People trust SNP because SNP trust the people

Addressing the Scottish National Party’s National Council in Perth 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."