CAMERON'S 'RESPECT' AGENDA COLLAPSES AT FIRST HURDLE WITH SCOTTISH SNUB

CAMERON'S 'RESPECT' AGENDA COLLAPSES AT FIRST HURDLE WITH SCOTTISH SNUB

TORY AGENDA EXPOSED WITH DEBATE REJECTION

David Cameron's true agenda toward Scotland has been exposed with his
refusal to debate the SNP in a leader's debate.

His opposition to debating with SNP leader Alex Salmond shows up Tory
claims of "respect" for Scotland as nothing more than tartan window
dressing.

Responding to David Cameron, SNP MP and Westminster Campaign
Co-ordinator Stewart Hosie said:

"David Cameron's 'respect agenda' has collapsed at the first hurdle with
his refusal to debate with the SNP. He talks about respect, but in the
same breath refuses to debate the issues that matter to Scotland in a
leaders' debate with Alex Salmond.

"David Cameron has revealed the Tories' real attitude to Scotland on the
first day of the Tory conference - they do not want to hear Scotland,
and they will not engage in proper debate with Scotland's party of
government.

"It would be grossly unfair for a Scottish audience to see their main
party, the party of Government - and a party with 7-times the Scottish
representation at Westminster than the Tories - excluded from a TV
leaders' debate at the Westminster election. On what possible
democratic basis does David Cameron arrive at this typically Tory
high-handed attitude?

"The SNP have made clear we are prepared to be extremely flexible. But
all parties must accept the right of the SNP to be part of debates
broadcast in Scotland, and the broadcasters must accept their
obligations for fairness.

"David Cameron's claims have been exposed for all to see by his refusal
to debate with Alex Salmond. If he wishes to show real respect to
Scotland, he should agree to a leaders' debate that represents the real
politics of Scotland."