The Government's plans to boost European competitiveness and close the skills gap are good news for Scotland's economy, Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell said today. Our most fundamental economic choice has been to build long-term economic stability. By steering a prudent and responsible course, we have laid the foundations to build a Britain where there is opportunity and security for all. We have the lowest long-term interest rates for 35 years.
Mortgage rates are now down to six and three quarter per cent or less.
Employment has risen by over one million since the election in the UK and by almost 100,000 in Scotland, with more people in work than ever before. But there are other areas where we badly need to make progress. Britain and Scotland's productivity still lags behind many of our competitors. Our platform of macroeconomic stability provides an unrivalled opportunity to raise productivity. We have introduced measures to stimulate competition and reduce red tape.