SCOTTISH Labour have delayed their manifesto launch for a second time due to what they've described as an "unscheduled" Scottish Government coronavirus announcement.

The manifesto speech was originally due to take place last Monday but was postponed to this Tuesday following the suspension of campaigning after the Duke of Edinburgh's death.

It has now been pushed back to Thursday, with Anas Sarwar citing a clash with the First Minister’s coronavirus announcement.

The Scottish Labour chief said it was “frustrating”, despite Sturgeon having previously indicated she would be likely to give an announcement this Tuesday.

During an appearance on the BBC's Sunday Show, Sarwar said the original launch had been planned for Monday but was cancelled due to a halt in campaigning, while other parties had been doing their own launches later in the week.

He said they had planned to move to this coming Tuesday but there was "an unscheduled Scottish Government statement now on Covid, despite us seeking clarification from the government on that".

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon and Anas Sarwar clash over postponed Labour manifesto launch

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Sarwar continued: "We've been told to expect a statement from the Scottish Government that was unscheduled. So we're having to move our manifesto date again."

He said this was "frustrating" but the party had not been waiting for its manifesto launch to set out its policies on economic stimulus and tackling child poverty.

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The next easing of coronavirus restrictions is due to take place on April 26, when indoor opening of hospitality will be permitted.

The Scottish Government said ministers had a duty to communicate public health updates and plans were being kept under review.

At her briefing on Tuesday April 13, Sturgeon said she was "likely" to do another briefing the following Tuesday.