The new Economy Secretary has set out his aims but has left us asking more questions, writes TERRY MURDEN
Stephen Flynn rushed from a meeting with a trade group to deliver his maiden Holyrood speech as Economy Secretary, though he must have wondered if he had arrived late as he was greeted by rows of empty seats, not least among his party colleagues. It suggested there was little appetite for a debate on the economy, despite promises from the First Minister that economic growth would be central to his government’s programme.
Perhaps Mr Swinney, and the rest of the Cabinet who were conspicuously absent, knew that their new colleague would only be issuing yet another holding statement while they decide exactly what putting the economy first actually means.
In his typically robust style, Flynn outlined his vision to build on talent and innovation to create a fair and prosperous nation. There were promises to tackle those pesky burdens such as over-regulation and business rates. All worthy stuff, but hardly amounting to a plan of action. As Graham Simpson from Reform UK stated: “We have been talking about rates reform for years. Does he have any specific proposals to deliver it?”
Simpson hit the nail on the head. There has been too much talk and lots of promises. John Swinney has acknowledged that before he commits more taxpayers’ money to his latest handouts, he first needs to create wealth. After months of election campaign promises we’re still waiting for details.
The First Minister held talks with Sir Tom Hunter and Lord Haughey at Bute House before addressing the recent CBI Scotland annual lunch. At the Prosper Forum held at the same Edinburgh venue last week he declared: “I want you to hear loud and clear my commitment to work with you to increase levels of economic growth in Scotland”.
However, he then went no further than promising the same land of milk and honey that we are in danger of hearing a lot about. The path to prosperity. To a better future. A fairer society. Like children in the back of the car during a long journey, we’re all asking: “Are we there yet?”
Stephen Flynn opening the economy debate to a near-empty chamber
Well, no. We’re a little lost and still consulting the map. We’re not even sure if we’ve identified the destination. The economy debate was another exercise in still trying to find a direction. What was more of an echo chamber than a full-blooded exchange of views left those observing Flynn’s fine words wondering if there really is enough willingness to move on from the talking shop of previous parliaments.
Near the end of the session, the chamber began to fill up, just in time for the vote on Flynn’s statement, the counter arguments and motions of amendment, that most of them had not heard. Flynn, quite sarcastically, began his closing remarks by saying: “There are a few members who have entered the chamber who have not had the opportunity to perhaps enjoy the lively and spirited debate that we have had here this afternoon…”
Perhaps more would have turned up if they had been promised one or two announcements. Something that the Economy Secretary may learn as he settles into the role and procedure of an assembly not used to decisiveness.
Flynn at least cuts a figure of confidence. And that swagger, if used effectively, could penetrate into the wider community. After years playing the attack dog at Westminster he now needs to tell us what, when and how he intends to make the changes business has demanded. As he said himself, “certainty brings confidence, risk and delay do the opposite”.
Terry Murden was Scotland Editor and Business Editor at The Sunday Times, Business Editor at The Scotsman, and Business and City Editor at Scotland on Sunday. He is now Editor of Daily Business
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