the first to admit that the _ need as well. i will be the first to admit that the snp _ need as well. i will be the first to admit that the snp has _ need as well. i will be the first to admit that the snp has had - need as well. i will be the first to admit that the snp has had a - need as well. i will be the first to i admit that the snp has had a pretty rough _ admit that the snp has had a pretty rough time over the last year or so. i rough time over the last year or so. i accept _ rough time over the last year or so. i accept that — rough time over the last year or so. i accept that. i am here because we are recovering from that. we are building — are recovering from that. we are building ourselves back up and that

is what _ building ourselves back up and that is what i _ building ourselves back up and that is what i intend to do. i came back into front — is what i intend to do. i came back into front line politics a few weeks a -o into front line politics a few weeks ago and _ into front line politics a few weeks ago and i— into front line politics a few weeks ago and i promised my party that if they supported me i would bring our party together, and i have done that _ party together, and i have done that i_ party together, and i have done that lam — party together, and i have done that. i am very happy with the state of the _ that. i am very happy with the state of the snp — that. i am very happy with the state of the snp. it is a united and cohesive _ of the snp. it is a united and cohesive team. united cohesive team to win _ cohesive team. united cohesive team to win elections. we have a lot of ground _ to win elections. we have a lot of ground to — to win elections. we have a lot of ground to recover. you have covered this for— ground to recover. you have covered this for the _ ground to recover. you have covered this for the last year, you don't need _ this for the last year, you don't need me — this for the last year, you don't need me to _ this for the last year, you don't need me to play back the reports that you — need me to play back the reports that you have broadcast. i think you have been— that you have broadcast. i think you have been an eyewitness. i am just here to _ have been an eyewitness. i am just here to get — have been an eyewitness. i am just here to get us back on the road again— here to get us back on the road again and — here to get us back on the road again and get us moving and i'm very optimistic— again and get us moving and i'm very optimistic and confident that we can do that _ optimistic and confident that we can do that. we have made progress in the last— do that. we have made progress in the last couple of weeks. you do that. we have made progress in the last couple of weeks.— the last couple of weeks. you talk about particular _

the last couple of weeks. you talk about particular challenges. - the last couple of weeks. you talk about particular challenges. howl about particular challenges. how much money do you have question candidates are already using crowd fenders. the candidates are already using crowd fenders. ., , , ., , _ fenders. the money is raised by the snp and goes _ fenders. the money is raised by the snp and goes towards _ fenders. the money is raised by the snp and goes towards fighting - snp and goes towards fighting campaigns. that is what we are about — campaigns. that is what we are about we _ campaigns. that is what we are about. we have been raising lots of money— about. we have been raising lots of money to— about. we have been raising lots of money to do that. we are well funded at local— money to do that. we are well funded at local and _ money to do that. we are well funded at local and national level. i am not exactly _ at local and national level. i am not exactly going to set out the details — not exactly going to set out the details of — not exactly going to set out the details of the snp's election campaign funds. we are confident that we _ campaign funds. we are confident that we can fight a well resourced election— that we can fight a well resourced election campaign. we will take our message _ election campaign. we will take our message around the country and make sure that _ message around the country and make sure that we _ message around the country and make sure that we can get our message across. — sure that we can get our message across. ~ ., sure that we can get our message across. . . , ., , ., ., across. what message do you to voters today _ across. what message do you to

voters today launching _ across. what message do you to voters today launching this - across. what message do you to - voters today launching this campaign doing a cost of living crisis? the oint i doing a cost of living crisis? the point i was _ doing a cost of living crisis? the point i was making to parliament is that parliament is in danger of falling — that parliament is in danger of falling into disrepute by the way the issue — falling into disrepute by the way the issue has been handled. one of the issue has been handled. one of the members of the committee that is has expressed opinions that i think prejudice _ has expressed opinions that i think prejudice the case. as i explain to some _ prejudice the case. as i explain to some of— prejudice the case. as i explain to some of the journalists as i left the chamber today, if a journalist was facing — the chamber today, if a journalist was facing a situation where they were _ was facing a situation where they were appearing at a disciplinary panel— were appearing at a disciplinary panel and one of the members of the panel— panel and one of the members of the panel and _ panel and one of the members of the panel and express an opinion and prejudge — panel and express an opinion and prejudge that case, that journalist would _ prejudge that case, that journalist would be — prejudge that case, that journalist would be mightily aggrieved about the unfairness of what they faced. the same — the unfairness of what they faced. the same thing applies in parliament. i accept that michael

matheson has to go through a process — matheson has to go through a process i_ matheson has to go through a process. i want to make sure it is fair~ _ process. i want to make sure it is fair. , . , , ., fair. independence is very important to our fair. independence is very important to your party — fair. independence is very important to your party when _ fair. independence is very important to your party when you _ fair. independence is very important to your party when you keep - fair. independence is very important to your party when you keep the - fair. independence is very important l to your party when you keep the same strategy? the to your party when you keep the same strate: ? .,, ,., ., ,, strategy? the most important issue for us is to make _ strategy? the most important issue for us is to make the _ strategy? the most important issue for us is to make the case _ strategy? the most important issue for us is to make the case for - for us is to make the case for independence. for me, the case is made _ independence. for me, the case is made if— independence. for me, the case is made if you — independence. for me, the case is made. if you look at the three big things— made. if you look at the three big things that are really causing disruptive to life in scotland, austerity, brexit, the cost of living — austerity, brexit, the cost of living crisis —— every one of them originates— living crisis —— every one of them originates from westminster. we have a chance _ originates from westminster. we have a chance to _ originates from westminster. we have a chance to make our own choices, to rejoin— a chance to make our own choices, to rejoin the _ a chance to make our own choices, to rejoin the european union to re—grow the economy— rejoin the european union to re—grow the economy and support people in a cost of— the economy and support people in a cost of living crisis. all of that has been _ cost of living crisis. all of that has been inflicted on scotland by westminster and the answer to it is independence. our election campaign

were related dependence of the everyday lives of people in scotland. it is a powerful message for people — scotland. it is a powerful message for people to hear. for scotland. it is a powerful message for people to hear.— for people to hear. for opinion olls for people to hear. for opinion polls have _ for people to hear. for opinion polls have put _ for people to hear. for opinion polls have put scottish - for people to hear. for opinion polls have put scottish labour| for people to hear. for opinion - polls have put scottish labour head. how do you plan to win back voters in the next six weeks? t how do you plan to win back voters in the next six weeks?— in the next six weeks? i think it is fair to support _ in the next six weeks? i think it is fair to support michael _ in the next six weeks? i think it is fair to support michael matheson. there _ fair to support michael matheson. there is— fair to support michael matheson. there is a — fair to support michael matheson. there is a due process in parliament. in relation to opinion polls. _ parliament. in relation to opinion polls. of— parliament. in relation to opinion polls, of course there are challenges. all the details in opinion— challenges. all the details in opinion polls relate to choices that people _ opinion polls relate to choices that people often make in elections. people — people often make in elections. people often make choices in elections because of their confidence in the people and

political— confidence in the people and political leadership of the parties. we are _ political leadership of the parties. we are going to use our popping feudalism as an advantage. i'm going to make _ feudalism as an advantage. i'm going to make sure that i am visible, leading — to make sure that i am visible, leading the campaign from the front. people _ leading the campaign from the front. people who question me in parliament on a weekly— people who question me in parliament on a weekly basis, i will make sure the people — on a weekly basis, i will make sure the people see enough of me and hear from me _ the people see enough of me and hear from me i_ the people see enough of me and hear from me. lam the people see enough of me and hear from me. i am very lucky i have a team _ from me. i am very lucky i have a team of— from me. i am very lucky i have a team of colleagues with me. kate forbes _ team of colleagues with me. kate forbes is — team of colleagues with me. kate forbes is the deputy first minister. so many— forbes is the deputy first minister. so many of— forbes is the deputy first minister. so many of our talented individuals will be _ so many of our talented individuals will be out — so many of our talented individuals will be out there promoting the snp and we _ will be out there promoting the snp and we have a strong unifying team. you are _ and we have a strong unifying team. you are you — and we have a strong unifying team. you are you undermining your own integrity by in defending michael matheson? igrate integrity by in defending michael matheson? ~ ., ., , ., matheson? we are doing things a ro er matheson? we are doing things a

proper way- _ do you think the process has been prejudiced, and should there be another investigation? t prejudiced, and should there be another investigation?— prejudiced, and should there be another investigation? i simply set this out in parliament. _ another investigation? i simply set this out in parliament. i— another investigation? i simply set this out in parliament. i did - another investigation? i simply set this out in parliament. i did this i this out in parliament. i did this weeks _ this out in parliament. i did this weeks ago _ this out in parliament. i did this weeks ago privately. that corresponds that i sent to the standards committee has now been made _ standards committee has now been made available. what we are going to do is to— made available. what we are going to do is to make sure that the parliament does thing in the proper and effective fashion. that is what we will— and effective fashion. that is what we will take forward. is it isita is it a concern that snp voters will go elsewhere? igrate

is it a concern that snp voters will go elsewhere?— is it a concern that snp voters will go elsewhere? we have to get our messaue go elsewhere? we have to get our message across. _ go elsewhere? we have to get our message across. we _ go elsewhere? we have to get our message across. we will - go elsewhere? we have to get our message across. we will do - go elsewhere? we have to get our message across. we will do so - go elsewhere? we have to get our| message across. we will do so very enthusiastically.— enthusiastically. what is more important _ enthusiastically. what is more important to _ enthusiastically. what is more important to you, _ enthusiastically. what is more important to you, protecting l enthusiastically. what is more - important to you, protecting michael matheson or the snp winning seats in this election? t matheson or the snp winning seats in this election?— this election? i have answered the michael matheson _ this election? i have answered the michael matheson issue. - this election? i have answered the michael matheson issue. do - this election? i have answered the michael matheson issue. do you i this election? i have answered the - michael matheson issue. do you think that michael matheson _ michael matheson issue. do you think that michael matheson will _ michael matheson issue. do you think that michael matheson will cost - michael matheson issue. do you think that michael matheson will cost you i that michael matheson will cost you vote? t that michael matheson will cost you vote? ., ., ., , , ., ., vote? i had to turn a blind eye to a rocess vote? i had to turn a blind eye to a process which _ vote? i had to turn a blind eye to a process which if _ vote? i had to turn a blind eye to a process which if it _ vote? i had to turn a blind eye to a process which if it was _ vote? i had to turn a blind eye to a process which if it was happening l vote? i had to turn a blind eye to a | process which if it was happening to you, process which if it was happening to you. you _ process which if it was happening to you, you would object to it. i could 'ust you, you would object to it. i could just turn— you, you would object to it. i could just turn a — you, you would object to it. i could just turn a blind eye to it and ignore — just turn a blind eye to it and ignore all— just turn a blind eye to it and ignore all that, but that is not john— ignore all that, but that is not john swinney. that is not what you -et. john swinney. that is not what you get i_ john swinney. that is not what you get i make — john swinney. that is not what you get. i make no apology for that. cheering and applause.

i have properly answer to many questions _ i have properly answer to many questions. i will take one more. the merauin questions. i will take one more. the merging of— questions. iwill take one more. tue: merging of seats will start negotiations with the uk government for independence. what is under way currently? igrate for independence. what is under way currentl ? ~ :, for independence. what is under way currentl ? ~ . ., , , :, currently? we have a series of -a ers currently? we have a series of papers about _ currently? we have a series of papers about building - currently? we have a series of papers about building a - currently? we have a series of papers about building a new. papers about building a new scotland. we will build on the foundations of that. as we build the strength— foundations of that. as we build the strength of our position in the aftermath of a successful election campaign.

i think ithinkl i think i have changed over the last because _ i think i have changed over the last because the last 24 years i may have become _ because the last 24 years i may have become slightly more assertive. a lot of— become slightly more assertive. a lot of water has gone under the bridge — lot of water has gone under the brid . e. :, lot of water has gone under the bride. :, . ~' lot of water has gone under the bride. :, ., ,, ., lot of water has gone under the bride. :, . ~ ., , bridge. you talked about listening to --eole. bridge. you talked about listening to people- 0nly — bridge. you talked about listening to people. only 6596 _ bridge. you talked about listening to people. only 6596 of _ bridge. you talked about listening to people. only 6596 of scots - bridge. you talked about listening to people. only 6596 of scots are l to people. only 65% of scots are supporting you. mr; to people. only 6596 of scots are supporting you-_ supporting you. my warning to parliament _ supporting you. my warning to parliament is _ supporting you. my warning to parliament is about _ supporting you. my warning to l parliament is about parliament's reputation and its business. it is on course — reputation and its business. it is on course to damage its reputation. that is— on course to damage its reputation. that is my— on course to damage its reputation. that is my point. the point i'm making is that parliament has got to get its in

order~ — as the snp damaged its reputation?” as the snp damaged its reputation? i 'ust as the snp damaged its reputation? just think parliament should preside over the _ just think parliament should preside over the fear process. that is all i've over the fear process. that is all we raised _ over the fear process. that is all we raised '— over the fear process. that is all i've raised. i havejust said parliament should provide —— preside over the _ parliament should provide —— preside over the fear— parliament should provide —— preside over the fear process. parliament should provide -- preside over the fear process.— over the fear process. there is only six weeks to _ over the fear process. there is only six weeks to go _ over the fear process. there is only six weeks to go until _ over the fear process. there is only six weeks to go until the _ over the fear process. there is only six weeks to go until the general i six weeks to go until the general election and if parliament decides next week that michael madsen should resign, should he resign? igrate next week that michael madsen should resign, should he resign?— resign, should he resign? we will cross that bridge _ resign, should he resign? we will cross that bridge when _ resign, should he resign? we will cross that bridge when we - resign, should he resign? we will cross that bridge when we come i resign, should he resign? we will. cross that bridge when we come to it. ~ cross that bridge when we come to it. : ., cross that bridge when we come to it. . . , cross that bridge when we come to