Blair tells SNP to debate policy

Prime Minister Tony Blair has been trying to boost Labour in Scotland

Prime Minister Tony Blair has accused the SNP of attacking him on Iraq to avoid debating policy in the Scottish Parliament election campaign.

Mr Blair said the Nationalist leader Alex Salmond was stooping to "personal insults" to win votes.

Mr Blair was addressing Labour's youth conference on the second day of his trip to Scotland.

Mr Salmond responded by challenging the prime minister to a debate on the issues facing Scotland.

Speaking to BBC Scotland, Mr Blair cited Labour's record in power in London and Edinburgh, on areas such as the economy and social legislation.

He said: "You mention the issues to do with Iraq - that's not what's going to be determined in the Scottish election and the SNP know that.

"So why is it that they are going on that issue?

Scotland's future

"They are going on it because they don't actually want to have a debate about the future of Scotland and the future of the policies that are going to be determined by the Scottish election."

Mr Blair acknowledged he might not be regarded by everyone as an asset to Labour's Holyrood campaign.

His address to Labour's youth conference came at the same time as Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell opened his Scottish party conference in Aviemore.

Mr Salmond challenged Mr Blair to a debate on Scotland's future

Mr Blair told the meeting of the benefits already gained for Scotland through "partnership" working by Westminster and Edinburgh.

He said: "So when we come to these elections, I don't want people to vote out of fear of separation - although of course its negative impact on living standards and economic investment is all too clear.

"I actually want people excited about the prospect of even greater progress and prosperity through a modern union of nations who know they are stronger together than apart."

Mr Salmond said First Minister Jack McConnell had repeatedly refused to debate Scotland's future with him.

"Yet Mr Blair says that it is the SNP who don't want to debate the policies," said Mr Salmond.

"It just shows how out of touch Tony Blair is."

He said Scotland had the choice between sticking with a failed Labour Party, or choosing a better, more successful future with the SNP.

On Thursday Mr Blair visited Easterhouse in Glasgow before addressing party activists.