Bruce welcomes Lib Dem commitment to the 'Green Switch'

5.39.14pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 9th Oct 2006

Responding to the publication of the Scottish Liberal Democrat pre-manifesto document entitled, 'Bright Future', local MP and Chair of the Scottish Election campaign Malcolm Bruce welcomed the document's commitment to the environment, to youth, enterprise, health and wellbeing and to community power.

The pre-manifesto sets out the approach that Scottish Liberal Democrats will take to the Scottish Parliament election next May. The document sets out party leader Nicol Stephen's positive vision for Scotland and is a clear statement of his intent to fight the next election to become Scotland's First Minister.

Referring to the document, Mr Bruce said:

"As Chair of the Liberal Democrat Scottish Election campaign I am very proud of the commitments pledged by the Liberal Democrats in this pre-manifesto; particularly those proposals for a Green Switch towards renewable energy, which underlines our commitment to the environment and the commitments towards Young Opportunity, engaging our youth in the decision-making processes which affect them and encouraging them to be more involved in their local communities.

"Following on from the success at last year's UK General Election and the Liberal Democrat victory in the Dunfermline and West Fife by-election, we are stronger than any time in the last half century. It is clear that there is a sense of real momentum in the Liberal Democrats and we are now well placed to become Scotland's largest party next May."

"The reason for all these successes is simple. The Scottish Liberal Democrats are increasingly seen as the party of the future. We reject the bitter battles and name calling of the other major parties. We are determined to fight a positive campaign. While the other parties fight each other, we will fight for Scotland."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The pre-manifesto document, Bright Future: A vision for Scotland is available on the following link:

http://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/conference/premanifesto2006/premanifesto.pdf

• The Scottish Liberal Democrat pre-manifesto 'Bright Future' develops policy in 5 areas: Green switch;

Young Opportunity; Dynamic Scotland; Health and wellbeing; and Community power.

• The document will be debated at the Scottish Liberal Democrat conference in Dunfermline on 14th October 2006