Alex Cole-Hamilton’s New Year’s Message

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“As another year draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my hopes for the 12 months ahead, because change feels so tantalising close.

“People are working their socks off, playing by the rules, but finding it harder and harder to make ends meet. Patients waiting an age for treatment and children lacking the support they need in schools deserve so much better.

“It’s clear that in 2024, Scotland needs a new direction. The Tories crashed the economy and have lurched from outrage to outrage. Meanwhile, the SNP’s fixation on breaking up the UK has taken a heavy toll on public services. Millions of decent, honest, liberally-minded people right across Scotland are fed up with the pair of them. 

“Our record by-election victories over the Conservatives caused John Curtice to say the Liberal Democrats “have been making the spectacular look routine”. Beyond the Blue Wall of the Conservatives in the South, only the Liberal Democrats can beat the nationalists in huge swathes of Scotland. From Milngavie to Mallaig, Cupar to Cape Wrath.

“It’s time to bring people together, put Scotland at the heart of Britain, and fix our broken relationship with Europe. I’ll be focused on repairing the health service, lifting up Scottish education, creating a dynamic green economy and getting the sewage out of our rivers. That change can’t come soon enough.

“Finally though I want to encourage all my fellow Scots to be optimistic for the future. Scotland is a brilliant, talented, creative, welcoming country, and while we may face enormous challenges I am confident that we can rise to meet them. 

“I hope you have a very happy New Year.”