SKY SCOTTISH DEBATE – ONLY SNP CHAMPION SCOTLAND

SKY SCOTTISH DEBATE – ONLY SNP CHAMPION SCOTLAND

SALMOND SHOWS VALUE OF A REAL DEBATE – AS MURPHY STRUGGLES

CORE ISSUES OF FUEL PRICES, IRAQ WAR, ECONOMY, EXPENSES ALL DESERVE FULL
DEBATE

Following the SKY Scottish debate this morning, featuring SNP leader and
Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond the SNP’s Depute leader Nicola
Sturgeon said it showed why Scotland’s voice should be included in the UK
debates so a real alternative to the Westminster parties can be heard.

The debate , in which Alex Salmond highlighted the need for champions for
Scotland’s communities at Westminster to make sure Scotland’s views are
heard showed the folly of excluding the party of Government in Scotland
from the UK wide debates.

On fuel prices, on the economy, Trident, Iraq and London cuts Scotland’s
views are different yet they are not being heard.

SNP Depute Leader Nicola Sturgeon MSP said:

“This debate showed what is missing from the UK leaders debates – a real
alternative view and a different perspective to the metropolitan parties
and metropolitan media.

“Alex Salmond was the clear winner in this debate, putting Scotland’s case
in a statesmanlike manner while the opposition leaders squabbled and
struggled.

“The position put forward by Alex Salmond demonstrates why Scotland needs
local and national champions in Westminster to make sure Scotland’s voice
is heard on fuel prices, on London cuts, on Trident and the Scottish
perspective on the war in Iraq and military conflicts.

"Only the SNP had a clear and workable policy on the key Scottish issue of
fuel prices.

“Jim Murphy missed the mood in this debate. He struggled to defend
Labour’s record and had nothing to offer Scotland’s voters. Even his
attacks backfired as he, Brown and Darling all missed votes on the minimum
wage.

“While this debate was far livelier than the staid and static debates
between the London leaders it is ridiculous that Scotland and Scottish
voters are being deprived the opportunity for Scotland’s voice to be heard
in full against the leaders of the London parties."