The Rt Hon Malcolm Bruce MP

May column (2)

Coalition Government makes a promising start

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For the first time in most people's memory Britain has a coalition government setting out a five year programme of reform and reconstruction. Together the two parties attracted nearly sixty per cent of the vote- more than any single party government has ever come close to.

In Scotland the combined share was 36 per cent, representing more votes than the minority SNP administration secured three years ago.

The reason for pointing this out is to dispel the argument that somehow the coalition lacks legitimacy or a democratic mandate.

The developments that followed the election on May 6 took a number of twists and turns. The legacy of the Thatcher years still show deep scars in Scotland and many people resented that Liberal Democrats and Conservatives should even talk to each other let alone form a coalition.

However, many people have since told me that they welcome the outcome and acknowledge there is a very strong Liberal Democrat flavour running right through the Government in terms of both policy and personnel. This is not a Conservative Government. It is a Liberal Democrat / Conservative coalition and that is something very different.

The first priority of the new Government is to start tackling the UK's record and unsustainable deficit. This will not be easy but I hope and believe a broad based coalition will tackle it more fairly and sensitively than a one-party Government could ever hope to achieve. Already it has been agreed that a proportion of the savings will be set aside to protect jobs and help those on low incomes.

The first round of cuts has already been announced. At this stage Scotland is facing only half the level of cuts England will endure and can defer them until next year. Unsurprisingly the SNP administration, which has shown itself to be financially populist but incompetent, has chosen to take this option meaning deeper and more painful cuts later will be inevitable.

Nevertheless in spite of the deficit reduction, there is good news for Scotland in the new Government's plans. Raising the tax threshold level to £10,000 starting next year will benefit almost everyone in Scotland. The transfer of additional powers to the Scottish Parliament including access to borrowing and income tax revenues will provide flexibility and accountability.

Priority to helping the unemployed and those on low incomes will help and stopping child detention for immigration purposes will end the scandal of Dungavel.

Scotland stands to benefit from support for green energy and home energy efficiency and I for one welcome the commitment to invest in high speed rail and scrap the third runway at Heathrow.

Of course the coalition must be judged by results but it has got off to a good start.

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New Energy Minister checks out Aberdeen's key role

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I was delighted to accompany the new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne, on his visit to Aberdeen last week as he emphasised his appreciation of the key role the North East plays in the UK's energy future.

Chris visited the All Energy Exhibition and saw the impressive new technology on display and the exciting crossover between offshore oil and gas and offshore renewable which offers bright prospects for the future of our region.

For this to be fully realised we need a tax regime that encourages exploration and development for oil and gas and an electricity market that reflects the costs associated with marine renewables, In addition, we need the onshore infrastructure to support development including the completion of the long overdue road and rail links.

My colleagues and I will make sure that Chris and other Government ministers are fully apprised of this and will press them to make the right response.

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Laurencekirk success points way for Kintore

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I was interested, but not surprised, to note that Laurencekirk Station has achieved almost double the forecast passenger numbers in its first year of operation. This is now the normal outcome of new rail developments and makes me frustrated that Transport Scotland insists on judging new rail investment proposals against much more conservative business plans.

Since Dyce station was re-opened 20 years ago it has exceeded forecast numbers and I have no doubt that Kintore will do the same. The Laurencekirk example is further pressure for the go ahead for Kintore.

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Algy leaves an unfillable gap

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I was sorry to hear this week of the passing of Algy Watson, a founder Baillie of Bennachie and an enthusiast for all things connected with our mini-mountain. I was glad to be at a tribute to him and James Mackay a few years ago and to offer him support when he stood for the council.

There were so many events at which Algy could be relied on to be present and his absence will leave an unfillable gap.

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Time for Union over Terrace project

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The controversy over the proposed redevelopment of Union Terrace Gardens passed another hurdle last week with the approval in principle by Aberdeen City Council.

There is a long way to go before any scheme for redesigning the centre of Aberdeen can be concluded especially in the present financial climate when public funding is in short supply. The city council can certainly not afford to make any significant contribution.

It is unfortunate that the proposals degenerated into a conflict between ACSEF backed Sir Ian Wood and the Peacock Arts proposal.

If the final outcome is to work then it will need a much wider base of popular approval and that is what any of the designers contributing to the development of the idea need to bear in mind.

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Residents impatient over flood relief

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Aberdeenshire Council presented its preliminary findings on a flood relief scheme for Huntly at a public meeting I attended this week. The council have, with remarkable speed produced a consultant's report on the best way to prevent a recurrence of the floods that shocked the town last November.

Understandably, local residents want reassurance that they will not suffer such a life threatening disaster again. The council explained to me that the cost of the scheme estimated at around £1 to £1.5 million would probably be justified given the damage threatened by any future flooding.

However, it will take time, and residents will need to make their own arrangements making use of the advance warning scheme to determine what action to take if new floods threaten.

It is to be hoped that the process will be taken forward as quickly as possible.