Economy top of agenda at Lib Dem conference

Published on Friday 13 March 2009 08:46

Scottish Liberal Democrats will debate measures to revive the economy when they gather today for their annual spring conference.

The three-day event will discuss a detailed package of measures but the party's recent call for a 2p Holyrood tax cut is not in the list.

Instead they will call on Westminster to cut taxes for low and middle earners while raising them for the rich.

Tavish Scott, facing his first spring conference since being elected party leader last year, said the 2p cut call was no longer on the table as there is no way of pushing it further in Holyrood without support from parties.

The conference will be dominated by the economy and by the Lib Dems call for devolution to shift towards a federal model, with Holyrood getting more legislative and financial powers.

But first debate today will be on a ban on tobacco vending machines as part of a wider package of measures to discourage cigarette sales.

Party leader Nick Clegg will not be attending the conference in Perth.

His wife Miriam gave birth last month to their third child.

His place at Perth will be taken by deputy leader Vince Cable, who addresses the conference on Saturday.

Mr Scott said before the conference: "Liberal Democrats have been realistic, plain-speaking and focused on the practical action needed to tackle the biggest recession for generations.

"The recession is hurting people badly. Just yesterday, Dundee-based firm NCR announced the loss of 250 jobs, a devastating blow for the area.

"This weekend, we will be setting out our practical plan to help families and businesses. By Sunday afternoon we will have shown that we a party with will rebuild the jobs, homes and hopes that recession has destroyed."