Yahoo News Ruth Davidson points to 'week of chaos' for SNP in election campaign
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has said the SNP presided over a "week of chaos" in their national election campaign.
Her comments follow First Minister Nicola Sturgeon appearing to be at odds with her predecessor Alex Salmond on whether or not independence would be a key issue in the general election.
Ms Davidson also criticised the SNP over its approach to the Common Fisheries Policy and membership of the European Union.
She said: "This has been the SNP's week of chaos.
"First Nicola Sturgeon made a laughing stock of herself by claiming her campaign had nothing to do with independence. She was forced into a U-turn after Alex Salmond popped up to say that's all it's about.
"Two SNP MPs signed a pledge to leave the EU's failed Common Fisheries Policy – just after Angus Robertson declared he wanted Scotland to stay in.
"The SNP failed to clear up its position on Europe and still can't say whether it wants an independent Scotland to become a full member of the EU.
General Election poll | Predicted seats in Scotland
"And to cap it all, Nicola Sturgeon says she's going to hide her next moves on independence until after the election – despite promising to be upfront with Scots."
Ms Davidson said her party would "lead the fightback against the SNP" and against a second independence referendum.
Meanwhile, Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale marked 20 years on from Tony Blair's landslide victory in the 1997 general election by highlighting Labour government milestones, including introducing the minimum wage, brokering peace in Northern Ireland and establishing the Scottish Parliament.
She said: "The historic achievements of the last Labour government are still having a massive impact on the lives of people today.
"Labour choices in government mean workers are now getting a fair wage, despite Tory opposition. Labour choices in government took 600,000 children out of poverty across the UK – 120,000 of them in Scotland – despite Tory claims it was impossible.
"And Labour delivered peace in Northern Ireland, ending one of the world's longest-running and most fractious conflicts. This is what Labour does in government and what it can do if you vote Labour on June 8."
