As Scottish politicians return to work this week following the Christmas recess, they will be faced with a political environment much marred by the events of 2009. With trust between the public and political classes severely damaged, and the UK yet to emerge from recession, politicians of all allegiance will have there work cut out. In a General Election year (likely to be May) the main political party’s will no doubt choose to split their efforts between focusing on Scottish issues and promoting their UK interests ahead of the election.
SNP – Will likely focus on attempting to gain further powers for Holyrood following the publication of the Scottish Government’s National Conversation and the UK Governments report on Calman. Alex Salmond has already written to the Prime Minister outlining how he believes further powers could be devolved before the General Election, with particular reference to drink driving and speed limits.
Other issues on the SNP radar will be attempting to send a ‘Scottish block’ of 20 MP’s to Westminster with the hope it will hold influence in the event of a hung Parliament; continuing to push through its legislative agenda and promoting a sustainable greener economy.
Scottish Labour – Nationally the party is likely to tow the UK party line in the lead up to the General Election. Iain Gray will be keen to stress that only Labour can represent the needs of Scotland at a UK level, while also attempt to emerge from the Secretary of State, Jim Murphy MP, shadow.
In Holyrood Mr. Gray will continue to attack the SNP Government and its so-called ‘broken promises’. Economic recovery and the promotion of Labour values will also take prominent position.
Scottish Liberal Democrats – At a national level will be aiming to assist the UK party gain as many seats as possible to break the red blue – blue red pendulum that currently dominates UK politics.
Tavish Scott will continue to push for a ‘fairer Scotland’ promoting sustainability and opportunity while simultaneously supporting the line that his party is the only viable opposition to the SNP in Scotland.
Scottish Conservatives – It would be a surprise if they did anything to deviate from the UK party line. Annabel Goldie’s main brief will be to improve on the number of Scottish MP’s (currently 1) and build momentum towards the 2011 Scottish Parliament elections.
By Luke
The Garden Lobby 