First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined around 250 supporters at the University of Stirling on Sunday (20 Oct) for the official launch of the SNP’s campaign in Stirling ahead of the forthcoming UK General Election.
The event, hosted by SNP Depute Leader and Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown, saw spoken contributions from the First Minister, Mr Brown, Stirling Council Leader Scott Farmer and SNP Candidate for Stirling, Alyn Smith MEP – with a video message from Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford.
Mr Smith has represented Scotland in the European Parliament since 2004, and currently has an office in Stirling.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“It was great to be back in Stirling, right at the heart of Scotland, for the launch of the local campaign to elect Alyn Smith its next MP.
“Alyn has worked tirelessly to build relationships with our European neighbours during his time as an MEP, and it’s thanks to the SNP team in Brussels that there is a lot of sympathy for Scotland’s unique position as we face being taken out of the EU against our democratic will.
“People in Stirling voted by nearly 68% to remain in the European Union. Brexit is in nobody’s best interest, and the best way to stop the damage it would cause is by voting SNP in a General Election.”
Keith Brown MSP said:
“Stirling has been woefully let down by the local Tory MP. We have in Alyn a strong candidate who will work hard for local people in the Stirling area, and will stand up for and defend the interests of Scotland in the Commons.
“The Tories have created a political crisis in Westminster, born out of their own infighting.
“Meanwhile the SNP will engage in a positive campaign with an outward-looking vision for Scotland.”
Alyn Smith MEP said:
“Stirling is the jewel in the crown of Scotland, and locally, we have the best and most enthusiastic team to help us win over the hearts and minds of the people who live here. I have a great relationship with local MSPs Bruce Crawford and Keith Brown, as well as local Councillors – together, we can achieve amazing things with this constituency, putting the Stirling area back on the map.
“We’ve no idea when this election may come, but what we do know is that we’ve got the message, the ideas and the team to win over the support of local people across the many diverse communities that comprise this incredible constituency.”
Councillor Scott Farmer said:
“I’ve worked closely with Alyn ever since I was first elected to Stirling Council in 2006. He has worked hard for this area, and is passionate about Scotland’s place in the world as a normal independent country. I look forward to the campaign to see him elected as the next, and hopefully last, Westminster MP for Stirling.”