A week ago yesterday, I was preparing for the launch of the SNP general election manifesto, which had been scheduled to take place last Tuesday.

 

Little did any of us know what terrible events were about to unfold in Manchester a few hours later.

 

It is impossible to understand what the families and friends of those who lost their lives are going through right now, and our thoughts continue to be with them and all those who were caught up in last Monday’s attack.

 

In the face of almost unbearable tragedy, we've also seen incredible acts of courage and selflessness.

 

There is clearly a determination - not just in Manchester but across the U.K. and beyond - that we will stand defiant in the face of such cowardice.

 

And as political parties resumed election campaigning over the weekend, we all did so with a renewed appreciation of the freedom and democracy which we are fortunate to enjoy in this country.

 

The MPs that are elected next Thursday will be taking crucial decisions affecting jobs, the economy, family budgets our public services and our place in the wider world - and it is absolutely right that we have a robust and passionate debate about these issues.

 

But as we do so, we must remember that we all want the best for our country.

 

I’m proud of what the strong block of SNP MPs has achieved over the last couple of years – holding the UK Government to account and arguing strongly for a more progressive politics.

 

The SNP has led the campaign against immoral Tory policies such as the rape clause, and has fought for women born in the 1950s to receive the pensions they are rightfully due, supporting the excellent WASPI campaign.

 

And we successfully forced the Tories to abandon plans to introduce a new funding formula which would have imposed deep extra cuts on Scottish public spending.

 

We haven’t just been a strong opposition, though - judging by the manifestos that have been published by Labour and the Tories, Scotland is very much leading the policy debate in the UK.

 

Many of Labour’s proposals – getting rid of hospital car parking charges, free university tuition, scrapping the bedroom tax and honouring NHS pay reviews – are already being delivered by the SNP in Scotland.

 

The Tories, meanwhile, now claim to back free prescriptions and want to see more council houses built – although their last-minute conversion doesn’t have much credibility.

 

Looking ahead, the next few years are going to be absolutely crucial. It’s vital that Scotland has strong voices standing up for our interests in the Brexit negotiations and supporting our businesses in tough economic times.

 

Today, when the SNP manifesto is published, you’ll see a range of positive policies which we know will benefit families and businesses in Scotland and across the UK.

 

We’ll be arguing strongly and loudly for an alternative to Tory austerity – which has put real pressure on public services the length and breadth of the UK.

 

We have a responsible fiscal plan to end austerity and free up resources to invest in public services, protect family budgets and call a halt to cuts in social security support for working families and the disabled.

 

We’ll also be standing up for pensioners, whose incomes are being put under real threat by the Tories.

 

Theresa May wants to abandon the Triple Lock mechanism which ensures fair state pension increases, and to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment – we will oppose those plans tooth and nail.

 

We’ll be standing up for Scotland’s young people, pushing for fairer increases in the living wage paid to 16-18 year olds and apprentices.

 

And we have a number of proposals to support businesses to grow – such as targeted reductions in the costs that companies face when taking on new employees, and an increase in the Annual Investment Allowance to help companies invest in new plants and machinery to boost their productivity.

 

A vote for the SNP will also strengthen Scotland’s right to choose our own future. This election won’t decide whether or not Scotland will become independent – but a vote for the SNP will reinforce the right of the Scottish Parliament to decide when the nation should be given a choice on its future, and will make sure that Scotland’s future is always in Scotland’s hands.

 

You’ll see many more ambitious policy proposals when the SNP manifesto is published today. I want Scotland to continue leading the policy debate in the UK.

 

But ultimately, the clear choice facing us at this election is about who will stand up for Scotland at Westminster..

 

Any Tory MPs elected in Scotland will simply rubber-stamp further cuts by the Tory government to Scotland’s budget.

 

Meanwhile, Labour can’t win this election in Scotland – and a vote for them risks letting the Tories in by the back door.

 

I don’t pretend the SNP has got everything right in government, or that there isn’t much more to do - but I know that we have given Scotland a strong voice at Westminster, and we want to continue working hard to stand up for Scotland’s interests.

 

Now more than ever, it is vital that Scotland has that strong voice at Westminster – so I would urge you to vote SNP on June 8.