SNP: Henley 'a bitter birthday present'

Friday, 27, Jun 2008 12:00

Mike Weir MP, Westminster election coordinator for the Scottish National Party (SNP) comments on Gordon Brown's first year in power:

"North and South of the border Labour are in a slough of despond, with last night's humiliation in Henley a bitter birthday present for Gordon Brown on the first anniversary of becoming prime minister.

"Henley was never going to be winnable for Labour, but to lose their deposit and come fifth shows just how low Labour has sunk.

"It is very much a tale of two governments. Labour, which is out of touch with people throughout the UK, and the SNP, which is delivering for the people of Scotland.

"While Labour's vote disintegrates further, it is the SNP which is the only party that offers a real challenge to Labour in Scotland at the coming General Election.

"With a block of 20 or more SNP MPs, Westminster really would be dancing to a Scottish jig - and we would secure real progress on vital Scottish interests such as attendance allowance, council tax benefit, North Sea revenues, and our share of Barnett resources."