Ed Miliband rules out ‘confidence and supply’ SNP deal

The latest poll in Scotland shows Labour remain on course for heavy losses to the Scottish nationalists in its heartlands north of the border.

Pressed on whether he would consider a confidence-and-supply deal with the SNP to ensure backing for a Queen’s Speech and Budget if he failed to secure an overall majority, Ed Miliband told BBC1’s Andrew Marr Show: “I am not interested in deals, no.”

Mr Miliband had already ruled out a formal coalition but had so far declined to comment on a potential looser arrangement with the Scottish nationalists – which had been seized on by the Conservatives.

He accused the SNP and the Conservatives of wanting to “set England and Scotland up against each other”, promising his party will represent the whole of the UK.

But SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon told Sky News: “I suspect Ed Miliband will change his tune once the votes are cast.”