Blogminster » Smaller party MP news

'UK cuts undermining inward investment' -- Stewart Hosie (SNP)

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:34:59 +0000

Commenting on reports that National Australia Bank (NAB) – which owns Clydesdale Bank – is reviewing its operations in the UK after abandoning hopes of a near-term economic recovery in the UK as a result of the Tory-Lib Dem Government’s austerity programme, SNP Treasury spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP warned that the uncertainty being caused by the UK Government’s economic failures was causing uncertainty for business.

NAB chief executive Cameron Clyne said: “It is clear that the UK economy is likely to experience a much longer period of subdued growth with the ongoing sovereign debt crisis in the Euro-zone and the continuing austerity program by the UK government.

“UK GDP declined by 0.2% in the December quarter. These difficult conditions have adversely affected the performance of UK Banking.Given our view that recovery is now a longer term prospect, NAB has commenced a strategic review, and will work with UK management to appropriately reposition its business mix and structure for the changed economic environment and improve returns.”

Commenting, Mr Hosie said:

“NAB’s …

'Hosie Stresses Value of Better Links With China' -- Stewart Hosie (SNP)

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:27:40 +0000

Scottish business could benefit greatly from better direct relations with their counterparts in China, according to Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie. The SNP member of the UK Treasury Select Committee flew to Singapore yesterday as part of the Treasury Select Committee’s fact-finding mission to China.

Stewart said: “This is now a well trodden path for politicians and business people as we all work out how to build a solid profitable relationship with one of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies.

“First Minister Alex Salmond visited China last November and the Prime Minister was there in 2010.

“This is vital. Not just for prosperity here in Scotland but to ensure that the massive imbalances in the global economy are tackled. And these imbalances are huge. While the UK has a National debt of £1 trillion – China has a surplus in 2010 of $305 billion and a staggering $3 trillion in foreign currency reserves!

“To explain the extraordinary success of China, here is another fact. Chinese exports of goods have …

'Brighton and Hove is ‘perfect home’ for new green bank' -- Caroline Lucas (Greens)

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:57:39 +0000

Business Secretary Vince Cable confirmed this week that he has received 32 bids from towns and cities across the UK to host the Government's new Green Investment Bank.

The Bank is being set up to help support the development of renewable energy and other low-carbon technologies (1).

Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas wrote to BIS Minister Mark Prisk in August last year to outline the strong case for bringing the GIB to Brighton and Hove.

All of the bids will now be reviewed by a panel before a decision is announced next month.

Caroline said:

"With the UK's first Green-led council, some of the country's most pioneering eco entrepreneurs, and a wealth of green business expertise, there's no doubt that Brighton and Hove would be the perfect home for a new Green Investment Bank.

"In a letter to BIS Minister Mark Prisk in August last year, I urged him to consider these benefits, and now very much hope that our bid for the GIB - with all the job and investment opportunities …

'Scotland the World Over' -- Stewart Hosie (SNP)

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:13:35 +0000

Between St Andrew’s Day 2011 and Burns Night 2012, Blipfoto teamed up with Scotland.org to create an amazing film – it’s called Scotland The World Over.

Scots and Scots-at-heart were invited, anywhere in the world to join in by taking and uploading a photo of a saltire. These were then put together into the following video.

Scotland The World Over from Blipfoto on Vimeo.…

'Welfare Reforms Show ‘Compassionless UK Coalition’' -- Eilidh Whiteford (SNP)

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:55:00 +0000

INCREASING EVIDENCE FOR WELFARE TO BE DEVOLVED

SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP this evening hit out the ‘compassionless UK Coalition’ after MP’s overturned Lords amendments to the Welfare Reform Bill.

Dr Whiteford said there was increasing evidence that the welfare system should be devolved and highlighted evidence from the Scottish Local Government Forum Against Poverty and Rights Advice Scotland who have warned that UK welfare reforms will remove a safety net for hardworking taxpayers and their families.

Dr Whiteford said:

“The UK Government has exposed itself as an out-of-touch and compassionless coalition.

“It is increasingly clear that the only way we will get a welfare policy that suits Scotland’s needs is by having the powers to set that policy in Scotland.

“From time limiting contributory Employment and Support Allowance to cuts in the availability and level of crisis loans, it is the most disadvantaged in our communities that are paying the price of the Tories reforms.

“Reform of the benefits system is necessary but the Tory/LibDem …

'Whiteford & Stevenson Meet With Sangs Workforce' -- Eilidh Whiteford (SNP)

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:51:00 +0000

LocalMSP Stewart Stevenson andBanff & Buchan MP EilidhWhiteford have met with workers from Sangs in Macduff yesterday(Sunday).
TheParliamentarians were there to hear concerns from the employees and also toupdate them on efforts being made by the Scottish Government to secure thefuture of the plant and the jobs in Macduff.
Speakingafter the meeting, Eilidh WhitefordMP said:
“Having already talked to the administratorsand management, I welcomed the opportunity to speak directly with thestaff. Obviously, it's a difficult anduncertain time for everyone.

“I was able to tell the staff that the Scottish Government’s EnterpriseMinister, Fergus Ewing, will be meeting with Allied Irish Bank and theadministrators in the coming week, and will, as a first priority, be pressingfor time for Sangs to continue trading while potential buyers are beingidentified.

“Having talked with the administrators and the staff, it's clear to me thatSangs is a viable business with a lot of potential. I am confident that it will be attractive topotential buyers, but we need time in order to secure a deal.

“Sangs has been …

'Whiteford Hears Young People’s Input On Local Issues' -- Eilidh Whiteford (SNP)

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:39:00 +0000

SNP Banff and Buchan MP, Dr Eilidh Whiteford, this week visited Fraserburgh Academy to meet with representatives of the Academy’s pupil council and the Fraserburgh Youth Council to hear their views on a range of issues.

Topics under discussion ranged from of activities for young people in Fraserburgh to the extension of the vote to 16 and 17 year olds in the forthcoming independence referendum and future elections.Dr Whiteford
Mark Buchan, Chair, Fraserburgh Youth Council
Fraserburgh Academy Pupil Council
Fraserburgh Youth Council
Speaking after the meeting, Dr Whiteford commented: “I was delighted to be able to meet with the Fraserburgh Youth Council and the Fraserburgh Academy Pupil Council and hear their views on a whole range of current issues. It is great to see a large number of young people who have an inspiring sense of civic duty and are willing to act and get involved to make their town a better place.”

“The young folk also displayed a genuine interest in the forthcoming independence referendum. They had …

'Your Scotland, Your Referendum' -- Stewart Hosie (SNP)

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:34:14 +0000

On Burns’ Nicht, the Scottish Government launched their consultation on an Indepedence Referendum – which will be the most important question for the people in Scotland for over 300 years.

The consultation is mainly online, and you can take part here. Alternatively, we have copies available in reception, or we can mail them out to you, let us know if you have any difficulties!…

'MSPs & MP Welcome Additional V&A Funding' -- Stewart Hosie (SNP)

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:16:28 +0000

Dundee politicians welcomed the announcement of additional support for the V&A project today by Fiona Hyslop,

Dundee City East MSP Shona Robison said: “I welcome this additional funding from the Culture Secretary.

“The V&A project is a fantastic, once in a generation opportunity for the city to re-invent itself and become more successful.”

“There are very difficult times for public finances but the Scottish Government has prioritised the V&A at Dundee project which has the potential to transform the city and bring very real benefits to the wider region and Scotland as a whole.”

Joe FitzPatrick, Dundee City West MSP said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government have been able to prioritise the V&A Dundee project.

“This additional revenue funding added today to the capital funding brings the Scottish Government’s support for the project to more than £18 million and this has been crucial in cementing the private investment which is required.”

Stewart Hosie MP for Dundee East said: “Dundee is already seeing inward …

'Caroline welcomes Albion in the Community to Parliament' -- Caroline Lucas (Greens)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:36:23 +0000

The award winning charity work of Albion in the Community (AITC) will be celebrated in the House of Commons this evening at a packed reception hosted by Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas.

AITC, the charitable arm of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, will showcase its broad range of community initiatives to an audience of MPs, local business leaders, and figures from the footballing world on Parliament's famous terrace.

Speaking ahead of the event, Caroline said:

"The fantastic work being done by Albion in the Community across Brighton and Hove shows that football can be a tremendous force for good, and I am absolutely delighted to be welcoming the AITC team to Parliament today.

"The opening of the Albion's new American Express Community Stadium was a source of great excitement in the city - and it's clear that a lot of effort has gone into building good relationships in the community.

"Today's reception will be an excellent opportunity for the charity to talk to MPs, business leaders and other guests about …

'‘Admit you got it wrong on solar’, says Brighton MP' -- Caroline Lucas (Greens)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:04:32 +0000

The UK Government has lost its appeal against a court decision which blocked its attempts to reduce solar subsidies (1).

Responding to the decision, Caroline said:

"The High Court ruling is a victory for the solar industry and for renewable energy campaigners in holding the Government to account over its illegal attempt to make retrospective changes to the solar tariff.

"Having lost twice in the Court of Appeal and been roundly humiliated over the shambolic handling of solar policy, it is absolutely beggars belief that the Department for Energy and Climate Change is apparently planning to appeal to the Supreme Court.

"The very least that the Secretary of State can now do is to show some integrity, accept that his ministers got it wrong on solar, and pull the plug on this legal merry-go-round which is putting UK jobs and future investment at risk."

ENDS

Notes

1) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16721328 …

'NEW MEMBERS BOOST DUNDEE SNP AS PARTY MEMBERSHIP SOARS' -- Stewart Hosie (SNP)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:30:09 +0000

The unprecedented surge in membership of the Scottish National Party following Tory leader David Cameron’s intervention in the debate on Scotland’s future has been replicated locally with new members signing up in Dundee.

Party chiefs have confirmed that over 1,100 new members had joined the SNP across Scotland boosting party membership by over 5% in just a few days.

Over the past two weeks, since the Prime Minister’s intervention, new members have been joining the SNP at a rate of one new member every nine minutes.

Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie has welcomed the huge support from the public that the SNP has received in the last couple of weeks.

“The numbers of people going online to sign up to the SNP is simply phenomenal, one new member every nine minutes.

“David Cameron should reflect on the fact that the SNP has gained in excess of 1,000 more activists just days after his blundering intervention into Scottish politics.

“Nobody cares more about Scotland’s success than the people who live here. …

'Report Shows Dundee Has Forward Momentum Say Local Politicians' -- Stewart Hosie (SNP)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:39:40 +0000

Commenting in the wake of a new report by think-tank Centre for Cities, Dundee’s senior politicians have claimed that the city has ‘forward momentum’ which will help drive the city’s recovery.

Stewart Hosie, MP for Dundee East and SNP Treasury Spokesman said: “There is no doubt that the momentum of the V&A museum project going ahead on schedule has led investment into the local economy and created a ‘feel-good’ factor in other sectors – in our property market, to take one example.

“Dundee, with Angus and North-East Fife, is bucking the trend on property prices and that is helping investors to decide on new projects, such as Malmaison’s long-term lease on the former Tay Hotel.

“The city is also experiencing an expanding population which is highly-beneficial in encouraging commercial expansion and private investment leading to jobs.

“The Scottish Government recognises the huge potential which Dundee has and through its agencies has delivered support to new projects and investment in protecting existing jobs such as at Michelin where 860 jobs were …

'Research Reveals Concerns Over Flawed Welfare Assessments' -- Eilidh Whiteford (SNP)

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:58:00 +0000

MUNDELL UNAWARE HOW MANY AFFECTED BY WELFARE REFORMS IN SCOTLAND
SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Eilidh Whiteford MP has seized on a report published today (Tuesday) by the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) which warns that the UK Government’s Work Capability Assessment for Employment Support Allowance (ESA) is not able to properly assess mental health.

The report comes as Tory Scotland Office Minister David Mundell, speaking on BBC Good Morning Scotland, was unable to say how many people in Scotland would be affected by UK Government welfare reforms. Mr Mundell was asked repeatedly how many people would be affected by plans for a benefits cap.

Commenting, Dr Whiteford said:

“The UK Government must respond to the research from the Scottish Association for Mental Health that the assessment for ESA is flawed and failing to properly assess mental health.

“These findings echo the concerns raised in the independent review by Professor Malcolm Harrington which found that the assessment process was impersonal, mechanistic and lacks empathy.

“There are already huge questions …

'Big Alcohol Debate reveals local impact of drinking culture' -- Caroline Lucas (Greens)

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:51:55 +0000

Brighton and Hove City Council today published the results of a survey launched in October 2011 to explore the attitudes of people in Brighton & Hove towards alcohol in the city (1).

More than half of those who took part said that alcohol was part of their social life (61%), while more than a third were worried about the effect alcohol has on people in the city.

The survey also revealed that 39.4% of local people avoid parts of Brighton & Hove because of the way drunk people behave.

Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas, a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Drug and Alcohol Harm Reduction, said:

"The results of the Big Alcohol Debate show clearly that alcohol is having a significant impact on Brighton and Hove.

"It simply isn't acceptable that certain parts of the city are seen as no-go areas because of drunken behaviour.

"Alcohol is now so much a part of everyday life that it's easy to underestimate the serious effect it can have on the way we …

'SNP Warning On Welfare Reform' -- Eilidh Whiteford (SNP)

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:12:00 +0000

INCREASING EVIDENCE FOR WELFARE TO BE DEVOLVED
SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP today (Monday) said there was increasing evidence that the welfare system should be devolved as the Scottish Local Government Forum Against Poverty and Rights Advice Scotland warned that UK welfare reforms will remove a safety net for hardworking taxpayers and their families.

The report comes as Peers challenge proposals for a benefits cap, and follows wider criticisms by SCVO that the reforms could leave Scottish local government, the Scottish Government and Scotland’s third sector picking up the pieces.

Dr Whiteford said:

“It is increasingly clear that the only way we will get a welfare policy that suits Scotland’s needs is by having the powers to set that policy in Scotland.

“The Local Government Forum Against Poverty and Rights Advice Scotland report adds substantially to the mounting concerns about the UK Government’s reforms, and shows the wider impact that these reforms will have, not only on individuals, but on the wider economy.

“From time limiting …

'Time Runs Out For Ill-Considered Clock Change Plans' -- Eilidh Whiteford (SNP)

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:46:00 +0000

Proposals in the Westminster Parliament tochange daylight saving time, which would have plunged Scotland intodarkness until later in the morning, have failed.
A Private Member’s Bill, promoted byConservative MPs from the south and south-east of England was defeated in the Houseof Commons on Friday. Banff & BuchanMP Dr Eilidh Whiteford tookpart in the debate and voted against the Bill.
Speakingin the House of Commons, Dr Whiteford said:
“Ultimately, it is aquality of life issue. One thing that struck me after the last debate on theBill was that a huge number of people from England, mostly older people whoremember the last trial, got in touch with me by letter, phone or e-mail. Theyall said the same thing: “This was a disaster when they did it in the ’70s.”They found it miserable getting up, going to work and delivering things in thedark. People who remember it did not like it.
“That has to be ourarbiter: is this going to be helpful for our quality of life? I know that it isgoing to …

'Caroline welcomes boost for digital – but broadband push continues' -- Caroline Lucas (Greens)

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:06:15 +0000

Caroline has vowed to continue pushing for support for the city's digital sector after calls to 'let Brighton bid' for funding for ultra-fast broadband were turned down.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has written to the Pavilion MP in response to the popular campaign calling for Brighton and Hove to become a 'super-connected city' under a new Government scheme.

While the bid to be included in the scheme was turned down, Caroline has welcomed the minister's recognition of the importance of Brighton and Hove's digital and creative industries to the local economy.

She is now hoping that Jeremy Hunt will accept her invitation to meet with a local delegation to further explore what support the Government can offer to keep the city competitive.

Caroline said:

"I'm obviously disappointed that the Culture Secretary has decided not to let Brighton and Hove bid for the Government's new broadband scheme, particularly after the huge level of support shown for the Let Brighton Bid campaign by the Argus, business leaders and local MPs.

"However, I am encouraged by his recognition of the scale and influence of the city's creative, …

'Whiteford Presses UK Government On Funding For Peterhead CCS Project' -- Eilidh Whiteford (SNP)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:20:00 +0000

Participatingin a Westminster Hall debate on carbon capture storage (CCS) projects earliertoday (Tuesday) SNP Member of Parliament for Banff & Buchan, Dr Eilidh Whiteford challengedthe UK Government to provide clarity on the funding and support available forthe proposed Peterhead project.

Anannouncement was made in November 2011 of a new joint development agreementbetween Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and Shell UK Ltd for the developmentof a gas demonstrator CCS project at Peterhead, dependent on support from UK andEU funding streams.

Pressingthe UK Government on their promise of access to £1 billion worth of funding forCCS projects, Dr Whiteford commented:

“Carbon capture storage ispotentially game-changing technology and Peterhead has been identified as thebest site in the UKfor a gas demonstrator project.

“Peterheadlost a CCS project once before due to the previous Labour government being slowto act. Support from government and access to finance was not forthcoming, soinvestors simply upped sticks and took their technology and investmentsomewhere else.

“Itis vital that we avoid a repeat of that situation, and that the UK Governmentprovide …

'Local Representatives Comment On Sangs' -- Eilidh Whiteford (SNP)

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:04:00 +0000

Commenting on the announcement that softdrinks manufacturer Sangs – producers of the popular MacB brand – have goneinto administration, Banff & Buchan MP EilidhWhiteford said:
“This is very sad news for Macduff and for Sangs,who are one of the town’s major employers.
“I will be speaking with the administrators, ZolfoCooper, to ascertain the position and to offer what help and assistance I canin seeking to secure the future of the plant and the workforce.
“Based on what the administrators are saying, it ismy view that there is still the potential for a bright future for the plant,but I’m under no illusions that it won’t be easy in the current economicclimate.”
Banffshire& Buchan Coast MSP StewartStevenson said:
“Sangs have a long and proud history in Banff and Macduff so thisnews is obviously very disappointing indeed.
“The company has made great strides in recent yearsand its award-winning MacB drinks is a very strong brand indeed which enjoysinternational recognition.
“We can take encouragement that the administratorswill continue to trade the company and will …

'MP Praises Family History Society’s Initiative' -- Eilidh Whiteford (SNP)

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:44:00 +0000

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford has praised the Family History Societyof Buchan on their initiative after attending the official opening of their newresource centre overlooking Peterhead Harbour.
The local MP was invited to attend theofficial opening yesterday (Saturday) which was performed by Peterhead PortAuthority Chief Executive John Wallace.
Commenting, Eilidh said:
“Family history and genealogical research isbecoming increasingly popular and is becoming an important part of localtourism.
“This fantastic new facility is a credit to thehard work of the volunteers who have taken the Society forward from itsformation just a few short years ago.
“I congratulate the Family History Society ofBuchan on their impressive facility and the resources within and I’m sure thatit will become an important stopping-off point for visitors to the town.”…

'New Rail Station Plans ‘In Hand’' -- Stewart Hosie (SNP)

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:01:35 +0000

Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie today welcomed ongoing discussions taking place between Dundee City Council, Network Rail and Transport Scotland to upgrade Dundee Rail station as part of the wider Waterfront project.

Stewart Hosie said: “I am aware that plans are well in hand to upgrade Dundee Railway Station in time for the arrival of the V&A Museum in Dundee as part of the wider Waterfront project and that discussions between Dundee City Council, Network Rail and Transport Scotland are ongoing and positive.

“With the imminent arrival of the new Victoria & Albert museum we need to improve Dundee’s transport links to the rest of Scotland and beyond, as well as continue to tackle congestion and reduce carbon emissions by promoting public transport.

“I understand these discussions will lead to funding of a new Rail Station Concourse at the heart of Dundee Waterfront which will be completed in time for the opening of the V&A at Dundee in 2015.”

“The Scottish Government Minister for Housing and Transport, Keith Brown MSP …

'SNP Dismiss Gove’s Schoolboy Bullying' -- Eilidh Whiteford (SNP)

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:50:00 +0000

PENSIONS & WELFARE MORE AFFORDABLE IN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND

The SNP has dismissed Tory scaremongering after England’s Education Secretary Michael Gove this morning made a series of unsubstantiated claims – including bizarre suggestions that an independent Scotland would no longer have an NHS or maintain welfare payments.

SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP rubbished Mr Gove’s scaremongering over the NHS and pointed out that an independent Scotland is better placed to fund pensions and welfare compared to the UK.

Dr Whiteford said:

“Michael Gove is behaving like a silly schoolboy – his Tory bullying of Scotland does not stand up to any scrutiny.

“Mr Gove is surely aware that Scotland’s NHS is already independent, which is why the Scottish Government have been able to shield it from the disastrous privatisation plans the Tories are pursuing in England.

“As for welfare, the reality is that Scotland is actually better placed to fund pensions and welfare compared to the UK. On the basis of taxes raised in Scotland, and once …

'Local pubs at risk unless Government acts over PubCo rip-off' -- Caroline Lucas (Greens)

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:23:13 +0000

The Government's failure to stop the big pub companies (PubCos) from ripping off their ‘tied' tenants through overcharging for beer and restricting access to local ales is having a disastrous impact on the pub trade.

Speaking in a debate on PubCos in Parliament today (1), Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas said it was ‘a scandal' that just a handful of big companies had been allowed to dominate the pub market.

Currently, tenants who are 'tied' to the PubCos can only buy a limited range of beer at inflated prices - a bad deal for consumers and for many lesees, threatening hundreds of successful and popular local pubs.

PubCos tell lesees in negotiations that they can choose to be free of tied options, but they often fail to mention that they have to pay a premium to qualify for this (2).

Caroline said:

"Pubs are central to our communities, and play a vital role in this city's economy and tourist industry.

"But the failure of the Government to call time on …

'Caroline says ‘let Brighton bid’ for ultra-fast broadband' -- Caroline Lucas (Greens)

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:06:24 +0000

The Government must let Brighton bid for ultra-fast broadband under a new £100m scheme to create a network of super-connected cities (1), said Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas today.

Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, announced last month that fourteen cities across the UK are being targeted for the ultra-fast broadband project (2).

The four capitals - London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast - will automatically qualify, with the rest being chosen through a competition. This is currently open only to the eight core cities and the UK cities that have more than 150,000 dwellings (3).

But Caroline said today that the importance of Brighton and Hove's flourishing digital sector to the local economy makes it an ideal candidate for the scheme - and that its 125,000 dwellings put it very close to the threshold.

She said:

"Our city is home to one of the biggest and most successful digital sectors in the UK. It's already growing three times faster than the national average and is delivering the …