Findlay calling on reset to Scotland’s economy at Tory conference

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay is set to call for a major reset to make Scotland’s economy grow in a speech at the UK Conservative conference.

Speaking at the conference, he is set to say the SNP has failed to create opportunities and wants to “turn Scotland into a country that rewards skivers, not strivers”.

Mr Findlay will also say a “seismic change” is needed so Holyrood no longer “views tax hikes as virtuous and tax cuts as vulgar”.

His speech will focus on Scotland’s economy, saying the Scottish Conservatives are renewing their focus on growing the economy because that is the key to fixing public services.

Mr Findlay will say: “The SNP’s biggest failure is on the economy. Under the nationalists, there are too few opportunities for the aspirational and ambitious.

“Whole communities are held back. Workers can’t reach their full potential. Entrepreneurial risk-taking is not rewarded. Huge numbers of people suffer a life of reliance on the state. Many families do fine but don’t see any way to do better, no matter how hard they toil.

“Instead of seeking to advance opportunities for everyone who wants to work hard, the SNP want to turn Scotland into a country that rewards skivers, not strivers.

“Tackling Scotland’s economic despair is what the Scottish Conservative Party, under my leadership, is setting out to do.

“We must be the true party of business once again. Always on the side of the entrepreneur, the innovators, the ambitious, the aspirational, the small businesses who make our country tick.

“We will renew our focus on growth and stand for strong Conservative economic values of fiscal responsibility, sound money, efficient spending, self-reliance, more freedom for people to aspire and cutting red tape.

“We will do so because driving up economic growth is key to fixing everything else in Scotland. A stronger economy can bring bills down; unlock faster GP appointments; raise school standards; fix the roads and everything else that needs to change.

“But revitalising our economy is about more than just what Government can do. It’s about what people, families, workers, businesses and entire communities are able to achieve.

“I am calling for a major reset in Holyrood’s economic approach, so that Scotland is once again open for business and opportunities are there for those with the drive to seize them.

“A country that encourages aspiration instead of taxing ambition.

“Where the Scottish spirit of innovation can once again thrive.”

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The Scottish Government has a proven record of prioritising economic growth and attracting investment, which has resulted in Scotland’s tenth year as the top location for UK foreign investment outside of London.

“We remain firmly focused on growing the economy which is the only route to help lift families out of poverty, improve public services and tackle climate change.

“Ultimately, only the powers of independence will allow us to create a wealthier and fairer nation for everyone in Scotland.”

SNP MP Stephen Gethins said: “Under the SNP, GDP per person in Scotland has grown by 10.3% compared to 6.1% for the UK as a whole – mostly under Mr Findlay’s party.

“The greatest reset the Scottish economy needs is a reversal of Brexit, which the Tories imposed on Scotland. A reversal that can now only come about with independence.”

The UK Conservative conference is running from Sunday October 5 to Wednesday October 8 in Manchester.