Darling takes a swipe at Lib Dems

Alistair Darling closed the conference in Aviemore

Scottish Secretary Alistair Darling has closed the Labour conference with an attack on the Liberal Democrats.

He said the Lib Dems, Labour's partners in the Scottish Executive coalition, were "political opportunists" who took credit but ducked responsibility.

His comments to delegates in Aviemore came in the wake of Labour's defeat in the Dunfermline by-election.

Mr Darling said Labour was the only party able to take tough decisions on the "great challenges" facing Britain.

'Take the blame'

He said these were economic stability at a time of global economic change, tackling climate change, the eradication of poverty at home and abroad, security and the defeat of global terrorism.

Mr Darling, who led Labour's campaign in Dunfermline, warned that the party had to learn lessons from the by-election defeat in an area where people had "legitimate concerns" about Forth bridge tolls, local services, and the state of their town centre.

"We are in government at Westminster and Holyrood and when things go wrong, we will take the blame," he told the conference.

"That is what happens to governments. And when we get it wrong, we take responsibility too.

"And everyone in government, no matter what political party, needs to take responsibility for their actions."

Lib Dems running away from the hard decision - failing to face up to their responsibilities Alistair Darling

Mr Darling told activists that at Westminster, the Liberal Democrats had opposed powers to disperse unruly gangs, bans on spray paint sales, raising the age for owning air guns, and banning replica guns in public places.

"Given the chance in Scotland, they would do exactly the same," he said.

"It was Labour in Holyrood that led the way in dealing with anti-social behaviour.

"Lib Dems running away from the hard decision - failing to face up to their responsibilities."

Mr Darling's speech also contained swipes at Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond and Tory leader David Cameron.