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Government points the way ahead
23/05/2007
First Minister Alex Salmond today spelled out the strategic priorities for the new Scottish Government.
In his first major policy speech in the Holyrood chamber the FM said the strategy included:
- the appointment of a Council of Economc Advisers to provide independent advice on making the most of opportunities in the global economy
- Scotland to be nuclear free and to take the lead in the 'green energy revolution' and the development of renewable technology
- the abolition of tolls on the Forth and Tay road bridges
Mr Salmond said:
"Scotland's new politics starts now. Let's start as we mean to continue - with respect for diversity of opinion.
"On behalf of the Government, I intend to lay out what we see as a range of policy initiatives. In doing so, I explicitly recognise that the Parliamentary arithmetic requires those priorities to be a first draft and not a final position.
"Good ideas, well researched and well-argued will be welcomed and considered. If the challenge for this Government is to share power with Parliament, then the challenge for the Parliament in return is for every party and every member to remain open to persuasion."
Read the full text of the FM's speech
On the economy, the FM said:
"The health of the Scottish economy underpins all of our priorities in government. A vibrant, dynamic economy is the beating heart of a successful confident nation.
"I hope to bring forward changes designed to reward energy and creativity, to encourage entrepreneurial spirit and to create an environment within Scottish business can flourish. Economic success is the pre-requisite of every other Governmental priority - whether a world-class education system, a properly funded and respected National Health Service or getting people into employment as a means of fostering a sense of responsibility and social cohesion."
On the subject of energy, Mr Salmond said:
"At some point in the next few weeks we will reach what I intend to call GREEN ENERGY DAY in Scotland. That is the day at which the installed capacity of renewable generation in Scotland will OVERTAKE the installed capacity of nuclear power.
"The current installed capacity of our nuclear stations in 2465 MW. As of today the renewable installed capacity - comprised of hydro, wind, biomass and landfill gas- installed capacity is 2452 MW. In two years time that figure will be a minimum of 3086 MW.
"That is not pie in the sky, not plans for the future but the here and now."
Read Energy Minister Jim Mather's vision for the future of energy in Scotland.
On toll bridges, the FM said:
"I can today confirm the commitment of this Government to remove tolls from the Tay and Forth Bridges. I know and understand that this move is not universally supported in this chamber but I believe that it can carry - as it should carry - majority support. We shall see."
Read the full text of the FM's speech