Scottish Liberal Democrats the REAL Alternative

Scottish Liberal Democrats The REAL alternative

More and more people are supporting the Liberal Democrats.

Every sign is that we can win more votes and elect more Liberal Democrat MPs.

Liberal Democrats have real ambition for Scotland and are putting forward real solutions to real problems.

Liberal Democrats offer a real alternative.

scotlibdems.org.uk I believe that the 2001 – 2005 parliament will be remembered as the period during which the Liberal Democrats came of age, ushering in a new era of truly OUR three-party politics. That is why we enter this General Election campaign with such optimism, unity of purpose and public goodwill.

We have been tested – inside and outside parliament – as never before. We have stuck to our principles: from PRINCIPLES our opposition to the war in Iraq to our defence of fundamental civil liberties over control orders. Again and again, we have been the real opposition to Tony Blair’s increasingly discredited Government over Council Tax, top- Freedom. Fairness. Trust. choices in their lives – a good the people and their up and tuition fees, and ID cards. These are the qualities of the education, a decent pension, government. Scottish people at their best, a clean environment, The challenge – and the opportunity – is now to provide and they are the guiding effective policing and high Throughout this manifesto, the real alternative at this election. That is what this principles of the Liberal quality healthcare. And we we recognise our manifesto is all about – detailing our analysis and Democrats. want to see fairness too in responsibility to future policy ambitions; and all of it is underpinned by costed the way in which taxes are generations, to protect and credible pledges. We are determined that what This manifesto is built on raised and minorities are the precious environment we promise can be achieved. Our fi gures, based on these principles – principles treated. that sustains all life on offi cial costings, all add up. And at the heart of our that we believe must the planet. Our policies programme is a determination to achieve a fairer and underpin the government of TRUST promote sustainable more straightforward tax system which delivers the social this country, but which are To deliver freedom and development – because for priorities we believe people want. too often lacking in public fairness, we need to give us, environmental policy is The mark of a decent society is one which creates life today. citizens the power to hold not an optional extra but an opportunity for young people and provides security and government to account. So integral part of the way in dignity for those in their older years. At both ends of the FREEDOM we want to see government which we will govern. age spectrum we believe that Britain must do better. At Liberal Democrats believe brought closer to the people this election, people in England and Wales will have the that individuals should it is meant to serve – which Throughout this manifesto, chance to choose policies such as abolishing student top-up govern their own lives, is why we are committed to we show how we can help and tuition fees, and guaranteeing free long term personal free from unnecessary curtail the personal power achieve these aims through care for the elderly. Liberal Democrats across the UK will interference by government and patronage of the Prime Britain playing a leading role point with pride to the example of Scotland, where Liberal or society. So we want to Minister, strengthen British in Europe and on the wider Democrats in government have already delivered both build a society which gives democracy, and develop international stage, building these policies. But we want to do more for both these individual men, women and the role of the Scottish effective global institutions groups in Scotland. That’s why this manifesto contains particularly young people, Parliament, backed up with and acting in accordance with our proposals to reform maternity pay and pensions. In opportunities to pursue their reforms to extend the fair international laws – because a separate supplement to this Manifesto, we explain aims, develop their talents voting system - won for in an ever more globalised how Liberal Democrats in the Scottish Parliament would invest the additional resources that a Liberal Democrat and shape their successes. A councils in Scotland - to and interdependent world, government in Westminster would deliver for Scotland. country where people are both the Scottish Parliament isolation is in none of our free to shape their future and Westminster. And we interests. A government Society is still scarred by inequality. Tackling that is a is one that is stronger, want to see politicians keep which ignores this truth priority for the Liberal Democrats. For example, it’s time wealthier, happier, and more the promises they make, as does not serve this country’s that we redressed the scandalous discrimination against fulfilled. Liberal Democrats have done interests. women in the state pension system. We propose a ‘citizen’s in government in Scotland. pension’, based on residency instead of national insurance FAIRNESS Throughout this manifesto contributions, which would – at last – provide women who Ill-health, disability, poverty, Throughout this manifesto you will find this Liberal have spent time caring for children or elderly parents with environmental pollution we explain how we will put Democrat approach. a pension in their own right. and the fear of crime curtail these beliefs into practice, Freedom. Fairness. Trust. freedom, just as much as creating a society where In addition, we remain proud of a Britain which is enriched discriminatory laws or arrest people are more free, where precisely because it is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic society. without trial. So we want government exercises its We will not pander to fear and prejudice. We offer fair government to provide the powers more fairly, and and effective policies over the distinct issues of asylum and immigration. essential requirements that where the bond of trust everyone needs to make real is re-established between Sustainable development is at the heart of our approach and therefore through all our thinking, there is a green thread of environmental awareness and urgency. We are by far the greenest of the three main UK political parties Liberal Democrats are open and straightforward in old age have to pay a higher proportion of their and this manifesto again confi rms that. about how we will pay for our policies. At the last income in taxes and government charges than those three general elections we set out full details of how who are much better off. That cannot be right. It is a privilege at this election to be leading the most much our policies would cost and how we would Today, under Labour, the poorest 20 per cent of the socially progressive party in British politics. Our priorities pay for them. None of the other parties did this. population pay 38 per cent of their income in tax, here at home are clear; our instinctive internationalism compared with just 35 per cent for the richest 20 per – through positive and proactive engagement with Europe, Labour has increased spending, an increase only cent. That is unfair. the United Nations and the Commonwealth – is defi nitive. the Liberal Democrats were honest enough to propose at the last election. Given this growth in We will introduce a new 50 per cent rate on the I am ambitious for the Liberal Democrats and ambitious for spending, most of our proposals at this election portion of individual income exceeding £100,000 Scotland. At this election the Liberal Democrats are the real can be funded from savings in current budgets. a year. Just one per cent of taxpayers will pay this alternative. Please read, refl ect – and if you like what we This means switching around £5 billion each year (because they can afford to). stand for, join us on our journey. Your support can make from low-priority UK government programmes in the difference. order to fund our key proposals. Our savings include As a result of these savings and additional revenue, abolishing the Department of Trade and Industry, a Liberal Democrat Government at Westminster using the money set aside for the Chancellor’s Child would deliver additional resources for Scotland Trust Fund to invest now, when children need it totalling £1.8 billion over the term of the most, and not introducing ID cards. Westminster Parliament. Details of how Liberal Democrats in Government in Scotland would We will also make taxes fairer – cutting costs for invest these additional resources are provided in a most people. At present, people on low incomes or separate Scottish Supplement to this Manifesto. Charles Kennedy — Leader of the Liberal Democrats PENSIONS & BENEFITS: Fairness & Opportunity 4 - 5 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS: Scotland’s Place in Europe and the World 6 - 7 ENVIRONMENT: The Liberal Democrat Pledge for Green Action 8 - 9 ECONOMY: Building Prosperity Across Britain 10 - 11 BUSINESS: Freedom to Succeed 12 GOVERNMENT: Better Governance 13 LIBERTY: Defending Our Civil Liberties 14

This manifesto is available This is the Scottish Liberal Scottish Supplement to from our website at Democrat Manifesto for this Manifesto details www.scotlibdems.org.uk the 2005 General Election. how Liberal Democrats in Copies in alternative It sets out our plans government in Scotland formats are available from for a Liberal Democrat would use the additional Scottish Liberal Democrats, Government at Westminster resources that a Liberal 4 Clifton Terrace, and contains those UK Democrat Government at Edinburgh, EH12 5DR, policies which apply in Westminster would deliver tel: 0131 337 2314 or email Scotland. A separate for Scotland. [email protected] Pensions & Benefits scotlibdems.org.uk FAIRNESS AND OPPORTUNITY

OVER £100 MORE ON THE PENSION per week state pension – over £140 UK have security and dignity in With the track record of Liberal many people on unnecessary EVERY MONTH AT 75 – A MILLION a month more than at present. This retirement. Democrats in government in or ineffective schemes rather than getting them into real jobs. PENSIONERS OFF MEANS-TESTING will abolish the need for means Scotland delivering key policies Liberal Democrats will instead Millions of elderly people are tests altogether for over 100,000 HELP PENSIONERS such as free personal care and tailor the assistance so that failing to receive the pensions pensioners in Scotland. Like many others, older people free bus travel, older people in jobseekers receive the package of they’ve earned – and deserve and in Scotland no longer trust Tony Scotland know that they can trust support they need to get proper, need – because of demeaning and CITIZEN’S PENSION Blair’s government. They see that Liberal Democrats to deliver on our permanent work. We will also unworkable means tests. Liberal Many women who gave up after two terms in power, Tony promises on pensions. scrap benefit sanctions which leave Democrats will simplify the system, work to bring up their children Blair has done nothing to reform Liberal Democrats will deliver for genuine claimants unable to feed immediately guaranteeing a basic receive as little as a penny a week pensions. And they still remember and house themselves. pension at 75 of at least £109.45 because they haven’t paid enough the derisory 75 pence pension older people with our Citizen’s per week, with future increases national insurance. From the age increase offered by the Chancellor. Pension and we will go on helping older people by axing the unfair SCRAP THE CHILD SUPPORT linked to earnings. That’s over £100 of 75 we will give pensioners our They remember too, that it was AGENCY. a month more at 75 for every single increased ‘Citizen’s Pension’ as of the Tories who first broke the link Council Tax and replacing it with a fairer alternative based on ability to The CSA is failing. Some parents pensioner. Every pensioner couple right, making sure that 2.8 million between pensions and earnings. are required to pay an unrealistic over 75 will receive at least £167.05 women pensioners across the pay – Local Income Tax. Replacing Council Tax with Local Income Tax amount for maintenance, means eight out of ten pensioners whilst other payments are never will be better off, with many paying enforced. We would scrap the CSA “Every week I am contacted by people needing help values held deeply by Liberal Democrats. In one of no local tax at all. and hand over its initial assessment with problems caused by the unfair and complex the richest countries in the world, we should not and enforcement functions to the pensions and benefits system. This affects people in settle for less.” HELP WORKING PARENTS SPEND Inland Revenue so that payment Scotland just as it does others in the rest of the UK. MORE TIME WITH THEIR CHILDREN is enforced fairly and effectively. Becoming a parent for the first time Special circumstances would be “I receive letters from pensioners in poverty, is a daunting and expensive task. addressed by appeal to a specialist struggling with unfair and demeaning means tests. Steve Webb Giving new working parents more tribunal able to take account of I hear from women denied even the basic pension Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Work support has benefits for them, their individual circumstances, instead simply because they took time out of work to care for and Pensions babies, their employers and the of the present unfair rigid formula. their children. economy. Liberal Democrats will give working families having their PROVIDE MORE SUPPORT FOR “Then there are letters from people who want work first child increased maternity pay PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES to support themselves, fobbed off with government for the first six months at the rate of Many severely disabled people ‘New Deal’ schemes that just don’t give them the the minimum wage – that’s £170 a feel the cold intensely and cannot training and skills they need to get a job. Letters from week instead of £102.80 at present afford to heat their homes workers who are angry that they have been robbed - a lot more just when parents really adequately, despite the fact of their company pensions. Letters from people with need it. that the cold will often make severe disabilities who are at their wits’ end because their conditions worse. We will of the bureaucracy and complexity of the benefits REFORM THE NEW DEAL TO GET help severely disabled people of system. MORE PEOPLE INTO WORK working age with their fuel bills The present New Deal leaves too by giving them the same £200 a “We are all growing older. Anyone can be suddenly disabled. These days no job is for life. Everyone wants to know that there is a safety net if they, or their family, need it – but equally, no one wants to pay Green action benefits to cheats, or keep people on the dole longer than necessary. SAVE ENERGY AND CUT FUEL BILLS “Yet over and over again successive governments have just complicated the system, hitting decent Too many older people die each year from preventable cold-related people with unfair and demeaning means tests and illnesses. Poor home insulation and poor-quality housing lead to cold sanctions, introducing computer ‘systems’ that don’t homes. High fuel bills are the main cause of this ‘fuel poverty’, with work – and yet have still failed to tackle the frauds the average pensioner household spending £500 a year on energy. effectively. We will help pensioners and severely disabled people cut this bill by allowing them to take a year’s Winter Fuel Payment as a voucher “Before entering parliament, I was Professor of Social redeemable against insulation and energy saving materials. These Policy at Bath University, studying the mistakes would be made available at about half price through a partnership governments kept making. Since being elected, I with fuel suppliers. A pensioner could save more than £100 from have sought to use my professional skills to develop their energy bill every year by investing just one year’s Winter Fuel alternatives that will work – plans that will guarantee Payment, and help the environment as well. In this way we will invest everyone a decent old age, help when they are in cutting energy use and at the same time help pensioners and disabled or lose their job, and a decent start for every severely disabled people stay warm and save money. child. These principles of fairness and opportunity are close to the hearts of the British people, and are pensions & benefits 4 - 5

year Winter Fuel Payment that of business leaving insufficient honour the entitlements already benefits and tax credit system, pensioners receive. We will also money in their pension funds. built up. and extend fraud prevention and implement the recommendations We will bolster the government’s detection activities to all benefits, “I am appalled that of the Royal Commission on compensation scheme to make BEATING FRAUD AND ERROR reducing both fraud and error. Long-Term Care to guarantee sure that these workers are Each year, around £3 billion is lost in the fourth richest free personal care for people with compensated at the same level to the taxpayer due to fraud and country in the world, disabilities who need it. available under the new Pension error in the social security system Protection Fund. Unlike Labour, – £100 for every taxpayer every so many pensioners, PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR we will give proper time for year. The new tax credits could particularly older PENSIONS consultation before making add a further £1.6 billion to that More than 60,000 workers worked changes to existing public sector loss. We will reverse the spread of women, are trapped for companies that have gone out pension schemes, and we will mass means-testing, simplify the in so much poverty. I Photo: James Boardman/ Rex Features left the Labour Party and joined the Liberal Democrats four years ago because the more I saw Labour failing in action, the more I realised it was time to face the truth: that the Liberal Democrats are now the only party I can trust to deliver the decent pensions, and above all the free care when it’s needed, to guarantee everyone dignity and security in retirement.”

Claire Rayner President of the Patients Association and member of the Royal Commission on Long-Term Care for the Elderly International Affairs scotlibdems.org.uk SCOTLAND’S PLACE IN EUROPE AND THE WORLD

WE SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE TO the transition to a fully democratic Europe “It is often said that foreign affairs the heart of Europe and at the WAR IN IRAQ and legitimate government, is not a determining issue in UK heart of its reform. We can make There were no weapons of mass aiming to withdraw British troops elections. But on this occasion sure that British arms exports destruction, there was no serious by the expiry of the UN mandate EUROPE IS IMPORTANT TO I believe that the conduct neither encourage conflict nor and current threat, and inspectors at the end of the year; the open- SCOTLAND of Britain’s foreign affairs, assist repression. We can fashion were denied the time they needed ended presence of coalition forces Membership of the EU has been particularly in relation to Iraq, a new relationship with the to finish their job. Thousands of is destabilising and fuels the hugely important for Scottish goes right to the heart of the United States: a partnership of soldiers and civilians have been insurgency. jobs, environmental protection, Labour Government’s credibility. influence, not one of uncritical killed and it has cost the UK over equality rights and our place in Both at home and abroad trust subordination. We can base £3.5 billion. Britain must never BUILD SECURITY AT HOME AND the world. Scotland’s trading links has been eroded, and Britain’s foreign policy on liberal values, again support an illegal military ABROAD with Europe are critical. 57 per cent reputation diminished. respect for the rule of law, and intervention. But by invading Iraq The best way to achieve security of Scottish international exports human rights. the Government has imposed on us and to tackle the threat from are to countries in the European “It need not have been so. Britain, a moral obligation to work towards terrorism is through international Union. European enlargement to as a member of the G8, the “I believe that only in this way can a stable, secure and free Iraq. We action. Britain must work through twenty-five member states will Security Council of the United we maximise Britain’s influence, welcome the recent elections. We the United Nations, as a committed offer Scotland new opportunities Nations, the European Union, and restore Britain’s reputation.” will seek to strengthen and enlarge member of the EU, and with the to expand our trading links across NATO and the Commonwealth, Iraqi security forces so that they US to promote international law, the continent. has a unique opportunity to be can assume greater responsibility, democracy and respect for human a force for good in the world. include Sunni leaders in the rights. We will work to reform Some 75 per cent of Scotland’s British practice has been one of political process, and ensure the UN and the EU to make them land mass is under agricultural operating through multilateral adequate provision of food, water, more responsive to international production and therefore Europe institutions – and experience Sir Menzies Campbell sanitation and health care for all challenges. matters to rural Scotland. Liberal shows that when Britain does Liberal Democrat Shadow the Iraqi people. We will support this, it provides leadership and Foreign Secretary Democrats will seek to use the influence. forthcoming revision of the Rural Development Regulation “But Britain was taken to war to ensure that agricultural against Iraq without express support is widened to give the UN authority and on a flawed necessary support for wider rural prospectus. The Government development. Scotland has a large built its case on unreliable number of fisheries dependent intelligence, in circumstances of communities. In our dealings with doubtful legality. Who would Europe, Liberal Democrats are have thought that Labour would committed to support sustainable lead the country into a war which fisheries which will ensure both has been compared to the fiasco viable fishing stocks and viable of Suez? fishing communities.

“This must never be allowed MAKE EUROPE MORE EFFECTIVE to happen again. The work of AND DEMOCRATIC rebuilding trust and confidence European enlargement means the should begin immediately. We EU needs reform to become more can start by committing ourselves efficient and more accountable. to the reforms of the United “The other parties like to posture. We think it’s The new constitution helps to Nations set out in the High-Level achieve this by improving EU Panel’s sagacious report. We time for common sense. In the modern world, coherence, strengthening the can influence the whole of the powers of the elected European Middle East by an unwavering Britain is more prosperous and secure in Europe. Parliament compared to the commitment to peace between But we need to make Europe work more Council of Ministers, allowing Israel and the Palestinians. proper oversight of the unelected We can sharpen the focus effectively – through more democracy, more Commission, and enhancing the on assistance for the poorest openness, less waste, and less bureaucracy. role of national parliaments. It countries in the world through also more clearly defines and limits aid, debt relief and trade. We can That’s our Liberal Democrat vision for a strong the powers of the EU, reflecting pursue the cause of human rights diversity and preventing over- wherever they are abused and Britain in a strong Europe, a powerful voice in centralisation. We are therefore neglected. the world.” clear in our support for the constitution, which we believe is in “We can truly put ourselves at Sajjad Karim & Fiona Hall Britain’s interest – but ratification Liberal Democrat Members of the European Parliament must be subject to a referendum of the British people. International Affairs 6 - 7

Defence

OUR TROOPS PROTECT THE through NATO and the EU. Liberal NATION – WE MUST PROTECT Democrats will be realistic about THEM. what Britain can, and should, take Britain’s armed forces protect the on, and British forces must always country and are a force for good be able to deal with emergencies at in the world. But with increasing home, such as terrorism or natural overseas commitments, they are disasters. overstretched. The Government should not be cutting the size of WORK FOR THE ELIMINATION OF the armed forces while at the same NUCLEAR WEAPONS AND TACKLE time asking them to take on ever THE ARMS TRADE more difficult tasks. We oppose We will press for a new round Labour’s plans to disband the of multilateral arms reduction Scottish regiments. We support talks, retaining the UK’s current the modernisation of the army minimum nuclear deterrent for the but do not believe that Scotland’s foreseeable future, until sufficient regiments should be amalgamated progress has been made towards in the process. the global elimination of such weapons. Arms sales contribute New equipment continues to arrive to conflict, so we will establish a late and over-budget, so we will cross-party Parliamentary Arms make military procurement more Export Committee to monitor arms open and competitive. By switching exports and scrutinise individual funding from unnecessary licence applications. We will programmes, for example by require arms brokers to register cutting the third tranche of the under a code of conduct and Eurofighter programme, we will be revoke the licences of those who able to invest more in protecting break the code. We will support the the welfare of the armed forces, establishment of an International ensuring that they are well-trained Arms Trade Treaty. and well-equipped. We will seek MEET BRITAIN’S PROMISE ON AID. new ways of sharing the military INTERNATIONAL Liberal Democrats are committed burden, by working with allies to realising a world free from poverty. In order to achieve the UN (on GM products). We Millennium Development Goals will support international DEVELOPMENT by 2015 (which include tackling Green agreements and activities extreme poverty and hunger, designed to stop providing universal primary international environmental education, and combating HIV/ action crime, such as illegal logging “Liberal Democrat international AIDS) the UK needs to provide or illegal trade in endangered development policy is built “We need to reform international more effective international PUT BRITAIN AT THE wildlife, and improve customs on two foundations. First, institutions to make them assistance. Liberal Democrats will FOREFRONT OF CLIMATE training to tackle these illegal we believe that this country more responsive to developing increase British aid spending from CHANGE NEGOTIATIONS activities more effectively. We has the wealth to help those country needs; make aid more 0.35 per cent of Gross National Catastrophic climate change will argue for reforms of the much poorer than ourselves, productive; make trade fairer; Income today to at least 0.5 per is the major environmental World Trade Organisation, and should do so. Second, we and take action to promote good cent by 2007/08, and set out threat to the planet. Urgent World Bank and International believe that we all benefit from governance, the rule of law and detailed plans for it to reach 0.7 action is needed. Liberal Monetary Fund to make sure achievement of sustainable human rights. per cent by 2011 at the latest. Democrat plans will make that trade and development development in the poorest sure that Britain achieves policies support rather countries in the world. “The people of this country have FAIR AND SUSTAINABLE TRADE its targets from the Kyoto than hinder environmental an outstanding record of helping AND INVESTMENT Protocol (the international sustainability. “This country has never lived up to those in need around the world. Working through the EU and the agreement on the pollution the promise it made long ago to It is time for the UK government World Trade Organisation, we that causes climate change) PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE devote 0.7 per cent of its annual to match their commitment.” will seek to remove the subsidies well before the deadline. DEVELOPMENT income to aid; it is time that it and tariff barriers that prevent Britain and the EU must take We will make sure that did. The response of the Scottish the poorest countries in the world the lead on negotiations for development assistance, people to the Asian tsunami selling their goods on fair terms. the next set of targets for whether delivered from disaster was extraordinarily We will work to end the dumping greenhouse gas emissions. the UK, EU, or multilateral generous – but every day millions of subsidised agricultural exports It is vital that we include the institutions, not only meets of families around the world are Tom Brake by developed economies which US and Australia but we also the needs of the poor, caught up in similar tragedies Liberal Democrat Shadow is wrecking farming in Africa need to work with developing but does so in ways that of famine, drought, war and Secretary of State for and other parts of the world. countries. Our long-term contribute to sustainable terrible poverty. So it is time the International Development We will work to make sure that goal is ‘contraction and development. This means, UK Government lived up to its agreements to liberalise new convergence’ – which means in particular, targeting promises, to build the sustainable sectors proceed on a genuinely agreeing for every country aid on renewable energy, development to end such voluntary basis, without undue a sustainable population- clean water and sustainable poverty once and for all. pressure on developing countries. related allowance for agriculture, and increasing We will require companies emissions. market access for green “But it is not just about aid. For benefiting from open markets products from the developing example, opening European to behave responsibly, and we TAKE EFFECTIVE ACTION world. We will devote markets to the products of the will promote a new international TO PROTECT THE GLOBAL resources to protecting poorest countries helps their agreement to encourage ENVIRONMENT biodiversity in developing economies and lifts them out investment, particularly in the We will work through the countries, where many species of poverty. Stopping subsidised poorest countries. EU to promote effective and of rare plants and wildlife are European food being dumped enforceable international seriously endangered. helps their farmers prosper and agreements to protect the grow more. Neither policy would global environment, such cost a penny. as the Cartagena Protocol the environment scotlibdems.org.uk THE LIBERAL DEMOCRAT PLEDGE FOR

“Scotland has GREEN ACTION potential to generate clean energy for generations to come if we Concern for the environment reforms through a Treasury- “Our vision for the environment at Westminster want to help has always been a core Liberal led Environmental Incentive can harness the is sustainable development. to build on these policies and Democrat value. Our policies are Programme to reduce pollution abundant natural Catastrophic climate change is improve the environment in focused on three main areas: tackle and protect the environment, the greatest man-made threat Scotland through further action climate change – cleaner transport, on the clear principle of taxing resources around to the planet, leading to fertile at the UK level. cleaner energy and a cleaner differently, not taxing more. plains turning to desert, extreme environment. us. Liberal weather conditions, rising sea “My daughter is now five years CLEANER POWER levels, the spread of diseases and old. I want her future to be TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE Energy use is the main source Democrats at water shortages. These are not bright – not destroyed before it Catastrophic climate change is of greenhouse gas emissions distant threats – in particular, really starts because the present the major environmental threat and hazardous waste. We will Westminster and the UK is likely to become much generation has failed to take to the planet. Urgent action is introduce measures to reduce more vulnerable to flooding and action. It is time the Westminster needed. Liberal Democrat plans energy use overall ― for example Holyrood will tropical diseases such as malaria. government helped people will make sure that Britain achieves through better home insulation work together to make the changes needed its targets from the Kyoto Protocol which will also tackle the ‘fuel “Conservative and Labour – changes that can cut energy (the international agreement on poverty’ faced in particular by to promote politicians have preferred short- and other bills as well as protect the pollution that causes climate pensioners. We will make sure term popularity to taking the the world’s future. It is time for change) well before the deadline. that at least 20 per cent of the renewable tough decisions for the long a government that takes the Britain and the EU must take the UK’s electricity derives from a term. The environment does not environment seriously – before it lead on negotiations for the next range of renewable sources by energy. Wind, even feature on Labour’s ‘pledge is too late. set of targets for greenhouse gas the year 2020. We will ensure card’. emissions. It is vital that we include a fundamental review of the wave and tidal “That’s why the environment the US and Australia but we also electricity transmission charging energies have “I stood for parliament after years features on every page of this need to work with developing regime to benefit all consumers as an environmental campaigner, manifesto – a strong green countries. Our long-term goal is and assist the Scottish Executive in huge potential. because I realised that it was thread running through ‘contraction and convergence’ meeting its target of 40 per cent of only possible to change what the everything we do and – which means agreeing for every electricity from renewable sources We will ensure government does by changing promise.” country a sustainable population- by 2020. Finally, given their long- the politicians. Otherwise related allowance for emissions. term problems of cost, pollution that Scotland ministers would go on saying and safety, we will not replace they cared, but doing nothing. Norman Baker CLEANER TRANSPORT AND existing nuclear power stations as benefits from The Liberal Democrats can be Liberal Democrat Shadow ENVIRONMENT they reach the end of their safe and the clean energy trusted to make that change Secretary of State for the Transport is a source of increasing economic operating lives. We will – that’s why I joined them. In Environment greenhouse gas emissions. We use renewables and save energy and from the Scotland, Liberal Democrats recognise the role of cleaner, instead. in government inherited the greener fuels in tackling these green jobs that legacy of inaction by previous emissions. Scottish agriculture These and other more detailed governments with Scotland’s has the potential to produce proposals for achieving sustainable investing in these historically poor record on considerably more energy crops. development are set out in every recycling just one example. Now, We will help the development of policy section of this manifesto. technologies will Scottish Liberal Democrats have the biofuel industry in Scotland. put the environment at the heart We will work with the Scottish generate.“ of government, ensuring that Executive to realise that potential a green thread runs through all and significantly increase the Scottish Executive policy – not use of bio-fuels in vehicles. We least in our ambitious targets for will also promote the use of Alistair Carmichael renewable energy, recycling and hydrogen fuel cell technology. Scottish Energy Spokesperson green jobs. Liberal Democrats And we will examine wider tax The Environment 8 - 9

“It’s only fair and right for the environment that those who cause most pollution and congestion

ACTION ACROSS THE UK better targeted, with no need for should pay more “We need a government at the country to re-open railway Much of Scotland’s transport is a the present system of heavy taxes than those who Westminster that will take the stations and lines. In government matter for the Scottish Parliament. on every journey. challenge of providing good in Scotland we are making huge But many broad issues are dealt don’t. That’s transport seriously. One which progress securing funding for with at Westminster. Liberal In addition, we will encourage accepts both that transport the Borders Railway, building Democrats want to create the development of freight why Liberal needs to work and that it must new rail lines and new railway a truly integrated transport interchanges to facilitate growth live within its environmental stations, and making stations system. That’s why we will take in rail freight, and we will develop Democrats will means. Any strategy which does safer, to help people feel more action at Westminster to build a shipping, ports and waterways not recognise these self-evident secure and make them more on the progress being made in strategy. We will work with the reform car tax to truths is doomed to failure. likely to travel by rail. government in Scotland where Scottish Executive to ensure that cut pollution and, Liberal Democrats have delivered the full potential of Scotland’s “I live in one of the most rural “I can’t guarantee that every train record investment in transport ports is developed including in the long term constituencies in the country. will always run on time – but reaching £1 billion by 2006, with the promotion of container Here the car is a necessity, not I can guarantee that a Liberal 70% going to public transport. transhipment hubs at Scapa Flow as technology a luxury. But when I am in Democrat government will work and Hunterston. Westminster, public transport to get Britain moving again.” REWARD OWNERS OF LESS develops, scrap is a much more convenient way POLLUTING CARS WITH LOWER REFORM AVIATION TAXES of getting about. It is blindingly TAXES To encourage more fuel-efficient petrol duties and obvious that the same solutions For many people, particularly in aircraft and discourage half- car tax altogether don’t apply in both areas. John Thurso rural areas, cars are a necessity empty planes we will press for Liberal Democrat Shadow and cannot be replaced by public international agreement on replacing “So we need to be more creative. Secretary of State for Transport transport. But they can be far less extending emissions trading to Our ideas for transport are all damaging to the environment aviation, while at the same time them with a about responding to differing when they use less fuel or implementing per-aircraft rather local needs, and helping people alternative fuels. We will start than per-passenger charges. We national system do the right things for the by reforming the Vehicle Excise will oppose the construction of environment, rather than just Duty system (‘road tax’) to cut tax international airports on new sites, of road user taxing everyone more. We need altogether on cars that pollute and also the expansion of airports charging based to provide better public transport least, funded by increasing it in the South East of England. alternatives wherever possible, on those that pollute more. In We will end the regulation on on location, and we need a charging regime the longer term, as technology busy national airports which for car use – not ownership allows, we will scrap petrol duties results in retail rents subsidising congestion and – which reflects both congestion and VED altogether, replacing landing charges and encouraging and need. the revenue with a national road congestion and pollution. We will pollution.” user charging system based on protect essential ‘lifeline’ routes to “Small local changes can make a location, congestion and pollution remote UK communities. big difference. Liberal Democrats (including the level of pollution of are campaigning up and down the particular vehicle). As a result, John Barrett pollution and congestion will be Economy scotlibdems.org.uk BUILDING PROSPERITY ACROSS BRITAIN

ALL OUR POLICIES ARE COSTED spending priorities from Labour. A STABLE, WELL-MANAGED and accountable to parliament, making available public sector AND AFFORDABLE We believe that in order to ECONOMY not subservient to ministers. land currently owned by the Unlike the other parties, we have concentrate resources on currently We welcome the greater economic We will tackle irresponsible Ministry of Defence, to help consistently set out costings for under-funded areas such as stability that has been established credit expansion in mortgages build more homes for rent and our manifesto pledges, explaining pensions, funding should be since interest rates were set and personal loans by curbing for affordable purchase through how much money they will need switched from lower priority independently by the Bank misleading advertising and anti- shared ownership schemes for and how they will all be paid areas. That means reducing of England (which the Liberal competitive practices by promoters local people. We will reform VAT for. So this manifesto includes unnecessary subsidies by the DTI Democrats were the first party of credit cards and insurance for to encourage developers to repair a specific section outlining our to industry, and cutting wasteful to advocate). Now, there needs mortgages and loans. and re-use empty buildings and main costings. There is only one new initiatives like the ID card to be more independent scrutiny brownfield land, rather than proposed net tax rise (to 50 per scheme and the Child Trust Fund and discipline in fiscal policy. FAIRER TAXES AT WESTMINSTER building on greenfields and cent on the proportion of incomes handouts for future 18 year-olds. We will give the National Audit Under Labour, ordinary hard- eroding the countryside. We will over £100,000 a year, affecting just This will allow us to spend more on Office the power to scrutinise the working families pay more as a help protect the built environment one per cent of taxpayers). the things that really matter and budget figures, including public share of their incomes in tax than by reducing VAT on historic in Scotland will deliver additional borrowing, so that no Chancellor the very rich. Taking all taxes building repairs. TOUGH CHOICES IN PUBLIC resources for the Scottish can fiddle the figures. We will together, the poorest 20 per cent SPENDING Parliament to invest in its priorities. make sure that the Office for of the population pay 38 per cent Liberal Democrats have different National Statistics is independent of their income in tax, compared AN OUTWARD-LOOKING to just 35 per cent for the richest ECONOMY 20 per cent. That’s not what Liberal Democrats support a liberal people expected from a Labour economic approach to trade, Government. Liberal Democrats investment and migration in the “I believe there is no job more “As the former Chief Economist at Brown has endlessly made the will make the tax system fairer national interest. We want Britain important for any government Shell, I have wrestled with these tax system more complex and and simpler. As a first step towards to be at the centre of a liberalised, than managing the economy problems all my life, including unworkable. That, in the end, is well. advising governments. I know self-defeating, simply adding to reducing tax paid by low earners, reformed European Union. Liberal these decisions are not easy – and business costs, chaos at the Inland we will axe the unfair Council Tax Democrats believe that Britain “When Labour was first elected, can easily be thrown by world Revenue, and misery for confused and replace it with a Local Income should work to create the right they seemed to understand this. events. taxpayers. Tax based on people’s ability economic conditions to join the Liberal Democrats were the first to pay. We will use some of the euro (subject to a referendum) in to propose making the Bank of “So I want to make clear my “These simple rules are my basic income from our 50 per cent tax order to safeguard investment in England independent, to stop priorities for managing the principles – and foundation (up from 41 per cent) on that part the UK and reduce the cost and risk politicians playing with interest economy: stones for Britain’s future of income over £100,000 per year of trade with the rest of Europe. rates to suit their own re-election prosperity.” to reduce local taxes. Under Local We will work to break down the rather than the economy. Gordon “First, and most important, I Income Tax, the typical household trade barriers that prevent the Brown adopted this suggestion, will ensure a stable and well- will be £450 better off. poorest countries in the world even though there had been managed economy. I’ll stick to the selling their goods to the richer nothing in Labour’s manifesto Golden Rules – that government CUT STAMP DUTY countries on fair terms. about it. borrowing should only finance Vincent Cable People are increasingly struggling investment over the economic Liberal Democrat Shadow to afford their first home. We will ECONOMIC MIGRATION “As a result, and by balancing the cycle, and that government debt Chancellor of the Exchequer raise the starting point for stamp Economic migrants have helped books – with the advantage of should be no higher that 40 per duty from £120,000 to £150,000. make Britain one of the richest relatively good world economic cent of GDP. To make sure of that, This step will take 150,000 mainly countries in the world, both conditions – the economy I’ll give the National Audit Office first-time buyers out of paying economically and culturally. prospered. the job of publicly checking the stamp duty altogether, and cuts There remains a positive budget figures. the cost of home ownership. economic benefit from managed “But increasingly, Labour has immigration to fill the demand for started to make mistakes. Too “Second, I will insist on tough AFFORDABLE HOMES skills and labour that are in short many rules and tax complications, choices on public spending, Liberal Democrat policy in supply. Scotland faces particular holding businesses back. cutting out low priorities in order government in Scotland is already challenges in terms of its declining Inadequate action to contain to spend more on what matters helping to increase the supply population and gaps in the labour the explosion of personal debt. most. As a result, all our policies of affordable housing with the market. We will consult with Economic forecasts making are costed and affordable. Scottish Executive investing £1.2 business, and the public services to unrealistic assumptions about billion over the next three years agree numbers of work permits for future growth. Failure to take “Third, I will introduce fairer to build 21,500 new affordable economic migration to make sure the tough decisions to prioritise taxes. Our only net tax rise in homes – just over 16,500 homes that Britain continues to prosper. taxpayers’ money, to spend it this manifesto is on that slice of for social rent and nearly 5,000 We will work with the Scottish where it matters most. Over- people’s earnings over £100,000 for low cost home ownership. Executive to ensure that decisions complicated tax credits and a year. Liberal Democrats want to taken at Westminster help, and means-tested benefits. do more to help increase the do not hinder Scotland’s drive to “Finally, simpler taxes. Gordon supply of affordable housing, by reverse population decline. And economy 10 - 11

we will end the scandal of asylum- seekers’ dependence on benefits, allowing them to work so they can Green action pay their own way and use their “In Vince Cable, USING ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS TO BENEFIT THE ENVIRONMENT skills to benefit everyone. a former leading Green tax reforms and traded permits should be used to encourage OLYMPICS IN SCOTLAND people to act in a more environmentally responsible way. We will economist in We will support the UK’s 2012 change the Climate Change Levy into a Carbon Tax, making it more Olympic and Paralympic bid effective at discouraging the use of the polluting fuels and energy industry, the campaigning for key events to sources that harm the environment. We will also strengthen tax Liberal Democrats be held in Scotland, building on incentives to use smaller and less polluting vehicles and create more the existing plans for the football energy-efficient homes. We will launch a Treasury-led Environmental have as Shadow competition to be held in Glasgow. Incentive Programme, examining tax reforms that will reduce pollution and protect the environment, on the clear principle of Chancellor taxing differently, not taxing more. someone who can be relied on to make sure that every Liberal Democrat policy is affordable, and that economic policy delivers more stability and less red tape. This manifesto is realistic, costed, BIG PICTURE and deliverable.” Sir Robert Smith business scotlibdems.org.uk FREEDOM TO SUCCEED

CUT THE RED TAPE THAT STOPS together to replace multiple to the Treasury will take on the PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM RIP- BUSINESSES FROM GROWING inspections with fewer, all-purpose role of advocate for business at the OFFS Liberal Democrats will slash the inspections. Cabinet table. Overall, this will save We will introduce a new legal red tape, bureaucracy and over- £8 billion of taxpayers’ money over duty on businesses to trade fairly, regulation that are holding British SCRAP THE DEPARTMENT OF the life of a parliament. while cutting back unnecessary red businesses – especially small TRADE AND INDUSTRY tape and bureaucracy. Enforced businesses – back. We will start There is no need for a big UK INVEST IN SKILLS AND by the courts, this will require less with these three measures: department that interferes in the INFRASTRUCTURE form-filling than Labour’s complex economy and subsidises failing What is important to business rules, yet provide more effective • No new UK regulation will be companies at taxpayers’ expense. is skills and infrastructure. The protection for consumers, and passed until a full assessment of its The DTI is irrelevant to most proof of Liberal Democrat action promote free competition. costs and necessity is published. enterprises, so in abolishing it in these areas can be seen in • New UK regulations affecting Liberal Democrats will cut away Scotland where we have secured FAIR PRICES FOR FOOD business will automatically be its bureaucratic and wasteful massive investment in transport Of every pound consumers spend scrapped unless parliament functions. We will transfer its infrastructure, introduced on food in supermarkets just eight “It comes down to this: specifically approves their renewal useful roles to more appropriate enterprise education to schools, pence goes to the farmer. Liberal after a period specified in a ‘sunset departments, such as support given young people new Democrats will introduce a legal government needs clause’. for scientific research to our opportunities to learn vocational duty to trade fairly, supported to concentrate on its • Wherever possible we will Department for Education, Skills skills, supported 31,000 people into by a Food Trade Inspector within encourage inspectors to work and Science. The Chief Secretary modern apprenticeships, and of the Office of Fair Trading. own job – delivering course, abolished tuition fees. This will protect farmers and a stable, sustainable “Before entering parliament in “It also means a fairer playing consumers from unfair practices economy, a skilled 1983 I worked in business. The red field between small and large ABOLISH TUITION AND TOP UP by supermarkets and processing tape, bureaucracy and wasteful businesses – for example, by FEES ACROSS THE UK companies. workforce, and a rules were bad enough then. tackling the abuse of monopoly Decent higher education is the modern infrastructure. They are much worse today. power through creating a duty bedrock of a thriving economy PROTECT THE POST OFFICE And, of course, the source of to trade fairly. And where – and all students should have NETWORK AND UNIVERSAL MAIL It should only much of the red tape affecting there is a need for government access to university. So in Scotland, DELIVERY intervene in the small businesses in Scotland is intervention, for example in Liberal Democrats in government Over 3,500 post offices across the Westminster and Europe. In tackling pollution, our promise have abolished tuition fees, UK have closed under Labour, and market where it can Scotland, with Liberal Democrats is to harness market forces blocked top up fees and provided hundreds more are due to be axed. show that the benefits in government, we have already with incentives for sustainable bursaries for the poorest students. Thousands also closed under the delivered a small business rates development, so that good But Scottish students studying in Conservatives. Our priority is to clearly outweigh the relief scheme to cut the financial businesses pay less tax. England, Wales or Northern Ireland secure a viable future for the post costs. Regulation burden on small business. still have to pay fees, and soon they office network, by developing a “The business people I meet want will have to pay top-up fees too. A business plan based on providing is a last resort. Red “People running businesses up government to deliver skills and Liberal Democrat Government at a combination of commercial tape must be cut. and down the country are the infrastructure, not ever more red Westminster will build on our work services, benefits transactions and powerhouse of the economy. tape. They want the freedom to in Scotland to benefit all Scottish government information. This will In my experience They need the freedom to succeed. These are our ambitions students by abolishing university help keep more post offices open. this combination is generate economic growth too.” top up fees and tuition fees We will maintain the obligation – yet they are held back, throughout the UK. We will make on Royal Mail to provide universal unique to the Liberal struggling under a mountain grants available to help poorer same-price delivery of letters Democrats. ” of government rules, tax students with maintenance costs so throughout the UK. complications, bureaucracy and poorer Scottish students studying inspections. Malcolm Bruce outside Scotland get the support Liberal Democrat Shadow they need. “So I have used my experience Secretary of State for Trade Iain Vallance in business to make one thing and Industry Former Chairman of BT and sure above all else – that Liberal former President of the CBI Democrat business policy is all about making things simpler, Green action easier and fairer for businesses – particularly small businesses PROMOTE CLEAN ENERGY – to prosper and grow. Liberal Democrats will make sure that at least 20 per cent of the UK’s “That means getting government electricity comes from a full range of renewable sources by the year off the back of business. We will 2020, by increasing and reforming the obligation on energy suppliers use ‘sunset clauses’ to prevent to use renewable energy. We will ensure a fundamental review of unnecessary UK regulations the electricity transmission charging regime to benefit all consumers imposing a burden on business and assist the Scottish Executive in meeting its target of 40 per cent long after their usefulness has of electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Liberal Democrats passed. And we will get rid of the will not replace existing nuclear power stations as they come to the top-heavy old-style DTI industrial end of their safe and economic operating lives – instead we will subsidies. use renewables and conserve energy. We will encourage the use of alternatives, such as hydrogen fuels, as technology develops. better government 12 - 13 BETTER GOVERNANCE

CURB THE POWER OF THE PRIME service. We will also strengthen the Parliament – allowing stability MINISTER powers of parliament to scrutinise and time to assess its operation. In recent decades, Prime Ministers the actions of the government, To prepare for this, the Scottish have exercised a growing enhancing the Select Committee Liberal Democrats established domination over the political system. the Steel Commission, convened system, insufficiently accountable by former Presiding Officer Sir to Parliament or the people. CUT BACK CENTRAL GOVERNMENT David Steel, to consider how best We will curb this excessive We will cut the excessive number to extend the role and powers of concentration of power. We will of UK government departments the Scottish Parliament as part of cut back the powers of patronage, and reduce the number of a federal United Kingdom. The in particular through our plans UK government ministers by Commission has already produced “We want to make for a predominantly elected over a third. We will also move an interim report, and will make second chamber. We will make government bureaucracy out of its final report in due course. sure that every vote the Royal Prerogative powers London, saving money on office Underpinning these reforms will counts, no matter which the Prime Minister exercises rents and spreading wealth and be a new system for dividing up – such as decisions over war and jobs more equally through the UK. government funding fairly within where you live. The peace – subject to parliamentary The savings will be ploughed back the UK, so that the system is fair for current system at accountability, including bringing into better public services. the nations and regions according Westminster is wholly in a War Powers Act to require to their real needs. parliament’s authority before a unrepresentative. government takes Britain to war. A MORE DEMOCRATIC BRITAIN A Civil Service Act will introduce a Liberal Democrats will improve and MAKE THE BBC MORE barrier to politicisation of the civil strengthen the UK’s democratic INDEPENDENT FROM “That’s why Liberal systems. Liberal Democrats in GOVERNMENT Democrats will government in Scotland are The BBC has, over the last eighty already bringing in the single years, made a major contribution extend fair votes - “Every time you open a newspaper ministers. Up to now, that kind transferable vote (STV) system to Britain’s democracy, culture already introduced or see the news, the government of behaviour only happened in for local elections, so that local and standing in the world. The seems to be taking more power tyrannies like Pinochet’s Chile, or councillors will genuinely represent Liberal Democrats will make sure for Scotland’s councils for itself, and in particular for the Verwoerd’s South Africa. their community. We will extend it remains the world’s leading Prime Minister. thanks to the Liberal this fair voting system to all local public service broadcaster – strong, “The arrogant abuse of power elections in Britain, and to the independent, and securely funded. Democrats - to “It started with Mrs Thatcher. It must be stopped, by restoring House of Commons, Scottish But the regulation of the BBC has has got worse since Tony Blair cabinet government, protecting Westminster and the Parliament and National Assembly been insufficiently independent of became Prime Minister. His Policy the independence of civil for Wales. At the age people can its own management, and of the Scottish Parliament.” Unit at No. 10 Downing Street servants, and ensuring that marry, leave school and start work, government. Labour’s proposals tells ministers what to do. His parliament has the time to do they will have the right to vote. We fail to address this. Liberal Cabinet no longer makes the key its crucial job of holding the will review the European electoral Democrats will scrap the current decisions; he does. The House of executive to account. system so people can choose their government-appointed Board of Commons is no longer supreme; Michael Moore it is treated as a rubber-stamp, “Liberties, once lost, are rarely MEPs personally, rather than just Governors, and introduce a new, vote by party list as at present. independent external regulator Deputy Leader of the Scottish rather than as the assembly restored. The freedom of the Liberal Democrats of people’s representatives individual lies at the heart of Reform of the House of Lords has appointed by parliament, to to whom government is liberal democracy, and we Liberal been botched by Labour, leaving make sure that all public service accountable. Democrats are determined to it unelected and even more broadcasters live up to their defend it.” in the patronage of the Prime obligations to the public. Minister. We will replace it with “Yet the Government does not a predominantly elected second have a popular majority for what chamber. Green action it is doing. Even in 2001, the last Shirley Williams election, only four out of ten Former Leader of the Liberal BETTER GOVERNMENT IN THE MAKE GOVERNMENT TAKE THE ENVIRONMENT SERIOUSLY voters supported it. If Britain Democrats in the House of NATIONS OF THE UK It is vital that government and business are made to take their had a fair voting system, Labour Lords Liberal Democrats have led the environmental obligations seriously. We will use the purchasing would never have had its current way in arguing for devolution to power of government to boost the market for green products and huge majority of parliamentary Scotland, Wales and Northern services. Scotland will be well placed to benefit from this through Jim seats. Ireland. We believe that people Wallace’s Green Jobs Strategy which aims to make Scotland a world in those parts of the UK, rather leader in cutting edge environmental technologies and efficient “I have served in parliament for than the government in London, businesses. We will unite those areas of the UK government with thirty years, nearly twenty in the should take the decisions on issues the biggest impact on the environment in a single Environment, Commons and ten in the Lords. I that affect them directly. We will Transport and Energy department. have never felt so worried about therefore strengthen the powers of the safety of British democracy. the Northern Ireland Assembly and CLEAN AIR AND WATER It is being eroded bit by bit. extend primary legislative powers Pollution in the air, in water and in the food chain causes or Only the opposition parties in to the National Assembly for Wales. aggravates many illnesses as well as destroying the environment. the House of Lords, and some In consultation with the Scottish We support the adoption of the EU Registration, Evaluation and independent cross-benchers, Parliament, we will consider how to Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) Directive. This will mean that saved the country from a regime extend its role. Liberal Democrats information becomes available to the public on the consequences of of detention without trial, believe that the Home Rule exposure to all chemicals in daily use and that those of high concern determined not by judges but by settlement should be reviewed are replaced by safer alternatives. after two full terms of the Scottish defending our civil liberties scotlibdems.org.uk DEFENDING OUR CIVIL LIBERTIES

We will not introduce ID cards. Liberal Democrats have consistently opposed Labour’s expensive, illiberal and ineffective ID card scheme. Instead of ID cards, we will ensure resources are channelled into policies that will protect civil liberties, protect Britain and tackle crime. “I have been been horrified to QUALITY INVESTIGATIONS, SAFE FIRM BUT FAIR ON ASYLUM find that Labour “This Government just keeps which the British people have CONVICTIONS, FIGHTING CRIME For centuries Britain has had trying to take away citizens’ fought so hard across the AND TERROR a proud record of granting doesn’t seem to basic freedoms – such as centuries.” We will increase police resources safe refuge to those fleeing the right to jury trial, or to to improve the detection and persecution. In turn, refugees understand that demonstrate peacefully investigation of crime. We will have enriched the UK’s culture outside parliament. They even Mark Oaten create a co-ordinated UK Border and wealth immeasurably. in fighting crime wanted the power to lock Liberal Democrat Shadow Force to strengthen the country’s The Home Office has a record anyone up at the whim of the Home Secretary borders against terrorism, of delays and bad decisions and terrorism, Home Secretary. They plan people-trafficking and drug on asylum, so we will transfer the point is to to charge every citizen nearly smuggling. We will work with responsibility for assessing asylum £100 each to hold a compulsory the Scottish Parliament to ensure claims to a dedicated agency to defend Britain’s identity card, despite the fact this new Border Force works for sort out the mess, ensuring that that other countries have Scotland and works effectively those who need help get it, whilst justice and found that they don’t work. It’s with Scottish police and public those who don’t can’t abuse the all done in the name of cutting authorities. system. We will work within the democracy, not crime and tackling terrorism; EU to develop common standards but it is the terrorists who want CIVIL LIBERTIES so that all EU countries take their give it away. to take away freedom and We oppose moves to reduce fair share of refugees. We will also Tough Liberal democracy – our government or remove rights to jury trial, end asylum-seekers’ dependence should defend our liberties. and the routine use of hearsay on benefits, allowing them to policies put evidence or revelation of previous work so they can pay their own “The truth is that ID cards did convictions. We opposed Labour’s way and use their skills to benefit more police on not stop the Spanish train plans to allow the Home Secretary everyone. bombs, and even the 9/11 to order house arrest and other the beat and bombers had their papers in restrictions on personal liberty. A STRENGTHEN THE FIGHT AGAINST order. The US has ruled out ID British citizen’s liberty must only DISCRIMINATION tackle the causes cards because they don’t work. be removed through a fair judicial We will introduce a Single of crime. We What stops both terrorists and process, not on the command Equality Act to outlaw all unfair criminals is good intelligence of politicians. Liberal Democrats discrimination, (including on the won’t surrender and effective investigation achieved substantial amendment grounds of race, gender, religion – and that takes a lot more of the Prevention of Terrorism or belief, sexual orientation, Britain’s police. What protects Britain’s Act, but it still has serious flaws, disability, age or gender identity), borders is not costly ID cards and we will repeal it. Effective thus giving equal protection liberties.” for law-abiding British citizens, action against terrorism is vital, for all. Liberal Democrats led but a strong UK Border Force and our priority will be to extend the call for an amendment to detecting illegal entry and the criminal law to enable the laws on incitement to racial criminal activity. terrorist suspects to be prosecuted hatred, to criminalise those who in the mainstream courts. use religious words as a pretext “Both the Conservatives and We will admit evidence from for race hate. Our Equality Act Labour like to talk tough, but communications interception. If will stop same-sex couples in Navnit Dholakia have failed to deliver. I want control orders are still required civil partnerships being treated Liberal Democrat Deputy my children to grow up in a they must be granted by a judge, unfairly compared with married Leader in the House of Lords safe community, while keeping be time-limited and be subject to couples in pension arrangements. intact the basic freedoms for a high standard of proof. 10 REASONS TO VOTE SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRAT

01 Invest in Scotland’s children

02 Better care when you need it most

03 Put patients first 04 1,000 more police in our communities 05 Axe the Council Tax £100 more on the pension every 06 month at 75 07 Tackle climate change 08 An Entrepreneurial Scotland 09 We should not have gone to war in Iraq Liberal Democrats can be trusted to 10 deliver on our promises The Liberal Democrats are the I wish to make a contribution to the campaign of: real alternative at this election. £100 £50 £20 £10 Other If you like what we stand for, your support I enclose a cheque payable to the Scottish Liberal Democrats can make Please debit my Credit Card/Switch (Maestro) card: all the difference. Start date Expiry date Issue no (Switch/Maestro): Signed Name Address

Email Telephone Please return to: Charles Kennedy, FREEPOST, Scottish Liberal Democrats, 4 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 0PQ

Published and promoted on behalf of the Scottish Liberal Democrats by Derek Barrie, 4 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5DR. Printed on recycled paper by Mortons, Newspaper House, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR Scottish Liberal Democrats The REAL alternative Manifesto Scottish Supplement

“The Scottish REAL Liberal Democrats AMBITION FOR are making a difference to the lives SCOTLAND of all of environmental thread runs A RECORD OF AMBITIOUS FOR through all Scottish Executive Scotland’s ACTION SCOTLAND policy, not least in our ambitious targets for renewable energy, This General Election comes at an Liberal Democrats are ambitious recycling and green jobs people and important time for Scotland. It is for Scotland. In government, the second General Election since we are setting the agenda for But we want to do more and, delivering the establishment of the Scottish Scotland’s future, investing for with Liberal Democrats in Parliament and the most open the long-term in children, in government at Westminster, we for a generation. For the first older people, in enterprise and can. on our time since 1929, the election will opportunity, in better health and be a genuine three party contest in a better environment. First, we will take action across promises” across the UK with the Liberal the UK that will benefit Scotland Democrats offering the Real Liberal Democrats want to through our proposals to reform Alternative to Tony Blair’s Labour • Achieve radical health pensions, maternity pay, social Jim Wallace MSP Party and Michael Howard’s improvement by preventing security and taxation, cut red Leader, Tories at Westminster. illness and promoting good tape, and promote cleaner Scottish Liberal Democrats health energy and transport. In our The Scottish Parliament is • Cut crime and reoffending full Manifesto we set out these working - delivering real through effective rehabilitation proposals in more detail. solutions to problems in Scotland. and alternatives to custody However, the colour of the • Implement innovative Second, there are actions we government at Westminster education and enterprise policies can take in Scotland, using the remains important for Scotland. to create an entrepreneurial additional resources that a On issues of the economy, Scotland Liberal Democrat government taxation, pensions, social security, • Get Scotland moving through at Westminster will bring. Our and Scotland’s role in the world, massive investment in public proposals for new policies for what happens at Westminster transport & infrastructure Scotland, to build on our success matters in Scotland. • Make sustainable development in government, are detailed the focus for Scotland’s in this Supplement to the future and ensure a green Manifesto. scotlibdems.org.uk There is a stark choice facing voters at this General Election. People will look at the track records of the political parties and ask who will protect their family’s Invest in our children; Better security and freedom? Who will treat them fairly regardless of where they come from? And who can care when you need it most; they trust to take decisions for the right reasons? Across the UK, Liberal Democrats will stand up for freedom, rejecting the tyranny of politicians taking decisions on individual liberty, opposing Labour’s Put patients first; 1,000 more expensive, illiberal and ineffective ID card scheme, and opposing the imposition of tuition fees and top up police in our communities; fees. Liberal Democrats will demand fair treatment for all, rejecting the shameful bidding war of the Tories Axe the council tax; Tackle and Labour over asylum seekers and immigration, opposing the Tories’ unfair Council Tax, now also supported by Labour, in favour of a fairer tax based climate change on people’s ability to pay. And Liberal Democrats will take decisions for the right reasons, standing against Tony Blair’s Labour Party who supported George Bush and rushed to war in Iraq without the backing of the United Nations. Our Westminster proposals for LIBERAL DEMOCRATS ARE and six. Meanwhile the Tory this election will result in an THE REAL ALTERNATIVE AT ambition for seats is simply to Here in Scotland, there are – literally - hundreds of have more than none. extra £1.8 billion over five years WESTMINSTER Liberal Democrat manifesto commitments being for Scotland. We will invest this Over the past four years, Charles additional resource in six key Kennedy’s Liberal Democrats have delivered. Liberal Democrats have already made the areas: been the effective opposition at SPEAKING UP FOR SCOTLAND AT difference in government: Westminster. On Iraq, ID Cards, WESTMINSTER INVEST IN SCOTLAND’S CHILDREN Tuition Fees, and Council Tax, we Scottish Liberal Democrat MPs • Tuition fees – gone in Scotland, still there in England Affordable childcare, better asked the critical questions while are speaking up for Scotland at • Top up fees – blocked by Liberal Democrats in learning and more leisure the Conservatives lined up with Westminster. Opposing Tony Scotland, imposed by Labour in England opportunities Tony Blair’s Labour Party. The Blair and George Bush’s war in • Free personal care for the elderly – delivered in Conservatives have flip-flopped Iraq, campaigning to save the Scotland, attacked by Labour ministers in England as BETTER CARE WHEN YOU NEED over the big issues of the day. Scottish Regiments, criticising the “crazy” – but thousands of Scottish pensioners are IT MOST When called upon to make a detention of children of asylum now benefiting from the security and dignity this A new package of care for older judgement – in the heat of the seekers in Dungavel, and fighting policy provides people in the community moment – the Conservatives for changes to boost Scotland’s • Free travel for older people – delivered in Scotland, consistently make the wrong one renewable energy industry. only now considered four years later in England PUT PATIENTS FIRST – then try to back-track when • Free eye and dental checks – on the way in Scotland, Faster diagnosis so your NHS they see political advantage. Poor Liberal Democrat MPs are but not in England treatment can start more quickly judgement and opportunism have speaking up for human rights • The threat of more nuclear power – effectively in Scotland and across the characterised Michael Howard’s challenged by Liberal Democrats. The Executive will 1,000 MORE POLICE IN OUR Tories. world, ensuring that judges not COMMUNITIES politicians take decisions on oppose any nuclear power stations until a safe storage Cutting crime and the fear of At the General Election, Charles individual liberty, and opposing option for radioactive waste has been found crime Kennedy’s Liberal Democrats are Labour’s expensive, illiberal and • Healthier school meals – Scottish school meals the Real Alternative to Labour at ineffective ID card scheme. described as ‘light years’ ahead of England AXE THE COUNCIL TAX Westminster and Scottish Liberal Local Income Tax is both fair and Democrat MPs elected in even Liberal Democrat MPs will Scotland is blazing the trail for the rest of the United affordable greater numbers at Westminster continue to speak up for Scotland. Kingdom. In government in Scotland, Scottish Liberal will ensure that. And only Liberal Democrats can Democrats have provided the policy backbone for TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE do that effectively. The SNP are the Executive’s most dynamic initiatives. Policies Improve energy efficiency across Liberal Democrats are the only irrelevant at this election, Michael which have made a real difference. People across the public sector and reduce party in Scotland with real Howard’s Tories cannot be Scotland are benefiting: from the youngest children carbon emissions in Scotland. ambition for this election. Labour trusted, while Labour MPs meekly benefiting from free nursery places, to school children are resigned to losing seats across prop up Tony Blair, casting hard- who will benefit from smaller class sizes, to students Scotland. The SNP revealed the fought human rights aside in the who no longer pay tuition fees and to older people extent of their ambition is to go short-term populist grab for votes. who benefit from free personal care and free travel. from five seats to between four However we know that there is much more to do. With the additional resources available from a Liberal Democrat government in Westminster, Liberal Democrats in Scotland will build on our success in government.

The Liberal Democrats are the Real Alternative across the UK to Tony Blair’s Labour Party and Michael Howard’s Tories. Liberal Democrats can be trusted to keep our promises across the UK as we have done in government in Scotland. And with more Scottish Liberal Democrat MPs, you can trust us to make the difference.

Rt Hon Jim Wallace QC MSP Deputy First Minister Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats MAKING A DIFFERENCE 02-03 MAKING A DIFFERENCE

MAKING THE DIFFERENCE all by 2007 • Doubling the number of places the Airdrie-Bathgate line and and policies produced by public – KEEPING OUR PROMISES • £26 million health promotion on restorative justice projects to to new rail links to Edinburgh bodies. In government in Scotland, Liberal fund 6,000 to make offenders pay back and Glasgow airports. Bills • Doubling rates of recycling since Democrats are setting the agenda • Healthier school meals and new to communities are currently going through 2002, building towards a new for the long term, investing nutritional guidelines in schools Parliament for two new Tram target to recycle 30 per cent of in people, in enterprise and and nurseries, free fruit for young lines in Edinburgh. municipal waste by 2008 opportunity, in better health and children, free chilled water, MAKING EDUCATION FOR LIFE • Investing in new bus services • Developing Jim Wallace’s Green in a better environment. removing fizzy drinks, doubling In 2003 Liberal Democrats through the £18 million Bus Route Jobs Strategy which aims to make the school meals budget by 2006 promised to employ more Development Scheme Scotland a world leader in leading • More doctors, nurses and health – putting Scotland “light years” teachers, cut primary class sizes, • Abolishing Skye Bridge Tolls edge environmental technologies professionals and a new focus on ahead of England invest in school buildings, tackle • Extending free local off peak and efficient businesses health promotion • Two hours of Physical Education indiscipline in schools and reform bus travel for older people to free • Implementing the Nature • More teachers and smaller for children every week, £24m the curriculum. Our record national any time travel from next of Scotland Act to protect primary class sizes funding for 600 active school includes: year biodiversity, improve • More police on the streets and co-ordinators, and safer routes to • Almost 6,000 teachers in management of valuable record crime clear up rates school to promote physical activity training, with more on the way to environmental sites and increase • Free personal care for the for children meet our commitment to 53,000 MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR penalties for wildlife crime elderly • Ensuring a new focus on health teachers by 2007 RURAL SCOTLAND • Securing £6.6m funding for • Student tuition fees abolished promotion and screening with a • Average primary class sizes at an In 2003, Liberal Democrats the Scottish Community and and top up fees blocked ban on smoking in all enclosed all time low promised action to deliver a Householder Renewables • Focus on sustainable public places being introduced, • 1,800 more classroom assistants sustainable future for fishing and Initiative to support small scale development and a green personal health plans and Well than in 2001 with up to 1,000 agriculture, improve affordable renewable energy projects environmental thread running Man clinics more support staff on the way housing, and boost renewable • Achieving significant progress through all government policy to support teachers and tackle energy. Our record includes: towards generating 40 per cent In 2003 we promised more indiscipline • Establishing a Regional Advisory of Scotland’s electricity from In May 2003, the Scottish Liberal doctors, nurses and health • Investing £2 billion to build or Council for the North Sea, renewable sources by 2020 Democrats signed a Partnership professionals to help make the rebuild 300 schools by 2009 giving fishermen and scientists Agreement for a coalition difference for health and reduce • National tests for 5-14 year a say in managing fisheries in a government with the Scottish the time people have to wait for olds scrapped and reform of the sustainable way MAKING A LIBERAL SCOTLAND Labour Party. Commenting on treatment. Our record includes: curriculum • Decoupling agriculture In 2003, Liberal Democrats the Agreement, the Daily Record • Delivering over 100 more • Securing record support for subsidies from production promised to introduce fair votes reported, “The LibDems under consultants, 1,000 more nurses, further and higher education with allowing Scotland to tailor rural for local government elections, to Jim Wallace have punched above and 300 more allied health funding increasing by almost a development funding to support open government up to the public their weight.” professionals third – rising to over £1.5 billion wider environmental and social with new freedom of information • Delivering an additional for the first time ever needs laws, and to support the voluntary Two years later, we have ensured Infection Control Nurses in place • 31,000 Modern Apprentices in • Investing £1.2 billion in sector and the arts. Our record that 80 per cent of our manifesto and recruiting 3,500 cleanliness training, learning skills for work affordable housing in the next includes: commitments have either been champions to fight infection and • Introducing Individual three years with more than £200 • Introducing proportional delivered, are presently being ensure cleaner, safer hospitals Learning Accounts to open up million going to build 1,000 representation (STV) for local implemented, or progressed in • Digital hearing aids being made opportunities for people on lower new affordable homes in the government elections, breathing government. available for all who need them incomes with grants to pay for Highlands, and a new shared new life into local democracy and • Reducing mortality rates for courses and training equity scheme to help first time making everyone’s vote count, no Liberal Democrats have set patients with coronary heart buyers get on the property ladder matter where they live Scotland on a different path to disease, stroke and cancer • Giving local authorities the • Securing an Independent Review that of England by abolishing – Scotland’s three biggest killers MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR power to cut the Council Tax of Local Government Finance tuition fees and introducing free TRANSPORT discount on second homes • Establishing a National Theatre personal care for the elderly. In 2003, Liberal Democrats allowing them to use the receipts for Scotland, taking action to However Liberal Democrats are MAKING SCOTLAND A SAFER promised to invest in new to fund new affordable housing secure the status of Gaelic, and making the difference in many COUNTRY railways, abolish Skye Bridge Tolls introducing a Bill to reform other areas of government policy In 2003, Liberal Democrats and extend free local bus travel charity law and keeping our promises in pledged more police for Scotland for older people. Our record A GREEN THREAD THROUGH • Introducing a new Freedom of government: and action to reduce reoffending includes: GOVERNMENT Information regime which goes rates. Our record includes: • Delivering record investment in In 2003, Liberal Democrats well beyond the system in place in • Delivering almost 500 more transport reaching £1 billion by promised to run a green thread the rest of the UK MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR police, with more on the way 2006, with 70 per cent going to through government ensuring • Making massive investment in HEALTH • Recruiting over 100 more Special public transport that sustainable development is social work, focussing on children Liberal Democrats believe that Constables with more on the way • Securing funding for at the top of the political agenda. and families prevention is better than cure • Taking action to tackle construction of the Borders Our record includes: • Securing the future of the and that is why we have put reoffending including Drug Railway • Begining implementation Children’s Hearing system health promotion at the top of Courts, Drug Treatment and • Beginning construction of the of Strategic Environmental the political agenda. Our record Testing Orders, and effective Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine and Assessment to ensure that the includes: Alternatives to Custody to address Larkhall-Milngavie lines. We sustainable development test • Free eye and dental checks for offending behaviour have committed to re-opening applies to all strategies, plans education scotlibdems.org.uk INVEST IN SCOTLAND’S CHILDREN

Liberal Democrats have never made any secret of our ambitions for REVOLUTIONISING CHILDCARE, – not to be a state babysitting EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES service. education. In the twenty first century, if Scotland is going to be Children spend one seventh of prosperous, if people are going to make the most of their talents their time in school, six sevenths GOOD QUALITY AFFORDABLE out of school. However while we CHILDCARE and their lives, we need to invest in our children and in education in spend billions in schools, we spend We will: its widest sense. very little investing in our children • Revolutionise the provision of after the school bell rings. flexible care in schools for before and after the formal school day, • Revolutionise the provision of affordable, flexible childcare in Liberal Democrats want to giving parents the opportunity of extend opportunities to help affordable childcare between 8am schools working parents spend more and 6pm in local schools. • Outdoor activities and education for young people time with their children. Our • Provide a childcare place for focus is on choice for parents and every child whose parents want • Free swimming for children and young people children, not reducing the time one • New opportunities and activities for children after school and at that parents spend with their • Extend breakfast clubs to every children. Across the UK we will school in Scotland giving children the weekends give working families having their access to healthy, nutritious food • New activities fund to keep young people away from crime and first child increased maternity pay before the school day starts for the first six months. This will • Invest in activities for children anti social behaviour give an extra £910 on average after the school day ends when parents really need it. And including learning, play, sport, in Scotland we want to build on art, music, drama and homework this by extending the childcare clubs options for all families. • Ensure that all childcare provided meets high standards of KEEPING OUR PROMISES For many families, work care KEEPING OUR PROMISES tackle problem behaviour and Liberal Democrats in Scotland commitments or caring “In government in Scotland, help teachers tackle indiscipline. will launch a project to responsibilities are not always EACH AND EVERY CHILD Liberal Democrats have already We believe that schools should revolutionise children’s hopes compatible with the school day. MATTERS made the improvement of be about learning, not just and aspirations, focusing on the Whether it is first thing in the Liberal Democrats want to education a priority. We started ticking the boxes. That’s time that children spend out of morning before the school day support all our children. We with young children, introducing why we abolished the failed school. Our plans will deliver starts, or immediately after classes believe in investing in our young free nursery places for 3 and league tables, introduced by extra investment in children of end, finding local, good quality people, not talking them down, 4 year olds. We know that the Tories, which stigmatised more than £600 million above and affordable childcare is not because Scotland’s children are good education is hampered schools instead of helping them existing plans over the next five always easy. And this is a problem our greatest resource – not our when it takes place in old, to improve. And in November years.“ not just for parents who work greatest threat. crumbling buildings and that 2004 we announced a package full time. It can be particularly is why we are building and of reforms to cut bureaucracy difficult for part time workers The vast majority of young people renovating 300 schools with and give teachers more time to Robert Brown MSP to find good childcare because are not involved in crime or anti a commitment to the highest teach. We are reforming the Education Spokesperson places often go first to those social behaviour. We will take design and environmental curriculum making it easier for who opt for full time places. We action to encourage all children standards. We are recruiting children to learn at the pace that should not penalise people who to experience new opportunities 3,000 extra teachers, cutting suits them best. And we are want to work part time to allow beyond the school. Opportunities primary class sizes, and taking extending access for 14-16 year themselves more time with their that will help them grow as on more classroom assistants to olds to college to broaden their children. individuals as well as learn. ease the burden on teachers and horizons and develop vocational Opportunities that will improve give pupils more personalised skills. Liberal Democrats want to change their health as well as their minds learning. that. We want to revolutionise and let them appreciate and A PROMISE OF MORE childcare in Scotland, giving enjoy different surroundings and “We recognise that in some “But there is much more for us parents the opportunity of high environments. schools there is a problem with to do. Liberal Democrats want quality, local, affordable and indiscipline. That is why in to invest in our children now flexible childcare when they need MORE LEISURE AND ACTIVITIES January 2005 we announced when it matters most. With the it and where their children will We will: an additional £35 million to additional resources available benefit from it. • Give every child the entitlement improve discipline in schools, from a Liberal Democrat to a week of outdoor activity allowing schools to employ up government at Westminster, But we want this childcare during their time at secondary to 1,000 extra support staff to revolution to focus on developing school. This will allow them to new opportunities for children learn new skills and activities, education 04-05

“Liberal gain a better understanding become involved in a range young people to decide what schools and sports clubs. 32 teams of their environment, promote of activities in the evenings, at services they most need in of young people representing Democrats will good health, and give a boost to the weekends and in school their local community. We will every local authority area would tourism in Scotland holidays. We will create a new encourage local businesses and compete against each other in invest in our • Provide funding for local fund for local authorities and local police to support these various Olympic-style events. We authorities to employ outdoor the voluntary sector to develop projects. This could include such will encourage businesses and children now education officers to take the affordable activities clubs offering things as midnight football or community groups to back their burden off teaching staff and sport, leisure, music, art and basketball which have already local team through local hero when they publish guidance to promote environmental activities proved successful in some areas bursary schemes need it most. outdoor education • Create a new activities fund in keeping young people out of • Give every child a new to help keep young people trouble Affordable entitlement to free swimming away from crime and anti social • Support a bi-annual Scottish • Develop new opportunities behaviour by giving them positive Mini-Olympics event to help childcare in and ways in which children can alternatives. We will empower develop a competitive spirit in Photo: PA/EMPICS schools. New activities out of school. Outdoor education. Free swimming. Investment in evening and weekend activities.

That is how Liberal Democrats will invest in Scotland’s children.”

Sir Robert Smith Health scotlibdems.org.uk BETTER CARE WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST TACKLE DELAYED DISCHARGES, by locating different services The mark of a civilised society is how it INVEST IN LOCAL CARE under one roof. Using new treats its older people. We want to build Significant progress has been powers in the Smoking, Health made in tackling delayed and Social Care Bill this will allow on our achievement of free personal care, discharges in Scotland, but better co-operation and joint with a major boost for elderly care in the Liberal Democrats want to do ventures between councils and community. more to ensure that older people health boards to tackle delayed do not spend any more time in discharges. acute hospitals than they need “A new package • A new package of care for older people in to because of a lack of suitable MORE PERSONAL CARE of care for older the community community care. We will focus on Many older people have a range improving and expanding local of long term health problems. people in the • Tackle delayed discharge in our hospitals– care, promoting a greater role for International research has shown free up more beds GPs and community health centres that these patients can benefit community. • New investment in community health care and a boost for Community hugely from a more personalised Hospitals. This will also free up approach to care which sets out a New investment facilities more beds in our acute hospitals, clear care plan to deal with their • New investment in Community Hospitals benefiting everyone with quicker health problems. Taking a more in Community • Invest in new technology to support treatment. personalised approach can be Hospitals and people living at home successful in preventing problems COMMUNITY HEALTH FACILITIES and reducing emergency local community We will: admissions to hospital. It can also KEEPING OUR PROMISES tackling delayed discharges with • Tackle delayed discharges in cut the time spent in hospital. health care “In government in Scotland, a 14 per cent decrease from our hospitals – free up more beds UK pilot schemes have shown a Liberal Democrats have fought October 2003 to 2004. And and build on progress made by reduction in hospital admissions facilities. hard to ensure a fairer deal for we are making sure that older Liberal Democrat policies being of between 10 and 20 per cent. pensioners and to celebrate people get the care they need implemented in government. Tackle delayed the positive role that older regardless of who is responsible • Deliver new investment in Scottish Liberal Democrat care people play in Scottish life. for providing it. local community health care proposals will allow the NHS discharge. Cut We want older people to be facilities. In 90 per cent of cases, to put much more effort into unnecessary able to keep active – through A PROMISE OF MORE an individual’s contact with the meeting these complex needs physical activity, volunteering “But there is much more for health service is through GPs and provide a more personalised hospital and leading an active social us to do. With the additional and other local primary care service in the community. This life. Through partnership resources available from a services. Liberal Democrats want will help avoid many of the admissions. government we have also Liberal Democrat government at to invest to provide more of these relatively minor and easy to delivered free bus travel Westminster, Liberal Democrats services locally, under one roof. prevent conditions that older New technology and free central heating for in Scotland will invest in a new More treatments, tests, advice, people can suffer from and which pensioners. package of care for older people support and care can and should cause them to be admitted to to support older in the community. Our plans be provided locally by enhancing acute hospitals. people in their “However we recognise that will deliver extra investment in existing health centres and some older people are less services for older people of more providing new community health CARE IN THE HOME own homes. able to enjoy an active life and than £400 million above existing facilities. Our plans will benefit We will: need additional support. That plans over the next five years.“ people across Scotland and will • Cut unscheduled hospital is why in Scotland today older boost the support that older admissions and provide care in the people who need personal or Mike Rumbles MSP people need in the community. home for more older people That is how nursing care receive it free of Health Spokesperson • Deliver new investment in • Invest in new technology to charge. Free personal care Community Hospitals. Liberal support people living at home. Liberal for the elderly delivered in Democrats believe that Councils and health boards Democrats will Scotland by Liberal Democrats Community Hospitals, often led already provide support such as in government. by local GPs with specialist skills, handrails on baths and showers. deliver better have an important role to play in However new technology could “Too many older people are providing more care locally. We offer many more people the care when you stuck in hospital for longer than will invest to upgrade facilities support they need to lead as they need to be because they and allow more older people to independent a life as possible need it most.” can’t get the care they need in leave acute hospitals sooner and in their own home. We will the community. In 2003, Liberal be treated locally in Community invest new resources in new Democrats helped to secure Hospitals – what is known as ‘smart’ technologies such as funding of £30 million for three ‘step-down care’. movement and fall detectors, years to improve community • Create a new fund for local bed and chair sensors, and direct Alistair Carmichael care for people leaving hospital. authorities and health boards to communications We have made progress on improve care for older people Health 06-07 PUT PATIENTS FIRST – FASTER DIAGNOSIS The time it takes between seeing your doctor and being referred have access to a range of services including diagnostic tests and for specialised diagnostic tests to identify the problem can be a real minor surgery. We want to see worry for patients. Liberal Democrats want to reduce the wait and more diagnostic tests done locally in the community, not just in the worry. acute hospitals. • Measure waiting times for specialised diagnostic tests MEASURING AND REDUCING • Set goals to reduce waiting times for specialised diagnostic tests WAITING TIMES • Invest in NHS diagnostic equipment We will: • Measure waiting times for “Measure and • New investment in primary care and community hospitals specialised diagnostic tests. For the first time in the UK, we will reduce the KEEPING OUR PROMISES together treatment, diagnosis and route possible so that treatment measure the time that patients In 1999 the Scottish Liberal support services within a single can start as early as possible. have to wait between being wait between Democrats made it clear that it centre in the local community. Anyone who has been told by referred by their doctor for doctor referral is the length of time that people Six new services such as the Leith their doctor that they need to go specialised diagnostic tests and wait for hospital treatment, Community Treatment Centre are for specialised diagnostic tests receiving those tests and receiving not the length of the list that is now operating in communities to explain what the problem is, • Set goals to reduce waiting important. Having changed the across Scotland. will know the worry that comes times for specialised diagnostic specialised focus to waiting times, we have with waiting to have these tests. tests ensured that the Executive has A PROMISE OF MORE Doctors will tell you that one of • Continue to invest in updating diagnostic tests. taken action to tackle waiting With the additional resources the most important factors in NHS diagnostic equipment times, meeting 12 and 9 month from a Liberal Democrat successfully treating illnesses such • Use our new investment in local Investment guaranteed maximum waiting Government at Westminster as cancer is cutting the time it health services and Community in diagnostic time targets and introducing a invested in improving community takes to receive these diagnostic Hospitals to increase the number guarantee that from December health facilities, we will free up tests. of diagnostic tests that can be equipment. 2005 no patient should wait capacity in acute hospitals and be done locally in the community more than six months for able to ensure faster diagnosis Scottish Liberal Democrats already rather than just in acute hospitals. Investment in hospital inpatient and day case with more tests done locally. plan to invest heavily in primary This investment will free up treatment, or for a first outpatient care and Community Hospitals to resources in acute hospitals, staff. More appointment with a consultant. FASTER DIAGNOSIS ensure that more people can get helping patients across Scotland We want to ensure that illnesses the care they need locally. This diagnostic tests Liberal Democrats are committed are diagnosed by the quickest will ensure that local communities done locally. to improving diagnostics. Liberal Democrats in government Photo: Steve Maisey/Rex Features have agreed funding to renew outdated NHS capital equipment, That is how especially diagnostic equipment such as CT and MRI Scanners, to Liberal assist early detection of illness. The Executive’s Capital Investment Democrats will Plan will put an additional put patients £125 million into new medical equipment by 2007. This will first.” focus particularly on diagnostic equipment including radiography. We are also making progress in recruiting staff to perform these Michael Moore tests. Deputy Leader of Liberal Democrats believe that the Scottish Liberal the key to quicker and better Democrats diagnosis, is to improve and expand local care, giving a greater role to some GPs and nurses. In government we have already invested £3.5 million to develop models of Community Health Service Centres, bringing crime scotlibdems.org.uk CUTTING CRIME AND THE FEAR OF CRIME

NO TO COMPULSORY ID CARDS the Community Planning process Tony Blair’s ID card scheme is expensive, illiberal and ineffective and The total cost of Tony Blair’s ID alongside other local services will not tackle terrorism or crime. Liberal Democrats believe that card scheme is estimated to be at such as Community Wardens, least £3 billion and each citizen School Liaison Officers and local the money he would waste on ID cards would be better spent on would have to pay up to £85 anti social behaviour teams to cut more police in our communities. to buy their own ID card. Yet crime and nuisance behaviour. the government has presented no evidence that ID cards will CUT CRIME IN THE COMMUNITY • 1,000 more police in our communities – cutting crime and the fear reduce crime or tackle terrorism. 60 per cent of offenders released The terrorists who carried out from prison go on to commit of crime the atrocities in New York on another crime. Even with record • Action to tackle underage drinking September 11th and the Madrid police numbers, high detection train bombers all had valid rates and more community police, • Reduce reoffending - tackle drug use identity papers. Across the UK, Liberal Democrats recognise • Give prisoners skills for work not crime Liberal Democrats will create a that we can only cut crime in co-ordinated UK Border Force to our communities effectively by strengthen the country’s borders reducing reoffending in the long against terrorism, people- term. the introduction of a Quality KEEPING OUR PROMISES available from a Liberal trafficking and drug smuggling. of Life Fund which has already “Thanks to the Scottish Liberal Democrat government at Liberal Democrats in government Most young people just want to given £180 million (with a Democrats in government, police Westminster, Liberal Democrats in Scotland have ensured that be out with their friends, have further £100 million on the way) numbers and crime clear up rates in Scotland will invest in more Tony Blair’s ID cards will not be a good time and stay out of to help councils to tackle local are already at a record high. police in our communities to compulsory for accessing devolved trouble. Liberal Democrats want issues of vandalism, graffiti, Police numbers have risen by cut crime and the fear of crime. services. to make sure that the activities CCTV and public safety. Anti almost 500 in the last two years. Our plans will deliver extra and services are in place to ensure Social Behaviour Orders and We have taken action to keep investment in justice of more that they can do just that. We Acceptable Behaviour Contracts police numbers at record levels than £100 million above existing MORE POLICE IN OUR want to divert young people are being used to address by giving the police more money plans, over the next five years.” COMMUNITIES away from crime and anti social problem behaviour among the to recruit staff to offset the Still too many communities are behaviour, and make effective small minority of people who predicted loss of officers through blighted by crime. We recognise interventions to nip any offending cause real problems. And Liberal retirement. Jeremy Purvis MSP that more can be done to reduce behaviour in the bud as early as Democrats have ensured that the fear of crime by boosting possible. mediation services are in place Justice Spokesperson “In government Liberal Democrat policing in communities across to resolve disputes. We have policies are changing the focus Scotland. High visibility policing In addition to our plans for a new underlined our commitment to of the justice system to reduce in local communities can work to activities fund to offer positive Scotland’s Children’s Hearing reoffending. The Executive cut crime and the fear of crime. alternatives for young people, we system and want to ensure that has launched a new strategy Community police officers know will: it is improved with increased to improve management of where, when and why trouble resources and powers. offenders and build on initiatives happens. Liberal Democrats • Tackle underage drinking such as Drug Treatment and want to give the police the through better education and “Alcohol related crime is a major Testing Orders, Drug Courts and resources they need to extend an alcohol referral scheme, in issue in Scotland. That is why the the work of the Scottish Drug this knowledge into communities all parts of Scotland to help Executive is making a number of Enforcement Agency which across Scotland. those who develop problems. reforms to the licensing system. continues to increase seizures Underage drinking is a real The Licensing Bill published of illegal drugs. We are also We will: problem. Alcohol abuse costs in March 2005 will make it a working to ensure that police • Recruit an additional 1,000 Scottish society over £1 billion requirement for all licensees to spend more time on the streets community Police Officers every year. Some of this cost operate on a no-proof no-sale and less time on bureaucracy. • Develop a new national comes from underage drinking basis, to limit access to alcohol Our court reforms, passed in community policing strategy to in terms of the health dangers to by under 18s. The Scottish Parliament in 2004, will reduce bolster the role and importance young people, and the anti social Executive is supporting youth the time that officers spend in of Community Police Officers and behaviour that can follow. We CAFEs (Community Alcohol Free court, while new technology will School Liaison Officers, improve will encourage local police and Environments) and other alcohol be used to cut paperwork. training and career development, youth service agencies to work free activities for young people and extend cover in suburban together to provide advice and which are now in place across “Liberal Democrats want to and rural areas which often guidance to young people found Scotland. improve life in Scotland’s suffer when police resources are abusing alcohol to help address communities. That is why, in stretched their behaviour. A PROMISE OF MORE government, we have supported • Ensure that local policing “With the additional resources strategies are developed as part of crime 08-09

REDUCE REOFFENDING, CUT make offenders face up to their to train offenders for those areas CRIME, TACKLE DRUG USE criminal behaviour and receive such as trades, construction and The Scottish Executive estimates support to tackle drink and drug engineering where Scotland has “1,000 more the cost of drug related crime to addictions in order to reduce the a shortage of trained workers. the public sector alone at over number of offences they commit Offenders will have to sign up to police in our £330 million per annum. There in the future. a strict training programme with were 40,465 drug related offences • Give prisoners skills for work tough penalties for those who communities. A committed in Scotland in 2003 not crime. We want to ensure reoffend. and many repeat offenders have that prisoners who agree to a new community significant drug problems tough programme of learning and training get the work skills policing We will: they need to pay back to society. strategy. Cut • Extend pilot schemes which We will introduce a pilot scheme crime in our communities through prevention and intervention. Reduce reoffending by tackling drug use. Give prisoners skills for work not crime.

That is how Liberal Democrats will cut crime and the fear of crime.”

John Barrett enterprise scotlibdems.org.uk AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SCOTLAND Scottish Liberal Democrats understand that, no matter how many laws you pass, you cannot provide public services without a successful economy to support them. And no matter how talented you are, it is unlikely you would be successful in business without the basic infrastructure provided by the state. LONG TERM OBJECTIVES provide grants of up to £200 KEEPING OUR PROMISES Technology Institutes to help Liberals have always embraced a year to pay for courses that Scotland compete globally in free trade and enterprise. It will help people get back LONG TERM INVESTMENT IN the key sectors of Energy, Life delivers for people. It delivers into work, improve their SKILLS Sciences and Techmedia. for society. Our focus is on career opportunities and fulfil “In government in Scotland, delivering sustainable growth their potential. We want Scottish Liberal Democrats are LONG TERM INVESTMENT IN which delivers for all society. businesses of all sizes to help investing for the long term. To INFRASTRUCTURE Government’s role is to support their employees develop their help prepare young people “In government in Scotland, and encourage people and skills. In November 2003, the “Cut red tape for the world of work, we are Liberal Democrats have business, not to interfere. Scottish Executive and Scottish investing £83 million to take delivered record investment in Government should ensure that: for business. Enterprise launched four pilot the enterprise in education transport, reaching £1 billion schools and universities provide schemes for Business Learning project to every school in by 2006, with 70 per cent skilled, innovative people and Continue record Accounts which will offer Scotland. This trailblazing going to public transport. This ideas; there is effective transport businesses with fewer than 50 policy sets the pace for the investment is delivering new for people and goods; people are investment employees information, advice rest of the UK and is only now rail lines, new stations, new bus getting healthier and are able to and guidance complemented by in transport, being copied in England. For services, park and ride facilities, work effectively. financial support for training. some pupils we recognise freight facilities grants and education and that vocational training, not better rural transport. And this These are our long term objectives LONG TERM INVESTMENT just traditional schooling, year we launched the first-ever in government. Objectives that skills. IN FURTHER AND HIGHER offers the best opportunities. infrastructure investment plan will make a better environment EDUCATION That’s why we are extending setting out our long term plan, for business – and in so doing will “Ideas, research and technology access for 14 – 16 year olds to increasing capital investment help to create an entrepreneurial drive modern economies. colleges. And we are helping by five per cent each year for Scotland. That is how Scottish Liberal Democrats are to deliver more workers with the next three years.” determined to develop the Liberal crucial skills needed by Scottish CUT RED TAPE potential of Scottish universities employers through Modern Much of the red tape that and colleges to help drive our Democrats Apprenticeships – a scheme Jim Wallace QC MSP challenges Scottish companies and economy. That is why I have that provides quality training Minister for Enterprise & impedes business growth comes will make an delivered record support for opportunities for people of all from Westminster or Brussels. universities and colleges with Lifelong Learning ages including on and off the That is why Liberal Democrats at entrepreneurial funding increasing by almost a job training, allowing trainees Westminster will: third – to over £1.5 billion for the to earn while they learn. We • Introduce independent impact Scotland.” first time ever. This investment have already met our target of assessments for all new UK will secure their reputation as 30,000 modern apprentices by regulations to ensure the red tape world class research and teaching 2006, with 31,000 in training in burden is considered institutions. And we have 2004. • Put sunset clauses on all UK backed this up with a significant business regulation to ensure they capital investment programme “And we are taking action do not outlive their usefulness. to improve their facilities too. • Establish a Small Business Malcolm Bruce to ensure lifelong learning President of the Scottish is meaningful for people of Select Committee in the UK “Scotland has a growing all backgrounds. The new Parliament to monitor the cost Liberal Democrats reputation in research and Individual Learning Account of bureaucracy and keep the development. We want to build (ILA) scheme is opening up needs of small and medium sized on that and make Scotland a opportunities for people on businesses on the Government’s world leader. That is why in lower incomes, who previously agenda government we have invested would have faced financial • Create an arms-length £450 million for Intermediary barriers to learning. ILAs Deregulation Unit to reduce the burden of red-tape environment 10-11 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Catastrophic climate change is the major environmental threat to our planet – and urgent action is needed. As part of our commitment to sustainable development Liberal Democrats will ensure that Scotland reduces its greenhouse gas emissions. • Tackle climate change – cleaner transport, cleaner energy and a cleaner environment • Invest in energy efficiency to cut energy use and greenhouse gas emissions • Vigorously promote Scotland’s renewable energy industry overseas • Put a green thread through government “A focus on sustainable

CLEANER ENVIRONMENT renewable sources by 2020. development. Liberal Democrats believe that Run a green KEEPING OUR PROMISES new renewable technology with government must take the lead in We will: “In government, Scottish Liberal the world’s first Marine Energy securing a cleaner environment. • Vigorously promote Scotland’s thread through Democrats have made sure that Test Centre opened in Orkney in We will invest in improving renewable energy industry a green thread runs through August 2004. energy efficiency across the public overseas. through the enterprise Government. every aspect of govern- sector, sending a strong message network and the potential of ment. We are backing that A PROMISE OF MORE across Scotland and leading to renewable energy to meet the Action to up by implementing Strategic “However Liberal Democrats real savings in energy use. energy requirements of rapidly Environmental Assessment to know that there is more to do growing economies, such as China improve energy ensure that all strategies, plans to tackle climate change and its We will: and India efficiency and and policies produced by public many impacts. In addition to the • Build on our successful spend • Liberal Democrats at bodies meet the sustainability action that Liberal Democrats to save initiative which is already Westminster will ensure a cut greenhouse test. Liberal Democrats want to will take across the UK on vehi- due to deliver £70m of savings fundamental review of the redefine economic growth from cle, aviation and environmental in the next five years and £30m electricity transmission charging gas emissions. the crude pursuit of growth at taxation, in Scotland we will look of recurring savings thereafter regime to benefit all consumers any price, to economic growth to build on our success in gov- through the introduction of and assist in meeting our More renewable that will achieve a stable ernment. With the additional re- energy efficiency measures across renewables target economy and opportunity for sources delivered to Scotland by the public sector energy. More all, whilst taking full account of a Liberal Democrat government • Invest an additional £20m CLEANER TRANSPORT recycling. the social and environmental in Westminster, we will focus on to boost energy efficiency in Liberal Democrats believe it’s costs. Jim Wallace’s Green Jobs reducing energy use.” the public sector, cut carbon only fair that those who cause Cleaner Strategy will build on our com- emissions and reduce energy most pollution and congestion mitment to sustainable devel- consumption. We will focus this pay more than those who don’t. transport. Green opment contained in the Smart investment in new areas of the Liberal Democrats at Westminster Successful Scotland strategy Ross Finnie MSP public sector such as Further will start by reforming the Vehicle Jobs. and will ensure that Scotland is Minister for Environment & and Higher Education, prisons, Excise Duty (‘single road tax’) to at the forefront of developing Rural Development schools and other areas such cut tax altogether on cars that new environmental technolo- as housing associations. We pollute least, funded by increasing That is how gies and efficient businesses. estimate that this additional it on those that pollute more. investment will deliver around Liberal “In government, we are set- 15 per cent energy savings for ting new ambitious targets participating institutions and Democrats will for recycling municipal waste, cut carbon emissions by around backed up by over £200 million 60,000 tonnes every year. This tackle climate of funding. By 2008 we aim to will deliver recurring savings to recycle 30 per cent of munici- reinvest in front line services and change.” pal waste. And in renewable future energy efficiency projects energy we are making progress towards our ambitious target CLEANER ENERGY of 40 per cent of Scotland’s Liberal Democrats are committed electricity generated from to renewable energy and to John Thurso renewable sources by 2020. meeting our ambitious target Shadow Secretary of And we are at the forefront of of producing 40 per cent of State for Scotland Scotland’s electricity from council tax scotlibdems.org.uk

AXE THE HONEST ABOUT THE COSTS

Across the UK Liberal Democrats are open and straightforward about COUNCIL how we will pay for our policies. At the last three general elections we set out full details of how much our policies would cost and how we would TAX pay for them. None of the other parties did this. Labour has Scottish Liberal Democrats want a fairer tax system. increased spending, an We want to abolish Council Tax altogether and increase only the Liberal Democrats were honest replace it with a fair tax based on the ability to pay - a enough to propose at the last election. Given Local Income Tax. this increase in spending, most of our proposals THE COUNCIL TAX IS AN UNFAIR Liberal Democrats are concerned In fact many pensioners will pay at this election can be TAX that Council Tax revaluation no local tax at all. funded from savings in The Council Tax penalises will make the situation for “Liberal current budgets. pensioners and people on low these groups even worse, with In Scotland, Liberal Democrats incomes. They pay a far higher low income households paying have already made sure that the Democrats proportion of their income in tax more because of where they live Independent Review of Local Across the UK Liberal than the very rich. The poorest – based not on income, but the Government Finance has a specific want fairer Democrats will fund 20% of pensioners pay nearly amount that house prices have remit to investigate introducing a taxes. Axe the our key policies from six times more than the richest risen. In Wales revaluation has led Local Income Tax. two sources: switching 20% of non-pensioners, as a to one in three households facing unfair Council money from low proportion of their income. Across huge Council Tax rises. We will: priority UK government the UK, the poorest 10% pay over • Continue to campaign through Tax. Introduce a four times more of their income in LOCAL INCOME TAX IS A FAIRER the Independent Review to programmes, and Council Tax than the richest 10%. TAX replace the Council Tax with a fairer tax based making taxes fairer. Local Income Tax is a fairer tax Local Income Tax. Council Tax takes no account because it is based on the ability • Hold down Council Tax bills as on the ability Additional investment of ability to pay or income. It to pay. It would be run through a first step to introducing Local by Liberal Democrats is grossly unfair to people on the existing Inland Revenue Income Tax by using some of the to pay – a Local at Westminster has low and medium incomes and Income Tax mechanism – so saving proceeds from our proposed new Income Tax. pensioners. A pensioner couple, hundreds of millions in collection 50 per cent rate on individual implications for Scotland. in the house they’ve lived in for costs across the UK. The typical income exceeding £100,000. Keep down local Not only will Scotland decades, can pay the same as two household will save around £450 benefit directly from high earners, living right next per year, and eight out of ten taxes. A new Liberal Democrat policies door. pensioners will have lower bills. 50 per cent rate in areas such as pensions, but increased UK for income over spending means more £100,000. money for the Scottish Parliament to invest in Scotland on priorities That is how like health, education and crime. A Liberal Scottish Liberal Democrat Government in Westminster would Democrats will deliver an extra £1.8 bring about billion to Scotland over the term of the next UK fairness on tax.” Parliament. Full costings of our proposed policies across the UK and in Scotland will be available Alan Reid in a separate document.

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