Labour's Tony Blair Attacks SNP in Scotland

Strategic Insights -

Prime Minister Tony Blair has launched a fierce attack on the Scottish National Party (SNP), accusing them of aiming to wrench Scotland out of the United Kingdom and having no policies beyond separatism. Addressing newly selected Labour candidates in Edinburgh, Blair spoke of a "choice of two futures" for Scotland, with the SNP offering a future of uncertainty and Labour promising prosperity, a better NHS, and more jobs. The Prime Minister's one-day visit to Scotland was seen as an attempt to improve Labour's standing in the opinion polls, which have slumped in recent months.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tony Blair accused the SNP of aiming to separate Scotland from the UK and having no policies beyond separatism.
  • The Prime Minister outlined the Labour Party's reform programme and election promises, including on devolution.
  • Blair stated that the Scottish parliament will have real power to make a difference to people's lives, with responsibility for education, health, and law and order.
  • The SNP was accused of not wanting to talk about the key issues, such as schools, hospitals, and crime.
  • Labour's opponents, including Alex Salmond, Raymond Robertson, and Michael Moore, condemned Blair's visit as an attempt to halt Labour's slide in the Scottish polls.
  • The latest poll shows the SNP with a 14-point lead over Labour in Scotland.
  • The Labour Party in Scotland has faced several damaging blows, including allegations of sleaze against MPs, financial irregularities at Labour-controlled councils, and an ideological cull of old Labour candidates.

Statistics:

  • The SNP has a 14-point lead over Labour in the latest poll.
  • The Labour Party in Scotland has faced allegations of sleaze against two MPs.
  • Financial irregularities have been revealed at Labour-controlled councils.
  • The SNP was accused of not having policies beyond separatism.

Sources:

  • The Times, 1998

(Times staff reporter)