Debate shows only Labour has a radical plan

Sir, - The leaders’ debate hosted by STV may have been too long and too confrontational, but it did highlight one key fact – only Scottish Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Greens stand prepared to use the powers coming to Holyrood.

All have put forward a plan to tax those who can afford it a little more and invest that money in cutting inequality in Scotland.

One could argue that the Liberal Democrats don’t go far enough, the Scottish Greens are unrealistic or that Kezia Dugdale is being too ambitious.

However, it is clear that these parties have a radical a vision for Scotland.

In contrast, the Scottish Tories and the SNP appear happy with the status quo.

Neither appears to really want to upset the approach that clearly is not working for so many Scots.

Both are doggedly trying to appeal to middleclass Scots while telling the rest of us that public services can be improved without real-terms increases in spending.

Both refuse to tax the richest 1% even a penny more.

Indeed, a neoliberal consensus appears to have established itself at the heart of Scotland’s political establishment.

While this may be depressing for many leftleaning Scots, there is a glimmer of hope.

It is a fact that the SNP political agenda, like Tony Blair’s, is driven by focus groups.

These are clearly alerting Nicola Sturgeon the Scottish Labour’s progressive vision is gaining traction with voters.

What else can explain why the First Minister chose to question Kezia Dugdale on the 2014 independence referendum and not her positive vision for Scotland?

While this does not signal that an avalanche of voters is heading the way of Scottish Labour, it does perhaps show people are willing to listen and that arguments are being won. Dr Scott Arthur, 27 Buckstone Gardens, Edinburgh

Picture: PA. Willie Rennie, Nicola Sturgeon, Kezia Dugdale, Ruth Davidson and Patrick Harvie – the leaders of the five main Scottish parties.