PROSPECT OF HUNG PARLIAMENT PREFERRED OPTION FOR SNP

PROSPECT OF HUNG PARLIAMENT PREFERRED OPTION FOR SNP

Commenting on the prospect of a hung Parliament raised by today’s MORI/Ipsos poll in the Observer today, and which was raised by Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond during the SNP’s recent conference, the SNP Westminster Group whip Stewart Hosie MP said:

“Whether the next UK government is Labour or Tory, Tory or Labour, the best result for Scotland will be a balanced or hung Westminster parliament – a minority government, with a Scottish block of 20 SNP MPs fighting for and winning key objectives for Scotland.

“These are clear and achievable. And in the context of a likely emergency UK budget after the election are focussed on measures to support jobs and economic activity in Scotland.

“In the current circumstances, this would include a further acceleration of some £350 million of capital resources for investment in affordable housing and other key infrastructure; securing the £160 million fossil fuel levy for green energy projects and home insulation in Scotland; delivering £300 million of Barnett consequentials which could and should come Scotland’s way as a result of Olympic regeneration and prison spending south of the border; and treasury agreement for phasing the cost of the Forth crossing over a longer period, given the scale and unique nature of the project.

“These are policies to maximise investment and employment in Scotland, and they can only be achieved by SNP votes in the general election.

“A Scottish block of 20 SNP MPs will sweep away the Westminster blockage, and deliver progress for Scotland."