AN INTERNATIONAL AGENDA

One of the key differences between the SNP and our Unionist opponents is International issues.

I was delighted today with the news that Alex Salmond has written to other countries who signed up to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, intimating the opposition of the Scottish Government to the replacement of Trident, and to seek observer status at future discussions.

This news comes on the eve of the Scottish Government summit on Trident.

Repeated polls in Scotland show a clear majority are opposed to Nuclear weapons, and this is backed up by votes in the Scottish Parliament, and the majority of Scottish MP's voted against the replacement of Trident in March.

The response from BLP Scotland Region today was lamentable. Firstly, we had Wendy Alexander who refused to answer repeated questions on her views on the issue, the predictable response from David Cairns, Minister of Scotland Office in a state, who argues that the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government should not discuss any issues that are reserved to Westminster. He also describes the clear majority who are opposed to the replacement of Trident as the "loony left", which will be news to my opponent for the Westminster election, one Ian Davidson. BLP Scotland Region leaders will never learn.

Astonishingly, we have the official response from a Scotland Office spokesperson who suggests that seeking an alliance with Iran and South Korea is unpardonable folly. Politicians in Seoul will no doubt be scratching their heads at what they have done to cause offence to the British Government. This faux pas, demonstrates the ignorance of Westminster when it comes to International issues.

The fib dems, who only months before the election argued that Trident was an issue that should be debated and discussed in the Scottish Parliament, show their usual double dealing by agreeing with wee Wendy and David Cairns.

International issues emphasise the core beliefs of the SNP as an outward looking, friendly nation, built on helping the international world with peacekeeping, overseas aid for those countries who need it to feed their children and remove the scourge of poverty, and a world based on justice and respectful of international law. One based on democracy not bullying. Indeed the SNP philosophy on International issues is a coherent part of the Independence message.

In stark contrast, New Labour continue with illegal wars, giving military aid to nations lie Colombia, the most dangerous place in the world to be a Trade Unionist, and wish to spend £25 billion of our money on weapons of mass destruction.

The SNP has a duty and responsibility to oppose nuclear weapons as the clear settled will of the Scottish people.

Civic nationalism and Internationalism go hand in hand, with Independence we can help make the world seem so much better.