SNP MP COMMENTS ON MP's EXPENSES VOTE.

SNP MP COMMENTS ON MP's EXPENSES VOTE.

WESTMINSTER SHOULD FOLLOW HOLYROOD LEAD.

Speaking following the controversial Commons vote of MPs’ expenses, SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson, John Mason MP, has repeated SNP calls for Westminster to use the Scottish Parliament allowances scheme as a model for reform.

Mr Mason, the MP for Glasgow East, said:

“MPs’ allowances should have been overhauled years ago, and frankly any reforms should not be decided by the MPs or Ministers who have abused the system. MPs’ expenses should not be decided by MPs full stop.

“Westminster should follow the open, transparent and reformed system operated in the Scottish Parliament.

“When the Scottish Parliament moved to total transparency, two things happened - the scandals and the embarrassments stopped because information was volunteered and everybody behaved themselves because they knew it was going to be published every three months.

“This is easy - there's a working model of how to solve this issue in Scotland at the present moment. Westminster should adopt it."

DAVID CAMERON JOINS CHORUS AGAINST TRIDENT.

DAVID CAMERON JOINS CHORUS AGAINST TRIDENT.

‘TIME IS RIGHT TO GET RID OF TRIDENT’.

SNP Westminster Leader and Defence Spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP has welcomed comments by Conservative Leader, David Cameron who today (Thursday) said a Tory Government could not guarantee the renewal of Trident.

Mr Robertson said:

"Trident is frankly obscene, and in the current economic climate it is obvious that these resources should be better spent. That is why the SNP have continually opposed £500m of swingeing cuts to Scotland’s budget and demanded the abandonment of this ludicrous and unwanted vanity project.

"To build a "son of Trident" would be an act of immense irresponsibility by any Government and as such, Mr Cameron’s comments are welcome.

"Civil society, trade unions, religious organisations and the Scottish Government are working together to keep a new generation of Trident missiles away from Scotland's shores.

“The chorus against these weapons of mass destruction is growing ever louder. In recent days, former Labour Ministers, defence chiefs and now the Leader of the Opposition have joined.

“The time is right to get rid of Trident.”

NEW MARINE BILL WILL DELIVER JOBS AND CLEAN ENERGY.

NEW MARINE BILL WILL DELIVER JOBS AND CLEAN ENERGY.

TOGETHER SCOTLAND'S GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO DELIVER NEW JOBS AND SUSTAINABLE SEAS

Highlands & Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has today (Thursday) welcomed the introduction of Scotland’s first Marine Bill by the SNP Government. The new Marine Bill includes an historic agreement between the Scottish and UK Governments who, together, have agreed that Scotland will receive executive responsibility for planning and nature conservation, out to 200 nautical miles.

Commenting Mr Gibson said:

“The SNP Government knows what people want. During this downturn, we need to provide jobs and energy and a sustainable seas policy can deliver that.

“This agreement between the SNP Government in Scotland and the UK Government is a fantastic result for Scotland, and one that shows how governments can work constructively when it is in the best interest of the Scottish people.

“This Marine Bill can clean up Scotland’s seas and ensure economic growth and jobs for the marine industries in the future. Tens of thousands of jobs are reliant on our marine environment and more jobs can be created off our coasts. We are not just talking about preserving Scottish fish suppers from the local chipper but the opportunity of jobs being created in the offshore renewable energy market.

“This Marine Bill will show that we’ve got what it takes to deliver not only jobs but sustainable seas around Scotland.”

END OF IRAQ OPPERATIONS MUST MEAN START OF INQUIRY.

END OF IRAQ OPPERATIONS MUST MEAN START OF INQUIRY.

As UK combat operations in Iraq come to an end today (Thursday) SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP, called for an inquiry to get underway immediately. Mr Robertson, who visited forces in Iraq, also paid tribute to the military personnel who have served in the conflict.

The SNP have led demands for an inquiry into the Iraq war, and secured the first substantive debate in October 2006 – at that time the vote was narrowly lost by just 25 votes – with 12 Labour rebels. It was backed by all Tories and Liberal Democrats.

Mr Robertson said:

“We all welcome our brave forces home, and pay tribute to their professionalism and courage over the last seven years. Too many of them are not coming home, and our thoughts are with their families at this moment.

“With combat operations now at an end it is time to start the inquiry into this disastrous conflict. The inquiry should get underway right now and not be delayed for another day.

“An inquiry should have been held years ago, not put on ice by the politicians who dragged us into an illegal war on the basis of false information. Labour’s plans for an inquiry to begin post July would mean parliament will be in recess, by autumn everyone will be looking at the economy and Pre-Budget Report, and then it will buried under the General Election.

“By every measurement this has been the biggest foreign policy disaster in modern times, and those responsible for it have never answered the most fundamental questions about why we were led into this mess.

“The claim that the war was about weapons of mass destruction was a blatant lie, a mere cover story unsupported by the facts, which has cost the lives of thousands of civilians and hundreds of our brave soldiers.

“The SNP have been pressing for years on this issue, and the UK Government to tell us the truth right now.”

TOGETHER SCOTLAND IS SET TO BENEFIT FROM ENERGY SAVINGS.

TOGETHER SCOTLAND IS SET TO BENEFIT FROM ENERGY SAVINGS.

SNP GOVERNMENT SAVING PUBLIC MONEY TO PROTECT & CREATE JOBS

SNP MSP John Wilson – a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Communities & Local Government Committee – has welcomed a new deal with Scottish electricity companies that will see Scotland’s taxpayers save up to £10 million a year and help Scottish public bodies go greener.

Presently the Scottish public sector spends about £200 million a year on electricity but from autumn, all public bodies in Scotland including councils, health boards, universities, and college can take advantage of the contracts.

Mr Wilson said the initiative was also good news in a recession as the Scottish Government could use the money to protect and create jobs in Scotland. Mr Wilson also said it highlighted how the SNP Government was ahead of the game on bulk buying electricity - a move suggested by the UK Chancellor but which was already being planned by the SNP Government.

Commenting Mr Wilson said:

“Together Scotland has got what it takes to get through this recession and by protecting and creating new jobs. This initiative goes some way to helping deliver that outcome.

“By saving £10 million with the bulk buying of electricity that money can be spent in those areas of Government expenditure that can help protect and create jobs in Scotland.

"There is a very significant opportunity for large organisations such as local councils, Health Boards and other public organisations serving local areas throughout Scotland.

"The SNP Government is also way ahead of the Westminster Government on saving public money by bulk buying electricity. Last week the Chancellor suggested governments can do things like bulk purchase electricity to deal with budget problems, as if it was a brand new idea.

"The fact is that the Scottish Government have been developing this innovative idea since last August, and have now delivered. And now these savings are available for investment in public services and jobs. Hopefully the UK Labour Government will now follow Scotland’s lead."

PUB BACKING FOR MINIMUM PRICING WELCOMED.

PUB BACKING FOR MINIMUM PRICING WELCOMED.

SNP MSP Michael Matheson has welcomed the support of the Licensed Trade for the Scottish Government’s proposals to introduce a minimum price on alcohol to tackle many of the health and social problems resulting from alcohol consumption.

The measure has won the support of the Licensed Trade Association combining the associations of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland.

Minimum pricing is one of a package of measures aimed at improving health and communities as well as cutting the £2.5 billion cost of alcohol related problems to our public services.

Welcoming the support Health committee member Mr Matheson said;

“The SNP know that people across Scotland do not want to see their families and communities damaged by the impact of alcohol on people’s lives. The cost to our society and to our public services must be addressed.

“Together we’ve got what it takes to tackle the damaging side of Scotland’s relationship with alcohol and the SNP is determined to challenge and to change Scotland’s alcohol culture.

“The Scottish Government has proposed a radical package of measures including minimum pricing to address the health, economic, and social impact of alcohol on our communities and the support of the licensed trade for these measures is a welcome sign.

“The support of the UK Licensed Trade Association adds to the increasing consensus from the alcohol industry, medical professionals and police that minimum pricing is an essential step toward bringing Scotland’s relationship with alcohol under control and improving the health of individuals and communities across the country.”

SNP HAIL VETERANS VICTORY.

SNP HAIL VETERANS VICTORY.

UK MINISTERS MUST IMMEDIATELY REVERSE RESTRICTIONS

BELEAGURED BROWN BADLY DAMAGED BY GURKHA DEFEAT

Speaking following the UK Government’s defeat in the Commons this afternoon, SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson MP has called on the prime minister to respect the veterans victory, and immediately take action to reverse its policy of restricting the right of former Gurkhas to settle in the UK.

The SNP were part of a cross-party Commons challenge to the UK government’s decision to limit the number of Gurkha veterans allowed to settle in the UK.

Mr Robertson said:

"The UK government’s treatment of the Gurkhas was utterly shameful, and this is another famous victory for these brave veterans.

"It is also a moral victory, and a victory for decency. The Gurkhas risked their lives fighting for this country, and it was nothing short of a betrayal by Labour Ministers to deny them basic rights of residency.

"This extraordinary defeat is hugely damaging for the prime minister personally. The lead walls in the Downing Street bunker are clearly playing havoc with his moral compass, and he has been left looking entirely out of touch.

"We have a had a revealing few weeks on the priorities of this Labour Government, with smear e-mails, damaging Budget spending cuts, ducking and diving on MPs expenses, and now a prime minister being forced to reverse his betrayal of brave Gurkhas.”

CALL FOR FAIR DEAL FOR DAIRY FARMERS.

CALL FOR FAIR DEAL FOR DAIRY FARMERS.

SNP Members of the Scottish Parliament today met with dairy farmers, who were at the Parliament lobbying for a fair price for their product. The National Farmers Union in Scotland have reported that the amount paid to producers has fallen by 20% since just the start of the year.

Commenting after meeting with the protesters, MSP Maureen Watt, who is also convenor of the Rural Affairs Committee said:

“It is important, especially during this economic downturn, that we support our farming industry.

“Sadly the dairy industry has been in decline for a number of years now and in order to retain this industry, action is needed sooner rather than later.

“Scotland is now importing the majority of it’s dairy products, when it the past we relied more heavily on our home production. Projections have shown that this is only going to get worse In years to come if nothing is done.

“We’ve got what it takes to boost the industry, and if the UK Government listens to the calls of the farmers today, we can ensure a prosperous industry for years to come.”

FORCES DESERVE A REALISTIC APPROACH TO AFGHANISTAN SITUATION.

FORCES DESERVE A REALISTIC APPROACH TO AFGHANISTAN SITUATION.

TIME FOR CANDOUR FROM THE UK GOVERNMENT

Responding to the Prime Minister’s statement on Afghanistan and Pakistan, SNP Westminster Leader and Defence Spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP, called for candour on the costs and prospects of the operation.

Mr Robertson, who recently visited forces in Afghanistan, paid tribute to the military personnel there and welcomed a more focused approach reflecting the conflict widening to Pakistan.

Mr Robertson said:

“Having seen at first hand the reality of the situation facing our brave forces, now is the time for total candour on the human and material cost of the ongoing operations, its timescale and its chances for success.

“After almost eight years in Afghanistan, our military personnel deserve a realistic and focussed approach from the government.

“I welcome the joint approach taken by the Prime Minister in his statement reflecting the widening conflict and concerns in relation to Pakistan.

”We must now have clarification on why this operation is to succeed when every past intervention in Afghanistan has failed.

“I fear that the window of opportunity was missed while the UK and US have been distracted by the illegal Iraq conflict.”

LIBDEM HYPOCRISY AS MPs VOTE TO INCREASE FUEL DUTY.

LIBDEM HYPOCRISY AS MPs VOTE TO INCREASE FUEL DUTY.

Commenting before a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the London government’s further increase in fuel duty Highland & Islands MSP Dave Thompson highlighted the hypocrisy of the LibDems on the issue after it was revealed that a majority of their MPs had voted to support the Labour government’s increase.

Tomorrow’s debate has been set up by the LibDems in the Scottish Parliament and is set to debate the impact of higher fuel duty on rural areas.


Commenting Mr Thompson said: “Pushing up fuel prices is absolutely the wrong thing to do in the grip of recession and this increase will actually hinder economic recovery. “Just when the economy should be stimulated we have the LibDems voting for an increase which will hit already hard-pressed households and businesses – in particular the haulage industry. “Increases in fuel duty are not a green tax, they are a Brown one, and people in the Highlands and Islands have had their fill of fuel duty increases. “The SNP has long campaigned for fair and reasonable fuel duties – particularly in our rural areas. “That is why our MPs have put forward amendments for a fuel duty regulator to halt the volatility that raises from fuel prices. That is why our MPs have supported and led the calls for fuel derogations for rural areas. “It therefore comes as a surprise that the majority of LibDem MPs have supported Labour’s planned increase in fuel duty. They cannot even escape with the excuse that it is their colleagues south of the border as three of their Scottish MPs – including former leader Menzies Campbell – voted for this increase. “This is another example of how the LibDems think they can treat the voters like fools by making false promises in the north of Scotland whilst voting to increase fuel tax south of the border.

Last night’s vote on the fuel duty increase – showing a majority of LibDem MPs voting for an increase, can be read here:

http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/division.php?date=2009-04-28&number=103&display=allvotes 2. The LibDem’s motion in the Scottish Parliament can be read here S3M-4006 Liam McArthur: The Economy—That the Parliament notes the UK Budget and the plans to increase fuel duty; recognises the high premium over the national average paid for fuel at filling stations in remote rural and particularly island areas and the financial and social impact that this has on individuals and businesses; believes that increased fuel duty will have a damaging effect on the economy and competitiveness in these areas, not least due to the limited public transport alternatives; notes that current EU law allows fuel duty to be cut by up to 2.4p per litre and that this power is already used in France, Portugal and Greece, and calls on the Scottish Government to work with the UK Government and the European Commission before the final passage of the Finance Bill to construct a derogation under the EU energy products directive, or otherwise, to permit variable rates of duty for specified remote rural areas to bring down the price of fuel at the pump to that available in other parts of the United Kingdom.

SNP SUPPORT GURKHAS IN COMMONS CHALLENGE.

SNP SUPPORT GURKHAS IN COMMONS CHALLENGE.

UK GOVERNMENT BETRAYAL SHAMEFUL

SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP, has confirmed that the SNP will back a cross-party Commons challenge to the UK government decision to limit the number of Gurkha veterans allowed to settle in the UK.

The House of Commons is set to debate the issue after campaigners claimed that fewer than 100 of the Nepalese soldiers will benefit from the Home Office's offer of UK residency to Gurkhas who meet certain conditions.

Campaigners – including actress Joanna Lumley - will join a demonstration outside parliament as the debate is held.

Mr Robertson said:

"The UK government’s treatment of the Gurkhas is simply shameful.

"These brave men have risked their lives battling for this country, and it is nothing short of a betrayal by Labour Ministers to deny them residency. I think everyone has been shocked by the treatment the Gurkhas have received and Ministers must put this right.
"We have a had a revealing few weeks on the priorities of this Labour Government, with smear e-mails, damaging Budget spending cuts, ducking and diving on MPs expenses, and now a betrayal of brave Gurkhas.

"It is not too late for the UK Government to do the decent thing, and the SNP will be backing this challenge in parliament.”

DAVID BLUNKETT WANTS UK ID CARD SCRAPPING IDEA.

DAVID BLUNKETT WANTS UK ID CARD SCRAPPING IDEA.

ID CARD PLANS ‘ABSURD’ IN THE TEETH OF UK RECESSION.

The former Home Secretary who introduced the idea of ID cards eight years ago has called for the multi-billion pound plans to be scrapped.

SNP Home Affairs spokesperson, Pete Wishart MP, welcomed David Blunkett’s turnaround, which echoes SNP demands for Labour to ditch vanity projects like the £5 billion ID cards scheme or the £25 billion cost of replacing Trident at the same time as the Treasury makes a massive real terms cut to the Scottish Budget.

Mr Wishart said:

"David Blunkett’s calls for the scheme to be scrapped eight years after he introduced the plan is an extraordinary turnaround.

"Now that the Treasury has confirmed its plans to make a real terms cut in Scottish spending in the middle of the recession, it is clearer than ever that vanity projects like ID cards and Trident should be ditched completely.

“The SNP opposed ID cards from the very outset. The UK Government’s abysmal record on data protection is reason enough to cancel ID cards but given the dire state of the UK’s finances, these plans are all the more absurd.

“The chorus against ID cards is growing louder by the day. First, Stephen Byers and now David Blunkett.

“Labour in Scotland are now in the embarrassing position of defending Tory-style cuts whilst supporting billions being wasted on weapons of mass destruction and big brother style ID cards.”

CASE FOR SCOTTISH PUBLIC FUNDING POWERS IS CLEAR.

CASE FOR SCOTTISH PUBLIC FUNDING POWERS IS CLEAR.



Commenting on reports in today’s Times that the Calman Commission is considering proposals to change the system of financing Scottish public investment SNP MSP Dr Alasdair Allan said;

"The case for ending the block grant and replacing it with full fiscal powers is now undeniable.
“The SNP’s clear constitutional preference is for Scotland to take responsibility for its own affairs through independence.

“With Calman considering alternative means of financing Scottish expenditure there is now virtually no-one left who believes that the current system is sound or sustainable.

“In Scotland we’ve got what it takes to run a strong and prosperous economy and to manage Scotland’s finances in the interests of Scotland.

“The impact of Labour’s UK budget – threatening £500 million cuts from Scottish spending – has exposed the flaws in the current system for all to see, and the sooner we see change the better.

“As we emerge from a UK budget with hugely damaging implications for Scotland’s public services, there has never been a clearer example of the need for Scotland to have full control of our financial affairs.”

MSP WELCOMES REJECTION OF ASBESTOS APPEAL BY INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

MSP WELCOMES REJECTION OF ASBESTOS APPEAL BY INSURANCE INDUSTRY.


West of Scotland SNP MSP Stuart McMillan has welcomed the rejection of the legal bid by insurance companies to prevent the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Act 2009 coming in to force. Axa, Norwich Union, Royal & Sun Alliance and Zurich Insurance were hoping to prevent the Act until a full-scale legal challenge could be heard in court. However, Lord Glennie yesterday (Monday) rejected the bid. Commenting Mr. McMillan said: “I am delighted these insurance companies are not being allowed to stand in the way of justice for asbestos related conditions sufferers. “It was the will of the Scottish Parliament that has allowed this Act to come in to force and to attempt to overturn this was a ridiculous action to take on the part of the insurance companies. “The insurers argued that the legislation was in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights but what about the rights of those exposed to asbestos through their employers negligence? "Furthermore, the value of damages awarded to each pleural plaque sufferer is negligible compared to the 1.2m Euros that the Chief Executive of Axa Insurance earns and the $57.2m that the 12 members of the Group Executive of Zurich Insurance earn. “I am pleased this legislation will come in to force in June and hope this will bring an end to the injustice suffered by many”.

SNP SET TO SUPPORT GHURKAS IN COMMONS CHALLENGE.

SNP SET TO SUPPORT GHURKAS IN COMMONS CHALLENGE.

UK GOVERNMENT BETRAYAL SHAMEFUL
SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP, has confirmed that the SNP will back a cross-party Commons challenge to the UK government decision to limit the number of Gurkha veterans allowed to settle in the UK. The House of Commons is set to debate tomorrow (Wednesday) the issue after campaigners claimed that fewer than 100 of the Nepalese soldiers will benefit from the Home Office's offer of UK residency to Gurkhas who meet certain conditions. Campaigners – including actress Joanna Lumley - will join a demonstration outside parliament as the debate is held. Mr Robertson said: "The UK government’s treatment of the Ghurkas is simply shameful. "These brave men have risked their lives battling for this country, and it is nothing short of a betrayal by Labour Ministers to deny them residency. I think everyone has been shocked by the treatment the Ghurkas have received and Ministers must put this right. "We have a had a revealing few weeks on the priorities of this Labour government, with smear e-mails, damaging Budget spending cuts, ducking and diving on MPs expenses, and now a betrayal of brave Ghurkas. "It is not too late for the UK Government to do the decent thing, and the SNP will be backing this challenge in parliament.” Note: A Cross-party EDM – supported by Members of the Home Affairs Select Committee - has been tabled: EDM 1362: SETTLEMENT FOR FORMER GURKHA SOLDIERS AND THE HOME AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE This House believes that the new guidelines announced by the Home Office for the settlement of former Gurkha soldiers are unnecessarily restrictive, morally wrong and offensive to those dedicated Gurkha soldiers who are denied the opportunity to serve for the twenty year minimum period afforded to those of the rank of Warrant Officer and above; supports the decision of the Home Affairs Select Committee to call Ministers from the Home Office and Ministry of Defence to examine the consequences of this decision and to ascertain how many former Gurkhas would qualify for settlement and how many of the approximately 1,500 Gurkhas, including Falklands veterans, currently awaiting the outcome of their appeals would face deportation under the new guidelines; and calls upon the Government to withdraw these guidelines and bring forward a new and more equitable ruling.

CAMPAIGNERS WELCOME MILITARY DEATH INQUIRY TIMETABLE.

CAMPAIGNERS WELCOME MILITARY DEATH INQUIRY TIMETABLE.

SNP Westminster Leader and Defence spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP, has welcomed confirmation today (Tuesday) from Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill that plans to allow fatal accident inquiries into the deaths of military personnel killed abroad to be held in Scotland are set to receive Royal assent later this year.

At Westminster the Coroners and Justice Bill has been amended to allow such inquiries to take place in Scottish courts.

Changes to the law, which will mean that families of Scottish service personnel killed abroad will no longer have to travel to England to attend their loved one's inquests, have been championed by the Moray MP.

At present all UK service personnel killed abroad are repatriated to England and all inquiries are conducted by an English Coroners Inquest necessitating significant costs and long round trips for family members.

There is currently no provision for Scottish Fatal Accident Inquiries into overseas military deaths.

The anomalous situation was highlighted in September 2006 following the loss of Nimrod XV230 in Afghanistan. Although ten of the fourteen service personnel killed aboard the aircraft were based in RAF Kinloss in Moray, which Mr Robertson represents, the inquest into the fatal crash took place in Oxfordshire.

Mr Robertson said:

“This has always been about family members who deserve the best support and assistance after the deaths of a loved one. It was simply unacceptable that Service families in Scotland had to travel so far and at great cost to inquiries in the south of England.

“There has been a desperate need for the coroners service to be more responsive, and making these changes which will allow inquests to be held in Scotland will bring a real improvement for bereaved families, witnesses and the wider public.

“As someone who has been battling for these common sense changes, I know just how much work has gone on behind the scenes to bring all the elements to together, and I am delighted that the Scottish Government and UK Ministers have worked to secure a way forward that will allow inquiries in Scotland."

Shona Beattie, whose husband Flight Sergeant Stephen Beattie died aboard Nimrod XV230 said:

“It is really good news that the Scottish Government has made substantial progress with the UK Ministry of Defence and these changes will become law.

“For decades Service families in Scotland have been overlooked but this is changing. It is now time for the Scots legal system to play its role investigating overseas military deaths.

“I am appreciative of the efforts made by Angus Robertson MP and Scottish Ministers who pushed for these changes. They will make a real difference to Service families in Scotland.”

THREAT TO RETAINED FIRE FIGHTERS DROPPED.

THREAT TO RETAINED FIRE FIGHTERS DROPPED.

COLLAPSE OF WORK TIME TALKS WELCOMED
Scottish National Party MEP Alyn Smith has welcomed news that the current status of the Working Time Directive will continue after talks in Brussels on changing the regulation, including ending the UK opt out collapsed. The Parliament’s vote to end the UK opt out had caused concern particularly among retained fire fighters unions. Mr Smith has called for future discussion on work time issues to support both workers rights and the provision of public services. Talks broke down after attempts to reach compromise on ending the UK opt out from the package, the definition of on call time and issues over multiple contracts failed. There will now be no changes ahead of the European elections. SNP MEP Mr Smith said: “Across Scotland the potential consequences of the parliament’s proposals for retained firefighters, care staff, social work, specialist police, coastguards and other services were significant and were not properly accounted for in the proposed legislation. “While the working time directive has brought improvements for workers across the EU and we all, particularly on workers memorial day, want to see improvements in working conditions the collapse of these talks brings an end to the prospect of damage to vital public services. “It is far better that we have no deal, than rush a bad deal through before the elections. “In Scotland we’ve got what it takes to protect both public services and workers rights and the end of these negotiations gives us the opportunity to see legislation that works for Scotland, not damages us. “Where other parties have scaremongered and sought to exploit this issue SNP MEPs have given Scottish concerns a voice in Europe, voting to protect Scottish interests and working with the Scottish Government. In the next Parliament we will continue to support our essential services and our public sector workers.”

THE PEOPLE WILL CAST JUDGEMENT ON LABOUR’S CUTS BUDGET.

THE PEOPLE WILL CAST JUDGEMENT ON LABOUR’S CUTS BUDGET.

DARLING AND BROWN DECISIONS WRONG FOR SHORT- AND LONG-TERM

Previewing the debate in the House of Commons on the UK Budget, First Minister of Scotland and Banff & Buchan MP Alex Salmond – who is seeking to participate in the debate – said:

“It used to be said that the Budgets first reported as a triumph end up as a flop. In this case, what first appeared a disaster quickly descended into catastrophe.

“Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling have made exactly the wrong choices for both our short- and long-term needs.

“Within hours of the Budget, the IMF contradicted the Treasury and issued their forecast of continuing recession in 2010 – also reflecting the OECD’s expectations.

“But even if everyone is out of step except the Chancellor, imposing a £5 billion deflation package next year while the economy is at best struggling to re-establish growth is exactly the wrong policy prescription – and could only have the effect of throwing the economy back into reverse.

“In Scotland, the £500 million of Labour cuts would destroy 9,000 jobs.

“This contrasts completely with the strategy of President Obama, who is putting a $787 billion stimulus package into the economy to protect and create jobs – which rightly is focussed on next year, as well as this year.

“The UK Government are also making the wrong choices for the longer-term. We need to change the profile of public spending by scrapping unnecessary, unaffordable, ‘white elephant’ projects such as the Trident replacement and ID cards – not by slashing front-line services like health and education, and capital investment.

“The reality is that Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling are proposing real terms cuts in Scotland’s budget above and beyond even the scale imposed by Margaret Thatcher. It is clear that the Iron Lady’s legacy is safe in New Labour’s hands.

“A clear choice has emerged from the ashes of Alistair Darling’s devastating budget.

“The SNP Government want the required savings to be made by the UK Government abandoning its foolhardy £25 billion plan to replace the Trident nuclear missile, saving up to £100 billion over its lifetime. And we are also calling on Labour to drop their proposals to spend £5 billion on unwanted and unnecessary ID cards.

“The people of Scotland have the opportunity to vote on these choices at next month’s European elections, and in the General Election next year. The people will choose between the UK Government’s attack on education and health spending, and the SNP Government’s call to ditch the Trident replacement programme and ID cards.

“Labour are presiding over the first real terms fall in Scotland’s public spending since the dark days of the Tories’ spending plans in the 1990s, which will be hugely damaging to jobs and services.

“The UK Government’s catastrophic financial failure underlines the need for Scotland to have responsibility to run our own affairs – with the ability to take the decisions needed to reflate our economy, contribute to recovery, and overcome the Downing Street downturn.”

WISHART SEEKS GUARANTEES ON INTERNET SURVEILLANCE.

WISHART SEEKS GUARANTEES ON INTERNET SURVEILLANCE.

SNP Home Affairs spokesperson, Pete Wishart MP, is seeking assurances from the UK Government over plans which would require firms to record all internet contacts between people as part of changes to UK surveillance tactics.

While the home secretary has abandoned plans for a central database, the new system would track all e-mails, phone calls and internet use, including visits to social network sites. Reports put the cost of the scheme at more than £12 billion.

Mr Wishart said:

“Jacqui Smith’s turnaround on a central database is welcome, but we must have guarantees on these revised plans.

“We need absolute safeguards on data security to ensure that any information retained is not open to abuse.

“You would think, given the troubles Downing Street has had over the content of their own smear e-mails, Ministers would be rather more cautious about opening the in-box to the tracking of everyones e-mails, phone calls and internet use, including individuals visits to social network sites.

“On social network sites alone, we are talking about sites used by tens of millions of people which contain personal information such as religious and political beliefs, and sexual orientation.

“The cost of this scheme is simply breathtaking. Just as the UK Government is cutting investment in Scottish economic recovery, Labour Ministers seem determined to waste billions on ID cards and internet snooping.”

NEW SCOTTISH HOUSING BILL CAN REVITALISE SOCIAL HOUSING AND PROVIDE JOBS.

NEW SCOTTISH HOUSING BILL CAN REVITALISE SOCIAL HOUSING AND PROVIDE JOBS.

WE’VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO REVITALISE SOCIAL HOUSING.

Central Scotland SNP MSP John Wilson – a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Communities and Local Government Committee – has welcomed today’s publication of a draft Housing Bill as a new direction for social housing in Scotland. Mr Doris highlighted the change in pace under the SNP from the last few years of the Labour-led Executive when only 6 council houses were built.

Mr Wilson also pointed to a report in the FT which shows that the SNP is delivering far more value for money in the provision of council houses. Whilst £25 million has been allocated in Scotland to provide over 970 council houses south of the border Margaret Beckett is having to spend £100 million to build the same number.
Commenting Mr Wilson said:

“The SNP Government has been a welcome breath of fresh air to address the issue of social housing in Scotland.

“Ending the right to buy goes some way to address that decline that saw only 6 council house built in the last three years of the previous Labour-led Executive. That compares to the 432 council houses which began to be built in Scotland compared in the first year of the SNP Government.

“And that 432 council houses also compares to 240 that began in England. On a pro-rata basis Scotland is ahead of the game in the UK in providing new council houses.

“Ending the right to buy on new build council homes will give councils the freedom to begin building social housing again.

“We are also seeing more value for money north of the border. The SNP Government is providing funding for the same number of houses as the Labour government south of the border but at a quarter of the cost.

“And with that further investment we are now seeing a new renaissance in council house building under the SNP.

“Affordable good quality housing is essential and the Scotland has what it takes to is deliver better housing across Scotland.”

1. Today’s announcement by the Scottish Government can be read here:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/04/24112830

2. The announcement earlier this month on new investment in building council houses can be read here - £25 million for 970 council houses.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/04/09120809

This compares to the £100 million for 900 new council houses south of the border reported in the FT:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/69077b48-3066-11de-88e3-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1

ROBERTSON: MOD CANNOT BE ABOVE THE LAW.

ROBERTSON: MOD CANNOT BE ABOVE THE LAW.

ANGER AT REPEATED NUCLEAR SAFETY BREACHES

SNP Westminster Leader and Defence spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP, has described a disclosure by the Ministry of Defence under the Freedom of Information Act as “utterly damning” after it revealed a series of serious safety breaches involving repeated leaks of radioactive waste, broken pipes and waste tanks at its home base on the Clyde, the Ministry of Defence has disclosed.

The worst breaches include three leaks of radioactive coolant from nuclear submarines in 2004, 2007 and 2008 into the Firth of Clyde, while last year a radioactive waste plant manager was replaced. It emerged he had no qualifications in radioactive waste management.

Military sites are exempt from the law governing nuclear sites however, and SEPA indicated they would move to close the base if they had the power.

Mr Robertson said:

“This utterly damning disclosure reveals repeated and serious nuclear safety breaches, and the MoD cannot be above the law.

“We are not talking about a one off incident but a whole catalogue of serious and frankly shocking failures.

“SEPAs indication that it would consider closing the base, if it had the power to do so, underlines just how grave this situation is.
“It is not good enough to say the MoD is exempt from radioactive safety regulations, and Ministers must be held to account. We need an immediate and top level investigation into this scandal.

“In recent months we have heard of nuclear near collisions, fires on submarines and an ongoing procurement fiasco. Over the weekend even General Sir Hugh Beach confirmed that the Trident missile system is no use and that no more money should be wasted on it.
“It is increasingly obvious that these weapons of mass destruction are more of a danger to the people and environment they are claimed to protect than any enemy.

“There is a clear choice between the SNP Government’s proposals to save £25 billion by scrapping Labour plans to replace the Trident nuclear missile system with its estimated £100 billion lifetime costs and the UK Government’s to savagely cut spending on health and education.

"Civil society, trade unions, religious organisations and the Scottish Government are working together to keep a new generation of trident missiles out of Scotland's shores and the voice of the former defence chiefs only adds to that argument."

“Let there also be no mistake that Faslane has a great future ahead as a conventional base, without the radioactive risk of nuclear weapons.

“Now, more than ever, the time is right to remove nuclear weapons from our waters."

‘LET'S NOT WASTE MONEY ON TRIDENT’ SAYS FORMER ARMY CHIEF.

‘LET'S NOT WASTE MONEY ON TRIDENT’ SAYS FORMER ARMY CHIEF.

SNP WELCOME GENERAL’S' SCRAP TRIDENT CALL.

SNP MSP for Glasgow and anti-trident campaigner Bill Kidd has welcomed remarks made by the former deputy commander-in-chief of UK land forces, General Sir Hugh Beach that the UK's Trident missile system is no use and that no more money should be wasted on it.

The remarks made at a conference in Glasgow yesterday and reported in the Sunday Herald follow a previous intervention by a group of retired senior military officers, who branded the Trident system “completely useless” and challenged the renewal of the nuclear deterrent.

Commenting Mr Kidd said:

“With the debate about government spending raging and cuts being imposed from Westminster, this is a timely intervention which lays bear the incoherence of Labour’s spending plans.

“On the one hand they are demanding the Scottish Government cut £500 million from public services whilst on the other they appear determined to keep on wasting millions on a weapon of mass destruction that former high ranking UK officers view as a waste of money.

"Trident is frankly obscene, and in the current economic climate it must be obvious that these resources should be better spent.

"To build a "son of Trident" would be an act of immense irresponsibility by Gordon Brown. Particularly when he is demanding cuts in public services and supposedly backing President Obama’s call for nuclear disarmament.

“There is a clear choice between the SNP Government’s proposals to save £25 billion by scrapping Labour plans to replace the Trident nuclear missile system with its estimated £100 billion lifetime costs and the UK Government’s to savagely cut spending on health and education.

“The Scottish Government are also calling on the Labour Government at Westminster to abandon it’s ill-thought out plans for ID cards, which would save a further five billion pounds. Even Labour’s former UK cabinet minister Stephen Byers has called for Trident and ID cards to be abandoned.

“And it is not just defence chiefs that think the UK Government is wrong to spend a fortune on replacing Trident, it is a view shared by governments around the world, the people of Scotland and the Scottish Parliament.

"Civil society, trade unions, religious organisations and the Scottish Government are working together to keep a new generation of trident missiles out of Scotland's shores and the voice of the former defence chiefs only adds to that argument."

ENDS

Notes

1. The reports on Sir Hugh Beach’s remarks can be read here:

http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.2504303.0.trident_is_no_bloody_use_says_general.php

2. The previous intervention by a group of retired senior military officers, who branded the Trident system “completely useless”, can be read here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7832365.stm

3. Opposition to Trident

a. At Westminster on 14th March 2007 33 of Scotland's MPs voted against Trident with only 22 for.

b. In the Scottish Parliament on 14th June 2007 71 MSPs voted against Trident with only 16 for.

c. Consistent polling has shown a majority of the Scottish public are against Trident.

i. Scottish MPs right to determine location of Trident?

YouGov Survey for SNP - Fieldwork: March 12-15, 2007 Sample Size: 1144

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? 'If a majority of Scottish MPs vote in parliament against the replacement of Britain's Trident nuclear missiles, that replacement nuclear missile system should not be sited in Scotland'

Agree - 65

Disagree - 23

Don't know - 12

ii. Keeping Trident in Scotland for at least 50 years

ICM for Scottish CND on 26-29 January 2007

The government has begun considering plans to replace Britain's nuclear weapon system, Trident, which is nearing the end of its lifetime. If the government goes ahead with the plans, nuclear weapons would be based in Scotland for the next 50 years. Would you support or oppose nuclear weapons being based in Scotland for this period of time?

Oppose - 64

Support - 30

Don't know - 6

iii. Replacing Trident at a cost of £50bn

ICM for Scottish CND on 26-29 January 2007

The cost of replacing Trident is estimated by the government to be around £20 billion, with running costs estimated by others to take the amount spent in total to around £50 billion over the lifetime of the new weapons system. Do you think it is right or wrong to spend around £50 billion in total on new nuclear weapons?

Wrong - 73

Right - 21

Don't know - 6

iv. Replacing Trident at a cost of £25 bn capital cost

YOUGOV SURVEY FOR SNP: RESULTS Fieldwork: February 13-19, 2007; sample 1,191

I would rather see the £25 billion capital cost for a new generation of nuclear missiles spent on public services such as local schools, hospitals and police

Agree - 76

Disagree - 12

Not sure - 12

The UK government is due to make a decision on the purchase of a new generation nuclear missile system to replace Trident, at a capital cost of around £25 billion. Would you support or oppose the government buying a new nuclear missile system to replace Trident?

Support purchase of system to replace Trident - 18

Oppose purchase of system to replace Trident - 66

Don't know - 16.