Scottish Labour promises to implement key asks from Tom Hunter manifesto

Scottish Labour has pledged to implement Sir Tom Hunter’s pro-business manifesto if it wins the Holyrood elections in May.

Anas Sarwar said he was committed to delivering the calls from one of Scotland’s top business leaders.

They include reforms to business rates, investment in energy and reforming the planning and skills system in Scotland.

The Scottish Labour leader said he would “kickstart a new era of growth” if he became first minister this year.

He also promised to deliver calls from CBI Scotland for investment in transport, planning reform, a housebuilding drive, skills reform, public procurement reform, rates reform and action to promote Scottish goods around the world.

“I think the choice that faces the people of Scotland in three months’ time is now getting clearer and clearer by the day,” Mr Sarwar told a press conference in Edinburgh.

He added: “Today, we’re setting out clear dividing lines on business and growth between ourselves and the SNP.

“As the independent forecasters have already described, we have now over a £1 billion growth gap in Scotland because of the decisions made by this SNP government.”

Mr Sarwar said Labour’s backing of Sir Tom and CBI Scotland set out a “dividing line” between his party and the SNP.

He also said that a Scottish Labour government would back nuclear energy in Scotland – something long opposed by the SNP.

Mr Sarwar went on: “So that’s the choice: more of the same, a third decade of destruction with the SNP or a different kind of future for Scotland, a better future for Scotland with me.

“That is the straight choice that the people of Scotland face on May 7 and it’s a campaign we absolutely relish.”

The SNP has been approached for comment.