THE SNP have said that Scottish Labour are failing voters with their refusal to “get off the fence” on vital issues facing Scotland.

Recent polls have shown that despite weeks of revelations of Tory sleaze and cronyism at the heart of the UK Government, Labour are not making an impact on the Tory vote, ahead of elections next week.

Along with parliament elections in Scotland and Wales, local elections for councils and mayors in England will take place on May 6.

A YouGov poll for the Times that was reported today showed there is an 11-point gap between Labour (33%) and the Tories (44%). Boris Johnson's party has actually extended its lead as Labour seems unable to cut through to the UK public amid mounting accusations of Tory cronyism.

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The SNP have criticised Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar for evading questions on the party's position on issues such as Tory attacks on the Scottish Parliament, cuts to universal credit and the ability for the people of Scotland to vote on independence.

SNP depute leader Keith Brown said: “We can see from Westminster that Labour are completely unable to stand up to the Tories and to keep Scotland safe.

“The Tories in Westminster are doing whatever they like, and Labour simply are not doing anything to stop them.

“Scotland needs experienced leadership that will keep Scotland safe not sit out difficult decisions and choices.

“Instead of standing up and protecting the jobs, incomes and rights that families in Scotland depend upon, they are happy to stand by and watch as senior Tory ministers plan cuts to vital public services and launch a power grab on our Scottish Parliament. That silence speaks volumes about Scottish Labour's priorities. 

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“At every turn, the Labour Party has failed to provide any effective opposition to the Tories.

“By refusing to get off the fence and sitting out key issues Labour will let the Tories run riot.

“It’s clear that a vote for Labour would leave Scotland’s future in the hands of Boris Johnson. Only giving both votes to the SNP will guarantee the strong leadership and bold policies needed to move the country from pandemic to recovery, and re-elect Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister.”