Jim Murphy: Scotland's needs at the very heart of the Queen's Speech

Published on Wednesday 3 December 2008 21:15

The most 'Scottish' legislative plan since devolution highlights the strength of the Union, argues JIM MURPHY

YESTERDAY, in the Queen's Speech debate, Gordon Brown made an announcement benefiting thousands of homeowners in Scotland that showed once and for all why we are stronger together and weaker apart. Building on our previous support for homeowners, he announced that households that experience a redundancy or significant loss of income as a result of the downturn will be able to defer a proportion of their interest payments for up to two years while they get their family finances back on track – plans that are already backed by the major banks.

Of course, our aim, through a range of measures to revitalise the economy, is to make sure as few homeowners as possible find themselves in these circumstances, but this announcement now provides the ultimate insurance policy.

This came after the government unveiled the most "Scottish" Queen's Speech since devolution at the State Opening of Parliament. Eleven new bills were announced, and all 11 will apply to Scotland, plus two that were carried over from last session.

The 56th speech of Her Majesty's reign included more UK-wide legislation than even some pre- devolution legislative programmes, which sometimes included only a handful of Scotland-only bills. Some of these bills are in reserved areas, but many of them will apply in Scotland with the co-operation of the Scottish Government.

In some areas, such as the equality and marine bills, the Scottish Government has already signalled that it intends to work with us. In others – like welfare reform – we intend to seek their support.

In order for the programme to deliver what is intended to improve the lives of Scots, we will need a spirit of renewed co- operation between Westminster and Holyrood, but I am very hopeful we can achieve our goals. The Scottish people expect no less and will not thank us for failing to work together, particularly in difficult economic circumstances.

And make no mistake: reinforcing the economy was at the very heart of this Queen's Speech. Since devolution, Scotland has had two governments and we have also two parliaments. Last week the focus was on the House of Commons and the Chancellor's Pre-Budget Report, which will inject 2 billion into Scotland's economy, representing decisive action to help Scottish families, pensioners and businesses.

Yesterday the focus was, rightly, again on the UK government and UK parliament, which continue to legislate for Scotland in many ways. These bills will support the measures in the Pre-Budget Report by bolstering the banking sector, supporting the most vulnerable groups in society and helping people get back into work.

But they will do more than just help us weather the current economic situation. The State Opening shows Britain at its best, with a historic ceremony that brings Whitehall alive, but also among the pomp and pageantry the legislative programme is about values – about fair rules, fair chances and fair futures for the whole of the UK, as the Prime Minister set out earlier this week.

The Welfare Reform Bill, for example, is enormously ambitious. It will introduce a new approach, with welfare customers being supported as individuals, rather than as amorphous groups.

For example, the bill will enable greater choice and control for disabled people over the resources invested in them. We also want to do more to support those on incapacity benefit owing to drug addiction, as more than 51,000 people in the UK are claiming support because of a drugs problem.

The Saving Gateway Accounts Bill will create a new national scheme that aims to kick-start a saving habit by offering incentives to save to around eight million people on lower incomes. We estimate about 725,000 people in Scotland will be eligible to open an account, with the first available in 2010. This scheme will enable a whole generation of Scots to lay the foundations for their future.

We are also pressing ahead with the Banking Bill, which is especially important for Scotland where the financial services industry accounts for more than 7 per cent of GDP. Alongside this we will take action to improve the competitiveness of the UK's economy and ensure fair chances for all. The Children, Skills and Learning Bill will extend to Scotland a new right to request time for training, which employers must consider.

The Local Democracy, Economic Regeneration and Construction Bill will extend devolved measures to Scotland, which will improve legislation on commercial contracts to improve cash flow and a fairer system for construction companies, which is particularly important for small and medium construction companies.

The programme will also include measures to implement a firm but fair immigration system, something in which we all share a common interest across the UK.

The Home Office has consulted on introducing earned citizenship – where a new immigrant gradually earns their entitlement to the full range of rights that existing UK citizens enjoy – and found that 70 per cent supported the idea that migrants should "earn" the right to citizenship. There is strong public support for this in Scotland.

The Borders, Immigration and Citizenship Bill will also consolidate the UK Borders Agency, a new global organisation securing our border with 25,000 staff and a presence in 135 countries.

And now the programme has been set out, I also want to hear Scotland's voice. In the months ahead, the UK government will organise events throughout Scotland to listen to views on the proposals announced yesterday – but also about other important steps we can take to help in people's everyday lives.

I won't just be meeting those who regularly engage with government. I will also be meeting people directly affected by our legislation, to hear first-hand what impact this programme will have in Scotland. I can't meet all 725,000 who will benefit from the Savings Gateway scheme, but it won't be for a lack of trying.

&#149 Jim Murphy is the Secretary of State for Scotland.