Text of speech given by Harriet Harman to Scottish Labour Conference, 7 March 2009

Delighted to be here in Scotland – up here in Dundee .
 
It has been an important - momentous year for Labour in Scotland and it feels to me, remembering your conference last year, that Labour in Scotland is in much better spirits than 12 months ago.
 
More confidence in Labour
 
I feel there is a new confidence in Labour in Scotland- you've begun to wipe the smirk off  Alex Salmon's face.  And, believe me, we are all grateful to you for that.
 
Everyone can see that when a global financial credit crisis hits - we are all stronger together.  and that no amount of SNP posturing could begin to get the real help that people now need and the real hope for the future that they have right to expect and that Labour in government is providing.
 
And everyone can see labour's values of government stepping in -

• to take action to make the downturn as short and as shallow as possible
• helping most those who need it most
• and our values of fairness - as we condemn and take action against the greed and excess of the bank bonuses and prepare for a major new Equality law.

And everyone can see the Tories - do nothing; cut spending; let the recession take its toll.  
Stronger in the year ahead
 
So I feel that you look forward to the year ahead much stronger.  We were all disappointed when Margaret Curran was not elected in Glasgow East.  But Margaret did us proud and we will live to fight another day there.  And when it came to Glenrothes - everyone wrote off our chances. Alex Salmond said it was in the bag. But you, we and Lindsay all proved him wrong.  They say that about the next General Election too - and it's our job to prove them all wrong again..
 
I want to pay tribute to the new team in Scotland- Iain Gray, Jim Murphy and Colin Smyth - the team that - together with our MP, MSPs and councillors, party members and trade unionists,  is leading Labour forward in Scotland - and taking the fight to the SNP.  I pay tribute, too, to Wendy Alexander who I know as a good friend and a great champion for Labour and for women.
 
I'd like to say a few words about the importance of our Scottish Labour MPs.  Scotland's team in Westminster is  formidable, whether it's Alistair as Chancellor; John McFall and his Treasury Select Committee; back bench campaigning from Jim Sheridan Chair of the Scottish group of Labour MPs  on pleural plaques; speaking up on social justice, and equality – all of them… you know they are a great team.  Whether as ministers or backbenchers your Scottish MPs play a leading role in Westminster and we are proud of them and I want to thank you for supporting them and sending them to be part of Labour's team in Westminster.
 
And of course, our Party Leader and Prime Minister - Gordon Brown.  This country faces a global economic crisis - it is hitting every country round the world like a hurricane.  We could not be more fortunate in having as our leader at this difficult time a man not only whose values and principles are Labour through and through, whose experience and commitment is unmatched and but who is a leader of international standing at a time when international action is essential.  And I am proud to serve as his deputy.
 
Vote 2009
 
The priority for the government is protecting people as we weather the international storm.  The priority for the party must be campaigning and organising.

• developing new policy for the future
• getting our message across,
• getting the vote out,
• listening to people,
• mobilising people.

 
On June 4th everyone in Scotland will have a vote in the European elections.  To help people and make the change we need to make for the future, we have to work together.  Labour's team in Europe, at national and local level.  Our Labour MEPs are vital.  So these elections are important in their own right.  But this election is important too as it is a curtain raiser, a dress rehearsal for the General Election - whenever it comes.
 
And as the Euro elections are a proportional voting system - every vote counts.  We need all the strong Labour areas to get as many Labour votes out as possible.  And in the more marginal constituencies we  have to campaign hard to build the strength that we will need in the General Election.
 
Vote 2009 - June 4th is the European parliament election but will involve the whole Labour team in Scotland.  Not just our MEPs, our MSPs and our MPs but our councillors, party members and trade unionists.  We know that the best way to show people we are on their side is to be on their doorstep and on the phone.
 
Hughie was talking about the accounts and we have had a massive boost from JK Rowling with her incredibly generous donation to Labour's election campaign.
 
So I look forward to campaigning with you as we say that Labour's team, at local national and international level - working together in Scotland and throughout the UK will deliver the help people need and their hope for the future.
 
We are determined and we must be confident.  You have shown how much progress can be made in just one year.  Let's build on that for a confident year ahead.