Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Thankless achievements of our political leaders
It’s 20 years since we voted for devolution and a whole generation have now grown up not knowing what it was like to be solely governed by and from Westminster.
The SNP has been in government in Scotland since 2007.
Sometimes when I hear members of the other parties talk, I am reminded of that classic scene from Monty Python’s Life of Brian – “What have the Romans ever done for us?”
But, of course, like that scene, the question is ultimately flawed because even the most fervent opponent of the SNP would have to admit privately that we have a pretty impressive track record.
The new M8, M73, M74 infrastructure project and the Queensferry Crossing that led to the creation of thousands of jobs and a travel network that will boost the economy for another century.
The new school builds around the country that have improved the learning environments for our children.
The new build state-of-the-art hospitals, with one for Monklands in the pipeline.
The 68,000 affordable new homes that have been built so far, the introduction of the community payback order to our justice system, the pupil equity fund to target raising attainment, no tuition fees for our students.
The list really does go on and on and it is beyond the scope of this column for me to do our record true justice.
But in the spirit of that famous movie scene let me continue with this; apart from the motorways, the Queensferry Crossing, the new schools and hospitals, the investment in our young people and progressive changes to the justice system what have the SNP ever done for us?
Of course I’m being a bit tongue in cheek here.
I understand that opposition parties have to say that the SNP have done nothing, whether based on facts or not, otherwise they wouldn’t be opposition, would they?
And, of course, like all other countries in this financial climate there are challenges the Scottish Government faces in education, in health and in other areas.
Unfortunately, we don’t have full control over our own purse strings and levers but with the powers we do have, we consistently fare better in these devolved areas than other parts of the UK.
Unemployment is lower here, A&E waiting times are much shorter and schools generally perform better at exam time, to name but a few.
And let’s not make any mistake about it, this precious devolution that has improved the lives of so many and mitigated against the worst of the UK government’s polices is under threat.
I am calling on people from all political persuasions – SNP, Labour, Scottish Tory, and others – to stand united and not allow this reckless UK Tory government under Theresa May to push through a Brexit bill that diminishes the power of our parliament and attacks the very fundamental and democratic principles our devolution is based on.
Twenty years on I’m sure this is something many of us can agree on.