Nick Clegg: We will not form three party coalition with the SNP

Clegg: 'Just like we would not put UKIP in charge of Europe, we are not going to put the SNP in charge of Britain'

In his keynote speech to the party's spring conference in Liverpool, Mr Clegg said: "So let me be clear: just like we would not put UKIP in charge of Europe, we are not going to put the SNP in charge of Britain - country they want to rip apart. It's just (PA)

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has ruled out forming a three party coalition government with the Scottish National Party.

In his keynote speech to the party's spring conference in Liverpool, Mr Clegg said: "So let me be clear: just like we would not put UKIP in charge of Europe, we are not going to put the SNP in charge of Britain - country they want to rip apart. It's just not going to happen."

Labour has yet to formally rule out a deal with the SNP in the event of a hung Parliament, although the likes of former home secretary Alan Johnson has put pressure on leader Ed Miliband to do so. This morning, shadow chancellor Ed Balls said there was "no plans, no need, no desire" for a pact with the SNP, but refused to rule it out.

Traditional electoral mathematics have been complicated by gains in support for more minor parties, including the SNP, UKIP and the Greens.

Even if Labour was to go into coalition with the SNP, they might not have enough seats to form a stable coalition, necessitating the support of a third party.