The SNP today welcomed a new poll by IPSOS/MORI for STV which confirms the SNP is Scotland's alternative to the Westminster machine.

The poll puts the SNP up 8 points on the 2005 result as the only party in Scotland to make gains.

SNP Depute Leader Nicola Sturgeon said: "This is a very strong showing from the SNP as the only party to gain ground in Scotland from the last Westminster election. SNP support is up 8 points as all the London parties see their vote fall.

"Voters are turning away from the 2 main UK parties and choosing a positive alternative - in Scotland this poll demonstrates that alternative is the SNP.

"While the Lib Dem's may fool voters in England that support is not being replicated in Scotland because people have a more credible and attractive alternative to the failed Westminster parties.

"Despite their high profile in the TV debates Labour, the Lib Dems and the Tories are down on the 2005 electio as Scottish voters turn against the Westminster machine and in favour of local and national champions.

"As the election turns in Scotland's favour we will continue to expose the cuts agenda of the three London parties and show that in a balanced Parliament it is only a vote for the SNP that will put Scotland's interests on the Westminster agenda."

Notes:

The poll released by STV and conducted by IPSOS/MORI of 1005 people between 15th and 17th April - with changes from 2005 in brackets - is as follows:

SNP: 26% (+8%)
Lab: 36% (-4%)
LibDem: 20% (-3%)
Tory: 14% (-2%)

This represents a 5.9% swing from Labour to the SNP since 2005.

It also a 5.5% swing from the LibDems to the SNP since 2005.

And it is also a 5.1% swing from the Tories to the SNP since 2005.

Comparing this poll to the YouGov poll published in Scotland on Sunday and conducted immediately before this one the changes would be as follows:

SNP: 26% (+6%)
Lab: 36% (-4%)
Tory: 14% (-2%)
LibDem: 20% (1%)