SNP AND PLAID RESPOND TO LEADERS DEBATE

SNP AND PLAID RESPOND TO LEADERS DEBATE

THREE MACHINE POLITICIANS WITH NOTHING TO SAY TO THREE COUNTRIES


The SNP and Plaid Cymru have described the first Leaders' Debate which
aired last night as 'three machine politicians with nothing to say to
three countries'.


Plaid Cymru and the SNP have been united in their opposition to the
decision by the broadcasters to cut Scotland and Wales out of the debate.

Commenting, SNP Westminster Leader Angus Robertson said:

"The London leaders are part of the same metropolitan machine - a system
that has failed voters in our nations. Last night's debate only served to
highlight how remote they are from the issues that matter most.

"They had nothing positive to say about schools and hospitals in Scotland
or Wales, but these vital local services will face the impact of the harsh
cuts that were confirmed by all three London parties.

"They are prepared to cut investment on teachers, nurses and jobs but
continue spending billions on nuclear weapons. That is the wrong choice
and a deeply dangerous choice.

"Only a strong bloc of Plaid Cymru and SNP MPs can break through this cosy
London consensus. Our message at this election is simple: more nats means
less cuts. Electing an SNP or Plaid Cymru MP as a local champion is the
only way to win a better deal for the people of Scotland and Wales and
protect jobs and local services."


Plaid Cymru Westminster Leader Elfyn Llwyd added:

“In what was a very sterile debate, not once did we hear the word Wales or
Scotland mentioned by any of the leaders.

"Last night all we got was three men with nothing to say to three countries.

“Plaid and the SNP offer a different choice. We have different priorities
- protecting our schools and hospitals and making sure our economies come
out of recession.

“Yet another Labour, Tory or Lib-Dem to toe their London party line will
not stand up for our communities – Plaid and the SNP will.

“The people of Wales and Scotland were ignored last night - but that they
won't be ignored by come election day.”