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SNP: Disrespectful to have election in school holidays, says Swinney

SNP leader John Swinney says "not a moment’s thought" was given by the Conservatives to hold the general election during Scotland's school holidays.

While Mr Swinney said he welcomed the General Election, he added it was an act of disrespect and showed “contempt” the government had for Scotland to hold it on 4 July.

Follow the latest on this story here.

22 May 2024

General election 2024

SNP (Scottish National Party)

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Ben Chu in studio

A quick take on the SNP manifesto

Scotland Politics

Henry Zeffman

Henry Zeffman: Will falling inflation change minds on the campaign trail?

John Swinney

Majority of seats would trigger indyref talks - Swinney

Scotland Politics

Ros Atkins

Your Voice, Your Vote - Ros Atkins takes questions on boundary changes

john caudwell

Watch: Major Tory donor says Labour are 'best for Britain'

Anas Sarwar

Sarwar says manifesto charts 'journey to a better future'

Ros Atkins

Your Voice, Your Vote - Ros Atkins takes questions on political donations

Oliver Lewis

Reform's Oliver Lewis reveals hidden talents

Chelmsford election debate.

Watch: Chelmsford's MP candidates debate key issues

Rishi Sunak stands near a building site wearing a green hard hat and orange high-visibility jacket.

Sunak quizzed on potentially losing votes to Reform UK

Ben Chu in studio

A quick take on Reform UK's election 'contract'

Nigel Farage

Reform aims to become real opposition to Labour - Farage

Alex Cole-Hamilton launches the Scottish Liberal Democrats general election manifesto

Scottish Liberal Democrats launch general election manifesto

Scotland Politics

The BBC visited Caerfyrddin to speak to its election candidates

Meet the candidates standing in Caerfyrddin

Man an woman answer question on street

Will voters in Barnsley turn out on 4 July?

Tink Llewellyn went to Carmarthen to ask people what political parties can do for them

How the cost of living frustrates young voters

Four children

What would kids do if they were prime minister?

Birmingham & Black Country

Ed Davey speaking to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg

Ed Davey says stunts are to showcase policies

Sir John Curtice

Reform's rise: Polling guru John Curtice on this week's figures

Man standing in a Glasgow park

'US independence day?' - Voters asked about 4 July plans

Glasgow & West Scotland

Correspondent Ben Chu

Quick take on Labour's energy plan

BBC Verify's Ben Chu on what to make of Labour’s plans to decarbonise UK electricity production.

Chris Mason and Mark Logan

Watch: Former Tory MP says he is backing Labour

The former Conservative MP for Bolton North East has told the BBC he now supports Labour.

Factory workers in Milton Keynes

Watch: Party leaders on the campaign trail

Political party leaders have been out and about campaigning ahead of the general election.

Keir Starmer

I want the highest quality candidates - Starmer

The Labour leader says he wants the "highest quality" candidates to put to the voters.

Carla Denyer

Greens launch campaign target of 'at least four' MPs

The Green Party of England and Wales launch their election campaign in Bristol.

Faiza Shaheen talking on BBC Newsnight

Labour candidate says she's been blocked from standing

Faiza Shaheen says she's was told she will not be Labour's candidate after allegedly liking antisemitic posts on X.

Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak tells Chris Mason: Yes, I am changing minds

The PM tells the BBC's political editor he is "thoroughly enjoying" himself out meeting voters in the election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer wearing a suit and a brown tie

Not true Abbott barred from standing - Starmer

The Labour leader says no decision has been taken to bar Diane Abbott.

Keir Starmer

Starmer pleased Rayner has been 'vindicated'

Labour's leader says he always had confidence in his deputy with the row over her council house sale.

Ed Davey falls from a paddle board

Going, going, gone: Ed Davey takes a dip in Windermere

The Liberal Democrats leader was paddle boarding on Lake Windermere in the Lake District.

Rishi Sunak

Watch: PM criticises Sir Keir Starmer's campaign speeches

The prime minister accused Labour's Sir Keir Starmer of "not having the courage" to tell voters about Labour ideas.

Nigel Farage

Labour and Tories are both 'social democrats', says Farage

Nigel Farage was speaking in Dover, as part of his campaign for Reform UK.

Sir Keir Starmer

Starmer asked if there's a 'lack of enthusiasm' for Labour

Labour leader Keir Starmer is pressed on whether there's a perceived lack of enthusiasm for his party.

Rachel Reeves

Reeves: No return to austerity under Labour

The shadow chancellor is quizzed on her economic plans should Labour win the general election.

Rishi Sunak

Sunak 'disappointed' smoking ban bill did not get through

The PM says he "stepped up to do something that is bold" over his bid to phase out smoking.

Craig Mackinlay MP

Watch: Limb loss MP on his return to Parliament

Craig Mackinlay says he was met by "a storm" of noise when he returned to the House of Commons

Rishi Sunak

Oops! Sunak asks if Welsh are looking forward to Euros

On a campaign trip, the PM asks voters if they will watch the football tournament, even though Wales did not qualify.

Richard Tice

Tories 'terrified' of Reform Party - Richard Tice

The Reform Party leader says Rishi Sunak "bottled it" over calling a surprise general election for July.

Sir Keir Starmer

A vote for Labour is a vote to stop the chaos - Starmer

On the first full day of election campaigning the Labour leader says "nothing will change" if the Conservatives get back into power on July 5.

Henry Zeffman

How MPs turned to BBC for clarity on election gossip

The BBC's Henry Zeffman describes how Westminster gossip caused mass confusion among staff.