Kezia Dugdale calls for dedicated Cities Minister to boost economic growth
The Scottish Government needs to “ditch the timid managerialism” of the economy and adapt radical policies, according to Kezia Dugdale.
The Scottish Government needs to “ditch the timid managerialism” of the economy and adapt radical policies, according to Kezia Dugdale.
The Scottish Labour leader said there should be a new minister for cities appointed to drive regional growth and an industrial strategy created to boost jobs in technology and decommissioning.
Ahead of a speech at the David Hume Institute in Edinburgh, Ms Dugdale accused the SNP of making “irresponsible cuts” to education that will “harm our economy in the future”.
She said: “The geographic distribution of our cities means that there is a potential engine for economic growth in every corner of our country.
“We need to be in the best position to take advantage of that... we have to be even more ambitious.
“This Scottish Government needs to ditch the timid managerialism which seems to have become its hallmark.
“Government should be thinking radically about how we make the most of our cities and thinking big.
“Appointing a dedicated cities minister would be a strong signal that driving growth through our cities is a priority for this Government.”
She added: “In the north-east, we risk losing jobs in decommissioning to the north of England, as there is simply not enough political will to make that vision a reality.
“Similarly, the rise of automation in 'middle class' professions poses a risk to jobs that we never thought were at risk of being replaced by machines.
“The first wave of automation destroyed industries Scotland relied on. The latest wave cannot be allowed to do the same.
“So if innovative tech is set to replace these skilled jobs, we need to be at the leading edge in that sector.”