Glasgow city centre in daytime

Going ‘all out’ to realise economic potential

In a speech today, the Scottish First Minister has outlined his plans for achieving economic growth.

This was First Minister John Swinney’s first major speech since he was appointed to the role last week, and it saw him setting out his ambitions to work harder to ensure that businesses and workers can thrive, whilst also establishing his optimism in encouraging further economic investment.

Swinney also touched on ‘poor decision-making’ from the UK government, mentioning Brexit and immigration policy, as well as continuing to push the agenda for Scottish Independence.

“My goal is to help people live happier and healthier lives with higher living standards and to help businesses boost profitability.

As part of the plans, policy-making in his time as First Minister is set to be governed by the following:

  • Progressive, left-of-centre values
  • An approach that includes partnering with unions and businesses
  • Focusing on actions
  • Using evidence to solve problems

Ahead of his speech in Glasgow’s financial district, Swinney said:

“My goal is to help people live happier and healthier lives with higher living standards and to help businesses boost profitability.

“The evidence shows that independent countries that are comparable to Scotland are wealthier and fairer than the UK.

“Scotland has the talents and resources to match that performance with independence but in the here and now and in the face of Brexit we must work even harder to help Scotland’s economy with the powers we have.

“I will go all out to encourage investment in Scotland and I will ensure people know my government is a firmly pro-business administration.

“A partnership with trade unions and business will be at the core of my approach and through that approach and given our resources, not least incredible renewable energy, we should look to the future with hope and optimism.”

Also outlined by the First Minister were the developments in the nation’s renewable energy sector, as well as the actions that will be taken to boost high-growth business.

 

Image credit: iStock

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