ALEX Salmond will tell voters what ever they want to hear in order to win the independence referendum next year, according to Labour's Scottish deputy leader.

Speaking at the Party's Scottish conference in Inverness, Anas Sarwar claimed that, for the SNP, the facts were secondary to the need to win support for independence.

He criticised the Scottish Government on childcare pledges, on corporation tax and on the idea of keeping the Bank of England governing monetary policy.

Mr Sarwar, MP for Glasgow Central, told party delegates: "It is now very clear they will say whatever you want to hear, do whatever it takes, promise you independence will be whatever you want it to be, to get your vote.

"Not for them a debate based on fact. Not for them a debate rooted in reality or honesty.

"For them, a debate based on telling you what you want to hear to win your vote."

Earlier at the conference, Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont said education would be the party's focus at the next Holyrood elections.

The MSP for Pollok, said: "We will have plans not just to change education over one term but a vision which will look forward 20 years.

"And we will not pay for opportunity for some while denying opportunity for others."

She hit out at the Scottish Government policy of free university education, arguing it took cash away from other learners.

She added: "The savaging of the college system to fund universities has been a disgrace.

"I want and, we need.... a Scotland which has all education open for all."

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk

l See Anas Sarwar column - Page 17