SCOTTISH PARTY LEADERS have issued statements and taken to social media after Theresa May announced her intention to call a general election on the 8th of June.
Green Party co-convener Patrick Harvie said he believe the election was being called “for much the same self-serving reasons as the EU referendum itself.”
He went on to say the Conservative party has “consistently ignored voters in Scotland” and that Theresa May “must finally acknowledge the right of Scotland’s voters to be respected.”
Mr Harvie added: “I’m sure that voters in Scotland will not allow this election to satisfy the whims of a dangerous hard-right party determined to damage our economy, public services and threaten our EU friends and neighbours who have made Scotland their home.
“Instead we must reassert our choice for a fairer and more equal society, and our decision to remain part of Europe cannot be allowed to fall on deaf ears.”
Scottish Conservative Party leader Ruth Davidson said she “very much welcomes” the announcement, saying the Scottish Conservatives are “ready for a campaign.”
Ms Davidson added: “In Scotland, we will have a clear election message – only a vote for the Scottish Conservatives will ensure we get the strong leadership we need to get the best Brexit deal for the whole country.
“And only a vote for the Scottish Conservatives will send a strong message that we oppose SNP’s divisive plan for a second referendum.”
Scottish Labour Party leader Kezia Dugdale has revealed her plans to chair a general election meeting later today, and said her party would “work tirelessly” to elect a Labour government led by Jeremy Corbyn.
I am chairing a general election meeting this afternoon. Scottish Labour will work tirelessly to elect a Labour Govt led by Corbyn (1/2)
— Kezia Dugdale MSP (@kezdugdale) April 18, 2017
There is a clear choice at #ge17. A destructive Tory gov intent on a hard Brexit vs a Lab gov that will work for the many, not the few (2/2)
— Kezia Dugdale MSP (@kezdugdale) April 18, 2017
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said his party are “relishing the prospect” of the general election.
Mr Rennie continued: “Our optimistic agenda is pro-UK, pro-EU and progressive. We stand with the majority opinion in this country.
“At this election we will stand proud for a United Kingdom within the European single market.
“If people want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is the chance.”
SNP MP Mhairi Black also put to bed speculation that she might not stand for re-election, confirming on Twitter she would stand and help to “provide a strong voice for Scotland.”
I will be standing again in GE. This is our opportunity to once again reject the Tories’ agenda and provide a strong voice for Scotland.
— Mhairi Black MP (@MhairiBlack) April 18, 2017
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