Union supporters finding their voice, says Cameron

Former leader of the Labour party John Smith. Picture: TSPL

SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE: Prime Minister David Cameron says supporters of the Union are “finding their voice” in the independence debate.

The Tory leader will invoke the memory of late Labour leader John Smith, pictured, as he visits Scotland today to campaign for a No vote in the referendum.

But he faced calls from Nationalists to publish polling research on Scottish public opinion which was commissioned by the UK government at a cost of almost £46,000.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Cameron said: “I have been heartened to see so many people finding their voice. People from all walks of life and all parts of the UK know, as I know, that we are all better together. Twenty years ago this week, the Labour leader John Smith died. Whatever people thought of his policies, nobody could argue that he was a proud Scot who wanted the best for his country.

“And why not? Like millions of other people, he knew that loving your country and at the same time wanting to be part of something bigger does not make you any less Scottish.”

But Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon claimed Mr Cameron’s visit was part of a “wholesale Tory takeover” of the No campaign, after claims that Alistair Darling had been sidelined.

• Tom Peterkin: MSPs should follow Margo’s lead