In this time of crisis, we really must do better
LIKE any kid growing up in the 1980s, I was a big fan of any film by John Hughes, especially Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Or in the case of the Scottish Government, Trains, Ferries and ... well, I’m sure a third one will emerge at some point.
While Nicola Sturgeon might be starring in her own version of Coming To America, the reality is that the people of Scotland have had to endure a mediocre public transport system – more so now that the ScotRail service is being significantly reduced due to a lack of train drivers.
Politically, this week has been very interesting as the SNP claimed that the Scottish Labour Party is doing “back-door deals” with other political parties to be in power in local authorities.
The truth is that the Scottish Labour Party has always recognised and understood the important role that local government plays in delivering frontline services. Against the backdrop of reduced funding from central government, this has been no easy task, but one that the party will continue to deliver on. Having a party in power that wants to deliver for all local residents at a time when there is a cost-of-living crisis has to be welcomed.
The SNP seems to be more interested in attacking opposition parties and political point-scoring rather than talking about what it is going to do to help people and families with the cost-of-living crisis.
So, let’s have that conversation, Nicola, Kate and John. It would be great if you could tell us what you are going to do to help families, people and businesses across Scotland. It seems the party is still attempting to come across as the underdog even though it has been in power for 15 years.
We have rising inflation – currently 9 per cent. Interest rates will undoubtedly go up and taking party politics out of this, this is a very worrying time for people and action is needed now.
If the local election has shown us anything it’s that the Scottish Labour Party is making significant gains.
It’s been a long time coming but the focus is helping people survive this current crisis – not talking about another referendum which, let’s be honest, isn’t going to happen next year. With the next election slated to take place in May 2024, it is likely to be at that point that Nicola Sturgeon will step down from Scottish politics.
While I may disagree with Nicola Sturgeon politically, like her I do want to see what is best for the people of Scotland. But where we differ is that she equates a better Scotland with an independent one – which in my opinion is untrue.
We need a government for everyone, one that will take the tough decisions, not shirk from its responsibilities but also a government that will pursue a progressive radical agenda to ensure that every citizen can maximise their full potential.
Sadly, over the last 15 years, Scotland has been embroiled in a bitter battle of constitutional division that has resulted in a regressive government that was more interested in being popular than doing the right thing – and only when opposition parties apply pressure does it do something, often in the face of a bad headline.
So, let’s talk about the F word – failure. The Scottish Government has failed Scotland on almost every issue you can think of.
Nicola Sturgeon once said “judge me on my record on education”. But I say let’s go further than that – let’s judge them on their record of what they are doing for the people of Scotland. Low attainment levels in schools, an NHS in crisis, low confidence among the business community, a housing crisis that will get worse if nothing is done to build more homes, a government that has no plan for the people of Scotland, and one that will always go back to its default position of pushing for independence.
I believe we can be so much better than this.
Barrie Cunning is managing director of Pentland Communications and a former Scottish Labour Parliamentary candidate