SCOTS DEMAND EARLY GENERAL ELECTION.

SCOTS DEMAND EARLY GENERAL ELECTION.

POLL PUTS SNP IN STRONG POSITION TO FIGHT FOR SCOTLAND’S JOBS

SNP MPS WILL PROTECT SCOTLAND'S INTERESTS

The SNP today welcomed a poll in the Mail on Sunday showing nearly two
thirds of Scots want a General Election.

The poll, by Scottish Opinion of 650 people between 15th and 20th May puts
the SNP in a strong position to fight for Scotland’s jobs with a 16% lead
over Labour.

The poll shows
• 60% of Scots want a general election
• As reported in the Mail on Sunday more people wouldn’t vote than would
vote Labour - giving the SNP 32% to only 20% for Labour
• Excluding those not voting the poll puts the SNP on 43% to 27% for
Labour with the Lib Dems and Conservatives on 11%
• If translated into seats at the next Westminster election the poll would
give the SNP 48 seats (+42), to 8 (-33) for Labour and 3 (-9) for the
Liberal Democrats.

First Minister Alex Salmond, who has called for a General Election after
an immediate independent audit of MPs’ expenses and the introduction of
Holyrood style transparency and accountablility to the Westminster
allowances system, said:

“There can be no argument against the entire House of Commons submitting
itself to a vote of confidence, or otherwise, from the people who elected
them."

Commenting on the Mail on Sunday poll results SNP Depute Leader and Deputy
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said;

“The SNP in Government is focussed on protecting Scotland’s jobs and
working for communities to secure a strong economic recovery.

“That hard work and effort is seeing results with investment in jobs,
construction and new homes across the country.

“In contrast, the UK Government has become mired in controversy. While the
whole Westminster system has ground to a halt, it is the SNP Scottish
Government that is getting on with the job of protecting employment and
delivering quality public services.

“It is essential the audit of MPs' expenses is completed as soon as
possible, a Holyrood style system of transparency and accountability
introduced at Westminster, and the people of Scotland given the
opportunity to defend Scottish interests by electing a block of SNP MPs at
an early General Election.

“The resignation of Speaker Martin may cause a by-election but it is a
general election that voters want.

“As we head into the final full week of campaigning for the European
election the SNP is taking nothing for granted and we will continue to
work hard to win support as we work together with communities to protect
jobs and ensure a strong economic recovery for Scotland.”