Scottish Conservatives seek more ambition on energy efficiency

Ruth Davidson has unveiled the Scottish Conservative plan to lead a strong opposition to the SNP. Davidson declared:

“As much as I would like to imagine myself First Minister in a few weeks’ time, with my new cabinet around me, I know that this is not the job the majority of Scots have in mind for me. There is an important vacancy in Scottish politics that I, along with my team, are best placed to fill. And that is the vacancy for a strong opposition.” “Too often over recent years, our case for the Union has simply been a matter of picking at the flaws of independence. Of dissecting the numbers, rubbishing the projections or disputing proposals. Too often we have failed to make the case for why our family of nations works. And the legacy from the referendum is that we on the pro-UK side have allowed ‘No thanks’ to be seen as a constant negative.” “If we are to counter the SNP’s mis-information, this must change. The case for independence is dead. The case for the Union must now be made.” In addition Davidson set out a 10-point programme of area they would challenge the SNP and call for change. They include:

1. Creating a “transformational” plan to invest more in mental health services within the NHS.

2. Investing in a new Crisis Family fund to replace the discredited Named Persons law.

3. Campaigning for competitive income tax rates, with evidence provided by a new shadow Council of Economic Advisers.

4. Backing vocational education, and urging the SNP to reverse college cuts.

5. Empowering school leaders so they have more control over their budgets and curriculum.

6. Making childcare more flexible, and handed more hours for disadvantaged children aged 1 and 2.

7. Halving the disability employment gap, so that disabled people have the chance to work if they wish.

8. Tackling anti-social behaviour and focussing on rehabilitation in prisons.

9. Building 100,000 new homes and rebuilding empty properties.

10. Investing more in energy efficiency so that ‘every home is a warm home’.

Davidson continued:

“A staggering 1 in 4 of all Scots experience a mental health problem, sometimes with knock-on effects to physical health, personal relationships as well as work. Waiting times for treatment are still too high, with up to a third of people having to wait for over 4 and a half months in some health boards. We need change. We need parity of esteem between mental and physical health. We need targeted funding which delivers a fundamental change in how we support those with mental health problems. So today we are arguing for an additional £300m to be invested in improving mental health treatment over the next Parliament.” “I know that there are many people who have never voted for us before – or ever thought they’d consider it. Who are weighing us up to see if we are ready – if we are worthy – of their ballot. I say to them today. I will work for you. I will serve you with every ounce of determination, skill, tenacity and moral courage I possess. I won’t carp from the sidelines, but I will challenge, I will press, I will scrutinize and I will offer alternatives to make our county work better.”