JOHN Swinney has warned the General Election is on a “knife edge” and that voting for Labour would mean “more of the same” for the people in Scotland.
The First Minister is expected to give a speech on the eve of polling day in which he will urge people across the country to vote “for a vision of hope” and “for a better future”.
The SNP leader has conceded that Keir Starmer will likely be the next prime minister as his Labour Party are expected to decimate the Tories in England.
However, Swinney has warned the battle for Scotland’s seats is a lot closer and that every vote will count with most constituencies predicted to come down to the wire between the SNP and Labour.
READ MORE: See the key points in the SNP's manifesto ahead of the General Election
He is expected to say: “We all know that the result of the General Election in England is a foregone conclusion. Labour will win and Keir Starmer will be prime minister.
“The only story left in this election is here in Scotland, where seats across the country are on a knife-edge.
“And the election in Scotland is the only place where there are genuine, competing visions of the future at stake – a real contest of ideas and values.
“Labour are offering Scotland more of the same and picking up where the Tories left off.
“More cuts, opening the door to privatisation of the NHS, Brexit and capping child benefits but not bankers’ bonuses.
“The SNP is offering Scotland a different vision. A vision of hope for a better future.
“Ending austerity, supporting our NHS, rejoining the EU, tackling the cost of living crisis and a future made in Scotland, for Scotland, with independence.
“That vision of hope stands in stark contrast to the future of austerity and despair on offer from Labour.
“We don’t have to accept that bleak future offered by Westminster. Things can be better than this. Scotland can do better than this.
“Only the SNP offers Scotland the hope of a better future. But we have to vote for it.”
READ MORE: Anas Sarwar's 'implicit support for Douglas Ross' undermines Labour claims, SNP say
According to the latest Scotland-only Westminster poll Labour hold a five-point lead over the SNP.
The polling company More in Common interviewed more than 1000 Scottish voters between June 24 and June 28.
Its data found that 35% of those polled would vote for Labour while 30% would vote for the SNP.
Swinney is also expected to add: “There are seats that could be decided by only a handful of votes. So be certain about one thing – your vote will matter. It could make all the difference.
“Tomorrow the power is in Scotland’s hands – let’s use it to put Scotland’s interests first.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel