Sports Manifesto Launched

On Thursday the Scottish Labour Party launched its Sports Manifesto for the Scottish election. As Labour's spokesperson on Leisure, Arts and Communities in Dundee I have long recognised the importance sport. This is why I brought forward proposals for a new swimming pool and leisure centre at East Whale Lane. I hope that when this swimming pool opens that the council is providing free access to the pool for young people as well as free lessons.

I am particularly happy that Labour is supporting Supporters' Direct and that we will work to ensure that sports clubs are more accountable to stakeholders. The greatest stakeholders for football clubs are the fans; the fans should have a say in how their clubs are governed. This is good enough for many famous clubs in Germany and indeed for Spanish clubs such as FC Barcelona (who don't do too badly).

It is also important to work towards two hours of PE a week in all schools and adopt creative ways to engage both boys and girls in a wide range of sporting activity.

Scottish Labour will act boldly to change the sporting culture in Scotland and in doing so, markedly improve our nation's health.