Status quo not good enough for Scotland - Brown (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

Status quo not good enough for Scotland - Brown

March 14, 2009 12:00 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Robert Brown MSP, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson, has proposed bold and broad sweeping powers for the Scottish Parliament that would represent the biggest shake up of the constitutional settlement since devolution.

Robert Brown MSPSpeaking ahead of a debate on more powers for the Scottish Parliament at the Scottish Liberal Democrat conference in Perth, Mr Brown said:

"Liberal Democrats were the first to put forward a blueprint for the

future governance of Scotland through the Steel Commission.

"It was Jim Wallace who set up the Steel Commission, Nicol Stephen who

drove the creation of the Calman Commission, and Tavish Scott who forced the SNP to take part in that Commission.

"This gives the Commission the scope and authority to deliver a roadmap

for the future governance of Scotland.

"Scottish Liberal Democrats are the catalysts for change, in the driving seat of the home rule train. We are delivering the broad consensus around which the whole of Scotland can unite, not divide.

"In the midst of economic recession the SNP appointed a Minister for

separation and division, not a Minister for economic recovery and unity.

"Liberal Democrats are ambitious, radical and progressive. Liberal

Democrats want to give Scotland wide-ranging taxation powers so we can

continue to build the Scottish economy to be stronger in future years.

"Giving the Scottish Parliament borrowing powers would help the Scottish economy though the worst economic times. This would allow us to build the infrastructure projects needed for the future development of our economy, like the new Forth Crossing, without having to go cap in hand to London.

"The status quo is not good enough. Scotland must be allowed to have the powers to thrive.

"That must mean powers for a purpose for our Scottish Parliament. Home

Rule for Scotland within the United Kingdom."