By Bill Heaney
Labour today unveiled a blueprint for delivering economic growth in Scotland ‘to repair the damage inflicted on businesses by a failing SNP and Green government’.
As Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar visited successful industries, the party has published the document entitled: Building a Business Case for Scotland.
With the SNP government sending out the message that Scotland is closed to business, Labour say they have detailed how they will build an alternative ‘business case for Scotland’ to encourage investment and innovation and create more jobs.
Despite economic growth being vital to deliver social change, the SNP government has failed to grow our economy over its 17 years in power, according to Labour.
And now there are Green ministers in the government who are openly opposed to economic growth.
Scottish Labour’s annual conference in Glasgow this week will prioritise economic issues, including extensive engagement with business leaders ahead of the general election and the 2026 Holyrood election.
Businesses such as Sweeney’s Cruises on Loch Lomondside will receive backing from Scottish Labour.
Scottish Labour’s report is the first in a series of documents that will be developed in partnership with business.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar writes in the foreword: “Scotland is brimming with potential. Throughout our history, Scotland has been an internationalist, outward looking nation that has punched well above its weight across the UK and on the world stage – and we can be again.”
He has accused the SNP/Green government of ‘failing’ businesses, and ‘choking off opportunity and hurting families and companies in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis and a cost-of-doing-business crisis’.
Mr Sarwar says: “It is time to unleash the true economic potential of Scotland and its people.”
Setting out the major theme for this week’s conference, he has written: “In the Scottish Labour Party we believe in growth, and we recognise that businesses have to be successful in order for them to create the jobs our country needs – and for us to build the strong economy our country needs.”
The report outlines the vast array of levers already available to the Scottish Government to deliver economic growth with its existing powers – people and skills, regional development, technology, investment and innovation agencies, and regulation.
The document focuses on three key areas that have the greatest potential for growth: the green economy, technological innovation, and ‘Brand Scotland’ – tourism and hospitality, the creative industries, and food and drink.
It goes on to set out several commitments to businesses and workers in Scotland, including the change that a UK Labour government will deliver, and condemns the SNP’s approach of “interminable consultation that appears disconnected from outcomes”.
The report comes after Scottish Labour appointed an independent advisory board for economic growth last year, made up of experts, who were asked for independent input and met collectively to address the economic challenges and opportunities facing Scotland.
The representatives from the world of finance, energy, food and drink, arts and culture, and the trade union movement, have provided deep insight, knowledge and understanding.
Commitments contained in the Labour blueprint include:
- Simplify Scotland’s enterprise agency landscape so that it is better aligned to deliver innovation, upskill workers and attract investment.
- Embed technology across the economy and in Scottish public services to support excellence and ensure future generations are tech and business ready.
- Develop a clear skills plan with transition pathways into the green economy, while maintaining international competitiveness to safeguard the gold standard skills base in the north-east.
- Work with businesses and educational institutions to address skills gaps and drive excellence through clear career pathways and specialist training routes for those in hospitality, tourism, and food and drink.
- Partner with business to maximise the opportunities that flow from financial services’ deep institutional links in Scotland and our geographic proximity to London.
- Provide clarity for businessowners and households on national retrofitting standards with clear guidance on technology, finance, and contractors.
- Establish GB energy in Scotland, a publicly-owned energy generation company that will drive forward the planning of the UK’s energy system, support new technology, and attract global investment.
- Use the Scotland Office, UK embassies, and diaspora to capitalise on Scotland’s significant soft power and promote Brand Scotland on a global stage.
Writing in the foreword headed ‘Building a business case for Scotland’, Anas Sarwar says: “With the vast powers available to Scottish ministers, it is vital that we debate how to deliver economic growth. That is what Scottish businesses deserve.
“In the Scottish Labour Party we believe in growth, and we recognise that businesses have to be successful in order for them to create the jobs our country needs – and for us to build the strong economy our country needs.
“That is what delivers the tax receipts we need to deliver the policy reform we want to implement.
“But the current Scottish Government has resorted to using income tax as a substitute for economic growth. This is choking off opportunity and hurting families and companies in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis and a cost-of-doing business crisis.
“We will road test our ideas in opposition and then ask the people of Scotland to give us the opportunity to deliver them in government.
“This will be a plan based on partnership to build a strong economy, provide better jobs, and create more jobs – in every part of the country.”
Top picture: Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar in conference mode.