TRANSFER DELAY IS UNACCEPTABLE and CYNICAL

TRANSFER DELAY IS UNACCEPTABLE and CYNICAL

DRINK DRIVE AND AIRGUN POWERS COULD BE USED NOW

The SNP has branded the delay in transferring powers over air guns and drink driving as well as other recommendations from the Calman Commission utterly unacceptable and deeply cynical.

The SNP has long campaigned for powers to control air guns and to restrict the drink driving limit to be transferred to Scotland. The SNP campaign has been backed by the Calman Commission and the Scottish Government has responded by preparing the draft orders to allow the early transfer of powers.

In contrast the UK Government has yet to issue any formal response, and in briefing this weekend has indicated powers will only be transferred after the next election.

SNP MSP David Thompson who is campaigning for the drink drive limit to be lowered said:

“There is no good reason for delaying this transfer of powers.

“Cutting the drink drive limit could save lives and improve safety. Why would anyone wait to take this kind of necessary action.

“The delay in transferring vital powers is unacceptable and looks increasingly like deeply cynical electioneering instead of serious efforts to protect people’s lives.

“Northern Ireland is lowering it’s limit in early 2010 yet Scotland will be stuck with a higher limit until well after the General Election.

SNP MSP for Livingston Angela Constance has called for airgun powers to be handed over as soon as possible. Commenting on the unnecessary delay Ms Constance said:

“The Scottish Government has made clear it is ready to legislate for these powers yet the UK Labour Government is delaying these moves.

“The longer we wait the more we put people are at risk.

“With a huge consensus of opinion in the Scottish Parliament on the issue the powers could be handed over and legislation passed very quickly.

“We have a particular problem with airguns in Scotland, one we have been asking for the powers to tackle for years.

“Holding these powers back for what appear to be electoral purposes is utterly unacceptable.”