My Federal Conference Speech, Bournemouth 20th September 2009

Conference,

In my mind there is no question that Scottish Devolution has been a resounding success.

As the preamble of the Calman Commission Report highlights,

‘The Scottish Parliament has embedded itself in both the constitution of the UK and the consciousness of Scottish people.’

Furthermore it has delivered for the people of Scotland.

My reason for addressing Conference this morning however, is, in urging Conference to support this motion, to urge The Scottish Liberal Democrat Party, and, in turn the Federal Party, to take its support of the Calman Commission Report to its rightful conclusion – to undermine the SNP campaign to bring Independence to Scotland.

As the constituency organiser for Edinburgh West where we are witnessing the rise of a largely unidentifiable Nationalist vote, I think it is imperative that we as a party work together to devise a clear message in promoting the recommendations of Calman.

The bottom line is, Scotland doesn’t need Independence, doesn’t want Independence, and won’t benefit from Independence.

Let’s cut the jargon, shelve the phraseology ‘Greater Fiscal Autonomy’ and ‘Home Rule’ and be more articulate in telling the voters of Scotland how the Liberal Democrats will benefit their lives.

As the Calman Report states,

‘It is possible to have a distinct Scottish political identity, and differing Scottish policy choices, without undermining the essential unity of the United Kingdom in relation to matters that are critical to all its people.’

I urge Conference to support the motion.