SNP SURGE 8 POINTS IN A MONTH IN NEW ANGUS REID POLL

SNP SURGE 8 POINTS IN A MONTH IN NEW ANGUS REID POLL

ELECTION TWO-HORSE RACE BETWEEN SNP CHAMPIONS AND LONDON LABOUR

The Scottish National Party welcomed the Angus Reid Public Opinion poll published today, which shows that SNP support has surged by 8 points since the last Angus Reid poll in February (sampled 16-17 February), from 20 per cent to 28 per cent. The full figures [change from 2005 General Election in brackets] are:

SNP: 28% [+10]

Labour: 36% [-4]

Con: 17% [+1]

Lib Dem: 15% [-8%]

Others: 4%

The latest poll was sampled from 9-10 March, among 2,003 adults, with a Scottish sample of 178.

The results are in line with other recent polling information:

* The Scottish sample of most recent ComRes poll for the Independent on 2 March had Labour 31%, SNP 29%, Tories 20%, Lib Dems 17%.

* And the full sample Ipsos MORI Scottish poll published on 1 March had Labour 34%, SNP 32%, Tories 17%, Lib Dems 12%.

SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson said:

“SNP support has surged by 8 points in the past month, confirming that the General Election in Scotland is a two-horse race between SNP local champions and London Labour.

“The SNP are in our strongest ever position going into a General Election.

“It is hugely encouraging, and in line with the other recent polling information in Scotland. The poll also shows that the Tories and Lib Dems are down and out in Scotland.

“The election in Scotland is absolutely wide open. And with the real possibility of a hung or balanced parliament at Westminster, the situation is redolent with opportunity for Scotland and the SNP.”