Nicola Sturgeon defends SNP's decision to campaign for Scottish independence during local elections

Ms Sturgeon, leader of the SNP, said the cost-of-living crisis and local services are at the forefront of her party’s manifesto. However, a key pledge also states local councillors will back the Scottish Government’s plans to hold a second independence referendum during the first half of this parliamentary term. The public could be asked to decide on the constitution issue by the end of 2023, Ms Sturgeon said. When asked if it was appropriate for local councillors to campaign for independence during an election where local issues such as cleansing services and schools should be the priority, Ms Sturgeon said: “The manifesto is very clear that the priority for SNP councillors will be the cost-of-living crisis and local services. “But I don’t think it is going to surprise anybody that SNP councillors will support the Scottish Government’s proposals for a referendum in the first half of this parliament. Read more: https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news... Become a Scottish Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know Read The Sun: http://www.theScottishsun.co.uk Like The Sun on Facebook:   / thescottishsun   Follow The Sun on Twitter:   / scottishsun   #nicolaSturgeon