Johann Lamont MSP, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, has visited the county to speak to local people about why she is campaigning for a No Vote in next month’s independence referendum.

Ms Lamont came to Tranent this week where she joined Fiona O’Donnell MP and local activists for some campaigning in the town. The Labour No message received a warm response with the majority of people we spoke to saying they will be casting a no vote on 18 September and then joining our fight for a fairer future for people across the UK by voting Labour in May 2015.

In the evening, the Labour leader was the guest speaker at an event to discuss the final four weeks of the campaign to keep Scotland within the UK. At the packed meeting, held at the East Lothian Co-op Bowling and Social Club in Tranent, Ms Lamont outlined the party’s positive reasons for opposing independence and continuing to fight for social justice for everyone in the UK.

She told the audience that Labour’s values dictate that it will always put co-operation, solidarity and working together before the divisive politics of Nationalism. She also said that we have far more in common with those who share our Labour values in Cardiff, Belfast or Manchester, than those who are espousing the break-up of the UK here in Scotland.

Speaking after the meeting, local Labour MP Fiona O’Donnell said:

“It was a pleasure to have Johann out campaigning with us and then addressing our ‘I’m Voting No’ event. There was real warmth towards her at doors in Tranent and our Labour No message was well received. She gave an upbeat and positive speech at our event and I was delighted to see the determination from local supporters to push on and finish the job of securing a strong No vote on 18 September.

“We have been making the case for pooling and sharing resources across the UK, redistributing wealth from the more affluent parts to the areas that need more help. That is not a message you will hear from the SNP. I urge Labour supporters to back our campaign for a No vote and help us fight for a fairer future for everyone on these islands.”

Iain Gray MSP said:

“I am grateful to Johann for joining us in Tranent this week and speaking to local supporters. The voices of traditional Labour supporters are crucial in this debate which is why we have led the way with our Labour No campaign.

“The clarity Johann provided about Labour’s message that a No vote offers the best opportunity of achieving greater fairness for communities across the UK left those present in no doubt about the importance of persuading other Labour supporters to vote No next month. With less than a month to go until the vote we will keep fighting to reach as many local people as possible and urge them to vote No on 18 September.”