SNP students reject party's alcohol policy

THE SNP's plan to ban under-21s from buying alcohol in off-licences has been dealt a blow after it emerged the party's student wing is opposed to the move.

During a debate at Edinburgh University, student Nationalist Caroline Henderson said: "I'm the rep on the SNP NEC for the Federation of Student Nationalists, which is against the proposals."

Opponents of the ban seized on the comment as an "embarrassment" for justice secretary Kenny MacAskill.

Labour's justice spokesman Richard Baker said: "He can't even convince his own party members that the SNP have the right policies.

Instead of looking for cheap headlines the Scottish Government should focus on enforcing the existing law properly."

Tory education spokesman Murdo Fraser said it was "a crushing blow to the SNP's ludicrous plans".