Election Daily: SNP launching manifesto while Labour suspends candidate.

The SNP has launched its general election manifesto promising to immediately begin independence negotiations with the UK Government if it wins a majority of Scottish seats.

John Swinney said independence was “page one, line one” of the party’s policy document because it was “fundamental” to people’s daily concerns.

The First Minister said Scotland would become a “fairer” and “more prosperous” country through independence.

Among his other key pledges are an extra £1.5bn a year for the NHS, rejoining the EU, ending austerity and tackling the cost of living crisis.