CONFERENCE ADDRESS BY ALEX SALMOND, SNP LEADER
Make Scotland Matter
I'VE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT NONE OF OUR OPPONENTS ARE FIGHTING THIS
ELECTION IN SCOTLAND - SURE THEY ARE STANDING IN SCOTLAND BUT THEY ARE
NOT EVEN TALKING ABOUT SCOTLAND.
The vast bulk of what they have said, and what they will say, is either
irrelevant or damaging to Scotland
Examples
LABOUR
Gordon Brown launched Labour's campaign in front of a poster boasting
about the "longest period of economic growth for 200 years"
In fact in Scotland it has been only THREE years since the last economic
downturn.
Then LAST week Blair made a speech in Dundee largely about the health
service - that is the English health service!
No wonder he doesn't want to talk about the Scottish Health Service -
he's probably seen Nicola savaging Mr McConnell!
TORY
The Tories have headlined their campaign on immigration and on how to
deal with - as they see it - England being "swamped" with 5 million
extra immigrants. However in Scotland the forecast is that we will LOSE
500,000 people over the next 40 years.
On being questioned they suggested that people refused entry to England
could come to Scotland!
Then Dominic Grieve, a front bench spokesperson declared on Radio
Scotland "The problem in Scotland is not immigration .. it is the fact
that Scotland is not a very attractive place to come and settle"
ITS COME TO A PRETTY PASS WHEN A PARTY, WHICH DESCRIBES ITSELF AS NASTY,
CALLS OUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY UNATTRACTIVE.
And they wonder why only 4 per cent of Scots trust Michael Howard - I'm
surprised it is as many as that!
LIBERALS
Who said: "When set piece bids come through for me ... my preference is
to face studio audiences outside the metropolis - and avoid Scotland as
well."
So why does Charles Kennedy want to avoid Scotland? Well, in Scotland,
his main line doesn't work. His unique selling point dissolves in the
heat of Scottish politics.
The Liberal Democrats claim to be the "real opposition" but in Scotland
they are Labour's doormats - they prop up Labour failure.
- A party that says one thing down south and delivers something
completely different in Scotland.
- No party - not even the Liberals - can be the opposition and the
Government at one and the same time.
THUS EVERY LAUNCH, EVERY POLICY, EVERY ANNOUNCEMENT CONFIRMS THE FACT
THAT THE LONDON PARTIES ARE FOCUSSED ON THE SOUTH. THEIR POLICIES ARE AT
BEST IRRELEVANT TO SCOTLAND AND AT WORST DAMAGING.
WHEN I WAS A LAD I HAVE A MEMORY OF TELEVISION ANNOUNCERS SAYING - AND
NOW WE HAVE THE PREMIERE OF THE HOLYWOOD MOVIE - EXCEPT FOR VIEWERS IN
SCOTLAND WHO HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE TO SEE WEIR'S WAY.
AND NOW THE LONDON PARTIES SAY HERE ARE OUR POLICIES - EXCEPT FOR VOTERS
IN SCOTLAND TO WHOM THIS IS ALL INCIDENTAL.
AND THAT IS WHY IN THIS ELECTION THE SNP ARE NOT JUST A VOTE. WE ARE THE
ONLY VOTE THAT COUNTS, THE ONLY VOTE THAT'S RELEVANT AND THE ONLY ONE
THAT CAN MAKE SCOTLAND MATTER.
A Tale of Two Futures - Brown or Bright
Let us consider Labour's economy campaign launch - the growth gaffe.
Chancellor is either out of the loop or has his eye off the Scottish
ball.
I suspect that becoming PM matters a lot more than Scotland to this
Chancellor.
LAST WEEK IN DUNDEE THE CHANCELLOR ATTACKED ME - APPARENTLY HE REALLY
DISLIKES ME - ALMOST AS MUCH AS HE DISLIKES THE PRIME MINISTER -
APPARENTLY HE DOESN'T TRUST A SINGLE WORD I SAY ANY MORE!
HE MISQUOTED SHELLEY, A VERY FINE ENGLISH POET.
WELL LET ME REPLY WITH OUR OWN NATIONAL BARD - THE MAIR HE TALKS THE
BETTER I'M KENT!
Under Brown's stewardship the Scottish economy has been left behind. At
a cost to everyone of us - we have lost 100,000 manufacturing jobs.
Under Brown's stewardship, according to UNICEF, the UK comes 7th bottom
of an OECD league table on child poverty.
Under Brown's stewardship, he can find the funds to fight an illegal war
in Iraq - we'll spend "what it takes" he said - but is robbing people of
their pensions.
Under Brown's stewardship older Scots must endure the indignity of a
means test to gain entitlement to a decent pension.
BROWN IS PRUDENT WITH PENSIONERS AND PROFLIGATE WITH WARS.
He's out to get the big job, but has forgotten the people back home.
The Chancellor, this Scottish hero, has covered himself in glory at the
Treasury while pensioners in Scotland have been covered in poverty.
Gordon Brown will sell out Scotland if it helps out Britain.
He wants to be the next Prime Minister of Britain,
I want to be the first Prime Minister of Scotland.
That's the big difference and why I put Scotland first.
Some people say when they see the iniquities of this Labour Government -
oh its not Gordon's fault. It's not Brown it's Blair. Well let me tell
you Blair could not have existed without Brown - no more than Gordon
could survive without his economic guru, Ed Balls.
WELL IT'S NOT JUST BLAIR ITS BROWN AND IT'S NOT JUST BROWN IT'S BALLS.
Let Scotland Flourish
Earlier this week, in Dundee, I launched "Let Scotland Flourish" the
SNP's blueprint for Scottish economic revival.
In this city 1 in 3 children live in households without a wage earner.
That is why getting Scotland's economy working again matters to me, to
Dundee and to Scotland.
The choice in May is between a Scottish economic policy and no economic
policy.
Under the Tories, Scottish growth lagged 20% behind the UK but with New
Labour, the gap has grown to 30%.
As a neglected area of Britain we struggle with the lowest long-term
growth rate in the European Union.
But yesterday's British failure doesn't prevent tomorrow's Scottish
success.
There are two possible futures for Scotland:
We can continue in a managed decline, with a widening growth gap, an
aging population and over ten thousand people leaving each year.
Or we can become a country reasserting its ingenuity, learning from its
small and successful neighbours, doubling its growth rate, creating new
jobs, welcoming thousands of Scots back to the country and having the
economic base to provide the kind of social democracy to which we
aspire.
If we take action now then the benefits will be tremendous.
The real prize is the INDEPENDENCE BONUS that would come from just
matching our small European neighbours
£20 billion more in the Scottish economy by 2015. Bringing an additional
£4000 per person national wealth.
£8 billion more in government revenues in 2015 - earning our social
democracy and allowing us to invest in better schools and hospitals,
decent pensions and universal childcare.
We will be able to close the wage gap with the UK - a gap which did not
exist twenty years ago - meaning the average Scot would earn £2000 more
per year in real terms.
And, it would also allow us to increase the number of Scots in work
creating 200,000 extra jobs and increase our population by 150,000.
But taking the Labour road Scotland will lose half a million people over
the next forty years. An average of 14,000 people annually - the same
as losing a town the size of Carnoustie, or Alloa or Galashiels each and
every year.
These are the people who tell the most powerful story about Scotland and
our future. Each one represents a lost opportunity for Scotland and they
are the reason we must stop London and Labour draining Scotland of our
people and resources.
Only the SNP will set targets for economic growth and competitiveness
and introduce policies to give Scotland an edge - lower taxes and fewer
burdens on business; Scottish control over Scotland's oil and an
enterprise policy that markets Scotland to the world.
We will lower corporation tax from 30 to 20% - pitched substantially
below UK levels to give Scotland a crucial competitive advantage not in
the attraction of branch plants but on decision making centres and head
office operations.
We will cut rates to allow our small businesses to develop and grow.
We will build an infrastructure in Scotland fit for the 21st century not
lagging behind in the last century.
And with at least a trillion dollars worth of oil left in the Scottish
sector of the North Sea there is plenty left to fuel our future economic
success but only if Scotlands parliament and not the London Exchequer is
in control.
This is the independence bonus and that is the future we can choose to
embark on with SNP victories in May
It is not just the BEST economic plan for Scotland. It is the ONLY
economic plan for Scotland.
It is about earning our social democracy.
It is about building the high performance economy, which can sustain the
excellence of our education, which can improve our health service, which
can enhance our pensions and maintain the social decency on which our
country will wish to be judged.
Policy Announcements
Let me announce three additional policies, which we will take to the
people
Scotland is an innovative country and that has been key to so much of
our past economic success.
Today there are still many examples of Scots at home and abroad carrying
on this great national tradition.
After all the country that brought the world television also invented
TiVo.
Scottish prominence in medicine has continued from Alexander Fleming
through to the scientists in Roslin today.
To harness our national talent for innovation we propose the creation of
a new incentive.
It would be a SCOTTISH NOBEL PRIZE, but with a different focus.
Instead of rewarding past success and achievement, our prize, the
Saltire prize, will encourage and promote future innovation, future
technological endeavour.
A £5m Saltire Prize, to encourage and harness Scotland's creative
energy.
IT HAS BEEN DONE ELSEWHERE WITH GREAT SUCCESS. LET IT BE DONE HERE.
And we've got to give our ain folk - our brightest and best youngsters -
a reason to stay.
We haemorrhage young people and we pay a heavy price for it.
In many parts of Scotland, the biggest obstacle to a young person
putting
down real roots is the lack of affordable housing.
An inability to get a foot on the "first rung" of the property ladder.
We have plans to build more affordable housing and more housing for
social rent. Boosting share equity schemes is also welcome.
But we will go further - the SNP will introduce first time buyers'
grant.
£2000 for every first time buyer - a policy already successful in
Australia - to help with the costs and outlays those buying their first
property.
IT WILL PROVIDE A FRESH INCENTIVE, A REAL INCENTIVE FOR OUR YOUNG TALENT
TO STAY IN SCOTLAND.
And when we talk about our future generations, and I think the really
smart, successful thing to do with our wealth is to invest it in young
Scotland.
That is why the SNP will prioritise the early years.
We will make sure health services for young families are there - health
worries dealt with quickly and locally.
We will get it right in our schools. Lower class sizes in the first
three years as the best way of ensuring our children get the best
educational opportunity.
And we will boost early years education. A full half-day for 3 and 4
year olds. 50% more free nursery education, a clear ambition to match
the best in the world with universal provision for all pre-school Scots.
THESE ARE THE THINGS SCOTLAND CAN DO, WHAT WE CAN BE, IF WE MAKE IT
MATTER ENOUGH.
Our opponents will say How can you pay for all of this.
So let us tell them what we won't be spending resources on.
WE WILL NOT WASTE £50 MILLION A YEAR ON BLAIR'S BIG BROTHER ID CARDS.
WE WILL NOT SPEND £1 BILLION SUBSIDISING A NEW NUCLEAR STATION IN
SCOTLAND.
AND ABOVE ALL WE WILL NOT SPEND £2 BILLION OF SCOTLAND'S PRECIOUS
RESOURCES PLACING A NEW GENERATION OF TRIDENT MISSILES ON THE RIVER
CLYDE.
Scotland Treated With Contempt
In the last year Scotland has been treated with a contempt that has not
been seen since the Thatcher years.
Scottish regiments are sent into the line of fire to fight an illegal
war and are then told they are to be amalgamated out of existence. We
saw the strength and power of the Save The Regiments campaign at this
Conference yesterday.
The treatment of our soldiers is not acceptable to me, the Scottish
National Party or to Scotland.
The small communities of Moray and Fife are told that although Scotland
has around 6 per cent of total UK defence spending it will have to bear
40 per cent of the RAF logistics cuts.
That is not acceptable to me the Scottish National Party or to Scotland.
Scotland - particularly offshore Scotland - has the potential to be the
renewable energy powerhouse of Europe. Crucial not just for our future
but for everyone's future in a world of global warming. Instead Scottish
Generators are to be charged up to £24 per kw for a grid connection
while English generators get subsidised by up to £8.
That is not acceptable to me, the Scottish National Party or to
Scotland.
I recall the article by the journalist, Martin Sixsmith, drawing on his
experience in GEC and Government to reveal how the threat of SNP
progress saved the Govan shipyard in 1999. Well if we can save
Govan in 1999 with the peoples help we can save the Regiments in 2005.
If we can save Govan in 1999 we can bring new hope to the communities of
Moray in 2005. If we can save Govan in 1999 we can ensure that
Scotland's energy potential is fully realised not strangled at birth.
ALL OF THESE THINGS BECOME POSSIBLE IF THE PEOPLE MAKE SCOTLAND MATTER
IN MAY.
Who will protect Scotland?
And who will protect Scotland if WE don't?
Well we know it won't be Devolution.
Who tells us? Well none other than Alistair Darling last week in this
very city.
Let me quote exactly what he said on Scottish Television and I have to
say this is the first time I have ever quoted Alistair Darling on
anything.
"The Tory plans to cut 35 billion from public expenditure would have a
very direct impact on the Scottish Executive. Devolution does not
protect Scotland from Tory cuts." And just in case we missed it he
said, "That's a very, very important part of our election message"
Well thank you Darling!
Alistair is right - and that is the first time I have ever said he was
right about anything!
Devolution does not protect Scotland from Tory cuts.
Nor does it protect Scotland from Labour cuts.
Nor does it protect Scotland from Labour ID cards.
Nor does it protect Scotland from a new Trident missile system.
Nor does it protect Scotland from a new nuclear power station.
Nor does it protect Scotland from loosing its historic regiments.
Nor does it protect Scotland from being dragged into illegal wars. Nor
does it protect Scotland from a Prime Minister playing fast and loose
with the essential liberties of a democratic society Devolution wouldn't
protect Scotland from the Tories. It doesn't protect us from this
arrogant Prime Minister. It doesn't protect Scotland full stop.
ONLY THE SNP CAN PROTECT SCOTLAND AND ONLY INDEPENDENCE CAN ALLOW
SCOTLAND TO PROTECT ITSELF. DELEGATES, IN THIS ELECTION WE ARE
RELEVANT AND FOCUSSED ON SCOTLAND.
THE UNIONIST PARTIES ARE IRRELEVANT AND FOCUSSED ON ENGLAND
WE HAVE AN ECONOMIC PLAN TO TRANSFORM THIS COUNTRY WHERE THEY OFFER
NOTHING AT ALL.
SNP VOTES WILL PROTECT SCOTLAND UNTIL SUCH TIME AS INDEPENDENCE ALLOWS
US TO GOVERN OURSELVES.
WE FIGHT FOR THE THINGS THAT MATTER IN THE FABRIC OF OUR PUBLIC SERVICES
SUCH AS EDUCATION, HEALTH AND COMMUNITY POLICING AND REFUSE TO WASTE
RESOURCES ON ID CARDS OR NUCLEAR BOMBS OR NUCLEAR POWER.
DELEGATES I WATCHED THE PRIME MINISTER VERY CAREFULLY THIS WEEK
BLATENTLY ATTEMPTING TO PLAY POLITICS WITH TERROR
AND I SUPPOSE THE REAL QUESTION ARISES. WHY SHOULD ANYONE TRUST A PRIME
MINISTER WHO LIES ABOUT THE REASONS FOR GOING TO WAR.
WHY SHOULD ANYONE BELIEVE A PRIME MINISTER WHO NOW SAYS THAT THE LEGAL
ADVICE FOR THAT CONFLICT WAS BASED ON A SINGLE SIDE OF A4?
WHY SHOULD ANYONE PLACE CREDIBILITY ON A PRIME MINISTER WHO MAKES HIS
CASE FOR ID CARDS ON THE ABSURDITY THAT THEY COULD IMPEDE INTERNATIONAL
TERRORISM.
I THINK THAT THE PRIME MINISTER SHOULD GLANCE ACROSS TO SPAIN. ONE YEAR
AGO A POLITICIAN WAS CAUGHT TRYING TO EXPLOIT TERROR FOR POLITICAL
ADVANTAGE.
HE WAS DRUMMED OUT OF OFFICE.
LABOUR ARE NOW A WORLD AWAY FROM THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER AND "I'M A
REGULAR SORT OF GUY."
BLAIR NOW PEDDLES THE POLITICS OF FEAR.
BUT FEARS CAN BE CONQUERED AND HOPE CAN BE KEPT ALIVE.
WE MOVE INTO THIS CAMPAIGN OFFER HOPE, VISION AND FAITH.
HOPE THAT SCOTLAND CAN BE MADE TO MATTER, A VISION OF A NEW SCOTLAND AND
A NEW TOMORROW AND A FAITH THAT THIS NATION CAN RISE AGAIN TO CLAIM ITS
PLACE AMONG THE FREE COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD. |
