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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Laura Pollock

SNP members told to cease political activity after Queen's death

The Queen with SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon in 2021. PA.

Holyrood parties are notifying members to cease any politcal activity following the death of the Queen aged 96.

In a statement sent to members, the SNP national secretary said all political activity would be suspended.

This includes leafleting, canvassing, stalls, meetings and members should cease positing political posts on social media.

The email said:

"Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen at Balmoral this afternoon, the SNP has today suspended all political activity, including leafleting, canvassing, stalls, meetings and will cease political posts on social media during this time."

Pro-independence campaign groups have also halted political activity and Scottish Parliament business has been shut down. The UK is now in a national mourning period, expected to be about 12 days long.

The notice to SNP members came after Scotland’s First Minister paid tribute to the Queen and a copy of Sturgeons statement was attached to the notice to members.

Other Scottish parties have also been going into a state of mourning since the announcement from the Palace yesterday at 6.30pm.

The Scottish Conservatives website is no longer active in its usual content and has been replaced with a picture of the Queen in memorial.

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Both Scottish Labour and LibDems have changed their social media graphics and profile pictures to black and white. All party leaders have paid tribute to the Queen.

Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater MSP released a statement on behalf of the Scottish Greens party. It stated: “All of us have shared in the pain of losing a loved one in our lives, and at this difficult time for so many, we offer our condolences following the Queen’s passing.

“Since first opening the Scottish Parliament in 1999 she was a frequent visitor to Holyrood, and I am among many here who hold memories of meeting her during her visits to the Chamber over the years.

“She made her mark on history, and we hope people find solace in each other.”

In a statement, Scottish Parliament presiding officer Alison Johnstone said there would be no business in Holyrood until further notice and the Union Jack, Saltire, EU and Ukrainian flag have all been lowered to half mast outside of the Scottish Parliament.

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