Cheaper energy costs could be “transformational” for Scotland’s economy, John Swinney has said, claiming this could provide the country with “prosperity and security” in an “ever more uncertain world”.
The First Minister told how a “golden combination” of greater control over Scotland’s energy, together with a return to the European Union – both of which he said could be achieved with independence – are critical to Scotland’s future economic success.
He told business leaders at the CBI Scotland annual lunch that reduced energy costs “can and should be as transformational for Scotland’s economy” as lower corporation tax costs were for Ireland.
In what was his first keynote speech since being reinstalled as First Minister this week, he hailed the potential of Scotland having “control over our own energy resources and a restored membership of the EU”.
This is “of course what is on offer with independence for our nation”, he said.
While he did speak about independence, most of the speech was squarely focused on business – with an admission from him that “quite simply, government in Scotland needs to work better”.
Mr Swinney vowed delivering increased economic growth would be “at the heart of the Scottish Government’s agenda” over the next five years at Holyrood.
While he accepted “turbulent times” such as the current conflict in the Gulf could “push us back or, worse, knock us of course”, the First Minister said his Government has a “responsibility to set a clear course”.
He promised a range of economic policies to “enable us to make the most of very many economic opportunities we enjoy here in Scotland”.
The speech came just days after he was voted in as First Minister by MSPs at Holyrood, with Mr Swinney telling the event securing his own personal mandate in the recent election had made him “even more determined to lead our nation on an upward path”.
I want my leadership over these next five years to be a time of ambition and possibility
The SNP leader said: “We have had too many years where hope has been in short supply.
“I want my leadership over these next five years to be a time of ambition and possibility.”
He said he wants to “create a sense of national purpose to make Scotland a more successful country”.
As part of efforts to achieve that, he said he and his ministers will engage “substantively” with Scotland’s businesses over the next five years.
Speaking directly to business leaders, Mr Swinney told them: “You are invited to engaged with my Government, with me, my ministers and my officials.”
Businesses should tell ministers about the “barriers to success” and what measures are needed to grow the economy, with the SNP leader telling them: “I give you the assurance that your voice will be heard.”
He made clear he does not regard the SNP’s lack of a majority at Holyrood as an “impediment to making progress to make Scotland a more successful country”, stressing the “enthusiasm” of his Government to work with other parties in the Parliament to “help build a more successful future”.
On planning – an area where businesses have raised concerns about delays to developments – he promised that in the first 100 days, his Government will work with others to “map out the further improvements that are necessary if the planning system is to better support growth and investment”.
He also directly addressed the issue of business rates, amid fears from many sectors about the impact of rising charges.
Recognising the “strong and deeply concerned views” from business, the First Minister vowed ministers would “engage urgently, within the first 100 days of the Government, to identify the early steps we can take to address these concerns”.
CBI Scotland director Michelle Ferguson welcomed the First Minister’s remarks.
She said: “To address an audience of some of Scotland’s leading businesses so early in the new term shows just how important an issue the economy is, and will be, in the coming Parliament.
“The First Minister spoke warmly about working with business to deliver the economic growth that Scotland needs.
“I look forward to meeting with him again in the days and weeks ahead to discuss how we can build a competitive and dynamic economy that delivers for the whole of Scotland.”