MSPs mark decade of devolution

The Scottish Parliament can achieve more with more responsibilities, according to SNP depute leader Nicola Sturgeon.

Marking the tenth anniversary of the parliament finally became a reality on 1 July 1999 - when it formally gained the powers to make laws – Ms Sturgeon said:

“We live in tough economic times, yet there is no doubt that Scotland is an infinitely more confident nation than the one which embarked on self-government ten years ago.  The Parliament has many achievements of which the whole nation can be proud, and everyone and all parties have contributed to that process over the past decade.  At present, the SNP Government’s Economic Recovery Programme is supporting 15,000 jobs – and even during these difficult times, Scottish employment, unemployment and economic activity rates are all better than for the UK as a whole.  Ten years ago, the opposite was the case.

“With more responsibilities, the Scottish Parliament and Government can achieve even more – that is the positive view of the people of Scotland, and that is why I believe Scotland is in a process of independence.

“The election two years ago of a party which takes it cue from the people of Scotland – and not its orders from London – was a major step forward for both the Parliament and the independence process.  We now have a First Minister and a Government delivering on Scotland’s priorities, and basing each and every decision on Scottish interests.  We are working hard to earn the trust of the people of Scotland – as a result, Alex Salmond’s leadership ratings are streets ahead of Gordon Brown, and light years ahead of David Cameron, while the SNP are now regularly ahead of the London parties for a Westminster General Election.

“As we move into the second decade of self-government, our nation faces many challenges and opportunities – and we have a government with the vision and ambition to succeed for Scotland, and for Scotland to succeed.”

The parliament was reconvened in 1999 after it had been adjourned in 1707 under the Acts of Union.