Scottish Labour at 'turning point'

Scottish secretary Des Browne has claimed the Labour Party in Scotland has reached a turning point.

Speaking at the Scottish party conference said that Labour is still governing in Scotland, through legislation passed at Westminster.

 

"We are Scotland's party, we are legislating for Scotland. In the crucial areas of energy, pensions and welfare reform, we are passing the legislation that Scots need.

 

"In fact, we are passing more legislation for Scotland than the minority SNP government.

 

"Twenty-four of the 26 pieces of legislation in the Queens Speech impact on Scotland.

 

"We have already legislated in six devolved areas with the agreement of the Scottish executive, with three areas in the pipeline."

 

Browne went on: "We heard what the people said last year - and we have been listening to them.

 

"This weekend in Aviemore has shown a renewed energy, genuine optimism and an engagement with the challenges that Scotland faces."

 

He also insisted he was a "proud Scot", in the latest of a series of declarations at the conference that the SNP have no monopoly on patriotism.

 

"I am a proud of the Scotland I live and work in today - a Scotland that is open and tolerant, vibrant and successful, growing and prosperous.

 

"A Scotland which the Labour movement has been at the forefront of building over the last decade.

 

"And I am proud of a Scotland which has the confidence in our talent and ability, in our self-belief and ambition that we choose to be part of a strong United Kingdom.

 

"But pride in Scotland, what Scots have achieved and the promise we show for the future is not, and never should be, a narrow and exclusive concept."