Katy Gordon

Katy was delighted to sign the NUS pledge asking all MPs and candidates to promise to vote against any increases in university fees, and to fight for a fairer alternative for students.

The Lib Dems are the ONLY mainstream party committed to abolishing tuition fees across the UK, to bring the rest of the country in line with our achievements in Scotland while in government in Holyrood.

At this weekend’s Scottish Liberal Democrat party conference Katy successfully proposed a motion at this weekend’s  which provides clear, practical steps to ensure that Scotland’s young people do not become ‘the lost generation’ in the labour market. The motion was passed unanimously.

Despite the government’s claims that the economy is gradually showing signs of recovery, unemployment continues to rise for young people, with over a third of unemployed people under the age of 25.

Speaking at conference in Perth, Katy said:

“There is a real danger now that the biggest fallout from the credit crisis is the creation of a lost generation of young people who never make the transition from school, college or university into work…

There is no doubt about it: unemployment hurts. Bankers focused on their bonuses should stop and think: where will the productive workers of tomorrow come from if we don’t look after the skill levels of the future workforce today?”

The Liberal Democrats want to create a fairer society, where every child gets a fair start.  That includes a fair start in the job market.  This means giving young people meaningful employment experiences, whether through paid internships, a faster route into apprenticeships or access to practical, personal development programmes.

The  campaign is going from strength to strength – in the last week, Scottish Lib Dem Leader Tavish Scott and Charles Kennedy MP have both come to Otago Lane to give their support.

The ‘Leave Our Lane Alane!’ protest on Saturday was a great success, with a huge crowd turning out despite the nasty weather, and responses to Katy’s appeal for objection letters are continuing to pour in.

There is still time to write to the council to object to this ridiculous development. Go to www.saveotagolane.co.uk to find out how you can help.