For Immediate Release – Thursday 27 February 2011
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
JOB CREATING POWERS ESSENTIAL
The SNP is seeking to improve and strengthen the Scotland Bill to help make the Scottish Parliament more accountable and boost Scotland's economy, as the Bill reaches its second reading in the House of Commons today (Thursday). The party will, in particular, focus on
securing job creating powers for the Scottish Parliament.
Arguing the SNP’s reasoned amendment to the Bill, SNP Constitutional Affairs spokesperson Pete Wishart MP warned that the proposals, as they stood, were incomplete. And, while welcoming the additional powers where there is a consensus for change, Mr Wishart argued that Scotland needed more powers to create jobs and deserves more than a demand from Westminster to sign a blank cheque for implementation costs of the tax measures.
Mr Wishart said:
“If a job is worth doing, its worth doing properly but as it currently stands the Scotland Bill is a job badly done. This will be a wasted opportunity unless we improve the Bill so that it delivers real benefits for people in Scotland.
“The biggest problem is that the UK Government has failed to address the flaws in the income tax proposals that would have left Scotland £8bn worse-off had they been in place over the last 10 years. This would have cost Scotland thousands of jobs – the Scotland Bill as it stands threatens jobs in Scotland.
“Scotland needs full financial responsibility to boost our recovery, invest in our public services and support long-term sustainable growth. This Bill falls far short of that - it is 'Calman Minus' which threatens to short-change Scotland.
“The fiscal powers are far too limited, and for the sake of Scotland's economy and public services the Bill needs to be strengthened – either by the Scottish Parliament or the people.
“There are some parts of the Bill that we welcome, where there is a consensus for change which the Scottish Government has been leading - such as devolution of control over air guns, speed limits, and borrowing powers for the Scottish Parliament, albeit they’re too limited.
“A big unanswered question is why the Scottish Parliament is being asked to sign a blank cheque, with the Westminster Government expecting Scotland to pay for the very limited extra powers.
“There is a better way for Scotland than the dismal decade of cuts coming from London. With real financial responsibility we can make Scotland better and our economy stronger.”
ENDS
Note:
The text of the SNP reasoned amendment is set out below:
SCOTLAND Second Reading BILL:
That this House, while recognising the need to further enhance the powers of the Scottish Parliament, nevertheless believes that the measures the Scotland Bill seeks to devolve are inadequate to meet the ambitions of the Scottish Government for the people of Scotland;
considers the measures relating to air weapons, road safety and drink driving to be incomplete; regrets that the Calman Commission’s recommendations to devolve the aggregates levy and air passenger duty, and to devolve responsibility for the marine environment to match the
Scottish Parliament’s responsibility for fisheries, as well as its proposal for a Scottish role in welfare benefits, have all been abandoned; regards the proposals for the Crown Estates Commission as inadequate; deplores the proposals in the Bill to re-reserve already
devolved responsibilities; concludes that the tax varying provisions would embed a long-term deflationary bias in Scotland’s budget and that the proposed borrowing powers remaining subject to HM Treasury controls and limits render them insufficiently flexible; and therefore
considers the Bill as a whole to be unacceptable.
About Me
- Bonnyrigg and Loanhead SNP
- Bonnyrigg, Loanhead and District Branch is responsible for SNP activity in the Midlothian Council Bonnyrigg and Midlothian West Council wards. The branch have two sitting Councillors, Cllr Bob Constable (Bonnyrigg) and Cllr Owen Thompson (Midlothian West)
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Asda to open near Ikea, creating 400 jobs
Published Date:
20 January 2011
By RORY REYNOLDS
HUNDREDS of new jobs are to be created in Edinburgh after Asda announced its intention to build a new superstore on the outskirts of the city.
The supermarket chain will open the 45,000sq ft store adjacent to Ikea in Straiton, creating up to 400 full and part-time jobs.
A new petrol station and consumer cafe will also be included on the planned site.
The store, which is set to open it’s doors in around nine months' time on the former Dansco Dairy site, is also expected to provide a temporary boost to the construction industry.
Asda bought the site, which has planning permission for a food store, last month.
New car-parking spaces will also be included.
Sarah Mills, the chain's communications manager for Scotland, said: "Asda is delighted to be developing a new store at Straiton.
"This is a great location offering local residents and shoppers coming to the area greater choice and value.
"This is a significant investment in an established shopping location.
"New employment opportunities will be created both in store and during the construction period. We are on site and aim to open the store in approximately nine months."
The new store will lie close to the existing Ikea, Costco and not far from the Sainsbury's superstore at Straiton Retail Park, which is set to be extended.
Sainsbury's applied last month to expand the Midlothian store by nearly 4000 square metres, making the store almost 12,000sq m in size.
Meanwhile, there is already a large Marks and Spencer at the Straiton Retail Park.
Councillor Owen Thompson, whose Midlothian ward takes in Straiton, said he welcomed the boost in jobs for the region.
He said: "This is excellent news. At a time when a number of workplaces are having to cut back, any new jobs created must be welcomed.
"Hopefully Asda will also be using a number of local companies in the construction of their new building, giving a further boost to the local economy.
"Clearly Asda are comfortable with the Scottish Government's new business rates proposals to help reduce the impact of the Westminster cuts."
20 January 2011
By RORY REYNOLDS
HUNDREDS of new jobs are to be created in Edinburgh after Asda announced its intention to build a new superstore on the outskirts of the city.
The supermarket chain will open the 45,000sq ft store adjacent to Ikea in Straiton, creating up to 400 full and part-time jobs.
A new petrol station and consumer cafe will also be included on the planned site.
The store, which is set to open it’s doors in around nine months' time on the former Dansco Dairy site, is also expected to provide a temporary boost to the construction industry.
Asda bought the site, which has planning permission for a food store, last month.
New car-parking spaces will also be included.
Sarah Mills, the chain's communications manager for Scotland, said: "Asda is delighted to be developing a new store at Straiton.
"This is a great location offering local residents and shoppers coming to the area greater choice and value.
"This is a significant investment in an established shopping location.
"New employment opportunities will be created both in store and during the construction period. We are on site and aim to open the store in approximately nine months."
The new store will lie close to the existing Ikea, Costco and not far from the Sainsbury's superstore at Straiton Retail Park, which is set to be extended.
Sainsbury's applied last month to expand the Midlothian store by nearly 4000 square metres, making the store almost 12,000sq m in size.
Meanwhile, there is already a large Marks and Spencer at the Straiton Retail Park.
Councillor Owen Thompson, whose Midlothian ward takes in Straiton, said he welcomed the boost in jobs for the region.
He said: "This is excellent news. At a time when a number of workplaces are having to cut back, any new jobs created must be welcomed.
"Hopefully Asda will also be using a number of local companies in the construction of their new building, giving a further boost to the local economy.
"Clearly Asda are comfortable with the Scottish Government's new business rates proposals to help reduce the impact of the Westminster cuts."
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
SUPERMARKET MAKES COST OF RETAIL LEVY IN JUST OVER AN HOUR
EMBARGOED: 00.01hrs, Wednesday 19th January 2011
Attn: NEWS DESKS
BUSINESS / POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
YET OPPOSITION PREFER £30 MILLION CUT IN PUBLIC SPENDING
Figures released by SNP MSPS Bob Doris and John Wilson ahead of the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government Committee discussion of the proposed large retail supplement levy highlight how one supermarkets raises the cost of the levy within an hour. Across the UK Sainsbury take £2.5 million in an hour – equal to their share of one year of the levy.
Figures showing the sales of the big four supermarkets reveal that it would take Sainsbury’s only 1 hour 6 minutes to make the money from its trade to pay the levy, 1 hour 46 minutes for Tesco, 2 hours 20 minutes for Morrisons and 3 hours 43 minutes for Asda.
An analysis of the profits of the ‘Big 4’ supermarkets show that the rates increase is a mere half of one per cent of their multi-billion profits. The combined profits of the ‘Big 4 ‘ for the 2009/10 was over £4.5 billion, whereas the rates increase for supermarkets will be only £23 million – 0.5% of their annual profits.
Commenting on the figures Bob Doris – the committee’s Deputy Convener – said:
“The SNP’s budget for Scotland backs public services and Scotland’s businesses yet it is astonishing that Labour in coalition with the Tories and LibDems want to cut £30 million from the Scottish budget in the interests of supermarkets.
“Supermarkets make the money to pay the large retail supplement levy in hours. It is simply astonishing that those parties are now the supermarkets friend and will support putting a £30 million hole in Scotland’s budget and that supermarkets who play a key role in communities and benefit significantly from them are not willing to pay what to them is an incredibly small amount to support businesses and services in those communities.
"It is equally astonishing that any party – never mind a Labour, Tory and Lib Dem coalition - supports such a cut which can only result in them supporting an increase in council tax to pay for their support for supermarkets.
Fellow committee member John Wilson said:
“Why on earth are the opposition putting themselves in a position where they prefer a pensioner paying more in council tax to a supermarket paying a little bit extra from a few hours’ trade?
“Labour want to keep taxes off big businesses while asking households to pay higher council tax, small business to pay higher rates and have already increased National Insurance.
“While Labour, Tory and Lib Dem form another coalition against Scotland’s interests in this budget and at the coming election the SNP will work with households, small business and communities to make Scotland better and to protect our essential services.”
ENDS
Notes
In the draft Budget 2010/11, the SNP Govt announced an increase in business rates paid by large retailers. This will raise £30m – of which 75% will be paid by the ‘Big 4’ supermarkets. Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury’s and Morrison’s have complained publicly that this rates increase is ‘unfair’[1]. A simple comparison of the small rates increase and the massive profits of these supermarkets expose this claim as nonsense:[2]
Retailer Extra to pay (estimated) Turnover 09/10 (£m) Time taken to make increase
Tesco £8.5m £42,254 1 hour 46 minutes
ASDA £8.4m £19,819 3 hours 43 minutes
Morrisons £4.1m £15,410 2 hours 20 minutes
Sainsbury’s £2.5m £19,964 1 hour 6 minutes
Total £23.4m
[1] “Hike in rates “will drive out top retailers” Scotland on Sunday, 19th December 2010
[2] Estimated rise in rates based on research by Ryden Consultants taken from above SoS article. Turnover figures supplied by Spice, available on request.
Attn: NEWS DESKS
BUSINESS / POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
YET OPPOSITION PREFER £30 MILLION CUT IN PUBLIC SPENDING
Figures released by SNP MSPS Bob Doris and John Wilson ahead of the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government Committee discussion of the proposed large retail supplement levy highlight how one supermarkets raises the cost of the levy within an hour. Across the UK Sainsbury take £2.5 million in an hour – equal to their share of one year of the levy.
Figures showing the sales of the big four supermarkets reveal that it would take Sainsbury’s only 1 hour 6 minutes to make the money from its trade to pay the levy, 1 hour 46 minutes for Tesco, 2 hours 20 minutes for Morrisons and 3 hours 43 minutes for Asda.
An analysis of the profits of the ‘Big 4’ supermarkets show that the rates increase is a mere half of one per cent of their multi-billion profits. The combined profits of the ‘Big 4 ‘ for the 2009/10 was over £4.5 billion, whereas the rates increase for supermarkets will be only £23 million – 0.5% of their annual profits.
Commenting on the figures Bob Doris – the committee’s Deputy Convener – said:
“The SNP’s budget for Scotland backs public services and Scotland’s businesses yet it is astonishing that Labour in coalition with the Tories and LibDems want to cut £30 million from the Scottish budget in the interests of supermarkets.
“Supermarkets make the money to pay the large retail supplement levy in hours. It is simply astonishing that those parties are now the supermarkets friend and will support putting a £30 million hole in Scotland’s budget and that supermarkets who play a key role in communities and benefit significantly from them are not willing to pay what to them is an incredibly small amount to support businesses and services in those communities.
"It is equally astonishing that any party – never mind a Labour, Tory and Lib Dem coalition - supports such a cut which can only result in them supporting an increase in council tax to pay for their support for supermarkets.
Fellow committee member John Wilson said:
“Why on earth are the opposition putting themselves in a position where they prefer a pensioner paying more in council tax to a supermarket paying a little bit extra from a few hours’ trade?
“Labour want to keep taxes off big businesses while asking households to pay higher council tax, small business to pay higher rates and have already increased National Insurance.
“While Labour, Tory and Lib Dem form another coalition against Scotland’s interests in this budget and at the coming election the SNP will work with households, small business and communities to make Scotland better and to protect our essential services.”
ENDS
Notes
In the draft Budget 2010/11, the SNP Govt announced an increase in business rates paid by large retailers. This will raise £30m – of which 75% will be paid by the ‘Big 4’ supermarkets. Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury’s and Morrison’s have complained publicly that this rates increase is ‘unfair’[1]. A simple comparison of the small rates increase and the massive profits of these supermarkets expose this claim as nonsense:[2]
Retailer Extra to pay (estimated) Turnover 09/10 (£m) Time taken to make increase
Tesco £8.5m £42,254 1 hour 46 minutes
ASDA £8.4m £19,819 3 hours 43 minutes
Morrisons £4.1m £15,410 2 hours 20 minutes
Sainsbury’s £2.5m £19,964 1 hour 6 minutes
Total £23.4m
[1] “Hike in rates “will drive out top retailers” Scotland on Sunday, 19th December 2010
[2] Estimated rise in rates based on research by Ryden Consultants taken from above SoS article. Turnover figures supplied by Spice, available on request.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
SNP SEIZE ON RURAL FUEL ACTION RETREAT
For Immediate Release – Tuesday 18th January 2011
Attn: NEWS DESKS
TRANSPORT / POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
The SNP has seized on reports that introduction of a discount on fuel in remote rural areas in March's Budget have been shelved by the Treasury. It is understood that the UK Government will not even apply to the European Commission until after Budget day on 23 March.
The news comes as official statistics confirm significant rises in both the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) annual inflation and Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation rates which have been partly pushed up by soaring fuel prices.
SNP Westminster Transport spokesperson Angus MacNeil MP said:
“This is not just disappointing, it is a despicable betrayal by the Tory LibDem government at a time when the country is crying out for action to bring down fuel costs.
“In their coalition agreement the Tories and LibDems clearly promised a pilot scheme, and now they are reneging on that commitment – they have not even raised the proposal with European Commission.
“People in the Highlands and Islands will be furious, not least Danny Alexander’s constituents who face some of the highest fuel prices in Europe. The LibDems pre-election promises at Westminster were clearly worthless, and now these failures will haunt them in the lead up to
the Holyrood elections in May.
“Figures reported this week show how the UK Treasury will collect an additional £2 billion in tax from North Sea oil revenues this year, on top of the £10 billion previously forecast. Scotland’s significant wealth from North Sea oil should be used to help its people and businesses rather than simply filling Treasury coffers in London.
Businesses and motorists cannot afford to be kept hanging on by the UK government.
“The SNP is doing what we can to keep costs down for families and businesses with a freeze in the council tax, reduced business rates, and free prescription charges, but the UK government are refusing to act.”
ENDS
Note:
Reports of the retreat by the Treasury can be found here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12214986?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Danny Alexander has been vocal in his opposition to high fuel prices:
1. In his leaflets during the General Election the Liberal Democrats stated: “Danny and the Lib Dems led efforts in Parliament to win a fair fuel and energy deal for rural communities. They would apply a lower rate of fuel duty to those with no alternative to long journeys by car.
2. On 12 April 2010 Mr Alexander’s constituency office issued a statement criticising the Conservatives for claiming to support fairer fuel prices for rural areas, when Conservative MPs at Westminster have repeatedly voted against the use of European powers to introduce a
lower rate of fuel duty for remote communities. Mr Alexander said:
"The case for a fair fuel deal for remote and rural communities is absolutely clear. People face longer journeys, much higher pump prices and few if any public transport alternatives. A lower rate of fuel duty is already available for remote and island areas in many other European countries. A rural fuel duty discount would help people in the Highlands & Islands at the pump, and help small independent filling stations to compete and survive.”
3. On 20 March 2010, speaking ahead of the pre-election Budget in March, Mr Alexander said: “It seems likely the Budget will mean a further increase in fuel duty in April, which would be madness at a time when people are struggling because of the recession and fuel prices have risen by as much as 20p in the last few months. The Treasury is already getting a big windfall from that through VAT. The idea that they should then impose a further punitive duty rise at this
time is wrong and would hit people in the Highlands especially hard because of the lack of alternatives in terms of public transport.”
4. On 8 February 2010, Mr Alexander said: “The Treasury could make a real difference by recognising that rural motorists already pay more for fuel, and have few, if any, alternatives to long journeys by private car. A reduced rate of duty would help them, and help boost business for lifeline independent fuel retailers.”
5. Speaking to the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald on 28 May 2008, Mr Alexander argued: "We should follow the example of other European countries and have a lower level of fuel tax in rural areas. That would give real, immediate benefit to people in the strath. I will be raising that with the Chancellor…The Government should also reverse its punitive and unnecessary decision to back-date higher road tax on gas-guzzling vehicles.
6. On 1 June 2009, Mr Alexander spoke of the Liberal Democrats plan to take their campaign for fairer fuel duty to the European Parliament. Mr Alexander said: “The steady rise in fuel prices is giving the Treasury a windfall, but causing serious problems for people living in
the Highlands.”
7. On 4 July 2006 Mr Alexander urged the Treasury to cut the rate of fuel duty in rural areas, he said: 'Taxing rural motorists off the road means wiping rural communities off the map. The Treasury is once again letting the Highlands and Islands down with a short-sighted policy which fails to recognise the effect on people with low incomes in remote areas."
8. On 20 June 2005, speaking to the Press and Journal, Mr Alexander said: "These figures confirm that it is people living in the most remote parts of the UK who have to pay the most for petrol and diesel.
This is unreasonable, given that car use is a necessity in large parts of my constituency. Why should communities that have the least public-transport options and the lowest amount of congestion pay the most for road use?"
Attn: NEWS DESKS
TRANSPORT / POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
The SNP has seized on reports that introduction of a discount on fuel in remote rural areas in March's Budget have been shelved by the Treasury. It is understood that the UK Government will not even apply to the European Commission until after Budget day on 23 March.
The news comes as official statistics confirm significant rises in both the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) annual inflation and Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation rates which have been partly pushed up by soaring fuel prices.
SNP Westminster Transport spokesperson Angus MacNeil MP said:
“This is not just disappointing, it is a despicable betrayal by the Tory LibDem government at a time when the country is crying out for action to bring down fuel costs.
“In their coalition agreement the Tories and LibDems clearly promised a pilot scheme, and now they are reneging on that commitment – they have not even raised the proposal with European Commission.
“People in the Highlands and Islands will be furious, not least Danny Alexander’s constituents who face some of the highest fuel prices in Europe. The LibDems pre-election promises at Westminster were clearly worthless, and now these failures will haunt them in the lead up to
the Holyrood elections in May.
“Figures reported this week show how the UK Treasury will collect an additional £2 billion in tax from North Sea oil revenues this year, on top of the £10 billion previously forecast. Scotland’s significant wealth from North Sea oil should be used to help its people and businesses rather than simply filling Treasury coffers in London.
Businesses and motorists cannot afford to be kept hanging on by the UK government.
“The SNP is doing what we can to keep costs down for families and businesses with a freeze in the council tax, reduced business rates, and free prescription charges, but the UK government are refusing to act.”
ENDS
Note:
Reports of the retreat by the Treasury can be found here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12214986?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Danny Alexander has been vocal in his opposition to high fuel prices:
1. In his leaflets during the General Election the Liberal Democrats stated: “Danny and the Lib Dems led efforts in Parliament to win a fair fuel and energy deal for rural communities. They would apply a lower rate of fuel duty to those with no alternative to long journeys by car.
2. On 12 April 2010 Mr Alexander’s constituency office issued a statement criticising the Conservatives for claiming to support fairer fuel prices for rural areas, when Conservative MPs at Westminster have repeatedly voted against the use of European powers to introduce a
lower rate of fuel duty for remote communities. Mr Alexander said:
"The case for a fair fuel deal for remote and rural communities is absolutely clear. People face longer journeys, much higher pump prices and few if any public transport alternatives. A lower rate of fuel duty is already available for remote and island areas in many other European countries. A rural fuel duty discount would help people in the Highlands & Islands at the pump, and help small independent filling stations to compete and survive.”
3. On 20 March 2010, speaking ahead of the pre-election Budget in March, Mr Alexander said: “It seems likely the Budget will mean a further increase in fuel duty in April, which would be madness at a time when people are struggling because of the recession and fuel prices have risen by as much as 20p in the last few months. The Treasury is already getting a big windfall from that through VAT. The idea that they should then impose a further punitive duty rise at this
time is wrong and would hit people in the Highlands especially hard because of the lack of alternatives in terms of public transport.”
4. On 8 February 2010, Mr Alexander said: “The Treasury could make a real difference by recognising that rural motorists already pay more for fuel, and have few, if any, alternatives to long journeys by private car. A reduced rate of duty would help them, and help boost business for lifeline independent fuel retailers.”
5. Speaking to the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald on 28 May 2008, Mr Alexander argued: "We should follow the example of other European countries and have a lower level of fuel tax in rural areas. That would give real, immediate benefit to people in the strath. I will be raising that with the Chancellor…The Government should also reverse its punitive and unnecessary decision to back-date higher road tax on gas-guzzling vehicles.
6. On 1 June 2009, Mr Alexander spoke of the Liberal Democrats plan to take their campaign for fairer fuel duty to the European Parliament. Mr Alexander said: “The steady rise in fuel prices is giving the Treasury a windfall, but causing serious problems for people living in
the Highlands.”
7. On 4 July 2006 Mr Alexander urged the Treasury to cut the rate of fuel duty in rural areas, he said: 'Taxing rural motorists off the road means wiping rural communities off the map. The Treasury is once again letting the Highlands and Islands down with a short-sighted policy which fails to recognise the effect on people with low incomes in remote areas."
8. On 20 June 2005, speaking to the Press and Journal, Mr Alexander said: "These figures confirm that it is people living in the most remote parts of the UK who have to pay the most for petrol and diesel.
This is unreasonable, given that car use is a necessity in large parts of my constituency. Why should communities that have the least public-transport options and the lowest amount of congestion pay the most for road use?"
HYPOCRISY AND HUMILIATION OVER MINIMUM PRICING PROPOSALS
For immediate use: Tuesday 18 January 2010
Attn: NEWSDESKS
HEALTH / POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
PLAN CONCEDES ARGUMENT BUT FUDGES DECISION
The SNP have rounded on Tory and LibDem hypocrisy following the announcement of minimum alcohol pricing proposals by the Home Office just weeks after the parties voted down SNP Government plans to tackle binge drinking and improve health.
SNP Home Affairs spokesperson Pete Wishart MP said that, while the Tories had conceded the argument on the necessity for a minimum pricing, they were fudging the decision by proposing ineffective measures which would mean that a can of lager could still be sold for
38p, a bottle of wine for £2 and a bottle of spirits for £7.50.
Commenting, Mr Wishart said:
“This is not just hypocrisy from the Tories and Lib Dems, but a humiliation for their Scottish parties who, despite overwhelming professional evidence for it, voted down minimum pricing plans just weeks ago. The London parties all put politics before the public health of Scotland.
“While it is welcome that the Tories and Lib Dems have conceded the argument, what they are proposing does not go far enough. Their calls to use duty plus vat would actually see some cheap alcohol get cheaper.
“Instead of blocking the Scottish Government’s sensible plan backed by health professionals for a genuine minimum price, Labour, the Tories and Lib Dems should have supported the life saving legislation put forward by the SNP for the benefit of Scotland and our National Health
Service.
“It is increasingly clear that the introduction of a real minimum price is essential in tackling our alcohol culture and improving our health as a nation. It is good that the Tories and Lib Dems now agree with the principle of minimum pricing in England, but is shocking that they and Labour refused to put politics aside to introduce it in Scotland, where the problem of alcohol abuse is even more acute than it is south of the Border.
“It is not acceptable to play political games while neglecting key health issues, which is just one reason why the Tories and LibDems are crashing in the polls since no one can trust them with Scotland's health or in the battle against anti-social behaviour.”
END
Attn: NEWSDESKS
HEALTH / POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
PLAN CONCEDES ARGUMENT BUT FUDGES DECISION
The SNP have rounded on Tory and LibDem hypocrisy following the announcement of minimum alcohol pricing proposals by the Home Office just weeks after the parties voted down SNP Government plans to tackle binge drinking and improve health.
SNP Home Affairs spokesperson Pete Wishart MP said that, while the Tories had conceded the argument on the necessity for a minimum pricing, they were fudging the decision by proposing ineffective measures which would mean that a can of lager could still be sold for
38p, a bottle of wine for £2 and a bottle of spirits for £7.50.
Commenting, Mr Wishart said:
“This is not just hypocrisy from the Tories and Lib Dems, but a humiliation for their Scottish parties who, despite overwhelming professional evidence for it, voted down minimum pricing plans just weeks ago. The London parties all put politics before the public health of Scotland.
“While it is welcome that the Tories and Lib Dems have conceded the argument, what they are proposing does not go far enough. Their calls to use duty plus vat would actually see some cheap alcohol get cheaper.
“Instead of blocking the Scottish Government’s sensible plan backed by health professionals for a genuine minimum price, Labour, the Tories and Lib Dems should have supported the life saving legislation put forward by the SNP for the benefit of Scotland and our National Health
Service.
“It is increasingly clear that the introduction of a real minimum price is essential in tackling our alcohol culture and improving our health as a nation. It is good that the Tories and Lib Dems now agree with the principle of minimum pricing in England, but is shocking that they and Labour refused to put politics aside to introduce it in Scotland, where the problem of alcohol abuse is even more acute than it is south of the Border.
“It is not acceptable to play political games while neglecting key health issues, which is just one reason why the Tories and LibDems are crashing in the polls since no one can trust them with Scotland's health or in the battle against anti-social behaviour.”
END
Monday, 17 January 2011
SNP HEALTH ACHIEVEMENTS CONTRAST WITH DAMAGING TORY POLICY
For immediate use: Monday 17th January 2010
Attn: NEWSDESKS
HEALTH / POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
TIME TO REMEMBER LABOUR’S APPALLING HEALTH LEGACY
As the UK Tory government announces damaging plans for the NHS south of the border former GP and Lothians MSP Dr Ian McKee said it only drew attention to the achievements of the SNP Government in improving Scotland’s health service.
Dr McKee said the achievements and improvements under Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon were also a timely reminder about Labour’s failure in office before 2007.
Under the SNP Government:
1. NHS waiting lists have improved since May 2007. The SNP Government has continuously achieved targets since 2008 with the abolition of hidden waiting lists in January 2008. Under Labour 35,000 patients languished on hidden waiting lists.
2. Bed blocking has been dramatically addressed. The number of delayed discharges in October 2006 was 678 compared to 128 in October 2010.
3. The costs of prescription charges has been dramatically reduced since 2007 with their complete abolition set to happen in April subject to parliamentary approval.
4. Plans to close accident and emergency services at Monklands and Ayr Hospitals have been reversed.
5. Cases of MRSA and C.diff infections, which were allowed to rise dramatically under Labour are at a record low, falling 40% in one year.
6. 400 additional dentists are now working across Scotland, and more doctors and nurses.
7. 10,000 extra weeks of respite care across Scotland are being delivered
8. Children’s cancer and neurosurgery units in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and maternity services at Vale of Leven and Inverclyde have been secured.
9. Stopped Labour’s privatisation drive in Scotland.
10. Over £800 million is being invested in a new Southern General Hospital in Glasgow.
Commenting Dr McKee said:
“As the SNP’s record in office shows, the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government is a bulwark against the damaging privatisation policies being announced by David Cameron for England today.
“The SNP Government’s achievements not only stand in stark contrast with what a UK Tory government would do but what the previous Labour-run Executive did before 2007.
“Then we saw Labour hide patients on secret lists to keep waiting times down, stood by as hospital infections increased, and put through closures of essential accident and emergency services.
“At the coming election Scotland’s voters and Scotland’s health service have a choice between an SNP Government that works with doctors, nurses and patients to deliver the best possible care, free to all and a Labour party whose record was one of failure and waste.”
ENDS
Attn: NEWSDESKS
HEALTH / POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
TIME TO REMEMBER LABOUR’S APPALLING HEALTH LEGACY
As the UK Tory government announces damaging plans for the NHS south of the border former GP and Lothians MSP Dr Ian McKee said it only drew attention to the achievements of the SNP Government in improving Scotland’s health service.
Dr McKee said the achievements and improvements under Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon were also a timely reminder about Labour’s failure in office before 2007.
Under the SNP Government:
1. NHS waiting lists have improved since May 2007. The SNP Government has continuously achieved targets since 2008 with the abolition of hidden waiting lists in January 2008. Under Labour 35,000 patients languished on hidden waiting lists.
2. Bed blocking has been dramatically addressed. The number of delayed discharges in October 2006 was 678 compared to 128 in October 2010.
3. The costs of prescription charges has been dramatically reduced since 2007 with their complete abolition set to happen in April subject to parliamentary approval.
4. Plans to close accident and emergency services at Monklands and Ayr Hospitals have been reversed.
5. Cases of MRSA and C.diff infections, which were allowed to rise dramatically under Labour are at a record low, falling 40% in one year.
6. 400 additional dentists are now working across Scotland, and more doctors and nurses.
7. 10,000 extra weeks of respite care across Scotland are being delivered
8. Children’s cancer and neurosurgery units in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and maternity services at Vale of Leven and Inverclyde have been secured.
9. Stopped Labour’s privatisation drive in Scotland.
10. Over £800 million is being invested in a new Southern General Hospital in Glasgow.
Commenting Dr McKee said:
“As the SNP’s record in office shows, the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government is a bulwark against the damaging privatisation policies being announced by David Cameron for England today.
“The SNP Government’s achievements not only stand in stark contrast with what a UK Tory government would do but what the previous Labour-run Executive did before 2007.
“Then we saw Labour hide patients on secret lists to keep waiting times down, stood by as hospital infections increased, and put through closures of essential accident and emergency services.
“At the coming election Scotland’s voters and Scotland’s health service have a choice between an SNP Government that works with doctors, nurses and patients to deliver the best possible care, free to all and a Labour party whose record was one of failure and waste.”
ENDS
QUESTIONS FOR CBI OVER TAXATION CONFUSION
For immediate use: Monday 17th January 2011
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
SNP ARGUE FOR POWER TO CREATE JOBS
The Scottish Parliament should have the power to create jobs said the SNP, as opposition and a member of Scotland’s business lobby continue to argue for the power to raise taxes.
Questioning the confused approach to taxation by the Scottish CBI whose director, a member of the Calman Commission is due to give evidence on the Tory plans to allow the Scottish parliament to raise income tax in Parliament tomorrow despite his own organisation warning of damaging economic consequences (Tuesday) SNP MSP and Finance Committee member Linda Fabiani highlighted the support of the CBI in Northern Ireland for corporation tax powers to be devolved in order to create jobs.
In their manifesto CBI Scotland state:
“We remain opposed to the use of Scotland’s tax-varying power because of the additional cost and complexity that would be placed on employers. If the Calman Report is adopted by the UK government, we would support the devolved ten pence income tax rate remaining on a par with the rest of the UK but we would oppose any increase because Scotland’s tax competitiveness
would deteriorate.”
The CBI in Northern Ireland state cutting corporation tax will lead to a transformational step change” in economic performance and that “No other tax measure is likely to be as effective or as transformational for the economy”.
Ms Fabiani, a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee and former External Affairs Minister said:
“There is a real hypocrisy’s in CBI Scotland’s position.
“Not only is the CBI in Scotland in conflict with their colleagues in Northern Ireland who recognise that it is the powers to create jobs that are most important in growing an economy, they contradict themselves.
“CBI Scotland’s own manifesto for Scotland’s election says the Tory tax raising powers in the Scotland Bill will damage Scotland’s tax competitiveness yet instead of arguing for powers that could enhance Scotland’s competitiveness the CBI Director seems set to actively argue
for the Parliament to have the power to increase income tax a move that would cut spending power, increase business costs and potentially damage the Scottish economy.
“The CBI rightly congratulated the SNP Government for not using the tartan tax yet it is now arguing for an extension of that tax in a way that it acknowledges will create an annual cost to business and that has not been shown to create a single job.
“And where the current tartan tax will only cost businesses if it is used, this Tory tax trap could lead to bills for business every year even if the tax rate stays unchanged.
“Businesses across Scotland will be confused by an approach that sees the CBI backing powers to raise income taxes but rejecting powers to reduce business taxes.
“In contrast the same business lobby in Northern Ireland is backing the devolution of corporation tax as a move which could generate 90,000 jobs for the area including up to 40% in small businesses benefitting from economic spin offs.
“While the opposition are busy arguing for the power to raise taxes the SNP will continue to push for the power to create jobs and grow our economy. “
1. CBI manifesto – page 4 “We remain opposed to the use of Scotland’s tax-varying power because of the additional cost and complexity that would be placed on employers. If the Calman Report is adopted by the UK government, we would support the devolved ten pence income tax rate remaining on a par with the rest of the UK but we would oppose any
increase because Scotland’s tax competitiveness would deteriorate.”
http://www.cbi.org.uk/pdf/20100614-cbi-scotland-manifesto.pdf
2. CBI Northern Ireland on Corporation tax:
http://www.cbi.org.uk/pdf/20111123-cbi-corporation-tax-northern-ireland.pdf
3. David Lonsdale, CBI reaction to Calman Commission
http://www.scotsman.com/latestnews/Critics-confounded-by-radical-.5367796.jp
4. CBI reaction to Scotland Bill – including costs to business
http://www.cbi.org.uk/ndbs/press.nsf/939bc8c78700388480256886003bbeac/da6e0d6f2409e803802577ec0031fbb0?OpenDocument
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
SNP ARGUE FOR POWER TO CREATE JOBS
The Scottish Parliament should have the power to create jobs said the SNP, as opposition and a member of Scotland’s business lobby continue to argue for the power to raise taxes.
Questioning the confused approach to taxation by the Scottish CBI whose director, a member of the Calman Commission is due to give evidence on the Tory plans to allow the Scottish parliament to raise income tax in Parliament tomorrow despite his own organisation warning of damaging economic consequences (Tuesday) SNP MSP and Finance Committee member Linda Fabiani highlighted the support of the CBI in Northern Ireland for corporation tax powers to be devolved in order to create jobs.
In their manifesto CBI Scotland state:
“We remain opposed to the use of Scotland’s tax-varying power because of the additional cost and complexity that would be placed on employers. If the Calman Report is adopted by the UK government, we would support the devolved ten pence income tax rate remaining on a par with the rest of the UK but we would oppose any increase because Scotland’s tax competitiveness
would deteriorate.”
The CBI in Northern Ireland state cutting corporation tax will lead to a transformational step change” in economic performance and that “No other tax measure is likely to be as effective or as transformational for the economy”.
Ms Fabiani, a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee and former External Affairs Minister said:
“There is a real hypocrisy’s in CBI Scotland’s position.
“Not only is the CBI in Scotland in conflict with their colleagues in Northern Ireland who recognise that it is the powers to create jobs that are most important in growing an economy, they contradict themselves.
“CBI Scotland’s own manifesto for Scotland’s election says the Tory tax raising powers in the Scotland Bill will damage Scotland’s tax competitiveness yet instead of arguing for powers that could enhance Scotland’s competitiveness the CBI Director seems set to actively argue
for the Parliament to have the power to increase income tax a move that would cut spending power, increase business costs and potentially damage the Scottish economy.
“The CBI rightly congratulated the SNP Government for not using the tartan tax yet it is now arguing for an extension of that tax in a way that it acknowledges will create an annual cost to business and that has not been shown to create a single job.
“And where the current tartan tax will only cost businesses if it is used, this Tory tax trap could lead to bills for business every year even if the tax rate stays unchanged.
“Businesses across Scotland will be confused by an approach that sees the CBI backing powers to raise income taxes but rejecting powers to reduce business taxes.
“In contrast the same business lobby in Northern Ireland is backing the devolution of corporation tax as a move which could generate 90,000 jobs for the area including up to 40% in small businesses benefitting from economic spin offs.
“While the opposition are busy arguing for the power to raise taxes the SNP will continue to push for the power to create jobs and grow our economy. “
1. CBI manifesto – page 4 “We remain opposed to the use of Scotland’s tax-varying power because of the additional cost and complexity that would be placed on employers. If the Calman Report is adopted by the UK government, we would support the devolved ten pence income tax rate remaining on a par with the rest of the UK but we would oppose any
increase because Scotland’s tax competitiveness would deteriorate.”
http://www.cbi.org.uk/pdf/20100614-cbi-scotland-manifesto.pdf
2. CBI Northern Ireland on Corporation tax:
http://www.cbi.org.uk/pdf/20111123-cbi-corporation-tax-northern-ireland.pdf
3. David Lonsdale, CBI reaction to Calman Commission
http://www.scotsman.com/latestnews/Critics-confounded-by-radical-.5367796.jp
4. CBI reaction to Scotland Bill – including costs to business
http://www.cbi.org.uk/ndbs/press.nsf/939bc8c78700388480256886003bbeac/da6e0d6f2409e803802577ec0031fbb0?OpenDocument
STOP DITHERING, START DELIVERING SNP DEMAND ON FUEL PRICES
For immediate use: Monday 17 January 2010
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
CONDEMS FUEL ACTION FAILURE HINDERING RECOVERY
The SNP have stepped up demands on the Tories and LibDems to honour their pre-election promises and cut fuel duty after Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander said his department would not ¬‘sacrifice income willy nilly’ to help out motorists.
SNP Treasury spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP said the Lib Dem Minister’s comments would infuriate motorists in Scotland and warned that a failure to act on soaring fuel prices was hindering economic recovery.
The SNP has launched a new campaign leaflet highlighting the SNP support for a fuel duty stabiliser to be introduced by Westminster or for powers over fuel duty to be transferred to the Scottish Parliament. It will also highlight how the SNP has been the only party to consistently support hard pressed families and businesses against unreasonable rises in fuel costs.
Mr Hosie said:
“As a Highland MP, Danny Alexander’s dismissal of action to bring down fuel costs is another disgraceful betrayal by the LibDems of one of their key pre-election promises.
“The country is crying out for action but the ConDems are stalling, and Labour oppose the introduction of a fair fuel stabiliser, but people in Scotland can put their foot on the accelerator by supporting the SNP.
“At the last Westminster election the Tories and LibDems promised action on sky high fuel taxes but have failed to deliver, that is why this is going to be a key campaign issue for the SNP at the Scottish general election in May.
“The SNP has consistently argued for a fuel stabiliser to bring prices down and help businesses and families.
“Businesses cannot afford to be kept hanging on by the Tories. The UK Government should commit to scrapping the duty and introducing a stabiliser now and the SNP will be putting the pressure on them to do just that.
“The country is crying-out for action to bring down fuel prices, and no issue better shows why the Scottish Parliament needs the economic and financial tools to act in the interests of our communities and the travelling public. Westminster, where the powers currently lie, has
failed to do anything, and the Tories and Lib Dems have reneged on their pre-election promises.
“This is a huge issue on the doorstep and the forecourts – and the SNP will make it a big issue in the election. It is a key illustration of why we need to build up Scotland’s Parliament, and equip it with the full powers of financial responsibility.”
ENDS
Notes
The campaign leaflet features an image of a fuel pump which states:
"PUMPING UP PRICES. YET ANOTHER TORY STING."
And then goes on to say:
"The UK Government’s hikes in fuel duty and VAT are putting real pressure on the budgets of Scotland’s motorists and households.
"Scotland is the most oil rich nation in Europe, yet Scots are now paying among the highest fuel prices in Europe and more than ever before.
"More expensive fuel means more expensive goods in our shops. At what is a difficult time for families and businesses, the SNP is working to lower bills through the Council Tax freeze, Small Business Bonus, and abolishing prescription charges.
"Rising oil prices are putting extra revenue into Treasury coffers. We want to see some of that money used to bring fuel prices down, and to keep them stable, through a fuel duty regulator.
"The Tories and Lib Dems promised action before the election, so let's make them deliver now.
"If Westminster will not act, the powers should be passed to the Scottish Parliament so that we can.
"If Scotland had control of fuel duty, the SNP government would introduce a fuel duty regulator to lower prices now."
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
CONDEMS FUEL ACTION FAILURE HINDERING RECOVERY
The SNP have stepped up demands on the Tories and LibDems to honour their pre-election promises and cut fuel duty after Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander said his department would not ¬‘sacrifice income willy nilly’ to help out motorists.
SNP Treasury spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP said the Lib Dem Minister’s comments would infuriate motorists in Scotland and warned that a failure to act on soaring fuel prices was hindering economic recovery.
The SNP has launched a new campaign leaflet highlighting the SNP support for a fuel duty stabiliser to be introduced by Westminster or for powers over fuel duty to be transferred to the Scottish Parliament. It will also highlight how the SNP has been the only party to consistently support hard pressed families and businesses against unreasonable rises in fuel costs.
Mr Hosie said:
“As a Highland MP, Danny Alexander’s dismissal of action to bring down fuel costs is another disgraceful betrayal by the LibDems of one of their key pre-election promises.
“The country is crying out for action but the ConDems are stalling, and Labour oppose the introduction of a fair fuel stabiliser, but people in Scotland can put their foot on the accelerator by supporting the SNP.
“At the last Westminster election the Tories and LibDems promised action on sky high fuel taxes but have failed to deliver, that is why this is going to be a key campaign issue for the SNP at the Scottish general election in May.
“The SNP has consistently argued for a fuel stabiliser to bring prices down and help businesses and families.
“Businesses cannot afford to be kept hanging on by the Tories. The UK Government should commit to scrapping the duty and introducing a stabiliser now and the SNP will be putting the pressure on them to do just that.
“The country is crying-out for action to bring down fuel prices, and no issue better shows why the Scottish Parliament needs the economic and financial tools to act in the interests of our communities and the travelling public. Westminster, where the powers currently lie, has
failed to do anything, and the Tories and Lib Dems have reneged on their pre-election promises.
“This is a huge issue on the doorstep and the forecourts – and the SNP will make it a big issue in the election. It is a key illustration of why we need to build up Scotland’s Parliament, and equip it with the full powers of financial responsibility.”
ENDS
Notes
The campaign leaflet features an image of a fuel pump which states:
"PUMPING UP PRICES. YET ANOTHER TORY STING."
And then goes on to say:
"The UK Government’s hikes in fuel duty and VAT are putting real pressure on the budgets of Scotland’s motorists and households.
"Scotland is the most oil rich nation in Europe, yet Scots are now paying among the highest fuel prices in Europe and more than ever before.
"More expensive fuel means more expensive goods in our shops. At what is a difficult time for families and businesses, the SNP is working to lower bills through the Council Tax freeze, Small Business Bonus, and abolishing prescription charges.
"Rising oil prices are putting extra revenue into Treasury coffers. We want to see some of that money used to bring fuel prices down, and to keep them stable, through a fuel duty regulator.
"The Tories and Lib Dems promised action before the election, so let's make them deliver now.
"If Westminster will not act, the powers should be passed to the Scottish Parliament so that we can.
"If Scotland had control of fuel duty, the SNP government would introduce a fuel duty regulator to lower prices now."
SNP COMMENT ON LATEST SCOTTISH ELECTION POLL
For immediate use: Monday 17th January 2010
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTs
SNP SUPPORT CONTINUES TO GROW - LIB DEMS AND TORIES COLLAPSE
Welcoming the latest opinion poll from TNS published in today's Herald, which shows the SNP increasing our share of the vote from the 2007 election - and increasing our share of the vote in TNS polls over the last six months by 4% across the constituency and 5% across the regional vote, with 20% of voters still to make up their minds - as well as showing the severity of the collapse in Lib Dem and Tory support in Scotland, SNP Campaign Director and Moray MP Angus Robertson said:
"This is a positive poll for the SNP which shows us improving on our election-winning 2007 vote, increasing our vote since last summer, and building momentum as we head toward Scotland's election in May.
"In the week since this poll was taken the SNP has spearheaded a campaign for a fuel duty stabiliser to tackle the most pressing issue facing Scotland's businesses and families - a policy Labour oppose and that the Tories and Lib Dems have reneged on.
"And the SNP Government has brought in nearly 1,000 new jobs to Scotland with Amazon and generated millions of pounds of investment in Scotland's economy, securing jobs and building our renewable energy industry through our partnership work with China.
"In 2007 support for the SNP delivered a council tax freeze, an end to prescription charges from April this year, the small business bonus to help our high streets, over 1000 more police on the streets bringing crime levels to a 32 year low, over 15,000 new affordable homes and the
abolition of tolls on the Forth and Tay Bridges.
"With Scotland's election just over 100 days away voters of all persuasions, including former Liberal and Tory voters will see the choice between an SNP Government with a strong track record of delivery, the ambition and ideas to work together through the tough times ahead and a team of respected leaders who can defend Scotland's interests against a negative, unambitious and inexperienced opposition."
1. The TNS System Three poll of 1041 voters between 4th and 10th January shows the SNP at 33% in the constituency vote and 33% in the regional vote - above the party's winning position in the 2007 election.
2. Since the first TNS poll after the 2010 Westminster election the SNP share of the vote has increased by 4 points in the constituency and 5 points on the list.
3. The poll shows on the Constituency Vote - SNP 33%, Labour 49%, Con 9%, LD 7% Other 2%
4. The poll shows on the Regional Vote - SNP 33%, Labour 47%, Con 9% and LD 9%.
5. 19% of voters remain undecided on the Constituency vote and 21% remain undecided on the regional vote.
6. In the last TNS poll before the 2007 election (Nov 06) the results were as follows – Constituency: SNP 30%, Lab 38%, Con 12%, LD 6%
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTs
SNP SUPPORT CONTINUES TO GROW - LIB DEMS AND TORIES COLLAPSE
Welcoming the latest opinion poll from TNS published in today's Herald, which shows the SNP increasing our share of the vote from the 2007 election - and increasing our share of the vote in TNS polls over the last six months by 4% across the constituency and 5% across the regional vote, with 20% of voters still to make up their minds - as well as showing the severity of the collapse in Lib Dem and Tory support in Scotland, SNP Campaign Director and Moray MP Angus Robertson said:
"This is a positive poll for the SNP which shows us improving on our election-winning 2007 vote, increasing our vote since last summer, and building momentum as we head toward Scotland's election in May.
"In the week since this poll was taken the SNP has spearheaded a campaign for a fuel duty stabiliser to tackle the most pressing issue facing Scotland's businesses and families - a policy Labour oppose and that the Tories and Lib Dems have reneged on.
"And the SNP Government has brought in nearly 1,000 new jobs to Scotland with Amazon and generated millions of pounds of investment in Scotland's economy, securing jobs and building our renewable energy industry through our partnership work with China.
"In 2007 support for the SNP delivered a council tax freeze, an end to prescription charges from April this year, the small business bonus to help our high streets, over 1000 more police on the streets bringing crime levels to a 32 year low, over 15,000 new affordable homes and the
abolition of tolls on the Forth and Tay Bridges.
"With Scotland's election just over 100 days away voters of all persuasions, including former Liberal and Tory voters will see the choice between an SNP Government with a strong track record of delivery, the ambition and ideas to work together through the tough times ahead and a team of respected leaders who can defend Scotland's interests against a negative, unambitious and inexperienced opposition."
1. The TNS System Three poll of 1041 voters between 4th and 10th January shows the SNP at 33% in the constituency vote and 33% in the regional vote - above the party's winning position in the 2007 election.
2. Since the first TNS poll after the 2010 Westminster election the SNP share of the vote has increased by 4 points in the constituency and 5 points on the list.
3. The poll shows on the Constituency Vote - SNP 33%, Labour 49%, Con 9%, LD 7% Other 2%
4. The poll shows on the Regional Vote - SNP 33%, Labour 47%, Con 9% and LD 9%.
5. 19% of voters remain undecided on the Constituency vote and 21% remain undecided on the regional vote.
6. In the last TNS poll before the 2007 election (Nov 06) the results were as follows – Constituency: SNP 30%, Lab 38%, Con 12%, LD 6%
Sunday, 16 January 2011
MILIBAND - LABOUR MUST ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR CUTS & RESPONSIBILITY FOR BANKS
For Immediate Release – Sunday 16th January 2011
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
GRAY'S STANCE FURTHER UNDERMINED BY PARTY LEADER
Commenting on the interview by the Labour leader, Ed Miliband, on the Andrew Marr Show today where he said Labour should have acknowledged earlier that there would have to be cuts under Labour and that they should take their "responsibility for not having regulated the banks sufficiently", SNP MSP Linda Fabiani - a member of the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee - said it undermined Iain Gray's attempts at Holyrood to try and pretend Labour have no responsibility for the cuts or the financial crisis.
Ms Fabiani called on Ed Miliband to support Scotland having the full job creating powers needed to recover strongly from recession, and challenged Iain Gray to admit that Labour cut Scotland’s budget by £500 million in 2010-11 and put in place two-thirds of the cuts coming Scotland’s way in the next financial year.
SNP MSP and Chief Whip Brian Adam said:
"These remarks totally undermine Iain Gray and his Holyrood party's attempts to pretend the cuts are nothing to do with Labour. It is yet another example of how Labour put in place their own devastating cuts and how the banking collapse happened on their watch. Iain Gray and his spokespeople can no longer pretend that they are innocents in this matter.
“It is the SNP which is working hard to minimise the impact of a series of Labour, LibDem and Tory cuts on Scotland’s families, communities, and services. But without the job creating powers we need to invest properly in economic growth we are faced with Westminster cuts that are too fast and too deep.
“Labour, Iain Gray, and Ed Miliband must explain why they prefer these additional Tory cuts and Tory control of Scottish taxes and spending to Scotland having the responsibility to raise our own finances and spend our own money, to create jobs, and grow the economy. They are prepared to abandon Scotland to years of London Tory control because Labour’s political ambitions lie at Westminster – not in Scotland.
ENDS
Notes
1. Commenting on today's Andrew Marr Show Ed Miliband said the following about cuts and the banking crisis:
"We should have acknowledged earlier - and I think this is the mistake we made - we should have acknowledged earlier, after the financial crisis happened, that eventually there would have to be cuts under Labour. Our plans, our plans involved cuts and we should have acknowledged that. And I think the problem we faced was if you like we sometimes looked like we were pretending there weren't going to be cuts under Labour when in fact there were. So that is a point that I acknowledge."
"I think we should take our responsibility for not having regulated the banks sufficiently, along with governments around the world. I think that the British economy was too exposed to the crash in financial services because we were so reliant on that as an industry to support us. And I think we also should have acknowledged earlier that our plans - our plan to halve the deficit over four years - would have involved cuts.”
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
GRAY'S STANCE FURTHER UNDERMINED BY PARTY LEADER
Commenting on the interview by the Labour leader, Ed Miliband, on the Andrew Marr Show today where he said Labour should have acknowledged earlier that there would have to be cuts under Labour and that they should take their "responsibility for not having regulated the banks sufficiently", SNP MSP Linda Fabiani - a member of the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee - said it undermined Iain Gray's attempts at Holyrood to try and pretend Labour have no responsibility for the cuts or the financial crisis.
Ms Fabiani called on Ed Miliband to support Scotland having the full job creating powers needed to recover strongly from recession, and challenged Iain Gray to admit that Labour cut Scotland’s budget by £500 million in 2010-11 and put in place two-thirds of the cuts coming Scotland’s way in the next financial year.
SNP MSP and Chief Whip Brian Adam said:
"These remarks totally undermine Iain Gray and his Holyrood party's attempts to pretend the cuts are nothing to do with Labour. It is yet another example of how Labour put in place their own devastating cuts and how the banking collapse happened on their watch. Iain Gray and his spokespeople can no longer pretend that they are innocents in this matter.
“It is the SNP which is working hard to minimise the impact of a series of Labour, LibDem and Tory cuts on Scotland’s families, communities, and services. But without the job creating powers we need to invest properly in economic growth we are faced with Westminster cuts that are too fast and too deep.
“Labour, Iain Gray, and Ed Miliband must explain why they prefer these additional Tory cuts and Tory control of Scottish taxes and spending to Scotland having the responsibility to raise our own finances and spend our own money, to create jobs, and grow the economy. They are prepared to abandon Scotland to years of London Tory control because Labour’s political ambitions lie at Westminster – not in Scotland.
ENDS
Notes
1. Commenting on today's Andrew Marr Show Ed Miliband said the following about cuts and the banking crisis:
"We should have acknowledged earlier - and I think this is the mistake we made - we should have acknowledged earlier, after the financial crisis happened, that eventually there would have to be cuts under Labour. Our plans, our plans involved cuts and we should have acknowledged that. And I think the problem we faced was if you like we sometimes looked like we were pretending there weren't going to be cuts under Labour when in fact there were. So that is a point that I acknowledge."
"I think we should take our responsibility for not having regulated the banks sufficiently, along with governments around the world. I think that the British economy was too exposed to the crash in financial services because we were so reliant on that as an industry to support us. And I think we also should have acknowledged earlier that our plans - our plan to halve the deficit over four years - would have involved cuts.”
LABOUR’S CUT COULD HAVE CAUSED IMMENSE ROADS CHAOS
For Immediate Release – Sunday 16th January 2011
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL / TRANSPORT CORRESPONDENTS
Scotland’s roads would have been facing even greater pressures if plans by Labour to cut the roads budget had been realised says Highlands & Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson - a member of the Scottish Parliament's Transport Committee.
Mr Gibson raised the issue after Labour's Michael McMahon ATTACKED the £15 million the Scottish Government had made available about the effects the prolonged winter conditions have had on council funded roads.
Mr Gibson pointed out that Labour had attempted to cut £10 million from the roads budget in 2008 would have exacerbated these problems. As a Transport Committee Report from January 2008 shows Labour attempted to cut £10 million from last year’s budget, a further £10 million this year and another £10 million in the year ahead.
Commenting Mr Gibson said:
"It is astonishing that Labour would attack extra money being made available to help councils repair Scotland's roads after the recent winter weather.
"However it would appear Labour’s hypocrisy on this issue knows no bounds as they would have CUT Scotland's roads budgets. Attempts at politicising this serious issue are as dodgy as all their claims and also highly hypocritical.
“We have gone through an exceptional and prolonged period of winter weather and local councils will naturally be concerned about how this will affect their roads budgets.
"However Labour’s plans for a £10 million funding cut in the roads budgets would have had a disastrous impact on our roads network at this time of year.
“The last few weeks highlight the folly of Labour’s proposal to cut £10 million a year from the road maintenance fund."
ENDS
Notes
Minutes from the Transport Committee Report Jan 08
The Committee notes the Cabinet Secretary’s comments in relation to the winding down of the route development fund and the on-going activity he has highlighted in relation to the promotion of Scotland. However, a majority of the Committee is of the view that steps should be taken to provide alternative and specific support to encourage the development of new air routes.
304 It therefore recommends that the Support for Air Services spend should be increased by £10m per annum and that this should be funded by a transfer from the Routine and Winter Maintenance Level 3 line. (304 Charlie Gordon, Alex Johnstone, Cathy Peattie and David Stewart agreed; Rob Gibson, Patrick Harvie and Shirley-Anne Somerville dissented; Alison McInnes abstained)
Finance Committee Report Jan 08
Elaine Murray proposed the addition of the following text:
The Committee recommends that a Support for Air Services Fund should be created, at a cost of £10m per annum. This will be funded by a transfer from the Routine and Winter Maintenance Level 3 line.
The proposal was disagreed to by division: For: 3 (James Kelly, Tom McCabe, Elaine Murray), Against: 4 (Derek Brownlee, Joe FitzPatrick, Alex Neil, Andrew Welsh), Abstentions: 1 (Liam McArthur).
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/reports-08/fir08-01-vol1-02.htm#anna
John Swinney - Budget stage 1 debate
The Labour Party came forward with a range of propositions, none of which was successful in the Parliament's Finance Committee. Those included the bizarre proposition to reduce the winter maintenance budget just as Scotland was in the grip of some of the heaviest snow we had seen in many years—a short-sighted proposition if ever I saw one.
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL / TRANSPORT CORRESPONDENTS
Scotland’s roads would have been facing even greater pressures if plans by Labour to cut the roads budget had been realised says Highlands & Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson - a member of the Scottish Parliament's Transport Committee.
Mr Gibson raised the issue after Labour's Michael McMahon ATTACKED the £15 million the Scottish Government had made available about the effects the prolonged winter conditions have had on council funded roads.
Mr Gibson pointed out that Labour had attempted to cut £10 million from the roads budget in 2008 would have exacerbated these problems. As a Transport Committee Report from January 2008 shows Labour attempted to cut £10 million from last year’s budget, a further £10 million this year and another £10 million in the year ahead.
Commenting Mr Gibson said:
"It is astonishing that Labour would attack extra money being made available to help councils repair Scotland's roads after the recent winter weather.
"However it would appear Labour’s hypocrisy on this issue knows no bounds as they would have CUT Scotland's roads budgets. Attempts at politicising this serious issue are as dodgy as all their claims and also highly hypocritical.
“We have gone through an exceptional and prolonged period of winter weather and local councils will naturally be concerned about how this will affect their roads budgets.
"However Labour’s plans for a £10 million funding cut in the roads budgets would have had a disastrous impact on our roads network at this time of year.
“The last few weeks highlight the folly of Labour’s proposal to cut £10 million a year from the road maintenance fund."
ENDS
Notes
Minutes from the Transport Committee Report Jan 08
The Committee notes the Cabinet Secretary’s comments in relation to the winding down of the route development fund and the on-going activity he has highlighted in relation to the promotion of Scotland. However, a majority of the Committee is of the view that steps should be taken to provide alternative and specific support to encourage the development of new air routes.
304 It therefore recommends that the Support for Air Services spend should be increased by £10m per annum and that this should be funded by a transfer from the Routine and Winter Maintenance Level 3 line. (304 Charlie Gordon, Alex Johnstone, Cathy Peattie and David Stewart agreed; Rob Gibson, Patrick Harvie and Shirley-Anne Somerville dissented; Alison McInnes abstained)
Finance Committee Report Jan 08
Elaine Murray proposed the addition of the following text:
The Committee recommends that a Support for Air Services Fund should be created, at a cost of £10m per annum. This will be funded by a transfer from the Routine and Winter Maintenance Level 3 line.
The proposal was disagreed to by division: For: 3 (James Kelly, Tom McCabe, Elaine Murray), Against: 4 (Derek Brownlee, Joe FitzPatrick, Alex Neil, Andrew Welsh), Abstentions: 1 (Liam McArthur).
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/reports-08/fir08-01-vol1-02.htm#anna
John Swinney - Budget stage 1 debate
The Labour Party came forward with a range of propositions, none of which was successful in the Parliament's Finance Committee. Those included the bizarre proposition to reduce the winter maintenance budget just as Scotland was in the grip of some of the heaviest snow we had seen in many years—a short-sighted proposition if ever I saw one.
Friday, 14 January 2011
SNP PUSH FOR DEBATE TO LOWER FUEL DUTY
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL / MOTORING/ ECONOMY CORRESPONDENTS
WESTMINSTER PROFITING FROM SKY HIGH FUEL COSTS
As it is revealed that rising oil prices are set to earn the Treasury a windfall of at least £2 billion an SNP MSP is seeking a Scottish Parliamentary debate on pressurising the Westminster government to meet its pledge to address the sky high costs of fuel.
It is also reported that the UK Tory/LibDem government will collect about £12 billion in tax on North Sea oil revenues – 20% more than ministers had forecast, according to latest figures.
SNP Chief Whip, Brian Adam MSP, has tabled a Scottish Parliamentary motion on the sky high costs of fuel seeking a debate on the issue.
Commenting the Aberdeen North MSP said:
“The SNP has consistently argued for a fuel stabiliser to bring prices down and help businesses and families.
“The figures reported today are astronomical and show the UK government profiting at the expense of ordinary motorists and hard pressed haulage businesses. It is all the more astonishing when it is considered the wealth in North Sea oil of Scotland’s coast.
“At the last UK general election the Tories promised a fuel duty stabiliser. If it were ever needed most it is now but those plans appear to have been forgotten.
“Businesses cannot afford to be kept hanging on by the Tories. The UK Government should commit to scrapping the duty and introducing a stabiliser now.”
“Every penny of fuel tax and duty heading to the Treasury is a penny out of Scotland’s economy and Scotland’s budget and will add to costs of goods across the country.
“The SNP is doing what we can to keep costs down for families and businesses with a freeze in the council tax, reduced business rates and free prescription charges but the UK Government are refusing to act.”
ENDS
Notes
1. Today’s report on how the UK Treasury is profiting from the increase in fuel prices can be read here:
Petrol price rises rake in £2bn for Treasury
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8258024/Petrol-price-rises-rake-in-2bn-for-Treasury.html
2. Mr Adam’s motion can be read here:
S3M-07696 Brian Adam (Aberdeen North) (Scottish National Party): Fuel Tax Price Increase Double Whammy — That the Parliament notes that fuel prices throughout Scotland have increased again due to the rise in VAT to 20% and an increase in fuel duty by the UK Government in January adding 0.76p to the price of a litre of petrol and diesel making diesel prices the second highest in Europe; notes that 62% of the cost of an average litre of diesel is tax as opposed to a European average of 49%; notes that in Aberdeen, despite its being known as Europe's oil capital, petrol and diesel prices in January were again over 130p per litre, which has increased costs for small businesses and the road haulage industry, which it considers have been forced to pass increases on to customers, contributing to rising inflation, and believes that cutting the cost of fuel by 10p per litre in Scotland would cost only about half of the estimated £1 billion in extra revenue that the Treasury is set to take in as a result of rising oil prices.
Supported by: Stewart Stevenson, Christine Grahame, John Wilson, Gil Paterson, Bill Kidd, Stewart Maxwell, Dr Alasdair Allan, Michael Matheson, Sandra White, Kenneth Gibson, Jamie Hepburn, Joe FitzPatrick, Stuart McMillan, Maureen Watt
Lodged on Wednesday, January 12, 2011; Current
POLITICAL / MOTORING/ ECONOMY CORRESPONDENTS
WESTMINSTER PROFITING FROM SKY HIGH FUEL COSTS
As it is revealed that rising oil prices are set to earn the Treasury a windfall of at least £2 billion an SNP MSP is seeking a Scottish Parliamentary debate on pressurising the Westminster government to meet its pledge to address the sky high costs of fuel.
It is also reported that the UK Tory/LibDem government will collect about £12 billion in tax on North Sea oil revenues – 20% more than ministers had forecast, according to latest figures.
SNP Chief Whip, Brian Adam MSP, has tabled a Scottish Parliamentary motion on the sky high costs of fuel seeking a debate on the issue.
Commenting the Aberdeen North MSP said:
“The SNP has consistently argued for a fuel stabiliser to bring prices down and help businesses and families.
“The figures reported today are astronomical and show the UK government profiting at the expense of ordinary motorists and hard pressed haulage businesses. It is all the more astonishing when it is considered the wealth in North Sea oil of Scotland’s coast.
“At the last UK general election the Tories promised a fuel duty stabiliser. If it were ever needed most it is now but those plans appear to have been forgotten.
“Businesses cannot afford to be kept hanging on by the Tories. The UK Government should commit to scrapping the duty and introducing a stabiliser now.”
“Every penny of fuel tax and duty heading to the Treasury is a penny out of Scotland’s economy and Scotland’s budget and will add to costs of goods across the country.
“The SNP is doing what we can to keep costs down for families and businesses with a freeze in the council tax, reduced business rates and free prescription charges but the UK Government are refusing to act.”
ENDS
Notes
1. Today’s report on how the UK Treasury is profiting from the increase in fuel prices can be read here:
Petrol price rises rake in £2bn for Treasury
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8258024/Petrol-price-rises-rake-in-2bn-for-Treasury.html
2. Mr Adam’s motion can be read here:
S3M-07696 Brian Adam (Aberdeen North) (Scottish National Party): Fuel Tax Price Increase Double Whammy — That the Parliament notes that fuel prices throughout Scotland have increased again due to the rise in VAT to 20% and an increase in fuel duty by the UK Government in January adding 0.76p to the price of a litre of petrol and diesel making diesel prices the second highest in Europe; notes that 62% of the cost of an average litre of diesel is tax as opposed to a European average of 49%; notes that in Aberdeen, despite its being known as Europe's oil capital, petrol and diesel prices in January were again over 130p per litre, which has increased costs for small businesses and the road haulage industry, which it considers have been forced to pass increases on to customers, contributing to rising inflation, and believes that cutting the cost of fuel by 10p per litre in Scotland would cost only about half of the estimated £1 billion in extra revenue that the Treasury is set to take in as a result of rising oil prices.
Supported by: Stewart Stevenson, Christine Grahame, John Wilson, Gil Paterson, Bill Kidd, Stewart Maxwell, Dr Alasdair Allan, Michael Matheson, Sandra White, Kenneth Gibson, Jamie Hepburn, Joe FitzPatrick, Stuart McMillan, Maureen Watt
Lodged on Wednesday, January 12, 2011; Current
Thursday, 13 January 2011
21st CENTURY PARTNERSHIP IS WAY FORWARD FOR ALL OUR STUDENTS
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL / EDUCATION CORRESPONDENTS
SNP ONLY PARTY THAT BELIEVES IN FREE EDUCATION
The Vice-Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Education Committee - SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson - has commented on reports that a coalition of students have formed English Welsh and Northern Irish Students For Independence to campaign for Scottish independence as it would result in a level playing field for all students across the UK in terms of support for student tuition.
Currently EU directives requires that the same opportunity is afforded to students from other EU member states as those in the member state they move to study in. However, these directives do not require that the same support is given to students from within the same EU member state resulting in students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland facing tuition fees.
Commenting Mr Gibson said:
“This is a perfectly sensible and eminently logical solution being promoted by these students. It shows how a 21st century partnership between the nations of the present United Kingdom is the way forward for students across these islands.
“This issue is a result of Labour’s introduction of tuition fees which has now been followed by the LibDems reneging on their firm pledge to oppose fees and voting with the Tories to almost triple them south of the border.
“Under the present arrangements the tripling of fees will have serious consequences for higher education north and south of the border.
"The SNP is the only party that believes in free education; and only the SNP is left as the party for students in Scotland offering them the opportunity to be part of something better."
ENDS
POLITICAL / EDUCATION CORRESPONDENTS
SNP ONLY PARTY THAT BELIEVES IN FREE EDUCATION
The Vice-Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Education Committee - SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson - has commented on reports that a coalition of students have formed English Welsh and Northern Irish Students For Independence to campaign for Scottish independence as it would result in a level playing field for all students across the UK in terms of support for student tuition.
Currently EU directives requires that the same opportunity is afforded to students from other EU member states as those in the member state they move to study in. However, these directives do not require that the same support is given to students from within the same EU member state resulting in students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland facing tuition fees.
Commenting Mr Gibson said:
“This is a perfectly sensible and eminently logical solution being promoted by these students. It shows how a 21st century partnership between the nations of the present United Kingdom is the way forward for students across these islands.
“This issue is a result of Labour’s introduction of tuition fees which has now been followed by the LibDems reneging on their firm pledge to oppose fees and voting with the Tories to almost triple them south of the border.
“Under the present arrangements the tripling of fees will have serious consequences for higher education north and south of the border.
"The SNP is the only party that believes in free education; and only the SNP is left as the party for students in Scotland offering them the opportunity to be part of something better."
ENDS
FUEL DUTY ACTION NEEDED NOW
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL / MOTORING/ ECONOMY CORRESPONDENTS
The First Minister today called on the Tory government to use some of the £1 billion of extra revenues from rising oil prices to introduce a fuel stabiliser now, when it is most needed and condemned the rising fuel and VAT costs facing families and businesses.
Alex Salmond also said he would approach the UK Government over the cost to the Scottish budget of meeting VAT and fuel duty rises. The VAT increase is costing the NHS alone an additional £26 million.
SNP MSP for Cunninghame North Kenneth Gibson raised the problems rising VAT and fuel duty are causing for families and businesses and the pressure on the Scottish budget with the First Minister during First Ministers Question in the Scottish Parliament.
In his answer the First Minister said
“The recent increase to vat and fuel duty into by the uk government will generate additional pressures for scottish business and families and indeed public services at a time when Scotland is already facing unprecedented cuts in public spending and when economic recovery is remains fragile”
He described the Prime Minister as “extraordinarily reluctant to introduce it [a Fuel stabiliser] just when the time is right for such an initiative.”
Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson said:
“The SNP has consistently argued for a fuel stabiliser to bring pricesdown and help businesses and families.
“Every penny of fuel tax and duty heading to the Treasury is a penny outof Scotland’s economy and Scotland’s budget and will add to costs of goodsacross the country.
“The SNP is doing what we can to keep costs down for families and businesses with a freeze in the council tax, reduced business rates and free prescription charges but the UK Government are refusing to act.
“Businesses cannot afford to be kept hanging on by the Tories. The UK Govennment should commit to scrapping the duty and introducing a stabiliser now.”
ENDS
POLITICAL / MOTORING/ ECONOMY CORRESPONDENTS
The First Minister today called on the Tory government to use some of the £1 billion of extra revenues from rising oil prices to introduce a fuel stabiliser now, when it is most needed and condemned the rising fuel and VAT costs facing families and businesses.
Alex Salmond also said he would approach the UK Government over the cost to the Scottish budget of meeting VAT and fuel duty rises. The VAT increase is costing the NHS alone an additional £26 million.
SNP MSP for Cunninghame North Kenneth Gibson raised the problems rising VAT and fuel duty are causing for families and businesses and the pressure on the Scottish budget with the First Minister during First Ministers Question in the Scottish Parliament.
In his answer the First Minister said
“The recent increase to vat and fuel duty into by the uk government will generate additional pressures for scottish business and families and indeed public services at a time when Scotland is already facing unprecedented cuts in public spending and when economic recovery is remains fragile”
He described the Prime Minister as “extraordinarily reluctant to introduce it [a Fuel stabiliser] just when the time is right for such an initiative.”
Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson said:
“The SNP has consistently argued for a fuel stabiliser to bring pricesdown and help businesses and families.
“Every penny of fuel tax and duty heading to the Treasury is a penny outof Scotland’s economy and Scotland’s budget and will add to costs of goodsacross the country.
“The SNP is doing what we can to keep costs down for families and businesses with a freeze in the council tax, reduced business rates and free prescription charges but the UK Government are refusing to act.
“Businesses cannot afford to be kept hanging on by the Tories. The UK Govennment should commit to scrapping the duty and introducing a stabiliser now.”
ENDS
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