HARVIE AND FINNIE SLATE ALEXANDER OVER INDYREF CLAIMS
Green Yes, the Scottish Green Party's campaign for a Yes vote in the independence referendum, is rubbishing the latest comments by Highland Libdem MP Danny Alexander.
Today Green MSP Patrick Harvie begins a tour of the north with meetings in Aviemore, Elgin and Inverness, while Independent MSP John Finnie debates Mr Alexander in Kingussie.
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, responsible for welfare cuts which have taken more than £1.6bn a year out of the Scottish economy and targeted the sick and disabled, claims a No vote "would lead to a federal UK" and he bizarrely cites SNP centralisation and A9 speed cameras as reasons to oppose independence.
Patrick Harvie MSP, Co-convener of the Scottish Greens, said:
"The Libdems have been at the heart of the UK's cruel Coalition government, targeting the most vulnerable in society and putting more money in the pockets of the wealthy and powerful. Today's comments from Danny Alexander simply demonstrate how out of touch with reality he is, and will further shred his reputation among his Highland constituents.
"The return of local powers within Scotland is in fact a reason to vote Yes. We're much more likely to see devolution from Edinburgh to regions and communities if we transfer big responsibilities such as welfare and defence to Holyrood. The control and the influence the Highlands deserve is much more likely to come with independence; with a No vote Scotland will disappear from Westminster's radar altogether.
"Crucially, with independence Scotland could end the unfair austerity imposed by the Conservatives and Libdems and supported by Labour. We have a chance to use our undoubted wealth to share prosperity and show a more equal society is possible."
John Finnie, Independent MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said:
"Danny Alexander, who is soon to face the electorate he lumbered with a Tory Government and a draconian welfare attack is in no position to deliver anything. This is a debate about Scotland's constitutional future, not the SNP, not Alex Salmond and certainly not speed cameras.
"All those campaigning for 'Yes' offer a vision of a better future whilst all Mr Alexander and his unionist colleagues seek is more of the same, more inequality, more nuclear weapons and our Welfare State and NHS at growing risk from privatisation. In the few weeks that remain Mr Alexander needs to focus on the issue at hand, Scotland's future, rather than his less assured political future."