Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale has said that Scottish Labour’s 2016 manifesto will be the most pro-business in the party’s history.

Speaking on Small Business Saturday today, Dugdale said she was celebrating those who take risks by starting their own businesses, and that Scottish Labour would back those who “generate wealth” for Scotland.

Dugdale said:

“Small businesses all across Scotland generate the wealth we need to invest in the things that are important to us – an NHS fit for the 2040s, not the 1940s; closing the gap between the richest and the rest in our classrooms; and giving young families a fair chance at life. To ensure we have the resources to change our country Scotland must be a nation that is open and welcoming to people who want to invest and set up their own business.

“Small Business Saturday is a chance to celebrate the risk takers, the people who take a punt by starting their own firm. That’s the people who open corner shops, cafes and clothes shops, and the entrepreneurs who set up high tech firms creating the jobs of the future. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy.

“Scottish Labour back those who want to start their own business. That’s why our manifesto for next year’s election will be the most pro-business in Scottish Labour’s history. Under my leadership Scottish Labour will have a renewed relationship with those who generate the wealth Scotland needs to make our country a fairer place to live.”