6 September 2017
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon presented her vision for Scotland’s future and unveiled her most ambitious Programme for Government yet, focused around a bold agenda to strengthen and modernise Scotland’s economy.
FM @NicolaSturgeon heads into @ScotParl chamber to deliver Programme for Government #scotpfg pic.twitter.com/U1wlycJoX0
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) September 5, 2017
The programme will see the Government take forward more legislation than at any point since devolution, with 27 bills being taken forward, made up of 16 new pieces of legislation and 11 bills already announced. The new programe includes major reforms in education, health and justice, alongside significant measures to safeguard the environment and improve the quality of housing.
Addressing the Scottish Parliament, the First Minister said:
“This Programme for Government is our plan to shape the kind of Scotland we all seek – an inclusive, fair, prosperous, innovative country, ready and willing to embrace the future.
Bold ambitions. Equipping Scotland for the next decade and beyond. FM @NicolaSturgeon https://t.co/UtDDwTuIRp #scotpfg pic.twitter.com/jjz6gA3sPs
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) September 5, 2017
Investing in future economic growth and improving the lives of all our young people are some of the main priorities for the coming year. The FM also unveiled plans for a Scottish National Investment Bank to deliver long term financial support for innovative industries.
FM @nicolasturgeon confirms we'll establish a Scottish National Investment Bank with Benny Higgins of Tesco Bank leading this work #scotpfg pic.twitter.com/yxvYBrfc33
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) September 5, 2017
'We must aspire to be the inventor and manufacturer of the innovations that will shape the future' FM @nicolasturgeon #scotpfg pic.twitter.com/l3ISmi4dB6
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) September 5, 2017
As part of the commitment to closing the poverty related attainment gap, the FM said an Education Bill will be the centrepiece of the legislative programme for the year ahead, with major reforms also taking place in health and justice and a review of local democracy.
FM @nicolasturgeon confirms nursery education and school reform key to @scotgov transformation of Scotland's education system #scotpfg pic.twitter.com/Ml1pyprngq
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) September 5, 2017
.@nicolasturgeon confirms new £50m Tackling Child Poverty Fund as part of measures to help make Scotland fairer and more equal #scotpfg pic.twitter.com/fRbfUDQ4tS
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) September 5, 2017
Seizing the opportunities of the low carbon revolution is also a central point of this year’s programme. While visiting the Riverside Museum in Glasgow today, the First Minister announced £60 million will be made available as part of a new Innovation Fund to accelerate innovation in new technologies, including low carbon and digital projects by 2020.
FM @NicolaSturgeon & @strathearnrose announce new Innovation Fund to meet environmental ambitions https://t.co/DsyAdqM0t6 #ScotPFG pic.twitter.com/rFecbzsvua
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) September 6, 2017
The First Minister commented:
“We have set out a bold new ambition on ultra-low emission vehicles, including electric cars and vans, with a target to phase out the need for petrol and diesel vehicles by 2032, underpinned by a range of actions to expand the charging network, support innovative approaches and encourage the public sector to lead the way.
“Our Programme for Government sets out our next steps in creating the better future we all want for our nation.”