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Lib Dems pledge support for young Lib Dems pledge support for young
(about 11 hours later)
The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader is set to unveil proposals to offer free playgroup places to every two-year-old.The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader is set to unveil proposals to offer free playgroup places to every two-year-old.
In a key election manifesto pledge, Nicol Stephen will propose a bill placing even greater emphasis on Scotland's young people.In a key election manifesto pledge, Nicol Stephen will propose a bill placing even greater emphasis on Scotland's young people.
Speaking on day two of the party's Scottish conference in Aviemore, he will re-affirm his commitment to a 100% renewable energy target by 2050.Speaking on day two of the party's Scottish conference in Aviemore, he will re-affirm his commitment to a 100% renewable energy target by 2050.
The speech is expected to leave aside attacks on the SNP and Labour.The speech is expected to leave aside attacks on the SNP and Labour.
We want to see a major shift to a more Scandinavian style of child care Nicol StephenLib Dem leaderWe want to see a major shift to a more Scandinavian style of child care Nicol StephenLib Dem leader
Mr Stephen will focus on what the Lib Dems have achieved and what they can still offer.Mr Stephen will focus on what the Lib Dems have achieved and what they can still offer.
His plans to provide a free playgroup place to every two-year-old will form part of a new Future of Scotland Bill.His plans to provide a free playgroup place to every two-year-old will form part of a new Future of Scotland Bill.
At present, only three and four-year-olds are guaranteed a free nursery place.At present, only three and four-year-olds are guaranteed a free nursery place.
Mr Stephen will also promise 1,000 new sports coaches and PE teachers.Mr Stephen will also promise 1,000 new sports coaches and PE teachers.
Community facilitiesCommunity facilities
Earlier in the week, he called for a major shift in attitude towards young people after a Unicef report showed the UK was at the bottom of a league table for child well-being. Earlier Environment Minister Ross Finnie said the Liberal Democrats were best placed of Scotland's leading parties to face thechallenges of government.
"We need a cultural shift to value our young people more," he said. He claimed that the Labour party - their current coalition partners at Holyrood - were failing to cope in government at Westminster.
"We want to see a major shift to a more Scandinavian style of child care, with a free play group place for all two-year-olds and a transition year before starting school at age six. Mr Finnie also attacked SNP leader Alex Salmond for walking away from the Scottish Parliament six years ago.
"We also support new sports, drama and community facilities and the opening of schools in the evenings and weekends so children have more opportunity for positive activity." And he said that the Nationalists' ambitions of forming an administration overlooks the "arithmetic" of the electoral system at Holyrood.