tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89932757274413668012024-03-13T12:37:58.429-07:00SCOTLAND NEWS INFORMATION BLOG.SCOTLAND NEWS, INFORMATION BLOG TO DEBATE, SCOTLAND! OUR SCOTLAND! MY SCOTLAND! YOUR SCOTLAND!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.comBlogger2477125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-55488791823375388272013-01-08T08:07:00.001-08:002013-01-08T08:07:28.043-08:00REPORT SLAMS WESTMINSTER WELFARE PLANS AS ‘BOGUS’ AND ‘POVERTY PRODUCING<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />REPORT SLAMS WESTMINSTER WELFARE PLANS AS ‘BOGUS’ AND ‘POVERTY PRODUCING<br /><br /><br />’A
report from the Child Poverty Action Group has condemned the
Westminster Government’s benefit uprating plans as ‘based on bogus
claims and is a poverty-producing bill that will further exclude the
poorest workers, jobseekers, carers and disabled people’.The Westminster
Government is in the process of legislating to break the link between
benefits and inflation, by capping any increase to benefits payments of
1% per annum, well below the rate of inflation.<br />
<br />This is expected to have the cumulative effect of introducing a 4%
real-terms cut to working-age benefits payments received by workers,
jobseekers, carers and disabled people over the next three years.<br /><br />Commenting, SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Eilidh Whiteford MP for Banff and Buchan said:<br />
<br />“This report makes damning reading for the Westminster Government
who are set to throw their commitments to tackle child poverty out the
window by hammering some of the poorest people in society.<br /><br />“It
shows that their arguments are fundamentally flawed and are set to do
untold damage to thousands and thousands of people across Scotland.“The
Coalition’s welfare plans will inevitably only increase poverty and
increase inequality in society, which is why they have been condemned in
such stark and unequivocal terms.<br />
<br />“It could scarcely be clearer that the Westminster Government has
its priorities all wrong and are failing to act in the interests of
people in Scotland.“Decisions over taxes and welfare in Scotland should
be made by people in Scotland so that we can build the kind of country
that Westminster has consistently failed to deliver. Only a Yes vote for
an independent Scotland in next year’s referendum will give us that
opportunity.”
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-15686043869059167592011-11-29T13:15:00.000-08:002011-11-29T13:15:24.707-08:00ST ANDREW'S DAY - 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZrVWREjuwM/TtVLCycNLiI/AAAAAAAAHVc/MM4SC6DrutY/s1600/ST+ANDREW+SCOTLANDS+PATRON+SAINT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZrVWREjuwM/TtVLCycNLiI/AAAAAAAAHVc/MM4SC6DrutY/s320/ST+ANDREW+SCOTLANDS+PATRON+SAINT.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>ST ANDREW'S DAY - 30th November 2011<br />
<br />
ST ANDREW THE PATRON SAINT OF SCOTLAND, ROMANIA, RUSSIA, AND GREECE is now recognised by the Scottish Government via the initial proposal by independent Member of the Scottish Parliament Dennis Canavan - Mr Canavan's proposal was at first rejected but there is little doubt that his initiative started the ball rolling enough that the then First Minister, Jack McConnell believed in recognising the importance of St Andrew's day and a compromise to Mr Canavan's original Bill was made. Scotland has now recognised that since 2006 St Andrew's day is an official bank holiday.<br />
The Scottish Government regulations say that the "Flag of Scotland", (The Saltire") will be on each flagpole on St Andrew's Day and if the building flying "The Saltire" has another flagpole then you may also see the Union Jack, if the building has only one flagpole then the Union Jack will be removed and replaced with the "Flag of Scotland", (The Saltire).<br />
It should be noted that the British Army refuses to fly the "Flag of Scotland" on St Andrew's Day above Edinburgh Castle, yet in their recruitment literature the Union Jack is replaced by the "Saltire", this has been suggested as hypocritical by the Scottish Government.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-13604524311615694642010-11-13T16:19:00.000-08:002010-11-13T16:19:17.610-08:00REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 14th November 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TN8qPtimY3I/AAAAAAAAHTE/JHyxgu5Gsqw/s1600/RemembranceSundayPoppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TN8qPtimY3I/AAAAAAAAHTE/JHyxgu5Gsqw/s1600/RemembranceSundayPoppy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TN8qSaHtSbI/AAAAAAAAHTI/2G2zgQ-5kOk/s1600/unknown_soldier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 14th November 2010</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The day when those killed in wars from 1914-18 and 1939-45 and later conflicts are commemorated.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-27328109592155808932010-10-26T03:48:00.000-07:002010-10-26T03:49:40.079-07:00POLL - SCOTS BLAME LABOUR FOR RISING UNEMPLOYMENT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TBVPRv74nQI/AAAAAAAAHEU/uSp0EGlrsK4/s1600/ANGELA+CONSTANCE+MSP2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TBVPRv74nQI/AAAAAAAAHEU/uSp0EGlrsK4/s320/ANGELA+CONSTANCE+MSP2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">POLL - SCOTS BLAME LABOUR FOR RISING UNEMPLOYMENT</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">ANOTHER SURVEY PUTS LABOUR ON THE SPOT FOR RECESSION & JOB LOSSES</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Commenting on another poll which shows that most Scots blame Labour for the economic problems Scotland faces the SNP’s Deputy Whip Angela Constance, and MSP for Livingston, said:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">“This is a bad poll for Labour coming in the week that they hold their Scottish conference. It also confirms the previous Mori poll showing most Scots blame Labour for the spending cuts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">“The SNP is the only party offering better for the people of Scotland. An alternative to the dismal cuts and risk of double dip recession coming from London with a call for economic powers for Scotland to continue investment in training, apprenticeships and support for employment. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">“While Alex Salmond and the SNP's experienced team are working hard to help households through the recovery Iain Gray cannot escape the fact that the recession happened on Labour’s watch. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">“Gordon Brown may be gone but Labour’s legacy will not be forgotten and Cameron's cuts are risking thousands more Scottish jobs. Voters will not allow Labour, the Tories or LibDems to escape from their responsibility for the economic mess and the cuts coming Scotland’s way."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1. The poll results are as follows:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">YouGov / Scottish Daily Mail Survey Results </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Sample Size: 1405 Scottish Adults </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Fieldwork: 18th - 20th October 2010 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">QUESTION:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Unemployment levels rose in Scotland in the three months to August, with an extra 13,000 people out of work. Which of the following politicians, if any, do you blame the most for rising unemployment in Scotland? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: medium none; margin: auto auto auto 4.6pt; width: 353px;"><tbody>
<tr style="min-height: 11.25pt;"> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1pt solid windowtext; min-height: 11.25pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 230pt;" valign="bottom" width="307"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown</span></div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(240, 240, 240); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; min-height: 11.25pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 35pt;" valign="bottom" width="47"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">32</span></div></td></tr>
<tr style="min-height: 11.25pt;"> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; min-height: 11.25pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 230pt;" valign="bottom" width="307"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Prime Minister David Cameron</span></div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) windowtext windowtext rgb(240, 240, 240); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; min-height: 11.25pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 35pt;" valign="bottom" width="47"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">27</span></div></td></tr>
<tr style="min-height: 11.25pt;"> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; min-height: 11.25pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 230pt;" valign="bottom" width="307"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">First Minister Alex Salmond</span></div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) windowtext windowtext rgb(240, 240, 240); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; min-height: 11.25pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 35pt;" valign="bottom" width="47"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">8</span></div></td></tr>
<tr style="min-height: 11.25pt;"> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; min-height: 11.25pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 230pt;" valign="bottom" width="307"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">None of these</span></div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) windowtext windowtext rgb(240, 240, 240); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; min-height: 11.25pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 35pt;" valign="bottom" width="47"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">19</span></div></td></tr>
<tr style="min-height: 11.25pt;"> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; min-height: 11.25pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 230pt;" valign="bottom" width="307"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Don't know</span></div></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) windowtext windowtext rgb(240, 240, 240); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; min-height: 11.25pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 35pt;" valign="bottom" width="47"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">13</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">2. Details of the Mori poll showing Scots blame the former UK Labour government for forthcoming spending cuts can be sought form here:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-11516478" target="_blank">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-<wbr></wbr>scotland-11516478</a><div style="cursor: pointer; display: inline; height: 16px; padding-right: 16px; width: 16px;"></div></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span> <br />
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/theSNP" target="_blank">www.twitter.com/theSNP</a><br />
<div style="cursor: pointer; display: inline; height: 16px; padding-right: 16px; width: 16px;"></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.snp.org/" target="_blank">www.snp.org</a><br />
<div style="cursor: pointer; display: inline; height: 16px; padding-right: 16px; width: 16px;"></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bepartofbetter.net/" target="_blank">www.bepartofbetter.net</a><br />
<div style="cursor: pointer; display: inline; height: 16px; padding-right: 16px; width: 16px;"></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-17202462092562017852010-07-29T12:46:00.000-07:002010-07-29T12:46:35.952-07:00CHANCELLOR SAYS MOD MUST PAY FOR TRIDENT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TFHaiUActwI/AAAAAAAAHSY/1vvA-cRgL1I/s1600/ANGUS+ROBERTSON+SNP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TFHaiUActwI/AAAAAAAAHSY/1vvA-cRgL1I/s320/ANGUS+ROBERTSON+SNP.jpg" /></a></div><br />
CHANCELLOR SAYS MOD MUST PAY FOR TRIDENT<br />
<br />
TRIDENT BECOMES DEFENCE DANGER TO CONVENTIONAL FORCES<br />
<br />
Confirmation from the Chancellor that the costs of replacing Trident<br />
will come from the Ministry of Defence's core budget has been met with<br />
concern by SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson Angus<br />
Robertson MP, who warned that inclusion of Trident into the MoD core<br />
budget changed the terms of the Strategic Defence and Security Review.<br />
<br />
In an interview during his visit to India, Osborne is reported saying:<br />
"The Trident costs, I have made it absolutely clear, are part of the<br />
defence budget. All budgets have pressure. I don't think there's<br />
anything particularly unique about the Ministry of Defence. I have<br />
made it very clear that Trident renewal costs must be taken as part of<br />
the defence budget."<br />
<br />
Mr Robertson said:<br />
<br />
“George Osborne’s announcement fundamentally changes the context of<br />
the strategic defence review which began on the assumption that the<br />
cost of Trident would be met centrally by the Treasury.<br />
<br />
“From being a deterrence during the Cold War, Trident has itself now<br />
become one of the biggest defence risks we face with the cost of<br />
replacement threatening the future of conventional forces and bases.<br />
<br />
“Absorbing Trident into the core defence budget is unsustainable and<br />
would have a devastating impact for spending on conventional forces,<br />
which are already overstretched. The implications of this decision<br />
could not be more serious.<br />
<br />
“The strategic review is about choices for the future and prioritising<br />
our defence needs in a changed world. Conventional forces, which have<br />
already been cut back, should not be forced to compete with Trident<br />
for resources.<br />
<br />
“Anyway that you look at it; on moral, economic or political grounds,<br />
renewal of these weapons of mass destruction is untenable.<br />
<br />
“The SNP believe it should be scrapped and more so, at a time when<br />
public spending faces savage cuts across the board, the time has come<br />
to accept that Trident can no longer be treated as some sacred cow.<br />
The majority of Scots oppose Trident along with the Scottish<br />
Parliament and civil society. In these financially difficult times why<br />
should Scots pay for the London parties' obsession with weapons of<br />
mass destruction?”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-71953421969969978582010-07-29T12:43:00.000-07:002010-07-29T12:43:24.534-07:00SNP ON INDEPENDENT BUDGET REVIEW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TFHZz1bXJ5I/AAAAAAAAHSQ/F2RdrHtVHDk/s1600/KENNETH+GIBSON+MSP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TFHZz1bXJ5I/AAAAAAAAHSQ/F2RdrHtVHDk/s320/KENNETH+GIBSON+MSP.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">SNP ON INDEPENDENT BUDGET REVIEW</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">LABOUR FAIL TEST OF OPPOSITION – NEVER MIND GOVERNMENT</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Commenting on the Independent Budget Review produced by a team led by Crawford Beveridge SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson said:</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">“This report exposes the true scale of the cuts Scotland will face as a result of Labour’s mismanagement of the UK economy and the Tory and Lib Dems desire to cut too quickly and deeply.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">“Labour’s pathetic response fails the test of opposition – never mind government. They are responsible for two-thirds of the cuts, and are desperate to dodge saying what they would do. Their ridiculous notion of publishing a draft budget in September before we know what the budget is in October – a daft idea which parliament specifically rejected in a vote on 1 July – would leave no time to consult on any of this with anyone!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">“Labour crashed the public finances – and they are left with absolutely nothing sensible to say on one of the biggest issues of our times.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">“Labour, the Tories and the Lib Dems have put Scotland’s public sector and our valued public services in real danger. Labour in particular must lift their heads out of the sand, face up to the situation they created, and join a real discussion to minimise the impact on jobs and public services of Labour, Liberal and Tory cuts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">“When spending in Scotland is directly controlled by first Labour and now a Tory / Lib Dem Government in London they cannot escape responsibility for this situation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">“Labour’s long list of extra spending pledges – added to daily – must now be scrapped and they along with the other parties must set out where they stand on the review’s recommendations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">“The SNP has a long standing commitment to free personal care and concessionary travel as part of the debt we owe our older generations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">“Just as we opposed Tory plans to privatise Scotland’s water in the 1990’s we will not give way to Tory pressure to privatise Scotland’s water now – a damaging idea which the Review rejects. The Scottish people have invested in Scottish Water and there is no good reason why the private sector should get billions of pounds in benefit from taxpayers investment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">“This report has very serious recommendations and puts the challenge Scotland faces into stark perspective. It must be properly discussed and debated just as other parties must face up to the need for full financial responsibility in Scotland so investment in our public services is no longer left to the whims of Westminster politicians.”</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-58485714629976358312010-07-28T09:26:00.000-07:002010-07-28T09:26:34.897-07:00BLAIR SHOULD BE RECALLED AFTER DANNATT EVIDENCE TO IRAQ INQUIRY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TFBaLckcMXI/AAAAAAAAHSI/Q7mrq0P2Hco/s1600/ANGUS+ROBERTSON+SNP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TFBaLckcMXI/AAAAAAAAHSI/Q7mrq0P2Hco/s320/ANGUS+ROBERTSON+SNP.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
BLAIR SHOULD BE RECALLED AFTER DANNATT EVIDENCE TO IRAQ INQUIRY<br />
<br />
Commenting on evidence from the former head of the Army to the Iraq<br />
Inquiry today (Wednesday) SNP Westminster leader and Defence<br />
spokesperson Angus Robertson MP said the testimony underlined the<br />
impact the Iraq quagmire had on operations in Afghanistan.<br />
<br />
Gen Sir Richard Dannatt told the inquiry that the Army had come close<br />
to "seizing up" over Iraq and that the decision by Tony Blair to<br />
increase British troops to Afghanistan at the same time as the force<br />
in Iraq was facing a growing insurgency represented a "perfect storm"<br />
for the Army.<br />
<br />
Mr Robertson said:<br />
<br />
“General Dannatt’s testimony underlines the real effect of the Iraq<br />
quagmire on operations in Afghanistan. We are living with the<br />
consequences of that decision even now, and Tony Blair must answer for<br />
his decisions.<br />
<br />
“The evidence is mounting against Tony Blair, and it would seem<br />
incredible if the former prime minister was not now recalled to<br />
explain his decisions.<br />
<br />
“Tony Blair’s last appearance raised more questions than it answered<br />
and I would hope, with considerations of the general election now<br />
passed, that he will be totally straight with people on what was going<br />
on in Downing Street - this is a time for total candour on the worse<br />
foreign policy decision in recent history.”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-64777991807258303652010-07-28T09:23:00.000-07:002010-07-28T09:23:52.465-07:00SCHOOL CLOSURE HYPOCRISY FROM LABOUR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TFBZiAwB9qI/AAAAAAAAHSA/E2dYP-ThCCM/s1600/WILLIE+COFFEY+MSP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TFBZiAwB9qI/AAAAAAAAHSA/E2dYP-ThCCM/s320/WILLIE+COFFEY+MSP.jpg" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>SCHOOL CLOSURE HYPOCRISY FROM LABOUR</div><div> </div><div>LABOUR PROPOSED AND VOTED FOR KILMARNOCK CLOSURE</div><div> </div><div>The closure of Crossroads School in Kilmarnock, reported in today’s Herald was proposed and voted for by Labour in East Ayrshire.</div><div> </div><div>The SNP MSP for the area Willie Coffey today condemned the utter hypocrisy of Labour’s education spokesman after it was revealed the closure motion was put forward by a Labour councillor and that Labour voted for the closure throughout the process. Mr Coffey also said it was ridiculous to claim that this closure meant other rural schools would close and it exposed how Labour's Holyrood group would stoop to any level of dishonesty.</div><div> </div><div>Mr Coffey pointed out that:</div><div> </div><div>* The key vote on the closure of the Crossroads school was moved by the leader of the Labour group on East Ayrshire Council, Maureen McKay, at the council Cabinet meeting of 23 June and it was passed unanimously by the Council Cabinet – which includes Labour members. It was also unanimously backed by all parties, and local education and church representatives.</div><div> </div><div>* Labour MSPs also voted in favour of the Schools (Consultation) Scotland Bill on 19 November 2009 which was passed unanimously by the Parliament.</div><div> </div><div>* Between 1999 and 2007 Labour closed 64 rural schools.</div><div> </div><div>* Labour’s manifesto did not offer a commitment to any additional protection for rural schools. Under the old legislation that Labour would have left in place, the school would not have been referred to Ministers for a decision and the closure would simply have gone ahead on the basis of the Council’s decision.</div><div> </div><div>Mr Coffey, who represents Kilmarnock said:</div><div> </div><div>“Des McNulty’s comments are misleading and utterly hypocritical.</div><div> </div><div>“This is typical of the unsavoury depths Labour have sink to in opposition. No one can trust a word they utter. They voted for a closure so they can protest about it afterwards. Labour have been misleading parents and children.</div><div> </div><div>“No one likes closing schools and this was a very difficult decision. But Labour MSPS should have the guts to admit that their councillors proposed the closure and that Labour voted for it’s closure. </div><div> </div><div>“The unanimous decision was backed by education and church representatives because of the circumstances of the school and the alternatives on offer.</div><div> </div><div>“This decision has no bearing on any other school. Each case is unique as each school, and the local circumstances will be unique.</div><div> </div><div>"The SNP Government has put in place steps to support parents and children in rural areas in making the case to save their school. Labour simply closed 64 rural schools without question.</div><div> </div><div>"In this case the planning, the consultation and the proposals for future education for children from Crossroads in Kilmarnock ensured the best possible education."</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-47408684864515046822010-07-28T02:09:00.000-07:002010-07-28T02:09:16.276-07:00RUSI REPORT SCUTTLES TRIDENT RENEWAL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TE_zr9Ha8II/AAAAAAAAHR4/KM4L0B3_eo4/s1600/ANGUS+ROBERTSON+SNP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TE_zr9Ha8II/AAAAAAAAHR4/KM4L0B3_eo4/s320/ANGUS+ROBERTSON+SNP.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
RUSI REPORT SCUTTLES TRIDENT RENEWAL<br />
<br />
The SNP has seized on a report by the Royal United Services Institute<br />
(RUSI) which says the so-called continuous-at-sea-deterrence is no<br />
longer necessary following the end of the Cold War, and that Trident<br />
should be scaled back or abandoned altogether.<br />
<br />
SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP said:<br />
<br />
“From being a deterrence during the Cold War, Trident has itself now<br />
become one of the biggest defence risks we face with the cost of<br />
replacement threatening the future of conventional forces and bases.<br />
<br />
“As our brave forces serve in Afghanistan they should not wonder<br />
whether their battalions and bases face cuts to pay for renewal of<br />
this redundant weapons system. The prospect of liability for Trident<br />
being absorbed into the core defence budget would either have a<br />
devastating impact for spending on conventional forces, which are<br />
already overstretched, or just lead to more damaging cuts.<br />
<br />
“The Treasury say they do not want to pay for it, the Defence<br />
Secretary warns that the country can no longer afford to be equipped<br />
against every conceivable danger, and now this report confirms Trident<br />
is no longer necessary. It should be game, set and match.<br />
<br />
“The strategic review is about choices for the future and prioritising<br />
our defence needs in a changed world. Conventional forces, which have<br />
already been cut back, should not be forced to compete with Trident<br />
for resources.<br />
<br />
“Anyway that you look at it; on moral, economic or political grounds,<br />
renewal of these weapons of mass destruction is untenable.”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-29251130907106895902010-07-27T03:21:00.000-07:002010-07-27T03:21:58.291-07:00TREASURY AND MOD AT ODDS OVER DEFENCE FOOTPRINT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TE6zN_ZRiBI/AAAAAAAAHRw/7rKUwDdc4i0/s1600/ANGUS+ROBERTSON+SNP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TE6zN_ZRiBI/AAAAAAAAHRw/7rKUwDdc4i0/s320/ANGUS+ROBERTSON+SNP.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
TREASURY AND MOD AT ODDS OVER DEFENCE FOOTPRINT<br />
<br />
CHIEF SECRETARY REVEALS RIFT ON COMMUNITY IMPACT OF CUTS<br />
<br />
A public rift between the Treasury and Ministry of Defence has emerged<br />
over the extent to which defence chiefs must take into account the<br />
effect cuts under the strategic defence and security review will have<br />
on local communities.<br />
<br />
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander, who is charged with<br />
slashing public spending to reduce the deficit, has said the MoD must<br />
take into account the effect of decisions on local economies, however,<br />
his claim comes just a week after the Armed Forces Minister refused to<br />
continue publishing a regional breakdown of defence statistics and<br />
claimed that the MoD would not consider local economic factors, only<br />
defence needs. See references in notes.<br />
<br />
The Treasury and MoD are already at loggerheads over who will pay for<br />
Trident renewal – with the Treasury insisting the bulk of the capital<br />
expenditure for Trident should come from the MoD core budget – a move<br />
that would have serious implications for defence spending in<br />
conventional areas.<br />
<br />
SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP<br />
welcomed the Treasury intervention which vindicated his long-standing<br />
calls for the continued compilation of regional defence statistics.<br />
<br />
Mr Robertson said:<br />
<br />
“This extraordinary public rift between the Treasury and MoD totally<br />
vindicates the calls the SNP have been making for the continued<br />
publication of regional defence spending statistics.<br />
<br />
“The MoD says local considerations don’t count, but the Treasury say<br />
local economic factors must be considered. If Danny Alexander is being<br />
honest, then this is the best news we have had from the Treasury for<br />
years.<br />
<br />
“We can only continue to track the impact of government decisions in<br />
Scotland and elsewhere if the MoD answer the questions. The stakes<br />
could not be higher and the government must make a fair and balanced<br />
defence footprint across the UK a priority.<br />
<br />
“To date, Scotland has been massively short-changed on its fair share<br />
of defence spending and all the indications are that the SDR could<br />
have further catastrophic consequences for the defence footprint in<br />
Scotland. The MoD’s own figures show that £5.6bn less has been spent<br />
on defence in Scotland than has been contributed by taxpayers, and<br />
10,000 defence jobs have been lost in Scotland since the last<br />
strategic review.<br />
<br />
“If the strategic review fails to address the mammoth cutbacks in<br />
defence spending that we have seen over the last decade, then the<br />
coalition government risks even more damaging decline for the defence<br />
footprint in Scotland and causing irreparable damage to local<br />
communities across the country.”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-83792735795173456292010-07-16T12:09:00.001-07:002010-07-16T12:09:59.075-07:00EDUCATION SECRETARY BACKS MSP's CALL TO LIFT TAX ON LEARNING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TECueUrqF3I/AAAAAAAAHRo/_-rD5wWE1d8/s1600/BOB+DORIS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TECueUrqF3I/AAAAAAAAHRo/_-rD5wWE1d8/s320/BOB+DORIS.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
EDUCATION SECRETARY BACKS MSP's CALL TO LIFT TAX ON LEARNING<br />
<br />
SNP MSP for Glasgow, Bob Doris, who has been supporting a campaign by the British Universities Finance Directors’ Group to have VAT reduced on e-resources, has won the support of Mike Russell MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Life Long Learning.<br />
<br />
Former teacher Mr Doris wrote to both the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and Mike Russell MSP, ahead of the recent UK budget asking them to support the request by universities across the UK to have VAT reduced on e resources. Currently electronic resources such as e-journals, e-books and online databases attract a VAT rating of 17.5% (soon to be 20%), whilst their paper copy counterparts such as books and magazines are VAT exempt.<br />
<br />
Mr Doris was disappointed that the chancellor chose not to act for the benefit of the higher education sector and has still to receive a formal reply from the chancellor to his letter. However in a boost to the campaign Mike Russell MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Life Long Learning has added his support in a letter to Mr Doris saying 'I am disappointed that the issue you raised does not appear to have been addressed in the recent budget but I would urge you to continue to pursue your case'.<br />
<br />
Commenting Mr Doris said:<br />
<br />
"The support of Mike Russell MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Life Long Learning is a timely boost for the campaign and I will forward a copy of his reply to me to the British Universities Finance Directors’ Group. There was disappointment when the chancellor missed a golden opportunity to reduce the VAT burden and create a level playing field between books and e-resources.<br />
<br />
"I very much hope the UK Government will reconsider the matter with a view to reducing VAT to 5% on such materials. I know the UK is in a difficult financial situation but any reduction in this area could be self financing by boosting the amount of such publications sold and hence maintaining the overall tax yield. This could benefit our higher education sector without increasing the burden on the public purse.<br />
<br />
"I continue to welcome the acknowledgement from past and present UK Governments of the importance of zero VAT books but with the growing importance of e-resources for learning, particularly in Scotland’s Higher Education institutions, it is now time to look at reducing the VAT burden on electronic media".Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-22933661551301289142010-07-16T12:08:00.000-07:002010-07-16T12:08:40.023-07:00SNP SEIZE ON TREASURY AND MOD TRIDENT DISPUTE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TECuKuUQkJI/AAAAAAAAHRg/oLCXVCW3c8Q/s1600/ANGUS+ROBERTSON+SNP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TECuKuUQkJI/AAAAAAAAHRg/oLCXVCW3c8Q/s320/ANGUS+ROBERTSON+SNP.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
SNP SEIZE ON TREASURY AND MOD TRIDENT DISPUTE<br />
<br />
WHY SHOULD SCOTS PAY FOR LONDON PARTIES' NUCLEAR OBSESSION?<br />
<br />
Seizing on reports of a dispute between the Treasury and Ministry of<br />
Defence over who will pay for Trident renewal, SNP Westminster leader<br />
and Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP said the battle underlined<br />
how renewal of the nuclear weapons scheme was unaffordable, and warned<br />
over the threat to spending on conventional defence equipment.<br />
<br />
It is understood the Treasury expects the bulk of the £100bn capital<br />
expenditure for Trident to now come out of the Ministry of Defence's<br />
(MoD) core budget – a move that would have serious implications for<br />
defence spending in conventional areas.<br />
<br />
Mr Robertson said:<br />
<br />
“This is the kind of waste of money the SNP highlighted at the recent<br />
election. Absorbing the cost of Trident into the core defence budget<br />
would either have a devastating impact for spending on conventional<br />
forces, which are already overstretched, or just lead to more damaging<br />
cuts. The implications of this dispute could not be more serious and<br />
totally change the context of the current strategic defence review.<br />
<br />
“The strategic review is about choices for the future and prioritising<br />
our defence needs in a changed world. Conventional forces, which have<br />
already been cut back, should not be forced to compete with Trident<br />
for resources.<br />
<br />
“Anyway that you look at it; on moral, economic or political grounds,<br />
renewal of these weapons of mass destruction is untenable.<br />
<br />
“The SNP believe it should be scrapped and more so, at a time when<br />
public spending faces savage cuts across the board, the time has come<br />
to accept that Trident can no longer be treated as some sacred cow.<br />
The majority of Scots oppose Trident along with the Scottish<br />
Parliament and civil society. In these financially difficult times why<br />
should Scots pay for the London parties' obsession with weapons of<br />
mass destruction?”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-61692771658344071932010-07-16T12:07:00.000-07:002010-07-16T12:07:16.028-07:00OUTRAGEOUS WASTE IN NHS BY TORY/LIBDEM GOVT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TECt2MPrRtI/AAAAAAAAHRY/uop6LU9hO3k/s1600/Dr+Ian+Mckee+MSP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TECt2MPrRtI/AAAAAAAAHRY/uop6LU9hO3k/s320/Dr+Ian+Mckee+MSP.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
OUTRAGEOUS WASTE IN NHS BY TORY/LIBDEM GOVT<br />
<br />
SNP REJECTS & PROTECTS SCOTLAND'S NHS FROM IDEOLOGICAL AGENDA<br />
<br />
Commenting on the revelation that the Tory/LibDem London government has set aside nearly £1.7bn this year for reorganisation plans - more than seven times what it aims to save on management - SNP MSP Dr Ian McKee – a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee – said it was an outrageous waste of money in these financially troubled times and was an ideological chimera which was flatly rejected by the SNP.<br />
<br />
Commenting Dr McKee said:<br />
<br />
“These figures are astronomical in these financially troubled times. When cut backs are being threatened across the board by the Tory/LibDem government because of Labour's economic mismanagement it is unbelievable that such money will be wasted on yet more postcode health care in England.<br />
<br />
"This underlines why it is welcome that Scotland has an SNP Government protecting us from these ideological chimeras. A Scottish Government that is pursuing a better, more efficient healthcare policy for all the people of Scotland.<br />
<br />
“The UK Government’s disruptive and ideologically-driven experimentation is the very last thing the Scottish NHS needs – it is now clear what the Tories and LibDems would do to the Scottish health service if they were given the chance.”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-16047013859257292672010-07-15T11:33:00.000-07:002010-07-15T11:33:29.150-07:00NICOLA STURGEON and PETER MURRELL WEDDING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TD9UH_goQDI/AAAAAAAAHRI/-eEOkl9aLbI/s1600/murrell_peter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TD9UH_goQDI/AAAAAAAAHRI/-eEOkl9aLbI/s320/murrell_peter.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TD9UU2trQAI/AAAAAAAAHRQ/LhPEy6xtQD0/s1600/NICOLA+STURGEON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TD9UU2trQAI/AAAAAAAAHRQ/LhPEy6xtQD0/s320/NICOLA+STURGEON.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span>NICOLA STURGEON & PETER MURRELL WEDDING</span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span><br />
Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon and SNP Chief Executive, Peter Murrell will marry tomorrow (Friday).<span></span><br />
<br />
Ms Sturgeon and Mr Murrell will marry at a ceremony attended by close family members. It will be followed by an evening reception attended by family, friends and Party colleagues.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-14961261068581761592010-07-15T04:20:00.000-07:002010-07-15T04:20:29.515-07:00UK GOVT REFERENDUM DATE BREAKS THE LAW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TD7u6u8brSI/AAAAAAAAHRA/d41Y94s53p8/s1600/ALASDAIR+ALLAN+MSP+info.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TD7u6u8brSI/AAAAAAAAHRA/d41Y94s53p8/s320/ALASDAIR+ALLAN+MSP+info.jpg" /></a></div><div> </div><div>UK GOVT REFERENDUM DATE BREAKS THE LAW</div><div> </div><div>Commenting on the report in the Scotsman today which reveals that the Interim Electoral Management Board has warned the Tory/LibDem government that it will have to change the law if they want to hold an AV referendum on the same day as the Scottish Parliament elections SNP MSP Dr Alasdair Allan said:</div><div> </div><div>“The London Tory/LibDem government bounced this referendum on Scotland without a word of consultation, and no thought as to the consequences. </div><div> </div><div>“This revelation shows that they failed to look into whether holding a referendum on the same day was within the rules. Therefore this effectively is breaching the law.</div><div> </div><div>“They have to think again, because either holding the two votes on the same day would carry double the bureaucracy and costs – the opposite of what Michael Moore says.</div><div> </div><div>“Nor should Westminster would force through a combined poll by unilaterally changing a piece of Scottish Parliament legislation, against the wishes of three-quarters of MSPs. </div><div> </div><div>“This revelation shows that their position on the AV referendum date is not tenable, and cannot stand.”</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-10938117956039130632010-07-14T13:46:00.000-07:002010-07-14T13:46:05.910-07:00MACNEIL CALLS ON PM FOR ISLAND FUEL RELIEF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TD4iAvqTTiI/AAAAAAAAHQo/6oQsFyHN_-Q/s1600/ANGUS+MACNEIL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TD4iAvqTTiI/AAAAAAAAHQo/6oQsFyHN_-Q/s320/ANGUS+MACNEIL.jpg" /></a></div><br />
MACNEIL CALLS ON PM FOR ISLAND FUEL RELIEF<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
SCHEME MUST BE IN PLACE BEFORE VAT HIKE<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
SNP MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP, Angus MacNeil, today (Wednesday) called on the Prime Minister to introduce an Islands’ Rural Fuel Derogation before the January VAT hike comes into force. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Commenting after Prime Minister’s Questions where he raised the issue, Mr MacNeil MP said:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“The Liberals and Tories inflicted a VAT hike which will hit those already struggling with sky high fuel prices especially hard.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Road users in my constituency are paying more tax per litre than anywhere else in the UK. Only this week a constituent who works in Benbecula but who lives in South Uist told me that the price of fuel at around £1.35-£1.40 means that it is becoming too expensive for her to travel to work. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“The VAT hike inflicted by the Tories and the Lib Dems yesterday will make rural fuel even more expensive and action must be taken without delay.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“The Prime Minister has pledged his government to look at the issue and I am optimistic measures will be in place by January 2011 to make life a little easier for rural road users.”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-180001579375262482010-07-14T13:44:00.000-07:002010-07-14T13:44:39.993-07:00NEW EMBARRASSMENT FOR SCOTS TORIES ON PRISON SENTENCING – CLARKE SPEECH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TD4hrP92nBI/AAAAAAAAHQg/UmIDgomIrLI/s1600/STEWART+MAXWELL+MSP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TD4hrP92nBI/AAAAAAAAHQg/UmIDgomIrLI/s320/STEWART+MAXWELL+MSP.jpg" /></a></div><br />
NEW EMBARRASSMENT FOR SCOTS TORIES ON PRISON SENTENCING – CLARKE SPEECH<br />
<br />
SAFER SCOTLAND WILL COME BY DRIVING DOWN REOFFENDING RATES<br />
<br />
Annabel Goldie and the Holyrood Tories have yet again been left high and dry by their London party bosses says SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell, after the Westminster Justice Secretary Ken Clarke said there was no link between rising levels of imprisonment and falling crime since the falling crime levels were reflected in most of the Western world without rising prison populations.<br />
<br />
In his speech Mr Clarke said:<br />
<br />
“There is and never has been, in my opinion, any direct correlation between spiralling growth in the prison population and a fall in crime”<br />
<br />
Mr Clarke has already signalled that he wants courts in England to impose fewer jail sentences of less than 12 months – a move which has undermined the Holyrood Tories who voted against a presumption against sentences of less than 3 months in the Scottish Parliament! <br />
<br />
Mr Clarke’s plans for south of the Border could include a big reduction in jail sentences of less than a year – a much greater move than the SNP Government’s proposals.<br />
<br />
Ken Clarke’s move also leaves Labour in Scotland as the most right-wing and out of touch party on law and order issues.<br />
<br />
Commenting Mr Maxwell – a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee – said:<br />
<br />
“This is another embarrassment for Annabel Goldie and the Holyrood Tories, who have been left high and dry by Ken Clarke. With yet another statement from Mr Clarke that is at odds with the Holyrood Tories it has to be asked again if the UK Government even bothered to tell Annabel Goldie about Ken Clarke’s latest speech?<br />
<br />
“Ken Clarke’s move also exposes Labour in Scotland as the most right-wing and out of touch party on law and order issues – Labour backbenchers were already deeply uncomfortable with Richard Baker’s inept, hard right approach to the justice brief.<br />
<br />
“The Tories – and Labour – have spent the last three years supporting taxpayers money being wasted on free bed and board for people who should be paying back their debts to society through hard work. Their position increases reoffending and doesn’t create a safer Scotland.<br />
<br />
“Instead of indulging in ill-informed posturing, it is about time that the Holyrood Tories showed some leadership for once and provided some positive answers on what they would do about sentencing – as Ken Clarke has done for the Tories in England.<br />
<br />
“To date we have heard nothing but cheap sound bites – which have just turned to ash in their mouths.”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-81204280734262013452010-07-14T13:42:00.000-07:002010-07-14T13:42:51.975-07:00PM WARNED OVER DESTRUCTION OF SCOTTISH DEFENCE CAPABILITIES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TD4hOZoJ38I/AAAAAAAAHQY/dOHIqmXn0Zs/s1600/ANGUS+ROBERTSON+SNP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TD4hOZoJ38I/AAAAAAAAHQY/dOHIqmXn0Zs/s320/ANGUS+ROBERTSON+SNP.jpg" /></a></div><br />
PM WARNED OVER DESTRUCTION OF SCOTTISH DEFENCE CAPABILITIES<br />
<br />
Speaking at Prime Ministers Questions today (Wednesday) SNP<br />
Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP,<br />
warned over the “wholesale destruction of conventional defence<br />
capability in Scotland” as the second phase of the Strategic Defence<br />
and Security Review reported back.<br />
<br />
Mr Robertson has already raised concerns over the shrinking defence<br />
footprint in Scotland – highlighting the £5.6bn defence underspend in<br />
Scotland and 10,000 job loses since the last strategic review.<br />
<br />
Mr Robertson said:<br />
<br />
“Scotland has already been massively short-changed on its share of<br />
defence spending and all the indications are that the SDR could have<br />
further catastrophic consequences for the defence footprint in<br />
Scotland.<br />
<br />
“The Prime Minister must recognise that further cuts threaten a<br />
wholesale destruction of conventional defence capability in Scotland.<br />
<br />
“If the strategic review fails to address the mammoth cutbacks in<br />
defence spending that have seen over the last decade, then the<br />
coalition government risks even more damaging decline for the defence<br />
footprint in Scotland.<br />
<br />
“The MoD’s own figures show that £5.6bn less has been spent on defence<br />
in Scotland than has been contributed by taxpayers, and 10,000 defence<br />
jobs have been lost in Scotland since the last strategic review.<br />
<br />
“People in Scotland support our armed forces, and are proud of the<br />
nation's military tradition, but those UK politicians responsible for<br />
the decrease in jobs, the overstretch, and the under-equipping of our<br />
brave servicemen must now address this decline.”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-51986257822230151882010-07-14T13:41:00.000-07:002010-07-14T13:41:19.207-07:00LABOUR WILL BE HAUNTED AT HOLYROOD OVER VAT VOTE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TD4g4R9PK_I/AAAAAAAAHQQ/OWJJODyIGWc/s1600/STEWART+HOSIE+MP+DUNDEE+EAST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TD4g4R9PK_I/AAAAAAAAHQQ/OWJJODyIGWc/s320/STEWART+HOSIE+MP+DUNDEE+EAST.jpg" /></a></div><br />
LABOUR WILL BE HAUNTED AT HOLYROOD OVER VAT VOTE<br />
<br />
FRAUD MURPHY URGES LIBERALS TO VOTE NO, WHILE LABOUR ABSTAIN<br />
<br />
The decision by Scottish Labour MPs to abstain in a Commons vote to<br />
stop the rise in VAT will haunt the party in the run up to the<br />
Holyrood elections next year the SNP has warned.<br />
<br />
SNP Treasury spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP branded Labour claims the<br />
party would defend Scotland from Tory policies as a “fraud” by<br />
pointing to a letter from Labour Scotland spokesperson, Jim Murphy, in<br />
which he urged Scottish LibDem MPs to vote against the VAT increase,<br />
before abstaining in a vote himself.<br />
<br />
Just two Scottish Labour MPs – Michael Connarty and John Robertson –<br />
voted in support of an SNP amendment to bring relief for households<br />
and businesses from the coalition government’s VAT hike.<br />
<br />
Commenting, Mr Hosie said:<br />
<br />
“Yet again we have seen how Labour can’t be trusted to protect<br />
Scotland from the Tories. Claims they would protect Scotland from<br />
damaging Tory policies are a fraud by Labour.<br />
<br />
“We know the Lib/Dems have sold out already, but for Labour MPs to sit<br />
on their hands and do nothing to stop this VAT hike is unforgivable.<br />
This failure will haunt the Labour Party in Scotland in the lead up to<br />
the Holyrood elections.<br />
<br />
“Jim Murphy talks the talk, but when it came to going through the<br />
voting lobbies he didn’t walk the walk. Instead of letters to<br />
Liberals, Jim Murphy should have been writing to his own Labour<br />
colleagues telling them to vote against this VAT bombshell.<br />
<br />
“Throughout the election campaign Labour candidates claimed that only<br />
they could stop the Tories. Now, not only did they rush for the<br />
comfort of opposition instead of building an anti-Tory alternative,<br />
but these Labour MPs are standing back while the Tories and Liberals<br />
impose savage cuts and painful tax hikes.<br />
<br />
“Labour let the people of Scotland down. They promised to protect<br />
Scotland from the Tories - instead they opened the door to a Tory<br />
government in Scotland.”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-3680545467927468562010-07-13T16:17:00.000-07:002010-07-13T16:17:53.544-07:00SCOTLAND LEADS WORLD IN UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FUNDING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TDz0FxfZgwI/AAAAAAAAHQI/4MnNeVn8woI/s1600/KENNETH+GIBSON+MSP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TDz0FxfZgwI/AAAAAAAAHQI/4MnNeVn8woI/s320/KENNETH+GIBSON+MSP.jpg" /></a></div><div dir="LTR"><br />
</div><div dir="LTR"><span lang="en-gb"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">SCOTLAND LEADS WORLD IN UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FUNDING</span></span></div><div dir="LTR"><span lang="en-gb"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">RESEARCH FUNDING IN SCOTLAND’S UNIVERSIT</span></span><span lang="en-gb"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">IES</span></span><span lang="en-gb"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> TOPS</span></span><span lang="en-gb"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">INTERNATIONAL</span></span><span lang="en-gb"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">LEAGUE TABLE</span></span></div><div dir="LTR"><span lang="en-gb"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Education Committee member Kenneth Gibson today heralded the news that Scotland invests more money in universities than any other country in the OECD. </span></span></div><div dir="LTR"><span lang="en-gb"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The GERD report, published today, highlights many reasons why Scotland’s universities should have reason to celebrate research success. The report shows: </span></span></div><div dir="LTR"><span lang="en-gb"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: x-small;">·<span style="font-family: Courier New;"> </span></span></span><span lang="en-gb"></span><span lang="en-gb"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scotland’s expenditure, as a share of GDP, on university research was higher than any OECD country. Investment in higher education research was 0.82 per cent of Scottish GDP in 2008, compared to 0.47 per cent for the UK, 0.42 per cent for the EU and 0.39 per cent for the OECD. </span></span></div><div dir="LTR"><span lang="en-gb"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: x-small;">·<span style="font-family: Courier New;"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Expenditure in Scotland was £939 million in 2008, 13.8 per cent of the UK figure and an increase of £69 million since 2007. This represents a real terms increase of 5.3 per cent since 2007.</span></span></div><div dir="LTR"><span lang="en-gb"></span><span lang="en-gb"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"> <img alt="Picture (Device Independent Bitmap)" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=24754cd90e&view=att&th=129ccadb5b375cb9&attid=0.0.1&disp=emb&zw" /></span></span><span lang="en-gb"></span></div><div dir="LTR"><span lang="en-gb"></span><span lang="en-gb"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson said:</span></span></div><div dir="LTR"><span lang="en-gb"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“This is fantastic news for, not just those involved in education, but the whole of Scotland. Investment in our universities has once again been shown to be truly world beating, underlining Scotland’s long held and sustained devotion to academia. </span></span></div><div dir="LTR"><span lang="en-gb"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The report shows that Scotland not only devotes a larger proportion of its economy to university research than the rest of the UK and Europe, but is the highest country in the OECD. This is a feat that is truly outstanding. </span></span></div><div dir="LTR"><span lang="en-gb"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Scotland’s been a world leader for centuries when it comes to education and despite Labour’s constant attempts to talk our universities down and hope for failure, they continue to hold their heads high in all the international standings.”</span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-10197943106325621672010-07-13T16:14:00.000-07:002010-07-13T16:14:40.679-07:00TORIES AND LIBERALS VOTE FOR VAT BOMBSHELL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TDzzUGZv2jI/AAAAAAAAHQA/MUBmA0VHAjQ/s1600/STEWART+HOSIE+MP+DUNDEE+EAST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TDzzUGZv2jI/AAAAAAAAHQA/MUBmA0VHAjQ/s320/STEWART+HOSIE+MP+DUNDEE+EAST.jpg" /></a></div><br />
TORIES AND LIBERALS VOTE FOR VAT BOMBSHELL<br />
<br />
LABOUR MPS LET SCOTLAND DOWN BY ABSTAINING ON VAT VOTE<br />
<br />
SNP Treasury spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP has hit out at the London<br />
parties after the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats this evening<br />
(Tuesday) voted to raise VAT, while Labour MPs abstained in a vote for<br />
an SNP amendment to bring relief for households and businesses.<br />
<br />
Commenting, Mr Hosie said:<br />
<br />
“The Con/Dem coalition’s decision to proceed with this rise is<br />
economically illiterate. This increase in VAT will cause real pain for<br />
households and businesses, and hinder economic recovery.<br />
<br />
“For Labour MPs to sit on their hands and abstain on this vote is<br />
absolutely unforgivable. First Labour let the Tories into government,<br />
and now they are standing back while the Tories and Liberals impose<br />
savage cuts and painful tax hikes. This failure will haunt the Labour<br />
Party in Scotland for years to come.<br />
<br />
“The poorest families will be hardest hit with some estimates<br />
suggesting their VAT bill will go up by £31 a week. Unemployment<br />
benefit will be reduced in real terms, tax credits cut and massive<br />
pressure put on housing benefit, particularly in areas where rented<br />
housing is expensive.<br />
<br />
“Increasing VAT will put a strain on our public services at a time<br />
when they need support more than ever. The NHS in Scotland, for<br />
example, will be hit by a £26m hike in the VAT bill.<br />
<br />
“The VAT increase also piles the pain on businesses already struggling<br />
through Labour’s recession – taking spending power out of the economy<br />
and exacerbating cash flow problems.<br />
<br />
“The Tories and the Liberals have already endangered the recovery by<br />
cutting too far and too fast. The decision to increase VAT is a<br />
political choice and it is a wrong choice.”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-20258268759537616872010-07-13T16:13:00.000-07:002010-07-13T16:13:12.875-07:00COST OF TRIDENT RENEWAL INDEFENSIBLE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TDzy_chlNkI/AAAAAAAAHP4/atd0DjD7SyE/s1600/ANGUS+ROBERTSON+SNP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TDzy_chlNkI/AAAAAAAAHP4/atd0DjD7SyE/s320/ANGUS+ROBERTSON+SNP.jpg" /></a></div><br />
COST OF TRIDENT RENEWAL INDEFENSIBLE<br />
<br />
Commenting following the Chatham House speech by the Defence<br />
Secretary, in which he claimed renewal of the £100bn Trident nuclear<br />
weapons programme represented value for money, SNP Westminster leader<br />
and Defence spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP said:<br />
<br />
“To claim Trident represents value for money is the economics of the<br />
madhouse. It cannot be right to proceed with its procurement whilst<br />
aiming to cut other conventional areas of defence spending at a time<br />
when our forces need support most.<br />
<br />
“The strategic defence review is necessary to prioritise our defence<br />
needs in a changed world, and top of the list for that review must be<br />
ditching Trident. Anyway that you look at it; on moral, economic or<br />
political grounds, renewal of these weapons of mass destruction is<br />
untenable.<br />
<br />
“The SNP believe it should be scrapped and more so, at a time when<br />
public spending faces savage cuts across the board, the time has come<br />
to accept that Trident can no longer be treated as some sacred cow.”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-16932506492942381262010-07-13T16:11:00.001-07:002010-07-13T16:11:59.358-07:00ABERDEEN MSP COMMENTS ON FUTURE OF FORENSIC SERVICES IN CITY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TDzytCwe27I/AAAAAAAAHPw/taJG8-8ugP4/s1600/BRIAN+ADAM+MSP+info.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TDzytCwe27I/AAAAAAAAHPw/taJG8-8ugP4/s320/BRIAN+ADAM+MSP+info.jpg" /></a></div><br />
ABERDEEN MSP COMMENTS ON FUTURE OF FORENSIC SERVICES IN CITY<br />
<br />
Brian Adam, MSP for Aberdeen North has welcomed the publication of an options paper from the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA) into the future structure of Forensics Service in Scotland.<br />
<br />
Mr Adam, as well as other North East MSPs, campaigned for a wider review of forensic services after the Aberdeen Forensic and Fingerprint Laboratories were threatened with closure.<br />
<br />
The options paper published by the SPSA today is open for comment until the 20th of August, with Tom Nelson, Director of Forensic Services anticipating that the SPSA board will make a final recommendation to Kenny MacAskill, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, during September.<br />
<br />
Mr Adam said:<br />
<br />
“I very much welcome this paper published today which is another step forward to resolving the uncertainty over the Aberdeen labs and for their staff.<br />
<br />
“I am disappointed that two of the four options would see the forensic and fingerprint labs in Aberdeen closed or reduced to just 12 to 15 staff members.<br />
<br />
“This prospect is still worrying for me, and I will be interested to hear staff and Police Forces reactions to these proposals.<br />
<br />
“In the coming weeks I hope to have meetings with staff and talk to other stakeholders before putting forward my own responses to this paper.”<br />
***Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-85765233672970998202010-07-13T16:10:00.000-07:002010-07-13T16:10:46.828-07:00CLEGG AND CAMERON ON COLLISION COURSE OVER ACT OF SETTLEMENT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TDzyZKxH8vI/AAAAAAAAHPo/KNuZq5wP7qw/s1600/ANGUS+MACNEIL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TDzyZKxH8vI/AAAAAAAAHPo/KNuZq5wP7qw/s320/ANGUS+MACNEIL.jpg" /></a></div><br />
CLEGG AND CAMERON ON COLLISION COURSE OVER ACT OF SETTLEMENT<br />
<br />
SNP CALL FOR CLARITY ON REPEAL OF ANTI-CATHOLIC ACT AS LONDON PARTIES<br />
DRAG THEIR FEET<br />
<br />
SNP Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil has called on all London parties to<br />
clarify their position on the Act of Settlement - which forbids<br />
Catholics or anyone married to a Catholic from becoming monarch -<br />
after David Cameron refused to repeal the legislation despite Nick<br />
Clegg seeking nominations for the abolition of archaic and unnecessary<br />
laws as part of his much vaunted Freedom Bill.<br />
<br />
Mr MacNeil also called on the Labour party to disown Jim Murphy's<br />
former Special Advisor, John Mcternan, after he blamed the Queen for<br />
wanting to block the repeal of the Act of Settlement on last night's<br />
Newsnight and then proceeded to defend taking no action to repeal the<br />
legislation. This was despite promises by Labour to do so.<br />
<br />
Commenting Mr MacNeil said:<br />
<br />
“Nick Clegg is looking for ideas on what out-of-date laws should be<br />
repealed, and the Act of Settlement should be the first to be<br />
consigned to the dustbin of history. This discrimination is an 18th<br />
century anachronism with no place in a modern constitution.<br />
<br />
“The coalition appears spilt over this with David Cameron ruling out<br />
repeal while his Liberal Democrat deputy seeks nominations for repeal<br />
of out-dated and unpopular laws.<br />
<br />
“If Nick Clegg can find the time to remove meaningless laws, covering<br />
issues like the sale of Japanese knotweed or the impersonation of<br />
Chelsea pensioners, it would be an absolute farce if he failed remove<br />
this law which discriminates against Catholics from the statute books.<br />
<br />
“The Act of Settlement represents clear institutional discrimination<br />
against millions of our fellow citizens, and we need a clear timetable<br />
for its removal from the statute book. With the Pope visiting later<br />
this year, what better time to this forward.<br />
<br />
"This is an issue of cross-party and cross-faith concern. Repealing<br />
the Act of Settlement allows us to deal with a fundamental issue of<br />
discrimination; it enables us to state clearly that discrimination is<br />
unacceptable and will not be tolerated in a modern country.<br />
<br />
“The UK Government must act to bring forward real reforms and end<br />
institutional discrimination however high up it is.”<br />
<br />
Commenting on John McTernan's remarks Mr MacNeil said:<br />
<br />
"If Labour do not distance themselves from Mr McTernan's remarks then<br />
it will only beg the question of how serious their opposition is to<br />
the Act of Settlement. As always they treat voters as fools and talk a<br />
good game but then fail to deliver.<br />
<br />
"His claims were outrageous. First he blamed the Queen and then a<br />
number of our Commonwealth friends. However in 2000 some commonwealth<br />
countries said it wasn’t even on their statute book anymore since it<br />
was archaic. His excuses are a red herring. If, as he says, it is<br />
effectively meaningless in the 21st century then it should be quite<br />
simple to abolish. Just what is it that people like John McTernan and<br />
David Cameron are afraid of?"<br />
***Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993275727441366801.post-80166358559691474272010-07-13T16:09:00.000-07:002010-07-13T16:09:13.286-07:00LABOUR’S HYPOCRISY ON JUSTICE KNOWS NO BOUNDS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TDzyD6VFM9I/AAAAAAAAHPg/fFlizIxAFAA/s1600/BOB+DORIS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IE4Jg2oU7qs/TDzyD6VFM9I/AAAAAAAAHPg/fFlizIxAFAA/s320/BOB+DORIS.jpg" /></a></div><br />
LABOUR’S HYPOCRISY ON JUSTICE KNOWS NO BOUNDS<br />
<br />
IF SCOTLAND WON WORLD CUP, LABOUR WOULD STILL WHINGE<br />
<br />
Bob Doris has today [Tuesday] slammed Labour’s shameful hypocrisy and their ability to see the negative in almost everything, after Richard Baker (Labour Justice Spokesman) complained about the SNP delivering extra police officers when his own party had promised ZERO extra police officers.<br />
<br />
Commenting Glasgow MSP Bob Doris said:<br />
<br />
“Richard Baker has zero credibility – this is the height of hypocrisy as there would not have been a single extra police officer in Scotland had Labour won the 2007 election. <br />
<br />
“There are already over 1,000 more police officers on the streets of Scotland since the SNP took office, protecting local communities and helping cut crime to a near 30-year low – the target was met well ahead of schedule, and there will be 1,000 extra at the end of this parliament, exactly as pledged by the SNP. <br />
<br />
“The fact is that Strathclyde has been well ahead of the game in ramping up police recruitment, and we are seeing the benefits of that on our streets.<br />
<br />
“However, like everyone else in the public sector they are having to come to terms with the savage spending cuts set in train by the last UK Labour Government, and the extra Westminster cuts announced by the Tories and Liberals – two-thirds of the cuts were Labour’s, and the Con/Dem coalition added the other third. That is exactly why Scotland needs the powers of financial responsibility.”<br />
***Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071832215944297326noreply@blogger.com0