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Hung parliament a 'real opportunity' for Scotland

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20th March 2010

A parliament "balanced on Scottish and Welsh votes" could mean concessions to the nationalist parties, Alex Salmond has said.

The leader of the SNP told the party's conference in Aviemore today that they will be announcing a joint platform with Plaid Cymru, "an alternative programme which will stand in contrast to Labour and Tory".

"A balanced parliament may be a difficulty for Westminster but presents real opportunity for our nation," he said.

"Scotland can put the brakes, not on recovery, but on the Tory or Labour cuts.

"We can champion the issues that matter.

"And secure key concessions for our nation.

"The release of the near £200 million fossil fuel levy fund.

"Scotland's money that is sitting, idle in an Ofgem bank account.

"Fair connection charges for our generators - a crucial issue if we are to capitalise on our vast energy resources.

"Money that could and should be used to deliver jobs in communities across Scotland.

"A commitment to Scotland being part of the first phase of the high-speed rail network.

"London to Birmingham is nowhere near Scotland, and nowhere near good enough.

"And a guarantee that there will be no further budget cuts this year – new cuts that Scotland's local authorities tell us would be 'catastrophic'."

Salmond said the SNP will take forward plans for a referendum on independence, "so Scots can have their say on our nation's future".

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