Murphy turns to religion in election fight

CONNECTING with religious voters can help Labour win the next general election, Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy is due to say today.

The UK Government minister is set to use a speech this evening to highlight the importance of faith, family and fairness.

It comes days after Prime Minister Gordon Brown unveiled Labour's new slogan – "A future fair for all".

Mr Murphy is expected to focus on the key role "values voters" can play in the election when he delivers the Progress lecture in London.

The Scottish Secretary is set to say: "In the US, faith has long played a central part in politics.

"But it's wrong to think that it plays no role in British politics."

Mr Murphy is set to say research from the time of the 2005 general election suggests Labour support was strongest among religious people.

He is expected to add: "Faith voters massively outweigh 'Motorway Men' or 'Worcester Woman' or any other trendy demographic group identified by marketeers."