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Scottish Lib Dem conference: Leader Rennie to tell of breakthrough moment Scottish Lib Dem conference: Leader Rennie urges party to be confident
(about 17 hours later)
The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader believes unionist parties are getting closer to agreeing how Scotland should look if voters say no to independence. Liberal Democrat supporters who "fear" speaking up for the party need to have more confidence, Scottish leader Willie Rennie has said.
Willie Rennie will tell his party's conference in Dundee later that there is a "growing consensus" behind the drive for more devolved powers. He insisted Lib Dems needed to speak up for their achievements, as the party sought to make up for electoral losses.
He believes that Scots will say no to independence in the referendum due to be held next year. In his speech to the Scottish Lib Dem conference in Dundee, Mr Rennie also attacked the SNP's independence vision.
He will tell delegates he now wants greater focus on possible alternatives. He said there were no "magical powers of independence" to solve all "known problems".
In his speech to conference Mr Rennie will speak about how the Liberal Democrats' plan for home rule in a federal UK is "gathering support". After entering into coalition government with the Conservatives at Westminster, the Lib Dems were reduced to five MSPs in the last Scottish Parliament election.
He is expected to say: "Labour's commission reports back soon, it shows we are making progress. But Mr Rennie said evidence of the party's fightback included a second-place finish in a recent council by-election in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire.
"And Ruth Davidson has spoken of a federal solution. This shows how close we are to a breakthrough moment." He recalled being told by a voter that she backed the Lib Dems, but added "don't tell anyone".
The Scottish leader will say the SNP should be involved after the referendum, even if there is a No vote. Mr Rennie told the conference: "The lesson I learned that day is that we must instil confidence in those who support us, but fear speaking up for us.
He will tell the nationalists: "I hope you are preparing the ground. There is a place for you at the table." "We need their voice to rebuild our case.
'Enduring economy' "That's why it's important to tell people about our work with conviction and belief."
Mr Rennie is also expected to talk about long term plans for the economy in Scotland. He added: "No more whispering. Speak up for the Rutherglen lady. Speak up for what we have achieved."
He will argue that investment in early education for 2-year-olds brings proven economic benefits. Mr Rennie said Lib Dems in the UK government were working to get the economy back on track, including tax cuts for low and middle-income families, a green investment bank and an island fuel discount.
He is expected to say: "I want an enduring, long term economy that lives within the constraints of our environment and resources. He added: "It's not the Conservatives that stand up for Scotland in the cabinet - it's the Liberal Democrats."
"It's an economy in which everyone gets the chance to contribute, to participate and enjoy the fruits of a sustainable future." Turning to the SNP, Mr Rennie said the Scottish government's plan to win independence in the 2014 referendum had been dealt a blow following the leaking of a cabinet document which warned of cost pressures on public spending and volatility in oil revenue.
In his speech to the conference on Friday the party's UK leader Nick Clegg told delegates they should turn their attention to winning. The political leader told the conference: "For years they have told us that, if only we had the magical powers of independence, we could solve all known problems.
He said he believed the Liberal Democrats had made a difference at Westminster and in Scotland, despite recent controversies. "But we've had a sneak peak behind the veil."
Mr Clegg said the people of the UK have a "rich shared heritage" and "shared values and experience". 'Yes to more powers'
He added: "Only a vibrant Scotland as part of a prosperous United Kingdom can bring the stronger economy Scotland needs." He went on: "They fear volatile oil revenue. They fear cuts to pensions. They fear the loss of public service jobs.
"Well, I have a message to [finance secretary] John Swinney and [first minister] Alex Salmond - at this rate, there's no fear you're going to win."
Mr Rennie said he was hoping to reach agreement with Scotland's other pro-union parties - Labour and the Conservatives - on increased powers for Holyrood, in the event of a "no" vote in the referendum.
"It is possible to develop the consensus that 'no' in the referendum actually means 'yes' to more powers," he added.
Mr Rennie also urged the SNP to join the debate on a strengthened devolved settlement for the Scottish Parliament, rather than full independence.
The party leader was introduced to the conference platform by Mike Thornton, who held the Westminster seat of Eastleigh in the recent by-election.
It was sparked by the resignation of former cabinet minister Chris Huhne, who was jailed for eight months for perverting the course of justice.