Campaigns

"It is less than a week since the starting gun was fired for the general election.

But already it has become clear that Labour and Tory intend to fight a phoney war – if they are allowed to get away with it they intend to conduct an entire campaign on a charade.

The chancellor has already blurted out that he plans public spending cuts which are “deeper and tougher” than those of Margaret Thatcher. Meanwhile the Tories back that approach but want the process to start earlier and are planning a specific Cameron Cut aimed at Scotland.

At this election, more than ever before, Scotland needs champions.

And so on polling day, we are not just choosing MPs in the House of Commons. We are choosing national champions to stand up for the people of Scotland.

National champions and LOCAL champions, who will offer communities across our nation the voices that they need. Have no doubt the outcome of this election is in the hands of the people.

Events in UK and world markets are moving quickly with the latest news that Bradford & Bingley is to be nationalised.

In Scotland, the focus is very much on securing the best deal for HBOS customers, staff and the wider Scottish economy.

Alex Salmond updated Parliament last week. You can read the full statement here.

The First Minister set out the Scottish Government’s four campaign objectives. These are:

In the Parliamentary debate on 23rd September 2008 silly attacks on independence were made by the Opposition Parties.

However as is clear from recent events, independent nations are in a stronger position to act - as Scotland would be, as part of sterling or the euro.

Looking to the future, Alex Salmond told parliament as the news of the merger broke, that the Scottish Government would strain every sinew to protect jobs and retain corporate clout here in Scotland.