IMPROVING the lives of young people will be at the heart of the Scottish Government’s plans for 2018, according to Nicola Sturgeon.
In her New Year message, the First Minister vowed to celebrate the “incredible contribution” made by youths across the country during Scotland’s Year of Young People.
She said: “We will take steps to strengthen young people’s rights, and ensure that they have an even louder voice in decisions about their own lives.
“By investing for the future, we’re working to ensure that the years ahead are bright ones for Scotland.”
Prime Minister Theresa May predicted that Brits will feel a “renewed confidence and pride” in 2018 as the UK makes progress on Brexit. The UK Tory leader said that although leaving the EU was “crucial”, it was “not the limit of our ambitions” and claimed her policies would lead to a “stronger and fairer” society.
After losing her deputy Damian Green and former defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon over allegations of inappropriate behaviour, Mrs May said that everyone had the “right to be treated with respect” and “that means safe workplaces, free from harassment”.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn declared the party was “staking out the new centre ground” in British politics.
“The old political consensus is finished,” he said. “We are a government in waiting, while the Conservatives are weak and divided and stuck in an outdated rut with no new ideas.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson praised the public’s willingness to be “patient with a politics of turmoil” as she used her message to focus on sporting events and the Year of Young People.
Scottish Labour boss Richard Leonard said the New Year should see the Scottish Parliament focus on economic transformation and radical change to tackle growing poverty and inequality.
In their New Year message, Scottish Green Party co-conveners Maggie Chapman and Patrick Harvie said 2018 could be a year of progress on human rights and public services.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said Scotland must become the “outward-looking, optimistic nation that it has traditionally been” as he made a staunch defence of immigration.
What they said
“By investing for the future – and in particular by celebrating and supporting our young people – we are working to ensure that the years ahead are bright ones for Scotland. So my hope is that 2018 will be a fantastic year – for our young people, and for all of us.” – First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
“2018 is a special year in the life of one of our most cherished institutions, as we will celebrate the 70th birthday of our National Health Service. It is a year to rededicate ourselves to its founding ideal: that good healthcare should be available to everyone, regardless of income.” –Prime Minister Theresa May
“In 2018, Labour’s mission is to give our people support and security and use their talents, unleash their creativity and fulfil their hopes. The old political consensus is finished. We are staking out the new centre ground in British politics, backing the things which most people want but are blocked by vested interests.” – Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn
“The coming year will see Labour push the Government even harder to make parliament work in the interests of the unemployed, the dispossessed, the homeless, those struggling in poverty, and all those whose lives are currently predestined because of where they are born.” – Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard
“While politics will continue, other events will take centre stage. Glasgow hosting the European Championships, Scotland competing at the Commonwealth Games and the Year of Young People. In 2018, I hope all of us will be inspired by the endeavour of our athletes, the warmth of our host city and the energy of the next generation.” – Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe