Lib Dem Christmas message

12.28.45pm GMT Wed 23rd Dec 2009

Speaking on Christmas Eve, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott said:

“Scottish Liberal Democrats have ended 2009 very strongly and can look forward with confidence to 2010.

“In the last month of the year our candidate Ashay Ghai gained the Bearsden South council seat from the Conservatives. It added to the gain of the Conservatives’ fourth safest seat in Scotland earlier in the year by Rosemary Bruce in a fantastic win in Aboyne and Deeside.

“Hundreds of people have joined the Scottish Liberal Democrats this year. Our recruitment at universities has been record-breaking. We lead the debate on the campuses of Scotland. And the growing numbers of Liberal Youth members in Scotland are playing an ever larger – and very welcome - part in our work.

“And we end the year having set the political pace on our campaign for a fairer society. In Scotland we are winning the argument that there needs to be restraint on the pay and bonuses on those at the very top of the public sector in order to keep jobs and services going for those at the bottom of the income scale, not least the record numbers of young unemployed.

“Across the UK our tax plans will see the threshold for income tax raised to £10,000. This will save most earners £700 a year and will take 530,000 Scots out of income tax completely. We can pay for this by closing the loopholes used by the very wealthy to avoid paying their fair share.

“Next year, 2010, will be the deciding point for people to choose a fairer society and a sustainable economy by backing the Liberal Democrats. It is a strong message that will inspire people across Scotland and we can work hard to the General Election with confidence.”