Gordon Brown optimistic on economic recovery: Speech to Scottish CBI dinner

Gordon Brown optimistic on economic recovery: Speech to Scottish CBI dinner; They know that no national government alone can intervene to put everything right that is creating hardship, but they do look to us to us to take action to help them. And we will not let them down. We will do what it takes to bring security to families on modest and middle incomes. And we will ensure that no-one who is prepared to work hard and adapt to change will lose out as a result of global forces. We will act responsibly to prepare people for the inescapable challenges ahead - in the short, medium and long term. That is why we introduced the housing measures this week - and why we are currently working up proposals with the utility companies to address the problems caused by the impact of world oil prices on gas and electricity bills. Not short-term gimmicks or giveaways - but firm steps towards making every home in Britain more energy efficient, thus reducing bills not just temporarily, but permanently. Because you cannot address a long term problem - the supply and demand for oil- with a short term gimmick like a fuel stabiliser. As you know in your businesses real leadership is about addressing, explaining and tackling the realities we face - not the realities we would prefer to face. The oil and food price shocks have revealed that a growing scramble for resources is underway. We need a new kind of response - with better ways to co-ordinate globally the supply and demand for these vital resources. At the heart of our approach must be a revolution in the way we think about and use resources; reducing our dependence on oil and by creating a low carbon economy achieving both greater security of energy supply and greater efficiency of energy use. Oil has powered phenomenal economic growth over the last century - and North Sea oil in particular has offered Scotland thousands of jobs and contributed billions to our economy. And it will continue to play a vital role for decade...