Core issues of fuel prices, Iraq war, economy, expenses all deserve full debate

Following the SKY Scottish debate this morning, featuring SNP leader and Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond the SNP's Depute leader Nicola Sturgeon said it showed why Scotland's voice should be included in the UK debates so a real alternative to the Westminster parties can be heard.

The debate , in which Alex Salmond highlighted the need for champions for Scotland's communities at Westminster to make sure Scotland's views are heard showed the folly of excluding the party of Government in Scotland from the UK wide debates.

On fuel prices, on the economy, Trident, Iraq and London cuts Scotland's views are different yet they are not being heard.

SNP Depute Leader Nicola Sturgeon MSP said: "This debate showed what is missing from the UK leaders debates - a real alternative view and a different perspective to the metropolitan parties and metropolitan media.

"Alex Salmond was the clear winner in this debate, putting Scotland's case in a statesmanlike manner while the opposition leaders squabbled and struggled.

"The position put forward by Alex Salmond demonstrates why Scotland needs local and national  champions in Westminster to make sure Scotland's voice is heard on fuel prices, on London cuts, on Trident and the Scottish perspective on the war in Iraq and military conflicts.

"Only the SNP had a clear and workable policy on the key Scottish issue of fuel prices.

"Jim Murphy missed the mood in this debate.   He struggled to defend Labour's record and had nothing to offer Scotland's voters.  Even  his attacks backfired as he, Brown and Darling all missed votes on the minimum wage.

"While this debate was far livelier than the staid and static debates between the London leaders it is ridiculous that Scotland  and Scottish voters are being deprived the opportunity for Scotland's voice to be heard in full against the leaders of the London parties."