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SNP set 20-seat Westminster goal Salmond sets out 'global vision'
(20 minutes later)
Alex Salmond has challenged his party to build a Scottish block of at least 20 MPs at Westminster. First Minister Alex Salmond has outlined his vision to make Scotland a major player on the world stage.
The first minister was addressing the SNP's spring conference in Edinburgh, marking a year in government in Scotland. The SNP leader told his party's spring conference the door was open internationally, as he marked a year in power at Holyrood.
He told delegates at the conference he wanted to see 20 SNP MPs willing and able to defend the Scottish Parliament and people. Mr Salmond also said he wanted to see 20 SNP MPs at the next UK election.
Mr Salmond said: "We can make Westminster dance to a Scottish jig." And he launched an attack on Labour - accusing the party of losing its way, forgetting its values and abandoning its roots.
Mr Salmond also announced plans for a new life sciences institute in Dundee, overseen by leading Scots scientist Sir Phillip Cohen.
ALEX SALMOND'S SPEECH ALEX SALMOND'S SPEECH [68KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here
And he announced a summer tour of the Scottish Cabinet around Scotland, with appearances in towns and cities from Dumfries to Aberdeen.
Mr Salmond told the conference in Edinburgh the minority Scottish Government had done much during its first year in power as he reeled off a list of achievements, including plans for 1,000 more police, scrapping the student graduate endowment and freezing council tax.
"We have a strong and clear sense of purpose," he said.
"We are a government with energy, ideas and vision - total confidence in Scotland's ability to succeed."
And following his recent visit to the US, the first minister declared: "The door is open to Scotland internationally."