Meeting of the Parliament 19 June 2024
I am sure, having shared multiple platforms with Mr Fraser in various hustings around the country, that I will shortly have the opportunity to answer his question more substantively.
In this Government, our agenda for economic growth is built very much around our skills and education system. It identifies and encourages talent and taps into everybody’s potential, not just that of the privileged few. It tackles the skills gap in computer science by increasing the availability of specialist teaching and encouraging participation in foundational subjects such as maths and physics. It is a system that prepares people to succeed in a world in which artificial intelligence strikes at the certainties of the established labour market.
It will be growth in which everybody has a stake, with regional economic partnerships that define and deliver the priorities of their communities; with vibrant social enterprises and an entrepreneurial third sector; with a continued commitment to community wealth building and with specific programmes that promote enterprise within Gaelic-speaking communities.
It will be growth that respects, protects and celebrates our environment; that recognises our natural resources as an extraordinary competitive advantage; that ensures a just transition; and which sees public and responsible private investors in Scotland’s natural capital working alongside each other to achieve ambitious climate change and biodiversity goals. Realising that potential is not easy. [Interruption.] Talking of which, Fergus Ewing wants to intervene.