A Liberal Vision for Scotland

Meeting with Tavish Scott, he comes across as less polished than other politicians I have interviewed, but like other party leaders, appears quietly confident. Conducting our interview over a ‘jammy scone’ in a quiet café, he displays a genuine and affable disposition; characteristics which for many are considered typical of Liberal Democrats. A less favourable projection towards the Party however, perhaps unfairly, is the allegation that behind their enthusiastic goodwill there is little real substance, and as such I am eager to see if his convictions on policy hold up.

Starting first on independence – the SNP are the incumbents after all – Tavish is direct: “I believe in a federal United Kingdom … and ensuring they [the constituent parts] work together in improving the nature of the country and ensuring they work together to help the people who need it”. The question was slanted towards the economic viability of such a policy and his justifications reflect this; postulating that a UK-wide social security and benefits system is “more efficient and therefore fairer”, whilst stressing that in times of economic hardship the costs of transition make for a misplaced priority. His position is further rationalised with reference to the financial meltdown and the reliance of Scottish banks on UK taxpayers for a bailout substantially larger than the Scottish economy. A fortunate lifeline, he suggests, which might not have been available if independent, illustrating his point with comparison to the experience of other small countries such as Ireland.

Discussing the Scottish economy, I angle for his position on the movement towards greater fiscal autonomy; prevalent notably in the Calman report on Scottish devolution and also a key policy recommendation put forward by the think tank Reform Scotland. Tavish supports an increase in fiscal powers; arguing that greater responsibility for raising income will make those who spend it more accountable and that flexibility will allow a more effective approach, tailored to the economies of Scotland. Elaborating, he tells me that strengthened powers to alter income tax planned for 2015 will provide a “practical means of supporting small businesses”, as due to their size and structure the majority of small business-people pay taxes as personal income rather than corporations, and as such a reduction in income tax would directly support these small enterprises. This screams populist politicking, however given that the powers are not coming in till 2015, he is rather ahead of the game, and the conviction seems genuine.

Revolving around his approach to fiscal austerity, I raise the inevitable issue of university fees and funding. With estimates of a shortfall ranging from £93 million to around £200 million, he states that there is a “debate to be had” and that “the gap must be filled”. He balances this with the almost cliché but politically essential homage to the principle “that you get to university on your ability to learn not your ability to pay”. Insisting that the Scottish Lib Dems don’t want to see any fees in Scotland nor a graduate endowment, he posits that there is room within the Scottish budget to cover the funding gap. Pressing for some concrete proposals – this logically suggests either a reduction in spending or an increase in taxes – Tavish ensures me they have some, and provides a cap on public sector top pay and an end to public sector and consultancy bonuses - “ a scheme which costs tens of millions of pounds each year” - as examples.

Focusing on the upcoming election, I suggest there might be a changed dynamic given the coalition south of the border, but Tavish is firm: “I believe this is a Scottish election and I will set out what we want to do in Scotland”. Suggesting they might be influenced by Coalition policies, he is light-heartedly defensive: “I will very strongly advocate the right solutions for Scotland and if they are not those of Westminster, then tough!” Playing on this jest, I enquire after the possibility of a coalition up here, maybe even with the Scottish Conservatives: “The logical position is we’ll talk to the largest party first, and that won’t be the Conservatives”.

Having spoken with Tavish Scott, I find him palatable in manner and encouragingly enthusiastic. However most politicians you meet are, sometimes surprisingly, rather charming and seemingly good natured. When answering questions, he takes his time, often appearing hesitant; this could be construed negatively, however with no notes he appears not to be relying on a prepared Party line, rather on his own considered responses. The Liberal Democrats may not win the election in Scotland, but they could once again be the kingmakers.