SALMOND ADDRESSES NATIONAL COUNCIL IN PERTH

SALMOND ADDRESSES NATIONAL COUNCIL IN PERTH

“PEOPLE ARE WITH THE SNP BECAUSE THE SNP TRUST THE PEOPLE”

Addressing the Scottish National Party’s National Council in Perth today
(Saturday), SNP leader and First Minister Alex Salmond said:

“The SNP are back in the lead in the polls for Scottish Parliament and
Westminster elections. And there is a fundamental reason for our
continuing popularity two-and-a-half years into government, during tough
economic times.

“Yes, we have already delivered two-thirds of our headline manifesto
commitments to help families and business – including freezing the Council
Tax, phasing out prescription charges, and restoring free education, as
well as putting in place a comprehensive economic recovery plan which is
supporting 15,000 jobs.

“But even more than that, this is a government which trusts the people to
have a say over the future of their own country. And because the SNP
Government trusts the people, the people of Scotland are with the SNP.

“This week, the Scottish Government published our White Paper which paves
the way for a referendum next year to give people a voice and vote on
Scotland’s constitution.

“There is a strong public majority for a referendum, and our job is to
translate that public support into a parliamentary majority. At present,
each of the three London-based parties – Labour, Tory and Liberal – say
no, no, no to Scotland, in the same arrogant manner as Margaret Thatcher
did.

“That is one reason why the Tories and Liberals are at record lows in the
polls, and why Labour are also behind. They are running away from the
verdict of the people.

“We have confidence in the abilities of the people of Scotland, and the
vision to carry forward a radical policy agenda. As well as having passed
world-leading climate change legislation, we are also focusing on vital
domestic issues – such as the need for a comprehensive alcohol strategy,
including minimum pricing, to tackle the ill-health and anti-social
behaviour fuelled by cheap booze.

“This is a government of action and ambition for Scotland, delivering the
policies to build a successful and independent nation.”