Nicola Sturgeon avoids talk of independence as she unveils manifesto vowing to meddle in English politics
The SNP today promised to hike taxes across the UK and oppose Tory austerity plans
NICOLA STURGEON today attempted to avoid the topic of Scottish independence as she vowed to oppose the Tories' economic policies.
Launching the SNP manifesto, Scotland's First Minister said that the party would repeatedly meddle with issues which only affect England and Wales.
But she tried to steer the conversation away from the question of a second independence referendum - and even accused the Conservatives of being obsessed with the issue.
The manifesto pledges to increase taxes, oppose public spending cuts and push for a softer Brexit.
Ms Sturgeon - who was last night accused of creating an "atmosphere of fear" in Scotland - set out the manifesto in Perth, where the local SNP MP is locked in a tough fight against his Tory rival.
She promised to "make Scotland's voice heard and build a better country", claiming that Scottish Labour cannot hold Theresa May to account.
"It starts at the top and goes right the way through their entire organisation, right down to their membership and their supporters: if you lose the argument, smear.
"They want to try to create an atmosphere of fear where people don’t speak out."
A number of businesses have in the past faced boycotts from SNP supporters and even politicians after they expressed concerns about Scottish independence.
Mr Murray - who is hoping to keep his Edinburgh South seat - also described how he had been the subject of false rumours that he laughed at a local family being evicted.
He said that the fight against toxic politics "starts at the very, very top", adding: "Nicola Sturgeon needs to reflect very seriously about what she’s doing to this country."
Deputy leader Angus Robertson said this morning that he wants to boost immigration to Scotland despite the Brexit vote.
Talking about the 400,000 immigrants currently living north of the border, he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We need all those people to remain in Scotland.
"We want the opportunity for people to come and to go, and what we certainly don't want is a restrictive immigration policy imposed on us by Westminster.
"Scotland is not full, our problem has not been immigration in the past, it has been emigration."
Asked to put a number on how many more immigrants he wants to see in Britain, Mr Robertson refused.
The party is calling for Scottish voters to support SNP MPs who can stand up to Theresa May.
Mr May has vowed to stop Ms Sturgeon holding another referendum until after the Brexit process it complete.
However, Jeremy Corbyn says that if he becomes Prime Minister he will negotiate with the SNP about the timing of a vote.
Polls suggest the party will lose some of its 56 MPs as the Tories improve their position in Scotland.