Our ambitions for UK in 2017
As we enter the new year I am more motivated than ever to tackle the challenges that Scotland faces head on.
Last year was a positive year for Liberal Democrats as we started winning again.
Our wins in the May elections, our victory in local council elections and our stunning win in Richmond were signs of progress.
Those wins combined with our thousands of new members means the we are back.
We started winning again because people want champions for an open, tolerant, generous, internationalist, progressive kind of country.
This year our ambitions are for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union, Scotland to remain in the UK and Scotland to adopt a progressive programme to make us the best again.
Since the vote on June 23 Liberal Democrats have become unique in Scotland. We are the only party that is Pro-UK, Pro-EU and Progressive and will continue to fight that case.
My colleagues and I will make the powerful case for a Brexit Deal Referendum on the terms of the deal.
It would only be right for voters to have the final say rather than just signing a blank cheque for the prime minister to agree any deal she likes no matter what the consequences.
Liberal Democrats will also oppose Scottish independence. Scotland’s place is with our partners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and not furthering the divide in our country.
We need to put the politics of division behind us and focus on making Scotland a better country to live in.
The rise of nationalism that led to the Brexit vote cannot be answered by the nationalism of the SNP.
Finally, 2017 is our year to secure a progressive programme for the governance of our country. Liberal Democrats will seek to negotiate a Scottish budget that delivers a transformational investment in education, a step change in mental health services and a package to tackle climate change.
We want Scotland to have the best education system, the best services for people who need mental health support and the best programme to tackle climate change.
Liberal Democrats will continue the fight for the UK united within Europe and a Scotland that is progressive and outward looking. Unpicking the EU and UK should come after a referendum on its terms say the Lib Dems