Scottish Liberal Democrat manifesto opposes an independence referendum but supports another one on Brexit.

Comedian Russell Brand has remained somewhat quiet during this election campaign, despite back in 2015 interviewing numerous politicians and making sure his voice was heard ahead of the vote.

Now, the outspoken character has written a blog for the Huffington Post, external, saying whilst Jeremy Corbyn "won't be perfect", he is backing the man to get the top job.

"Compared to the buffet of neo-liberal homogeneity that we chewed through in 2015, the possibility of voting for a politician that offers change seems oddly exotic," he said.

"Jeremy Corbyn has somehow been in politics for decades with his integrity perfectly preserved, like his much derided beard has functioned as hairy formaldehyde for his principles."

Stephen Walker
BBC News NI Political Correspondent

The Alliance Party say they have real chance of securing two seats in next week's general election.

Party leader Naomi Long launched the Alliance Party manifesto at a sports complex in Belfast.

She said: "By electing two MPs, Alliance can have a real say in delivering what this manifesto promises - positive, progressive and pro-European politics."

The manifesto understandably focuses on Brexit and the party says there must be a deal to "recognise the special circumstances in Northern Ireland".

It argues for a fresh referendum so the public can "choose between the final deal and remaining in the European Union".

The Liberal Democrats have released their Scottish manifesto.

You can read all the main points here:

Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth has revealed that he had only learned of his own leader's decision to take part in tonight's BBC debate from reporters earlier today.

He told the BBC: "I am afraid I am not responsible for Jeremy Corbyn's diary so I didn't have any idea. But good on him. He's getting out there. He's putting himself in front of the people."

Mr Ashworth will now take Mr Corbyn's place as the main speaker at a rally tonight in Bristol.

Another poll, this time from Kanta, still shows a 10 point lead by the Conservatives.

With eight days to go until the general election, here's what some of the party leaders have been up to on the campaign trail.

Image source, AFP

Image source, Reuters

Image source, PA

Image source, AFP/Getty

Martha Kearney
Presenter, The World At One

As Jeremy Corbyn announces he’s joining the TV debate tonight, there seems to be growing criticism of the Conservative campaign.

Sources have told me the atmosphere is extremely difficult, made worse by the narrowing of the opinion polls. The decision to call a snap election at all is being called into question.

One source said: "Theresa May will win the election but has lost a lot along the way in terms of authority."

Others were critical about the way Mr Corbyn has been targeted over his attitude towards the IRA in the past.

"That's been priced in" one said.

"It doesn't resonate with voters," according to another, "They don't see him as a threat, more as a grandfatherly type."

One view was that "Corbyn wasn't as bad as predicted, May not as good."

Follow Martha Kearney on Twitter @Marthakearney , external‏

The Daily Politics

The Daily Politics' Emma Vardy brings us the highlights from the last 24 hours, including a One Show appearance for Jeremy Corbyn, while Theresa May imagined him "alone and naked in the negotiating chamber" with the EU.

A few observations from a former Labour MP who thought he would be foreign secretary after the 2015 election...

Tim Farron warmed up for his appearance on tonight's BBC's election special by taking charge of a debate between schoolchildren at his party's HQ earlier.

Among the questions put to Mr Farron were: "Are you prime minister?" "How did God make the world?" and "Why does Theresa May want to stop us eating school dinners?"

Mr Farron told the children about his recent meeting with a member of the pop group Take That.

A Lib Dem official was reported to have told the children: "You're doing a very important job helping Tim Farron prepare for tonight."

BBC political researcher Jack Evans has updated his league table. The home secretary is still well in front.

Amber Rudd 33

Michael Fallon 26

Boris Johnson 25

David Davis 23

Philip Hammond 16

Jeremy Hunt 15

Damian Green 9

Karen Bradley 7

Alun Cairns 6

Greg Clark 3

Justine Greening 3

Priti Patel 3

David Mundell 3

Sajid Javid MP 2

Chris Grayling 1

Patrick McLoughlin 1

The rest 0

3 points for a network media interview (eg. Marr, Peston)

2 points for a speech without an interview

1 point for regional media

Arlene Foster says maintaining the union with the UK is the most important issue in the general election.

The Daily Politics