London-based parties 'ignore Scotland'

Alex Salmond has said the main UK parties will "ignore Scotland" in the election campaign.

The SNP leader also said his party was ready for the forthcoming poll battle.

"In this campaign, only the SNP will make Scotland matter," he said.

"The London-based parties will try to ignore Scotland. They will campaign on policies that apply south of the border only.

"But SNP success will shake them up and put Scotland political centre stage.

"SNP victories can win a better deal for older Scots and more help for young families.

"We can bring home control of Scotland's £600bn oil reserves and save our historic regiments.

"At this election, the SNP is the only party whose policies will be focussed on Scottish success.

"And SNP success is good news for Scotland, because when the SNP wins, Scotland wins.

Marginals

Salmond went on to outline his tactic of targeting Labour in Scottish marginals.

"Nine of Labour's top 20 marginal seats are in Scotland or Wales. Despite this, the London-based campaigns will be largely irrelevant to people in these nations," he said.

"From measures on pensioner travel to Tory council tax bribes, policies trumpeted in London are for the most part not for voters in Scotland. Labour and Tories sideline Scotland. The SNP puts Scotland first.

"So, when Tony Blair in London makes a promise on health, don’t believe him, because it will not apply here in Scotland. And when Michael Howard promises to help pensioners with their council tax, it is only for English pensioners.

"In this campaign, every time we see a Tory, Labour or Liberal spokesman, what they say applies to everyone, except for voters in Scotland. These London parties are irrelevant to the needs and concerns of Scotland.

"In May, fewer Scottish Labour MPs and no Scottish Tory MPs will be good news for the future of Scotland."