SPEECH BY THE FIRST MINISTER OF SCOTLAND, Rt Hon ALEX SALMOND MP MSP, TO SNP ANNUAL CONFERENCE
SCOTLAND'S GOT WHAT IT TAKES FOR INDEPENDENCE
Speaking at the SNP’s 75th Annual conference in Inverness today (Saturday) at the Eden Court Theatre, the First Minister for Scotland and SNP Leader , the Rt Hon Alex Salmond MP MSP, said:
"Friends - Last year our conference met in the aftermath of John Mason’s victory in the Glasgow East by election.
"And in a few short weeks, Glasgow can be represented by another SNP MP, with David Kerr standing for the people of Glasgow North East – a constituency held by Labour for 74 years.
"74 years and there are 59 parliamentary seats in Scotland and Glasgow North East, despite its exceptional people, comes 59th on every measurement of unemployment and social deprivation.
"74 years of Labour control and Glasgow North East is 59th out of 59.
"Has there ever been any election anywhere where the clarion call of time for a change has had a more decisive meaning.
"And it is change that only the SNP have what it takes to deliver – in Glasgow and across Scotland
"Delegates, some of you may have read of my own plans for change.
"Change to a new job.
"If you listen to the Labour Party, I want to be the next Secretary General of the United Nations.
"All right no-body listens to Labour any more.
"Well, they got it half right – which is better than usual.
"I do want a new job.
"I want to be First Minister of an Independent Scotland.
"Week in, week out, in my present job I have to listen to the Labour Party.
"Week in week out they argue for more public spending in Scotland -just as their Chancellor cuts it from London!
"Labour in the Scottish Parliament are less of an opposition, more of a comedy routine.
"But would I change them? No I like them just the way they are!
"Delegates, just over two years ago we became the Government of Scotland.
"That happened because we offered our vision of a more successful country. We said to the people of our nation that there should be no limits on Scotland's achievement, on Scottish success.
"And the people responded and trusted us to form the first ever Government dedicated only and solely to furthering the Scottish interest.
"It was the first time in more than half a century that Labour lost the popular vote in Scotland. They thought it was a fluke, an accident. A 50 year storm.
"They thought normal service would be resumed at the first opportunity.
"Well they were wrong.
"It happened again this year when we hammered Labour in the European elections.
"Delegates since 2007 the world has tilted on its financial axis but we can win again by offering the same contract to the people in communities across our nation.
"A contract based on our social democratic values – wealth created and wealth shared.
"The creation of wealth is important when times are good. It is imperative when times are tough.
"The sharing of wealth is important when times are good. It is a moral imperative when time are tough.
"This speech is therefore about the economic choices which we as a society must make in tough times, about the political decisions that we as a country must take if we are to protect and defend the fabric of our communities.
"Our contract was based on the sure and certain knowledge that we, the SNP, will always put the people of this nation first - creating a rich country and rich society.
"And it is a contract that has at its core our determination to work to keep the trust and support of the people. Because government, election victory, is not the purpose of our objective.
"Our objective is a Scotland free to reach its full potential - a Scotland that is more prosperous, fairer, a voice for peace and reconciliation in the world – a Scotland that is independent.
"Each and every SNP MP elected next year, will join each and every SNP councillor, MSP and minister, member and supporter in this great project to make our nation the place we all know it can be.
"To improve the quality of life, and life chances of Scots young and old;
"To protect and support the people of our nation, strong and weak;
"And to be Scotland's voice, Scotland's Party, north, south, east and west, in Holyrood and Westminster.
"And let me say to the London parties in terms that leave no room for misunderstanding. Scotland’s voice will be heard on the great issue of the country’s future.
"Labour want a referendum on the alternative vote, the Tories on Europe, the Liberals on everything else! But they have the effrontery to refuse the people of Scotland the right to speak.
"Let us be clear. No political party can long deny the right of the Scottish people to exercise self determination and survive as a political force in Scotland.
"And delegates, at home, we are delivering on our vision and our contract.
"We promised safer communities with 1000 more police on the streets, and we have delivered.
"There are 1044 more police officers in Scotland, and a near 30 year record low level of crime.
"On 29 August last year the Opposition forecast that it would take us thirteen years to redeem our pledge of 1000 extra police. In fact we achieved it on 30 June this year two years early and a full twelve years before their forecast.
"And let me tell you some of the things our police officers are doing to make Scotland safer for all of us.
"There is a great initiative called the Violence Reduction Unit led by Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan – police officers focused on targeting the gang violence and knife crime that blights too many of our communities.
"They are carrying out more searches, taking knives off our streets. But they also engage with the youngsters breaking the cycle of violence – an approach that separates the daft laddies from the hard cases.
"More knife carriers in custody, tougher sentences but also police with the time to change offending behaviour.
"As a direct result of their effort knife crime is now falling in Scotland – still far too high but falling not rising. Falling by 18% in the city of Glasgow over the last two years.
"Does anyone seriously believe that would be possible if Labour had won the election and employed not a single extra police officer.
"We said Scotland must be wealthier and fairer, and in the face of the worst recession for generations, we are working hard to protect jobs and leave people with more of the money they earn.
"The Council Tax freeze, scrapping prescription charges, introducing free school meals, and abolishing tolls on the Forth and Tay Bridges – measures that will save families on average £340 over our four years.
"Our Economic Recovery Plan is in place and protecting 15,000 jobs. It is equipping Scots with new skills and putting our nation at the forefront of the global renewables revolution.
"And with our Small Business Bonus, we have acted to protect the thousands of small businesses that form the life blood of local economies.
"Make no mistake how important that is. Take for example the case of Julie Diver who runs a business, 39steps, in Edinburgh. She knows the benefit of the small business bonus. It has eased the pressure during the downturn, and is helping her business grow.
"Delegates, this is exactly the result we wanted – and Scotland needs.
"The small business bonus is helping over 60,000 small businesses properties, which survive and grow on the high streets and small towns of Scotland leaving our nation better placed for the coming recovery.
"The Labour party wants to end this support, just as they wanted no extra police. But our message today is hands off the small business bonus. It is here to stay.
"Scotland is a nation of entrepreneurs. A nation of inventors.
"And as a nation that means we've got the essential ingredients for success.
"Through our efforts, through our skills, Scotland's got what it takes to recover and to prosper.
"Friends.
"Through ScotAction, pioneered by Fiona Hyslop Scotland is leading the UK in new support for apprentices and skills.
"I do love that name - ScotAction.
"And I like in particular one part of the package – our Adopt an Apprentice scheme. This initiative proposed to us by the Scottish Trade Union Congress gives young apprentices made redundant by the recession a second chance to complete their training.
"Two of them, Craig McKenzie and Jason Hardy, are now working for Dumbreck Decorators, in Glasgow. Because of the downturn that company had no plans to take on new staff. But, with the help of ScotAction, these two young men now have the opportunity to finish their training.
"THAT’S GOOD FOR CRAIG AND JASON, GOOD FOR THE COMPANY AND GREAT NEWS FOR ALL OF US.
"And our Scotland is healthier with health services kept local and waiting lists at an all time low.
"A&E's saved in Monklands and Ayr. Maternity units in Inverclyde and Dumbarton, child cancer centres retained and enhanced in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen - and after years of neglect a new, secure future for the Vale of Leven.
"For the first time we are meeting Scotland's cancer waiting time target, we have turned the tide in the battle against hospital acquired infections and are building for a truly 21st century Scottish National Health Service.
"Earlier this year at our Spring Conference Nicola Sturgeon announced 600 extra cleaners in the National Health Service. Last week she was able to announce the lowest C Diff and MRSA rates since monitoring began, still too high but huge progress.
"Delegates we are currently facing a huge challenge in the H1N1 flu virus. But is there anyone better able to handle this crisis than our outstanding Health Minister - Scotland’s Deputy First Minister- Nicola Sturgeon MSP
"And delegates, after two years of an SNP Scottish Government, Scotland is getting greener.
"We have passed the world's most ambitious climate change legislation, and it is our determination to tell the world of this Scottish initiative at the Copenhagen climate change summit.
"Now I have been in correspondence with the Prime Minister on this very matter of having a Scottish Minister at the summit. In his latest letter he gave me a very full explanation why Jack McConnell attending the Johannesburg conference in 2002 was not a precedent.
"He said the issue “is not the same”
"Well that is that then - except it is not.
"The reality is that Gordon Brown cannot stand the idea of Scotland being visible in the international community – even when we have passed world leading and potentially planet saving legislation.
"It is part of the insularity of the unionist case that the UK government is petrified of any distinct Scottish presence in any international arena –
"Delegates, this Scottish success story of legislation on climate change cannot, will not, be silenced.
"Friends over the last two years there have been huge issues for the rural communities of Scotland. Farming faced the challenge of foot and mouth and overcame it. They had a powerful advocate in Richard Lochhead.
"Now our fishing communities face huge pressure from low prices, from recession and restrictions imposed by the discredited Common Fisheries Policy.
"Let us be clear. This party and this rural secretary will always stand by the fishing communities of Scotland.
"Delegates, in all 63 of our 94 headline manifesto commitments have already been achieved – two-thirds at just over half way through our term. That is a record we can all be proud of.
"And on the big issues, we have stuck by our principles, stayed true to our values and delegates, we have been proved right.
"That is why, despite calls – disgraceful calls - from some, we kept our promise to raise Scotland’s international aid budget from £6 million to £9 million
"Even in these difficult times we will not turn away from our international obligations, we will not abandon those in this world who have nothing at all.
"And so against the worst funding settlement since devolution and in the teeth of a recession this SNP government has frozen the council tax, delivered 1000 extra police, introduced the small business bonus, saved hospitals, delivered lower class sizes, led the way in the environmental challenge and kept faith with the world's poorest nations.
"I am told that our Labour/Tory/Liberal opponents cannot understand why we are more popular now than when we were elected.
"It is simple. People like the record of action of an SNP government compared to the wasted years of a peely wally executive
"As a party and as a government, we will stick firm to our principles.
"And without fear or favour, we will take the big decisions. And delegates that is exactly what Kenny MacAskill has done.
"I was delighted but not surprised when statesmen like Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela welcomed the decision to release Mr Al Megrahi.
"Delegates, Kenny MacAskill made the right decision for the right reasons. He showed that there is a place for compassion in the administration of justice. That even in the face of the most terrible atrocity, the most severe provocation, we can put mercy before retribution.
"We all recognise the suffering of the families of the victims. What they have experienced no family, no person, should ever endure.
"But the evil of terrorism thrives in the darkness of fear and shrinks from the light of compassion.
"It is right that Mr Al Megrahi was tried and convicted for his crimes, but it is also right that he has been sent home to die.
"Last week Arun Gandhi came to see me - the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.
"He seeks with our Scottish churches to found a reconciliation centre in one of our great universities.
"One of the things that he told me is that his grandfather's philosophy is much misunderstood.
"His resistance was not passive but active.
"His dedication to non violence a strength not a weakness.
"Sometimes someone has to break the cycle of retribution with an act of compassion.
"That is what Kenny MacAskill did and we should be proud of him for doing it.
"And at home, as we face an unprecedented Budget squeeze, there is nothing right, nothing good about Britain replacing its obscene weapons of mass destruction.
"The contrast could not be clearer.
"Not for us, not for Scotland, Labour and Tory priorities that would mean £100 billion wasted on new nuclear bombs when that money should be invested to create jobs, protect recovery and the public services we hold dear.
"Delegates, we know we are on the right side of this argument - the opposition is crumbling. The London Labour government has been pushed into cutting their plans from 4 to 3 new nuclear armed submarines. Fewer boats, but just as many bombs.
"The correct number of new Trident submarines on the Clyde is not 4, nor is it three. It is zero. Nil. None. Zilch.
"Not a single nuclear weapon on the river Clyde
"We know we are right on identity cards, with the first concessions now made – but concessions that will not prevent £5 billion from being wasted on this big brother ID scheme.
"Politics is about priorities. Politics must be about what really matters.
"These are the issues that will be central to the debate in the months ahead as we approach the UK election.
"And every vote for the SNP will put Scotland's voice and Scotland's values into the heart of Westminster.
"Delegates, Ed Miliband gave the game away when he said there was no difference between the Tories and Labour.
"Quoted in the Daily Telegraph – where else for a new Labour Minister? – on 26th September he said “in certain areas there are no differences between us . . . People don't like (politicians) pretending there are big differences when there aren't.”
"How refreshing it is to see a Labour politician caught telling the truth!
"And he's right – whether its Labour cuts or Tory cuts, the cuts will be deep. The pain will be felt in communities across our country. So delegates, our task, our job is to protect the people of Scotland.
"Over the last few weeks we have seen the London parties queue up to declare that their cuts are going to be bigger and better than the other parties cuts.
"What a miserable depressing vision they offer to the people of the nation.
"The Labour/Tory battle is a phoney war. The only thing they disagree on is the timing of starting the cuts. The scale of the cuts is just the same and both have Scotland in their sights.
"But friends we have already published our budget for next year. We have already faced up to the first real terms decline in public spending for a generation. Alone among the political parties across these islands we have laid out our budget strategy. Not in talk but in legislation. Our priorities were clear. John Swinney put the focus on the front line and economic recovery.
"On economic recovery because the way to address the public finances deficit is to get the economy growing again.
"We advanced £350 million of capital into colleges and schools, the health service and housing - accelerated capital that paid for the A9 improvements at Carrbridge and Moy.
"We need the right to continue that process this year because 5,000 jobs depend on this initiative
"When times are tough the creation of wealth is an imperative.
"We prioritise the front line because we know that it is the ordinary people who depend on public services.
"That includes the additional 40,000 young Scots who will now enjoy free, healthy school meals
"The 600,000 low income Scots who will feel the benefit of lower prescription charges
"And the more than 1 million older Scots who will keep their free bus pass with the SNP
"DELEGATES, WHEN TIMES ARE TOUGH THE SHARING OF WEALTH IS A MORAL IMPERATIVE.
"This is who we are and what we do.
"And the more who rally to our cause, the more who add their voices to our voice, the more we can achieve.
"Delegates, Gordon Wilson, in his recently published book, The Turbulent Years – and I have to confess I perhaps helped cause a wee bit of the turbulence! – Gordon tells the story of how the SNP first won in Dundee. I think it is fair to say that at the start of the 70's Dundee East was not at the top of any target list. Gordon and his team knew they had a long climb to victory. And in February 1974 they achieved it.
"And they put in place a party and an organisation that today sees the SNP, for the first time, leading the council, with an MP and both MSPs and poised to win in both Dundee East and West next year.
"Delegates there are two points to this story. First it is to recognise that whatever success we enjoy today is not ours alone. We owe so much to those men and women who knocked doors and filled envelopes, who organised and those who led before us.
"And second, it is that no seat, no vote is out of reach. Every part of our country can become a Dundee East, a Banff and Buchan, a Glasgow Govan or Edinburgh East.
"Much has been achieved, and there is much more to do.
"Next year Scotland's voice must be heard. Decisions will be taken at Westminster that impact on the lives and livelihoods of the people we work with, the people we care about, the people we represent.
"Labour and Tories can never, will never, put the people of Scotland first.
"Choices will be made, to cut Trident and ID cards or cut health and schools.
"Delegates, our priorities are what define us – by our priorities we will be judged and by our deeds will we be known.
"What more could we do with the £100 billion to replace Trident. £100 billion is a big number, but what does it really mean?
"It is three times the annual Scottish Budget – three times the amount we spend on all our public services in a year.
"It is 50 new Forth Crossings.
"Enough to fund the NHS in Scotland for a full decade.
"There are Labour cuts and Tory cuts.
"They say there is no more money for Scottish health and education.
"And choose to spend £100 billion on new nuclear weapons.
"We say they are wrong and will be shown to be wrong in the general election
"And delegates today Labour says no to Scotland at Westminster – no to our calls for a further acceleration of capital spending: spending that would protect and provide thousands of jobs.
"No when we ask for the Barnett formula to be applied to regeneration spending around the Olympics. Why shouldn’t Glasgow be treated the same as London?
"And no, to the release of the £160 million fossil fuel levy – money that is sitting frozen in a London bank account, scandalously wasted. Money that could be invested now in Scotland's renewables future and creating jobs in house insulation.
"But Scotland's voice can be heard.
"Votes for the SNP will turn all these noes into yeses from the London government. A Scottish bloc of MPs will unblock Westminster.
"We shall use voting power to make London dance to a Scottish tune.
"Delegates, much has been achieved, and there is more to do.
"As Scotland's government, we will protect our vital public services and invest more in the frontline.
"I said earlier that this speech would be about choices.
"And there are some big choices in Scottish politics today.
"We choose the frontline and the NHS.
"£842 million on the new Southern General in Glasgow. Delegates, we won't let Labour undermine this flagship project.
"£95 million on the new Grampian Emergency Care Centre, a project that started construction over the summer.
"New hospitals and new equipment
"It is our choice to invest in the most up to date technology across Scotland.
"And so let me announce today £7.5 million of capital investment that we will spend, next year, replacing the 710 defibrillators in Scotland's ambulance fleet – helping us improve survival rates – nationwide - for heart attacks.
"And just this week, the go ahead given to Raigmore Hospital to buy the equipment to bring life-saving state-of-the-art radiotherapy treatment to Inverness, for the first time.
"Giving the people of the Highlands local access to the very best cancer treatment and care.
"In the face of the biggest cut in our budget since devolution, these are our priorities and I have no doubt Scotland's priorities too.
"Let Labour campaign for an airlink– delegates, we choose Scotland's NHS.
"And delegates, when we came to office, 260,000 Scottish pupils were being taught in schools that were well past their best. That was a national disgrace and the legacy of a decade of Labour rule.
"In our first two years, we have lifted 100,000 young Scots out of the worst condition schools. And through our partnership with Scotland's local authorities, I can reveal today that by the end of the next school year a further 30,000 Scottish children will be lifted out of the worst condition schools into first class accommodation.
"The SNP – in our first term - cutting by half the number of pupils left in poor condition schools.
"The SNP sorting out the legacy of eight wasted Labour-Liberal years.
"Delegates, we are the party of Scotland's NHS and Scottish education.
"And we are the party of jobs and recovery.
"Since the first signs of recession, we have been working hard to protect and create jobs and support our communities.
"We have been investing in education, in skills and in the industries that will deliver a more prosperous future.
"Our economic recovery plan is in place and it is working.
"And this government will work flat out to bring new jobs to Scotland.
"And delegates, I am delighted to announce today the most recent RSA awards for 32 businesses across Scotland.
"£19 million from the Scottish Government, supporting projects with planned investment of over £70 million.
"Projects in Dundee, in Paisley, in Fife, in Annan, in Glasgow, in Girvan, in Edinburgh, LifeScan here in Inverness, in Fraserburgh, Stirling, Dalgety Bay, Glenrothes, Aberdeen and East Kilbride - projects with the potential to safeguard and create almost 2,500 jobs across Scotland.
"Delegates, we've got what it takes to drive recovery for all of Scotland.
"And yes there is much more to do and yes we need more powers to achieve it.
"Independence is the key to Scotland's future and Scotland's success.
"Delegates, there isn’t one single reason for independence. There are more than 5 million reasons why Scotland needs independence.
"For the people many, who have waited a life time – for those, with a life time ahead. Each and every one, has a stake in the future only independence can bring.
"A future where our nation enjoys equality and opportunity. With no limits on what, together, we can achieve.
"Delegates, the people of Scotland will have their say.
"And we will offer a new relationship on these isles, a relationship of equals, a new, modern partnership, a social union that cements the friendship and bonds that have been built up and frees Scotland to flourish.
"A partnership that means we work together when that is right and take our own path when that is in Scotland's best interests.
"Our own path towards prosperity - so jobs are not lost from Scotland because we can't compete.
"Our own path towards greater security – with our natural wealth invested in an Energy Fund – providing strength, stability, and protection for future generations.
"And our own path towards peace – free to remove the obscenity of Trident from Scotland's shores.
"After ten years of devolution, the time is coming for this next step forward.
"Because, Scotland's has got what it takes – for independence."
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