Scotland has a brilliant culture of enterprise. I see it every day in my constituency and, in my 27 years as a lawyer advising businesses, I saw countless brilliant companies grow. Yet, for too long, this culture has been taken for granted. After 18 years of an SNP government that doesn’t seem to care about business, it’s time for a new direction.The choice facing Scotland is becoming clearer by the day. Do we want more of the same? More of the terrible economic growth, plummeting education standards that deny businesses the talent they need, and a government that fails to celebrate wealth creation? Or do we want a partner in Holyrood that will champion our entrepreneurs and unleash our nation's potential?
In the Labour Party, we believe creating wealth is something to be proud of. Every business generates wider jobs and fosters a virtuous circle of growth across our communities. We understand that entrepreneurship is hard, and that failure can be a vital part of the learning process on the road to success. We don’t just tolerate business; we prize it, we encourage it, and we are determined to see it thrive.
This isn't just rhetoric; it’s in our DNA. Our Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, was a businessman before he became an MP. Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar comes from a brilliant family of entrepreneurs, and our industry spokesman, Daniel Johnson, has set up successful small businesses himself. We are a party of business, and we are passionate about seeing Scotland grow.
The tide is already turning. Last week's by-election in Hamilton was not just a victory; it was a clear signal. The voters rejected more of the SNP and chose a brilliant new Labour member for the Scottish Parliament. They demonstrated their trust in a Labour government that is already bringing back the stability and investment our economy needs.
As we head towards the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, the choice for business owners is stark. My message is this: the Labour Party in Scotland understands you, we value you, and we will fight for you.
Imagine what we could achieve with a Labour government in Holyrood working in lockstep with a Labour government in Westminster. Think of the prosperity, growth, and the social good that would flow from that alignment, with Anas Sarwar as First Minister and Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. We are determined to make Scotland a place where the efforts of entrepreneurs are cherished, nurtured, and applauded. Join us on that journey.
John Grady, Labour MP for Glasgow East,
