Alex Salmond says free services under threat

Universal services are under threat “as never before” and must be protected, the First Minister has said.

Alex Salmond is still hopeful over a currency union. Picture: TSPL

Alex Salmond spoke out before a speech to the Scottish Trades Union Congress, defending policies such as free personal care and fee-free university tuition.

He attacked comments made last year by Labour leader Johann Lamont in which she called for an end to a “something-for-nothing culture” and argued that taxes will have to rise or services will be cut.

Mr Salmond said: “Since it was re-established in 1999, the Scottish Parliament has proved itself to be a champion of progressive policies, with successive administrations promoting and defending universal benefits.

Fair

“But those universal services are under threat as never before. Not only are the punitive policies of the current Westminster Government damaging the social fabric of Scotland, our political opponents here in Scotland have said that they regard Scotland as something-for-nothing country.

“Nothing could be further from the truth. Scotland is a something-for-something country, where people contribute to the common good and are entitled to expect something in return.”

The STUC is holding its annual conference in Perth over three days.

Speaking on the eve of the event, general secretary Grahame Smith criticised the UK Government for “weakening” protection in employment law.

“Trade union reps represent one of the largest groupings of voluntary workers in the country, undertaking millions of additional hours a year and contributing significantly to the success of the economy through ensuring fair treatment for employees,” he said.

“Despite this, the coalition (Government) seems intent on attacking trade union facility time for its own employees and encouraging a cavalier attitude to workplace democracy in the wider economy.”

Unions maintain “far more positive dialogue” with the Scottish Government, he said.