It's Time for No Council Tax & More Powers

Speaking at a pre-campaign news briefing in Edinburgh today [Wednesday], the Scottish National Party Deputy Leader Ms Nicola Sturgeon MSP said the SNP were going into the election with great confidence, and the only positive vision for Scotland's future.

Commenting Ms Sturgeon said:

"The SNP are going into the election with great confidence, and the only positive vision for Scotland's future.

"We take heart from the fact that, for the first time, the SNP are going into the election campaign with a clear lead.  In 1999, for example, Labour had a 13 point lead at the same stage.  But we are taking nothing for granted and will work hard over the next 36 days to earn the trust of the Scottish people.

"As the election debate focuses on policies, there is no doubt that the SNP's proposal to scrap the Council Tax in favour of a fair local income tax is hugely popular with voters, and is getting a great response on the doorstep.  Labour have made a big mistake in attacking the SNP on this issue and defending the unfair Council Tax - and they will pay the political price.

"When the straight question of Scotland becoming an independent country is put, for or against, the polls show that independence is ahead.  And the SNP have made clear that the social union with England will be retained, including a common head of state.

"The Populus poll in the Times confirms that Scots want more powers.  Labour's second big mistake of the campaign was for Gordon Brown to reject from on high any more powers for the Scottish Parliament - when support for the status quo is barely in double figures.

"On both the Council Tax and the future of Scotland, Labour have put themselves on entirely the wrong side of the debate in Scotland, appealing only to the small minority.

"The SNP are bringing forward a positive and forward looking campaign, which reflects the mood of Scotland.  Labour's campaign is negative and remote controlled from London, which is why it is failing."

ENDS