Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, addressed the Liberal Democrats at their conference in Hamilton on Saturday.
He had a lot to say, none of it complimentary about other political parties in Scotland or in the rest of the UK.
He began: “I caught the sleeper train up here – never the best night’s sleep, but I imagine I had a better one than anyone in the SNP has recently.
“There’s been so much chaos and upheaval that I did find myself wondering who the First Minister would be by the time we pulled in to Glasgow.”
He then went on to attack the Conservatives – his party’s previous coalition partners at Westminster – listing their faults. He said: “A succession of disappointing leaders, mired in scandal. Playing pathetic political games instead of getting things done. Desperately clinging to power by any means possible. All while letting ordinary people down and taking them for granted. It’s all sounding a bit too familiar for the people in this room, isn’t it?
“Because, Conference, whereas we, and the rest of the UK, see the Conservative party as a disgrace…
“The SNP see them as a role model – Tartan Tories indeed.
“Amidst all the uncertainty that this year brings, with no date for an election, we have to watch as the Conservatives tear themselves apart in Westminster and the SNP do the same in Holyrood.”
He then called for both the Conservatives and the SNP to go, meanwhile lauding the efforts of all four Scottish MSPs and the remainder of the Liberal Democrat politicians at Westminster – 15 are MPs and 84 are members of the House of Lords.
But despite these low numbers Sir Ed said they are: “Strong local champions working hard for their communities, and leading the charge on national issues too.
“Just look at the incredible difference that Wendy Chamberlain has made for family carers across the UK with her Carer’s Leave Act, which came into force last month.
“It’s an issue close to my heart. I’ve been a carer for much of my life – first for my mum, then for my Nanna, and now for my son John.
“And I’ve had the privilege of meeting carers across the country, hearing about the amazing work they do looking after their loved ones, but also the massive challenges they face every day.
“So I know how big a difference Wendy’s law will make – to millions of people.”
After citing the case of an an individual carer and her problems with allowances and the UK Government, he turned to The Scottish Government and ferries.
He continued: “Scotland needs change. The UK needs change. And simply installing a new Prime Minister, or a new First Minister, just won’t cut it.
“I would accuse the SNP of rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic… But that would imply that they’re any good at building and launching a seagoing vessel in the first place!
“Liberal Democrats have always been the party of real change.
“Ever since we were founded, our Scottish Party led the campaign for a Scottish Parliament – and twenty-five years ago those dreams were realised.
“In the twenty-five years since, we have led the charge for change in Holyrood – from fair votes to free personal care.
“And it makes me so proud to see Alex and his team continuing that brilliant legacy today.
“Fighting for a fair deal – on the NHS, on schools, on our precious natural environment.
“Alex is the campaigner’s campaigner, and in West Edinburgh they have built the strongest campaigning force in Scottish politics.
“The Scottish Liberal Democrats are the only party fighting for real change for Scotland. And we are the only party fighting for real change right across the UK.
“And that’s why our role is so important. Why it’s crucial that we have more Liberal Democrat MPs, strong in the next Parliament.
“Conference, this is a big year. The SNP and the Tories have shown the Scottish people that they cannot be trusted with the economy, their health, the environment or our place in the world. It has been a long time since either of them represented our proud British values of decency, tolerance and rule of law. And people have had enough. Two tired old parties – out of touch, out of excuses and out of time. And it’s up to us to get them out of office.
“With your help, I firmly believe that we can make this a once-in-a-generation election. Electing a whole new generation of Liberal Democrat MPs…
“To work hard for their communities…
“To lead the charge for real change…
“And to fight for a fair deal.
“I know we can do it. I know you’re up for it. So let’s keep at it. And bring on the General Election!”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
