Dundee LibDems support policy to tackle poverty across Scotland

7.34.00am GMT Tue 28th Nov 2006

Cllr Fraser Macpherson supports policy to tackle poverty across Scotland

Dundee Liberal Democrats have today (Tuesday 28th November) welcomed the launch by Scottish Lib Dem leader Nicol Stephen MSP of a major policy initiative to tackle poverty and increase opportunity across Scotland.

Mr Stephen has announced the 'Liberal Democrat Future Opportunities Commission', which will report back in time for next year's Scottish Parliament elections. Mr Stephen is looking to Nobel Prize winner Mohammed Yunus' and his world famous microfinance scheme to transform Scotland's approach to poverty and opportunity.

The Commission, which will be chaired by Ross Finnie MSP, will be tasked with adapting the policies of Mr Yunus' Grameen Bank to work effectively in Scotland.

Nicol Stephen said, "I believe this radical approach can be used to tackle poverty right across Scotland. I want to see the ideas pioneered by the Grameen Bank supported in Scotland. We need to do more to encourage enterprise and opportunity in our deprived communities, giving people a hand up - not a hand out."

Dundee's Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader, Cllr Fraser Macpherson, said, "I applaud Nicol Stephen's initiative. It's the Liberal Democrats who are creating the momentum across Scotland."

Related Link:

Stephen sets up Opportunities Commission.