General Election 2010: Scottish Lib Dems say they will spend to create jobs

Published on Wednesday 21 April 2010 13:29

THE Liberal Democrats today pledged to create thousands of new jobs in Scotland through government spending - if the party was successful in the General Election.

• Tavish Scott launched the Lib Dems manifesto for Scotland in Leith today

Speaking at the launch of the party's manifesto for Scotland in the Port of Leith, Scottish party leader Tavish Scott said a Lib Dem government would increase state spending by 240 million to stimulate employment in sectors including marine technology and offshore energy.

Mr Scott added: "Our plans give the Parliament the money to make that happen.

"Our manifesto provides the means and signals our intent.

"We will take those proposals to the floor of the Scottish Parliament, a parliament that has no majority, and will argue our case for a fairer Scotland.

"It's a fight we are obviously ready for and a fight we are ready to win."

The party spent eight years in a coalition administration with Labour in Holyrood until the SNP won the last Scottish election in 2007.

Mr Scott, MSP for Shetland, said he detected "very strong" support for the party on the door steps since UK leader Nick Clegg's TV debate appearance with Gordon Brown and David Cameron last week.