FOR THE ONE
BLUEPRINT FOR THE COUNTRY’S FUTURE
industry. He added: “We’re offering a radical agenda for change – we’re ta lk ing conf idently about public ownership. “The Scottish Government talk about public ownership of bus services as a last resor t – well , I think it should be a first resort. “I don’t say that in the abstract because I know how successful it has been in Edinburgh. “There’s no dividend payments to shareholders, directors’ bonuses or anything like that – everything goes back into the service and for that reason it is the best in the country. “If we rely on the market alone we may squander national assets. “In the North Sea, for example, decommissioning work is all too often going overseas. “One of the big problems with the renewable s indus t r y meanwhile is how little work is coming to Scotland despite huge public subsidies. “There’s a strategic role for the public sector to make sure there is a supply chain benefit and jobs dividend when we are putting public money into projects. “And there’s a case to look at whether there’s a public company who could operate in the North Sea alongside the private sector.” Leonard’s radical agenda does not however stretch to Scot t ish independence. He made clear his opposition to a second referendum – even distancing himself from Jeremy Corbyn’s suggestion it was up to the Scottish Parliament to decide whether to hold one.
He added: “I think if ever there was going to be a second referendum you would need both UK and Scottish agreement on how that would work.
“In 2014, we had the Edinburgh Agreement and without making too forceful an analogy, we can see what has happened in Catalonia.
“I ’ m absolutely against a rerun. We had a referendum in 2014 and the will of the people was expressed.”
His aversion extends to another referendum the Brexit vote – despite a poll last week showing most Scots want one.
He added: “I campaigned to remain in the EU but I respect the result and I don’t think politicians should play fast and loose with that.
“There is sti l l an opportunity for a deal with a customs union that would allow for a soft border in Northern Ireland and would allow a free flow of goods.
“It wou ld be a negotiated customs union and ( Labour Brexit secretary) Keir Starmer has spoken about having alignment with the single market.
“If Theresa May can’t get a deal through parliament it will create a constitutional crisis and a general election will have to be called.”
Leonard also spoke of his admiration for party leader Jeremy Corbyn – but insisted he is his own man in Scotland.
He added: “I first met him in 1989 and, since my election, he has been up here a few times to campaign because he recogni ses the importance of Scotland if he is going to get to 10 Downing Street.
“I have a huge respect for him and we work well together but I am quite sure there will be times when we will take a different view of things.”
Leonard also denied allegations of anti-Semitism made against Corbyn.
He added: “Jeremy is not antiSemitic – this is a man who has spent his political career fighting racism.
“The Labour Party do have to get out and win back the confidence of the Jewish community.
“There has been a shaking of their confidence and whether that has been directed, or it is just a feeling people have got, we need to restore that trust. “We need also to have space in the Labour Party to discuss the Middle East and the relationship b e twe e n Israel and Palestine.”
While he has lived in Scotland for many y e a r s , L e ona rd confirmed England was still his team when it came to football.
He added: “I watched most of England’s games in the World Cup. I will support Scotland in every game bar one.
“I real ly do hope Scotland qualify for the Euros.”
Work and jobs are all too often going overseas I’m against a rerun. The people had their say in 2014