Nicola Sturgeon has said it was "slightly unfair" for Theresa May to accuse Jeremy Corbyn of providing an "excuse for terrorism" following the Manchester attack.

Speaking to Sky News, the First Minister said she did not believe the Labour leader had said UK foreign policy meant "we only have ourselves to blame" for the deadly bombing.

Earlier this week, Mr Corbyn used a speech to discuss links between Britain's involvement in Middle East conflicts and terrorism at home - but had stressed this "in no way reduces the guilt of those who attack our children".

In an interview with Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Mrs Sturgeon said it was wrong to accuse critics of UK foreign policy of "trying to justify the horrific and dreadful actions of terrorists".

Corbyn: The war on terror is not working

She added: "I think we must be free, particularly in a General Election campaign, to have honest debates about foreign policy - and to have honest debates about security and how we keep the population of the country safe.


"In any healthy democracy - and remember terrorists are trying to undermine our democracy - we've got to protect our ability to have these debates."

The SNP leader also highlighted her long-standing opposition to the war in Iraq, and her criticism of the UK's role in the air campaign on Syria.

Her remarks came as both Labour and the Conservatives pushed their plans for security in the wake of the Manchester attack.

Corbyn's comments show he is 'not up to the job'

The Tories have released a video showing Mr Corbyn boasting about opposing anti-terror legislation and dodging questions on whether he would condemn the IRA.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd suggested a victory for Mr Corbyn would "absolutely" increase the risk of future atrocities.

Meanwhile, Mrs May has fleshed out her proposals for a new Commission for Countering Extremism to advise the Government on how to "stamp out" extremism.

It will be a statutory body with "proper teeth and a clear remit" and a legal responsibility to carry out its work in challenging extremism, especially non-violent forms, and promote "pluralistic British values" including women's rights.

PM announces reduction of terror threat level

A Conservative source said the commission is designed to address the societal causes which can lead to extremism and is not intended to replace Prevent, which aims to stop young people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

The Labour leader said he had been vocal in opposing "executive control orders that are not subject to judicial oversight" and defended his voting record on anti-terror measures.

Appearing on ITV's Peston On Sunday, Mr Corbyn said: "I do support work with the police and our security services on intelligence-led actions."

Labour has also amplified elements of its manifesto following Monday's terrorist attack, which killed 22 people.

Image: The gap between Labour and the Tories in the opinion polls is narrowing

As well as promising an extra 10,000 police officers, Mr Corbyn says he will recruit another 1,000 security and intelligence agency staff.

There would also be more money to recruit thousands of staff in the fire service and prisons, as well as 500 extra border guards.

The Labour leader argues these commitments would return staffing levels close to where they were when Labour left office in 2010.

"Only Labour is serious about properly resourcing our security and frontline services," he added.