Tories slam 'soft' jail terms

TORY leader Annabel Goldie today set out plans to ensure criminals spend more time in jail. She also hit out at the Executive over its "soft" approach to sentencing.

Campaigning outside Glasgow's Barlinnie prison this morning, Miss Goldie said: "The Lib-Lab Pact and the SNP have supported the absurd system of early release from prison for eight years, and have now softened it even further. We will end it, once and for all.

"We want prisoners in prison, not convicts in the community."

The Tories have already pledged to build an additional prison if they win power on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Lib-Dem leader Nicol Stephen was today visiting Corner House Nursery in Morningside to highlight his party's promise of a free playgroup place for all two-year-olds.

He said: "I want Scotland to be one of the best places in the world to bring up children.

"A new Scandinavian-style approach to pre-school education is needed, with extra hours at nursery and a much greater emphasis on outdoor activities.

"Only the Liberal Democrats will deliver a free playgroup place for all two-year-olds."