Dave Thompson MSP

Highlands & Islands SNP MSP Dave Thompson has again condemned the Labour Government in Westminster for refusing to save the lives lost in Scotland due to drink driving.

Yesterday during Question Time in the Scottish Parliament Mr Thompson asked why the powers to cut the drink drive limit and save lives were not transferred to Scotland without delay, as recommended in the final report by the Calman Commission and supported by all Scotland's unionist parties nearly 8 months ago.

Dave Thompson said: "Four out of five of those in Scotland want to see the current drink drive limit reduced. "Yet in an attempt to maintain political control, Westminster continues to cling onto these life saving powers in a bizarre political game.

"I and the First Minister have already said, if the London Labour Government  refuses to handover these powers then they must reduce the limit themselves for the whole of the UK.

"Neither action has been taken and the death toll continues to mount. On average nearly 70 people across the UK die each year due to drink driving, meaning every month's delay costs another 6 lives.

The Minister for External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, backed up Mr Thompson during Question Time saying she was deeply disappointed at the delay caused by the Labour Administration, and with a number of official Orders used to transfer substantial areas of policy from Westminster in the past there was no reason why powers over drink driving limits in Scotland could not have been passed to Scottish Ministers immediately.

Notes:

For the transcript of the Q&A see here.

For drink driving statistics see 'Reported Road Casualties Great Britain 2008: Annual Report'.

The final report of the Calman Commission can be found here.