Scottish Tories pledge ‘growth test’ for government policies

All government policy would be subject to a “growth test” under a Scottish Tory administration, the party has said.

The key focus of the party, according to business spokesman Murdo Fraser, would centre on increasing economic growth.

The party would also merge Scottish Enterprise, Skill Development Scotland and the Scottish National Investment Bank to form Growth Scotland, within which a dedicated exports division would be formed, while a £500 million Scottish Growth Fund would be formed from the capital investment of three agencies.

Mr Fraser said: “Scotland’s economy has stagnated for years under the dead hand of SNP high taxes and regulation.

“That has to end.

“The next Scottish Government must focus relentlessly on the economy – and that’s why we’d subject every new policy to a growth test.”

He added: “That means providing relief for businesses that have been clobbered by SNP taxes but also simplifying the landscape by merging existing quangos into one agency, Growth Scotland, and providing targeted advice and support for exporters.

“Scottish firms are crying out for help and, as the party of business, the Scottish Conservatives have their back and the back of the hard-working Scots they employ.

“That’s why it’s essential that voters use their peach ballot to back us and stop an SNP majority.”

SNP candidate for Glasgow Easterhouse and Springburn Ivan McKee – who also serves as an economy minister in the Scottish Government – said the Tories should have applied growth tests to proposals from former prime minister Liz Truss.

“The SNP has driven forwarded economic growth in Scotland,” he added.

“Most recent GDP figures show we outperformed the UK as a whole, Scotland has the highest levels of foreign direct investment of anywhere in the UK outside of London, most people are expected to pay less income tax than they would south of the border and two global credit rating agencies have given Scotland a high investment grade matching the UK and higher than some other G7 economies.

“Broken, Brexit Britain is in terminal decline and through a fresh start with independence we can re-join the EU and use our vast energy wealth to unleash economic growth that allows us to build a wealthier and fairer Scotland anew – that future is on the ballot in May and only a vote for the SNP can secure it.”