Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber, and Badenoch is today welcoming a new poll showing strong support for the SNP across the Highlands and Islands – while the Lib Dem’s position in the polls continues to suffer as a result of their toxic alliance with the Tories.

The Survation poll shows support for the SNP standing at 30.8 per cent in the Highlands and Islands – while support for the Lib Dems has plummeted to just 17.6 per cent.

This highlights that current Highland Lib Dem MPs, Charles Kennedy and Danny Alexander’s should be contemplating the Job Centre, as the Survation poll shows nearly twice as much support for the SNP.

The General Election in May offers communities across the Highlands the chance to elect an SNP MP who’ll always put the Highland’s interests first and fight against Westminster imposed austerity – rather than Lib Dem MPs who voted along with the Tories for another £35bn of cuts.

Commenting, Mr Thompson said:

“While we are taking nothing for granted and will be working hard for every vote, this is another very encouraging poll showing the SNP enjoying strong support across the Highlands and Islands - while the Lib Dems are clearly paying the price for their toxic alliance with the Tories over the last four and a half years, and as a result, Charles Kennedy and Danny Alexander’s future as representatives of the region are hanging by thread”.

“Just last week, Lib Dem MPs meekly voted along with the Tories for another £35bn of austerity cuts, how many more Highland foodbanks will be needed if that happens? So it is no wonder that so many of their former voters are putting their faith in the SNP as the only party who will always stand up for Scotland’s interests.

“It’s also clear that there is widespread support for the greatest possible devolution of powers to Scotland. But the Westminster government simply isn’t willing to give us the powers we need to build a more equal society and more competitive economy – and that is why we need a strong team of SNP MPs elected next May to hold them to account, and ensure that they finally deliver on their Vow to Scotland.

"Left to their own devices, Labour would continue with austerity. With a strong group of SNP MPs holding the balance of power at Westminster, we can ensure that Scotland’s voice is heard and use our influence positively to end austerity economics, free Scotland of Trident nuclear weapons, and secure the powers we need to build a fairer, more prosperous country.

Note:

Highlands and Islands – Results of Survation Poll

SNP 30.8%

Lab 17.9%

LD 17.6%

Con 7.5%