For Immediate Release: Wednesday 23 February 2011
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL / DEFENCE CORRESPONDENTS
TRIDENT REPLACEMENT UNJUSTIFIABLE AGAINST TORY-LED CUTS
The LibDems are being ‘played for fools’ by the Tories over the renewal of Trident the SNP said today (Wednesday) after the Defence Secretary ruled out any cut in the nuclear submarine fleet.
In an interview for a BBC Scotland documentary, Defence Secretary Liam Fox said the UK Government must retain its entire Trident missile submarine fleet - casting new doubt on LibDem claims that replacement would be delayed as one step towards abolition.
SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP – who also contributed to the documentary – rounded on the Defence Secretary for pre-empting a decision on the future of the fleet while devastating cuts are being made to conventional forces.
Mr Robertson said:
“The LibDems are either being played for fools by the Tories or they are treating the public like fools over the future of Trident.
“Who do we believe? The LibDems or Liam Fox, because both their positions cannot be true. This is too important an issue to be left to partisan spin and behind the scenes briefing.
“The Trident weapons system is unjustifiable. We can never use it.
It's immoral, it's illegal, and frankly, we should be spending our money on more important things.
“The UK Government must be made to think again about Trident renewal while devastating cuts are being made.
“The SNP has a clear position on this issue. We believe Trident and its replacement are not only morally wrong but in the current financial crisis have been shown to be economic madness.
“People in Scotland believe billions in public money should be spent on avoiding cuts - not wasted on weapons of mass destruction like Trident, such as the Tories and LibDems – and even Labour - want?”
ENDS
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)
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
SNP GOVERNMENT TO HOLD SPECIAL DEBATE ON FUEL PRICES
For Immediate Release – Wednesday 23rd February 2011
Attn: NEWS DESKS
TRANSPORT / POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
The SNP Government is to ask Parliament for a special debate in the Scottish Parliament next week to highlight the growing issue of sky high fuel prices.
The debate, which should be approved by Parliament later today, is currently scheduled to take place on Wednesday night and will be an opportunity for all parties and MSPs to put forward their positions on fuel prices ahead of the Budget in March and the planned fuel duty increase in April.
Aberdeen North MSP and SNP Chief Whip, Brian Adam MSP, who has tabled a Scottish Parliamentary motion on the sky high costs of fuel, said:
“The SNP has consistently argued for a fuel stabiliser to bring prices down and help businesses and families and for the coming fuel duty rise to be cancelled. This is yet another opportunity for pressure to be put on the UK government to help businesses and households and make fuel duty fair.
“It’s a national scandal that in Europe’s oil-richest country, Scots are paying among the highest fuel prices.
“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.
“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.
“Businesses cannot afford to be kept hanging on by the Tory-led government in London. The UK Government should commit to scrapping the duty and introducing a stabiliser now.
"Earlier this month the SNP led calls in Westminster for a fuel duty stabiliser, a discount for rural areas and the cancellation of the fuel duty rise. Lib Dems and Tories opposed that move whilst the majority of Scots Labour MPs ran away and hid without casting their vote.
“While other parties seem happy to see costs and inflation rise while hard pressed households and businesses pay the cost the SNP will do 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.”
ENDS
Attn: NEWS DESKS
TRANSPORT / POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
The SNP Government is to ask Parliament for a special debate in the Scottish Parliament next week to highlight the growing issue of sky high fuel prices.
The debate, which should be approved by Parliament later today, is currently scheduled to take place on Wednesday night and will be an opportunity for all parties and MSPs to put forward their positions on fuel prices ahead of the Budget in March and the planned fuel duty increase in April.
Aberdeen North MSP and SNP Chief Whip, Brian Adam MSP, who has tabled a Scottish Parliamentary motion on the sky high costs of fuel, said:
“The SNP has consistently argued for a fuel stabiliser to bring prices down and help businesses and families and for the coming fuel duty rise to be cancelled. This is yet another opportunity for pressure to be put on the UK government to help businesses and households and make fuel duty fair.
“It’s a national scandal that in Europe’s oil-richest country, Scots are paying among the highest fuel prices.
“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.
“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.
“Businesses cannot afford to be kept hanging on by the Tory-led government in London. The UK Government should commit to scrapping the duty and introducing a stabiliser now.
"Earlier this month the SNP led calls in Westminster for a fuel duty stabiliser, a discount for rural areas and the cancellation of the fuel duty rise. Lib Dems and Tories opposed that move whilst the majority of Scots Labour MPs ran away and hid without casting their vote.
“While other parties seem happy to see costs and inflation rise while hard pressed households and businesses pay the cost the SNP will do 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.”
ENDS
RE-ELECTED SNP GOVERNMENT WILL FUND 5,000 NEW COUNCIL HOMES
For immediate use: Wednesday 23rd December 2011-02-23
Attn: NEWDESKS
POLITICAL / HOUSING CORRESPONDENTS
COUNCIL HOUSING HITS NEW HIGH WITH SNP
Responding to the latest housing statistics which show record levels of council house construction and the beginnings of recovery in private housing construction the SNP highlighted the party’s commitment that a re-elected SNP Government will fund 5,000 council homes in the next Parliament.
With today’s housing statistics showing the highest level of council house building for 20 years with over 1000 constructed in the last year SNP MSP Bob Doris said:
“The SNP has re-instated council house building and is committed to funding a further 5,000 council homes over the next four years.
“Over the last four years a record 17,000 affordable houses have been constructed across Scotland. That is more than in any term of Parliament and while there are challenges ahead the SNP is determined to continue our support for affordable housing in Scotland.
“Our housing policies have paid off with more homes built over the last four years, more people securing tenancies as a result of reform to the right to buy and we have guaranteed there will be no change to the secure tenancies being threatened by England, extended help for first time buyers through shared equity schemes and supported the empty homes initiative to bring empty homes back into use.”
Commenting on the figures which show a 22% increase the number of private properties completed in the last quarter compared to 2009 Mr Doris added:
“This is a welcome sign for Scotland’s economy. During the recession the Scottish Government brought forward housing investment to fill the gap left by a collapse in private construction. It is good to see the private sector picking up and with the support in this month’s budget for Scotland to encourage housing development these figures show the SNP Government is working for Scotland.”
The SNP unveiled key commitments on housing earlier this month including;
• A pledge to fund 5000 Council Houses over the next four years
• Powers for councils to increase council tax on empty properties to fund
new house building
• Maintaining existing secured tenancies at affordable rents - the UK
Government is diluting secured tenancies in England.
• Help for first time buyers by funding New Supply Shared Equity schemes
and the Open Market Shared Equity Programme
• Housing health checks to ensure those in social rented accommodation are
able to work out the best housing option for them
• Extended support for the Shelter Scotland Empty Homes scheme to identify
empty homes and bring them back into use.
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
UTTER HYPOCRISY FROM LABOUR ON MINIMUM PRICING
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL / HEALTH / JUSTICE CORRESPONDENTS
Commenting on remarks made by Labour’s health spokesperson today where she said that Labour would now support increasing the price of alcohol SNP MSP Michael Matheson – a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee – said it was the depths of hypocrisy since they had failed to support or promote any measures when the Alcohol Bill went through Parliament.
Quoted today on the issue of alcohol-related admissions in 2009 to A&Es Jackie Baillie said:
"If Labour forms the next Government in Scotland we will seriously consider measures to increase the price of alcohol”
Yet during the passage of the Alcohol Bill Labour opposed all minimum pricing suggestions, a proposed sunset clause and failed to bring forward any amendments for increasing price.
Commenting Mr Matheson said:
“This is utter and complete hypocrisy from Jackie Baillie and the Labour party. They had a chance in the past year to pass legislation that addressed this very issue and voted against ANY measures to increase the price of alcohol! They failed to even put forward amendments or accept a sunset clause.
“How many people will now suffer from the effects of cheap alcohol because of this unbelievable and shameless hypocrisy from Labour? It is disgraceful behaviour, not worthy of someone who seeks governmental office.
“Jackie Baillie and Labour have questions to answer on why they played politics over the serious issue of cheap alcohol and its associated health and social problems.”
RE-ELECTING SNP GOVERNMENT WILL KEEP SCOTTISH RECOVERY ON TRACK
For Immediate Release: Tuesday 22nd February 2011
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL / ECONOMY CORRESPONDENTS
SNP IS GOVERNMENT WORKING TO GET SCOTLAND WORKING
Commenting on today’s announcement by Finance Secretary of a £10 million package will support new work opportunities for 5,000 people and boost Scottish exporters, SNP MSP Joe FitzPatrick – a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee – said it was yet another example of why re-electing the SNP was important to keep the Scottish economic recovery on track.
Commenting Mr FitzPatrick said:
“Today’s news is yet more evidence that the SNP Government is working for Scotland with our focus on creating jobs and economic opportunities for the people of Scotland.
“Already the SNP is investing in 25,000 apprenticeship places next year – a move rejected by Labour - putting £16 million extra toward building new houses and supporting construction with an additional £2.5 billion investment in new infrastructure projects in the years ahead.
“That shows why re-electing the SNP Government is important to keep Scottish recovery on track.
"Following last week's announcement of support for jobs in the voluntary sector and the SNP's commitment to 25,000 apprenticeships and a further 25,000 training places every year for the next four years it is the SNP Government that is working now to create real opportunities for our young people.
"We are working with small business, the voluntary sector and our young people to create opportunities, grow our economy and make Scotland better. A re-elected SNP Government will continue that progress.
ENDS
Notes
The Scottish Government’s statement can be read here:
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
POLL PUTS SNP IN LEAD AS VOTERS REJECT GRAY
For immediate use: Wednesday 16th February 2011
Attn: NEWSDESKS
SNP REVERSE 10-POINT LABOUR LEAD AS LEADERSHIP ARE FOUND OUT
VOTERS BACK SNP CALL FOR FINANCIAL POWERS
An opinion poll showing the SNP in the lead for Scotland’s election, closing a ten point polling gap, shows voters are rejecting Labour’s Scottish leader as the Labour party’s empty promises and political hypocrisy are exposed.
The poll which follows the successful passage of the SNP’s fourth budget for Scotland, Labour’s hypocrisy over the release of Abdel Basset Al Megrahi and their failure to back a budget containing record numbers of apprenticeships and investment in jobs – as unemployment continues to fall in Scotland, as it rises throughout the UK as a whole – also shows voters support the SNP’s vision of stronger financial powers for Scotland in order to create jobs.
The poll by IPSOS MORI of 1,000 people between the 10th and 13th of February shows over 50% of voters are satisfied with Alex Salmond’s performance as SNP leader giving him a positive rating of 16 points.
In contrast more voters are dissatisfied with Labour’s leader Iain Gray with 34% dissatisfied – and an astonishing 33% have no opinion.
On Financial responsibility 37% of voters want Scotland to be responsible for setting and collecting all income tax compared to only 27% support for the Tory tax plan promoted by Labour in the Scottish Parliament.
In the constituency vote the SNP is ahead of Labour by 37% to 36% and by 35% to 33% on the regional vote. In both the constituency and regional vote the SNP is four points up on the party's election winning performance in 2007.
Commenting on the poll SNP Depute Leader and Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“Today’s poll shows there is all to play for in Scotland’s election this May – with the SNP moving ahead of Labour and achieving a poll rating four points higher than the election results of 2007.
“With 78 days to May’s election the SNP has closed the gap on Labour as voters look for a strong Scottish Government working to make Scotland better.
“Labour have been found out, and as these figures show Labour’s leadership has been shown up to be seriously defective. The hypocrisy of Labour’s actions over the release of Megrahi – working for the release on political and commercial grounds in London, whilst condemning it on compassionate grounds in Scotland - coupled with their extraordinary behaviour over the
Scottish budget has exposed Labour’s leadership for putting party politics before the people of Scotland.
“It is the SNP that represents the ambitions of the people of Scotland. The more Labour try and talk down the Parliament and reject the tax powers that will create jobs the more the Scottish people support those very powers.
“Yet again, Wendy Alexander’s intervention on the constitution has backfired spectacularly for Labour – just like her ‘bring it on’ approach to the referendum. The more she made financial responsibility for the Scottish Parliament an issue in the Scotland Bill, the better it played
for the SNP.
“And it is Alex Salmond who is the only clear choice as First Minister in this election, as voters reject the hypocrisy and empty promises of Iain Gray – who extraordinarily for the main opposition leader has negative poll ratings.
“Over the next 80 days as we head toward’s Scotland’s election, the SNP will continue to govern for Scotland, to build Scotland’s economy, protect our public services, and to stand on our record of delivery and vision for Scotland’s future.”
ENDS
The Mori/Times poll of 1000 people between 10th and 13th February is as follows
Constituency Vote
SNP 37%
Labour 36%
Tory 13%
LD 10%
Regional Vote
SNP 35%
Labour 33%
Tory 13%
LD 10%
Grn 6%
Satisfaction Ratings (Satisfied / Dissatisfied /Don’t Know)
Alex Salmond +16 (51% / 35% / 14%)
Iain Gray -1 (33%/ 34% / 33%)
Annabel Goldie +2 (32% / 30%/ 38%)
Tavish Scott -8 (26% / 34%/ 40%)
Financial Powers
I would prefer all income tax to be set and collected by the UK Government as at present 32%
I would prefer some income tax to be set and collected by the UK Govt and some by the Scottish Govt 27%
I would prefer all income tax to be set and collected by the Scottish Govt 37%
DK 4%
Attn: NEWSDESKS
SNP REVERSE 10-POINT LABOUR LEAD AS LEADERSHIP ARE FOUND OUT
VOTERS BACK SNP CALL FOR FINANCIAL POWERS
An opinion poll showing the SNP in the lead for Scotland’s election, closing a ten point polling gap, shows voters are rejecting Labour’s Scottish leader as the Labour party’s empty promises and political hypocrisy are exposed.
The poll which follows the successful passage of the SNP’s fourth budget for Scotland, Labour’s hypocrisy over the release of Abdel Basset Al Megrahi and their failure to back a budget containing record numbers of apprenticeships and investment in jobs – as unemployment continues to fall in Scotland, as it rises throughout the UK as a whole – also shows voters support the SNP’s vision of stronger financial powers for Scotland in order to create jobs.
The poll by IPSOS MORI of 1,000 people between the 10th and 13th of February shows over 50% of voters are satisfied with Alex Salmond’s performance as SNP leader giving him a positive rating of 16 points.
In contrast more voters are dissatisfied with Labour’s leader Iain Gray with 34% dissatisfied – and an astonishing 33% have no opinion.
On Financial responsibility 37% of voters want Scotland to be responsible for setting and collecting all income tax compared to only 27% support for the Tory tax plan promoted by Labour in the Scottish Parliament.
In the constituency vote the SNP is ahead of Labour by 37% to 36% and by 35% to 33% on the regional vote. In both the constituency and regional vote the SNP is four points up on the party's election winning performance in 2007.
Commenting on the poll SNP Depute Leader and Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“Today’s poll shows there is all to play for in Scotland’s election this May – with the SNP moving ahead of Labour and achieving a poll rating four points higher than the election results of 2007.
“With 78 days to May’s election the SNP has closed the gap on Labour as voters look for a strong Scottish Government working to make Scotland better.
“Labour have been found out, and as these figures show Labour’s leadership has been shown up to be seriously defective. The hypocrisy of Labour’s actions over the release of Megrahi – working for the release on political and commercial grounds in London, whilst condemning it on compassionate grounds in Scotland - coupled with their extraordinary behaviour over the
Scottish budget has exposed Labour’s leadership for putting party politics before the people of Scotland.
“It is the SNP that represents the ambitions of the people of Scotland. The more Labour try and talk down the Parliament and reject the tax powers that will create jobs the more the Scottish people support those very powers.
“Yet again, Wendy Alexander’s intervention on the constitution has backfired spectacularly for Labour – just like her ‘bring it on’ approach to the referendum. The more she made financial responsibility for the Scottish Parliament an issue in the Scotland Bill, the better it played
for the SNP.
“And it is Alex Salmond who is the only clear choice as First Minister in this election, as voters reject the hypocrisy and empty promises of Iain Gray – who extraordinarily for the main opposition leader has negative poll ratings.
“Over the next 80 days as we head toward’s Scotland’s election, the SNP will continue to govern for Scotland, to build Scotland’s economy, protect our public services, and to stand on our record of delivery and vision for Scotland’s future.”
ENDS
The Mori/Times poll of 1000 people between 10th and 13th February is as follows
Constituency Vote
SNP 37%
Labour 36%
Tory 13%
LD 10%
Regional Vote
SNP 35%
Labour 33%
Tory 13%
LD 10%
Grn 6%
Satisfaction Ratings (Satisfied / Dissatisfied /Don’t Know)
Alex Salmond +16 (51% / 35% / 14%)
Iain Gray -1 (33%/ 34% / 33%)
Annabel Goldie +2 (32% / 30%/ 38%)
Tavish Scott -8 (26% / 34%/ 40%)
Financial Powers
I would prefer all income tax to be set and collected by the UK Government as at present 32%
I would prefer some income tax to be set and collected by the UK Govt and some by the Scottish Govt 27%
I would prefer all income tax to be set and collected by the Scottish Govt 37%
DK 4%
UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURE DROPS IN SCOTLAND BY 13,000
Feb 16, 2011 10:30:59 AM
By Andy Philip, Deputy Political Editor, Press Association Scotland
(ScotFile:News special)
The number of people out of work in Scotland fell by 13,000 in the final three months of last year, according to new figures.
The drop to 216,000 between October and December shows the Scottish unemployment rate stands at 8%, just ahead of the UK average of 7.9%.
Labour market statistics revealed that employment in Scotland increased by 23,000 at the same time, bringing the number of people with jobs to more than 2.4 million.
Despite the increase in the final quarter, employment fell over the year by 2,000.
In January this year, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseekers' Allowance was 139,700 - an increase of 1,400 over the month, and the fourth monthly increase in a row.
Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said: "The increase in the number of people claiming Jobseekers' Allowance in January shows the Government has to work hard throughout this Parliament to create the conditions that enable all businesses to thrive and create more sustainable jobs."
The Scottish Government said the country is the only UK nation with rising employment and falling unemployment over the quarter.
Enterprise minister Jim Mather said: "Today's figures present further signs of economic recovery and show the Scottish Government's robust efforts to support jobs, skills and training are making a real difference.
"For three consecutive monthly labour market statistics releases, we have seen falling unemployment and rising employment in Scotland compared to rising unemployment and falling employment across the UK."
Mr Mather said the Scottish budget, passed last week at Holyrood, will support a record 25,000 modern apprenticeships in 2011-12 and provide more training opportunities.
He added: "While today's figures are welcome, Scotland's recovery remains at a crucial stage.
"We must continue to bring unemployment down, and the UK Government is wrong to threaten the positive signs we are seeing by cutting the Scottish budget by some GBP1.3 billion next year - including the massive GBP800 million cut to our capital budget."
SNP SURGE INTO POLL LEAD
For immediate use: Wednesday 16th February 2011
Attn: NEWSDESKS
SNP CLOSE TEN POINT GAP ON LABOUR
The SNP tonight welcomed the latest IPSOS Mori opinion poll for Scotland’s election published in today’s (Wednesday) Times which shows the SNP has overtaken Labour in polling for the Scottish Parliament election.
The poll of 1000 people between the 10th and 13th of February shows the SNP closing the 10 point gap recorded in November by the same polling company with a lead of 37% to Labour's 36%. On the Regional vote the SNP is leading by 35% to 33%. In both the constituency and regional vote the SNP is four points up on the party's election winning performance in 2007.
Commenting on the poll described on the Times front page as “Salmond surges into Holyrood poll lead”, SNP Depute Leader and Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“Today’s poll shows there is all to play for in Scotland’s election this May. With the SNP moving ahead of Labour and achieving a poll rating four points higher than the election results of 2007.
“As voters look toward Scotland’s election in May it is the SNP’s strong record in office, our team of recognised and trusted ministers and MSPs, and the vision we have for Scotland’s future that is winning the support of voters who want to re-elect a Scottish Government that is working for Scotland.
“In the last week the SNP has delivered on jobs with 25,000 apprenticeships, protected public services with a balanced budget, funded the fourth year of a council tax freeze saving the average household £322 , and put in place the money to abolish prescription charges from April this year.
“And it is the SNP that is on the same side as people across Scotland in opposing rising fuel prices with our demand for a fuel stabiliser and the scrapping of the Tories duty rise.
“Over the next 80 days as we head toward’s Scotland’s election, the SNP will continue to govern for Scotland, to build Scotland’s economy, protect our public services, and to stand on our record of delivery and vision for Scotland’s future.”
ENDS
The Mori/times poll of 1000 people between 10th and 13th February is as follows
Constituency Vote
SNP 37%
Labour 36%
Tory 13%
LD 10%
Regional Vote
SNP 35%
Labour 33%
Tory 13%
LD 10%
Grn 6%
Attn: NEWSDESKS
SNP CLOSE TEN POINT GAP ON LABOUR
The SNP tonight welcomed the latest IPSOS Mori opinion poll for Scotland’s election published in today’s (Wednesday) Times which shows the SNP has overtaken Labour in polling for the Scottish Parliament election.
The poll of 1000 people between the 10th and 13th of February shows the SNP closing the 10 point gap recorded in November by the same polling company with a lead of 37% to Labour's 36%. On the Regional vote the SNP is leading by 35% to 33%. In both the constituency and regional vote the SNP is four points up on the party's election winning performance in 2007.
Commenting on the poll described on the Times front page as “Salmond surges into Holyrood poll lead”, SNP Depute Leader and Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“Today’s poll shows there is all to play for in Scotland’s election this May. With the SNP moving ahead of Labour and achieving a poll rating four points higher than the election results of 2007.
“As voters look toward Scotland’s election in May it is the SNP’s strong record in office, our team of recognised and trusted ministers and MSPs, and the vision we have for Scotland’s future that is winning the support of voters who want to re-elect a Scottish Government that is working for Scotland.
“In the last week the SNP has delivered on jobs with 25,000 apprenticeships, protected public services with a balanced budget, funded the fourth year of a council tax freeze saving the average household £322 , and put in place the money to abolish prescription charges from April this year.
“And it is the SNP that is on the same side as people across Scotland in opposing rising fuel prices with our demand for a fuel stabiliser and the scrapping of the Tories duty rise.
“Over the next 80 days as we head toward’s Scotland’s election, the SNP will continue to govern for Scotland, to build Scotland’s economy, protect our public services, and to stand on our record of delivery and vision for Scotland’s future.”
ENDS
The Mori/times poll of 1000 people between 10th and 13th February is as follows
Constituency Vote
SNP 37%
Labour 36%
Tory 13%
LD 10%
Regional Vote
SNP 35%
Labour 33%
Tory 13%
LD 10%
Grn 6%
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
BROWN AIDE CONDEMNS "RIGHT WING" LABOUR JUSTICE POLICY
For Immediate Release – Monday 14th February 2011
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL / JUSTICE CORRESPONDENTS
LABOUR'S JUSTICE POLICY IS “ILL-CONCEIVED, UNINFORMED & PURELY NEGATIVE”
Commenting on a stinging criticism of Labour’s "knee-jerk" justice policy by a former aide to Gordon Brown, SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell - a member of the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee – said it highlighted the lack of honesty and credibility in Labour's justice policy.
According to a report in the Evening News today John Rowan who worked for Gordon Brown until last year's election and has also served on the visiting committee for Edinburgh's Saughton prison, has written to Iain Gray and Richard Baker, describing the party's stance on justice as "knee-jerk" and said there was "unease" within the Labour party over it “echoing the Tories".
In addition he said Scottish Labour's policies conflict with the position of UK party leader Ed Miliband and the recommendations of the prisons commission chaired by former Labour First Minister Henry McLeish.
The comments echo earlier criticisms of Richard Baker by Labour MSPs in 2008.
Commenting Mr Maxwell said:
“With crime at a 32 year low the SNP has been delivering a safer Scotland with its policy to put 1,000 more police officers on our streets. And with fear of crime falling it would appear Labour members are very uneasy at the party's ill-conceived policies.
"The increasing dissent in Labour ranks over justice and over Labour's failure to support the SNP's budget for Scotland is embarrassing so close to an election.
“It also puts them at odds with Ed Miliband and former Labour First Minister Henry McLeish who have criticised the scaremongering rhetoric used by the likes of Richard Baker.
“Richard Baker’s credibility is in tatters. He is clearly out of his depth and lacking the support of party members who know about justice issues.
"The SNP has worked hard to make Scotland safer over the last four years with additional police on the street leading to a 32 year low in crime rates, using the proceeds of crime to invest in our communities and tackling the causes of knife crime.
“Labour's justice policy is based entirely on fear and scaremongering. In contrast the SNP will do what works to make our streets safer."
ENDS
Notes:
In today’s Edinburgh Evening News the following comments were reported by John Rowan:
John Rowan … claimed there was "unease" within the party over its opposition to the SNP's scrapping of short prison sentences and the "soft touch Scotland" rhetoric of leader Iain Gray and justice spokesman Richard Baker.
He said: "People feel we are appealing to populism rather than having a well thought-out policy. We're echoing the Tories."
Mr Rowan, who worked for the former prime minister until last year's election, said the policy adopted by Labour in Scotland was also in conflict with the position of UK party leader Ed Miliband and the recommendations of the prisons commission chaired by former Labour First Minister Henry McLeish.
Mr Rowan, who is generally viewed as a party loyalist, has written to Mr Gray and Mr Baker, describing the party's stance on justice as "knee-jerk reactions".
He continued: "I know that debate is essential in any healthy democracy, but it seems to me that our reported 'policies' are beginning to sound ill-conceived, uninformed and purely negative in tone."
http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/politics/39Right-wing39-justice-policy-of.6718444.jp
On 28th September 2010, at the Labour conference, newly elected Labour leader Ed Miliband said:
"... when Ken Clarke says we need to look at short sentences in prison because of high reoffending rates, I'm not going to say he's soft on crime."
http://www.labour.org.uk/ed-miliband---a-new-generation,2010-09-28
In the Edinburgh Evening News of 18 December 2008 discontent in the Labour party about their Justice Policy was reported:
“But one Labour MSP admits to finding the approach "depressing" and adds: "Anyone who knows anything about it feels uncomfortable with what we're saying."”
http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Ian-Swanson-Ditching-short-prison.4804390.jp
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL / JUSTICE CORRESPONDENTS
LABOUR'S JUSTICE POLICY IS “ILL-CONCEIVED, UNINFORMED & PURELY NEGATIVE”
Commenting on a stinging criticism of Labour’s "knee-jerk" justice policy by a former aide to Gordon Brown, SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell - a member of the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee – said it highlighted the lack of honesty and credibility in Labour's justice policy.
According to a report in the Evening News today John Rowan who worked for Gordon Brown until last year's election and has also served on the visiting committee for Edinburgh's Saughton prison, has written to Iain Gray and Richard Baker, describing the party's stance on justice as "knee-jerk" and said there was "unease" within the Labour party over it “echoing the Tories".
In addition he said Scottish Labour's policies conflict with the position of UK party leader Ed Miliband and the recommendations of the prisons commission chaired by former Labour First Minister Henry McLeish.
The comments echo earlier criticisms of Richard Baker by Labour MSPs in 2008.
Commenting Mr Maxwell said:
“With crime at a 32 year low the SNP has been delivering a safer Scotland with its policy to put 1,000 more police officers on our streets. And with fear of crime falling it would appear Labour members are very uneasy at the party's ill-conceived policies.
"The increasing dissent in Labour ranks over justice and over Labour's failure to support the SNP's budget for Scotland is embarrassing so close to an election.
“It also puts them at odds with Ed Miliband and former Labour First Minister Henry McLeish who have criticised the scaremongering rhetoric used by the likes of Richard Baker.
“Richard Baker’s credibility is in tatters. He is clearly out of his depth and lacking the support of party members who know about justice issues.
"The SNP has worked hard to make Scotland safer over the last four years with additional police on the street leading to a 32 year low in crime rates, using the proceeds of crime to invest in our communities and tackling the causes of knife crime.
“Labour's justice policy is based entirely on fear and scaremongering. In contrast the SNP will do what works to make our streets safer."
ENDS
Notes:
In today’s Edinburgh Evening News the following comments were reported by John Rowan:
John Rowan … claimed there was "unease" within the party over its opposition to the SNP's scrapping of short prison sentences and the "soft touch Scotland" rhetoric of leader Iain Gray and justice spokesman Richard Baker.
He said: "People feel we are appealing to populism rather than having a well thought-out policy. We're echoing the Tories."
Mr Rowan, who worked for the former prime minister until last year's election, said the policy adopted by Labour in Scotland was also in conflict with the position of UK party leader Ed Miliband and the recommendations of the prisons commission chaired by former Labour First Minister Henry McLeish.
Mr Rowan, who is generally viewed as a party loyalist, has written to Mr Gray and Mr Baker, describing the party's stance on justice as "knee-jerk reactions".
He continued: "I know that debate is essential in any healthy democracy, but it seems to me that our reported 'policies' are beginning to sound ill-conceived, uninformed and purely negative in tone."
http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/politics/39Right-wing39-justice-policy-of.6718444.jp
On 28th September 2010, at the Labour conference, newly elected Labour leader Ed Miliband said:
"... when Ken Clarke says we need to look at short sentences in prison because of high reoffending rates, I'm not going to say he's soft on crime."
http://www.labour.org.uk/ed-miliband---a-new-generation,2010-09-28
In the Edinburgh Evening News of 18 December 2008 discontent in the Labour party about their Justice Policy was reported:
“But one Labour MSP admits to finding the approach "depressing" and adds: "Anyone who knows anything about it feels uncomfortable with what we're saying."”
http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Ian-Swanson-Ditching-short-prison.4804390.jp
QUESTIONS ASKED OVER LABOUR'S PLANS
For Immediate Release – Monday 14th February 2011
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL / ECONOMY CORRESPONDENTS
SNP APPRENTICESHIP PLEDGE BUILDS ON SUCCESS
Labour are facing questions over their claims on support for young people after not only voting against apprenticeships and bursary support in last week’s budget but after it became clear there election pledge is another uncosted employ promise.
Yesterday the SNP made a pre-election pledge to expand on the steps for young people announced in last week’s budget with a guarantee of 25,000 apprenticeship places a year for the next four years and an expanded programme to help young people into work with 25,000 training places under the party’s £40 million Youth Employment Scotland (YES) proposals.
In contrast the Labour party has only put a figure of 10,000 for a newly set up Future Jobs Fund – less than a week after they voted down £10 million of support for small business to take on employees, a fund for the voluntary sector to provide employment opportunities and a record 25,000 apprentices plus further support for bursaries. Not only is this 40,000 less than the SNP but half the 20,000 places they promised last May in their Westminster election manifesto and a tenth of the places promised by Iain Gray in November (Newsnight Scotland).
Challenging Labour, Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris – the Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Local Government and Communities Committee - said:
“A re-elected SNP government will extend our policy of 25,000 apprenticeships a year from next year to the next four years and also expand training places that get young people into work with a £20 million investment to provide 25,000 training for work places in each of the next four years.
"The SNP in Government has already taken action by increasing apprenticeships to a record 20,000 and increasing bursaries by 25% before this years budget to help our young people. At the coming election we will do more.
“In contrast Labour’s position is mired in confusion and contradiction.
"How many places are they offering and how many young people do they actually intend to help?
"How will it be funded? Labour have said the UK Government will pay, then asked the Scottish Government for the funds. Is this simply an empty promise to Scotland's young people?
“After voting against a budget for jobs and training that gave them everything they wanted – and more – Labour’s job pledges are looking confused and unambitious.
ENDS
Notes:
The SNP yesterday announced a package for Scotland’s young people that builds on our record of reversing the decline in apprenticeship places under Labour, supporting a record 20,000 apprenticeships this year and increasing bursary funding by 25% prior to this year’s budget.
Labour have once again announced their plans for a Future Jobs Fund – less than a week after they voted down £10 million of support for small business to take on employees, a fund for the voluntary sector to provide employment opportunities and a record 25,000 apprentices plus further support for bursaries (totalling a 36% increase in funding over the last 4 years). Last May in the Westminster election manifesto they promised 20,000 places in Scotland.
The Numbers game
The SNP’s commitments on apprenticeships and training for work build on the thousands of places currently available to offer 50,000 training places a year for the next four years.
Today Labour put forward 10,000 places through their Future Jobs Fund (FJF).
In the Westminster Scottish Labour manifesto promised 20,000 places.
In a Newsnight Scotland interview (1/11/10) Iain Gray said “we’ve committed to 100,000”.
Today Andy Kerr cut that to 10,000 again.
And the cost – can Labour pay for these FJF places?
At Labour conference Andy Kerr said Labour would put £40 million into this.
SCVO estimate places provided through the voluntary sector cost around £6,500 per capita. Labour’s previous scheme allowed organisations to claim £6,500.
To deliver 10,000 places would therefore cost up to 65 million.
Labour are £25 million short.
Do Labour have the money? The last suggestion from Labour in the same Newsnight Scotland interview with Iain Gray, is that they would ask the UK Government to fund the places – because it takes young people off benefit.
If that’s the case why did they reportedly ask John Swinney to find £40 million from the Scottish budget to fund the same scheme?
Have the UK Government confirmed they will fund the scheme and if not where would Labour find the money?
The SNP's record
20,000 apprenticeships in 2010/11 and a budget commitment of 25,000 for 2011/12 - an increase from the fewer than 16,000 inherited in 2007.
Maintaining Education Maintenance Allowance to support young people at school - an allowance scrapped by the Tory Government
Approx 19,000 training places for mostly 16-19 year olds to help young people get into work.
An increase in college bursary funding of 25% or £17 million from 2007 to 2010 funding 42,200 college students which has been further increased for 2011/12 by £10 million ensuring 50,000 bursaries can be provided making a total increase of 36% or £27 million from 2007.
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL / ECONOMY CORRESPONDENTS
SNP APPRENTICESHIP PLEDGE BUILDS ON SUCCESS
Labour are facing questions over their claims on support for young people after not only voting against apprenticeships and bursary support in last week’s budget but after it became clear there election pledge is another uncosted employ promise.
Yesterday the SNP made a pre-election pledge to expand on the steps for young people announced in last week’s budget with a guarantee of 25,000 apprenticeship places a year for the next four years and an expanded programme to help young people into work with 25,000 training places under the party’s £40 million Youth Employment Scotland (YES) proposals.
In contrast the Labour party has only put a figure of 10,000 for a newly set up Future Jobs Fund – less than a week after they voted down £10 million of support for small business to take on employees, a fund for the voluntary sector to provide employment opportunities and a record 25,000 apprentices plus further support for bursaries. Not only is this 40,000 less than the SNP but half the 20,000 places they promised last May in their Westminster election manifesto and a tenth of the places promised by Iain Gray in November (Newsnight Scotland).
Challenging Labour, Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris – the Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Local Government and Communities Committee - said:
“A re-elected SNP government will extend our policy of 25,000 apprenticeships a year from next year to the next four years and also expand training places that get young people into work with a £20 million investment to provide 25,000 training for work places in each of the next four years.
"The SNP in Government has already taken action by increasing apprenticeships to a record 20,000 and increasing bursaries by 25% before this years budget to help our young people. At the coming election we will do more.
“In contrast Labour’s position is mired in confusion and contradiction.
"How many places are they offering and how many young people do they actually intend to help?
"How will it be funded? Labour have said the UK Government will pay, then asked the Scottish Government for the funds. Is this simply an empty promise to Scotland's young people?
“After voting against a budget for jobs and training that gave them everything they wanted – and more – Labour’s job pledges are looking confused and unambitious.
ENDS
Notes:
The SNP yesterday announced a package for Scotland’s young people that builds on our record of reversing the decline in apprenticeship places under Labour, supporting a record 20,000 apprenticeships this year and increasing bursary funding by 25% prior to this year’s budget.
Labour have once again announced their plans for a Future Jobs Fund – less than a week after they voted down £10 million of support for small business to take on employees, a fund for the voluntary sector to provide employment opportunities and a record 25,000 apprentices plus further support for bursaries (totalling a 36% increase in funding over the last 4 years). Last May in the Westminster election manifesto they promised 20,000 places in Scotland.
The Numbers game
The SNP’s commitments on apprenticeships and training for work build on the thousands of places currently available to offer 50,000 training places a year for the next four years.
Today Labour put forward 10,000 places through their Future Jobs Fund (FJF).
In the Westminster Scottish Labour manifesto promised 20,000 places.
In a Newsnight Scotland interview (1/11/10) Iain Gray said “we’ve committed to 100,000”.
Today Andy Kerr cut that to 10,000 again.
And the cost – can Labour pay for these FJF places?
At Labour conference Andy Kerr said Labour would put £40 million into this.
SCVO estimate places provided through the voluntary sector cost around £6,500 per capita. Labour’s previous scheme allowed organisations to claim £6,500.
To deliver 10,000 places would therefore cost up to 65 million.
Labour are £25 million short.
Do Labour have the money? The last suggestion from Labour in the same Newsnight Scotland interview with Iain Gray, is that they would ask the UK Government to fund the places – because it takes young people off benefit.
If that’s the case why did they reportedly ask John Swinney to find £40 million from the Scottish budget to fund the same scheme?
Have the UK Government confirmed they will fund the scheme and if not where would Labour find the money?
The SNP's record
20,000 apprenticeships in 2010/11 and a budget commitment of 25,000 for 2011/12 - an increase from the fewer than 16,000 inherited in 2007.
Maintaining Education Maintenance Allowance to support young people at school - an allowance scrapped by the Tory Government
Approx 19,000 training places for mostly 16-19 year olds to help young people get into work.
An increase in college bursary funding of 25% or £17 million from 2007 to 2010 funding 42,200 college students which has been further increased for 2011/12 by £10 million ensuring 50,000 bursaries can be provided making a total increase of 36% or £27 million from 2007.
Monday, 14 February 2011
SNP SAY YES TO 50,000 WORK PLACES FOR YOUNG SCOTS
For Immediate Release - Monday 14th February 2011
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL / ECONOMY / EDUCATION CORRESPONDENTS
TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS TO FORM £40 MILLION PACKAGE
The SNP today made a pre-election pledge to expand on the steps for young people announced in last week’s budget with a guarantee of 25,000 apprenticeship places a year for the next four years and an expanded programme to help young people into work with 25,000 training places under the party’s £40 million Youth Employment Scotland (YES) proposals.
The £40 million Youth Employment Scotland package which will be introduced by a re-elected SNP Government was announced by Finance Secretary John Swinney and Skills Minister Angela Constance as they met apprentices with the Edinburgh Construction Group at their workshop in Leith.
Youth Employment Scotland includes
• 25,000 apprenticeship places a year – for the next FOUR years
• £20 million of extra investment in training for work places – ensuring 25,000 places for young people struggling to get into work
• Record support for bursaries by continuing the £10 million of additional funding this coming year to provide 50,000 bursaries a year for the next four years
SNP MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Finance John Swinney said:
“Ensuring our young people have the jobs and opportunities they need to get started in life is essential.
“88,000 young people are struggling to find work as a result of the recession. The SNP in Government has taken action by increasing apprenticeships and expanding college places to help our young people. At the coming election we will do more.
“Youth Employment Scotland will see a re-elected SNP government extend our policy of 25,000 apprenticeships a year from next year to the next four years. We will also expand training places that get young people into work with a £20 million investment to provide 25,000 training for work places in each of the next four years. These places will give more young people the chance to learn a trade, to pick up skills and to prevent today’s young people another lost generation.
"As a Scottish Government working for Scotland getting Scotland's young people into work is a key priority for the SNP."
SNP MSP Angela Constance, Minister for Skills and Further Education who joined Mr Swinney to meet the young apprentices added:
“Today we are not only extending our support for apprenticeships to a full four years we are introducing new training places and I can confirm we will guarantee the additional funding for bursaries not just for next year but for the full four year parliament.”
“I want to see young people saying YES to job opportunities and employers finding a workforce they can say YES too.
“The SNP will deliver practical on the job training for our young people not empty promises.
"With a record 20,000 apprenticeship places last year in everything from construction to retail to life sciences and renewable energy, more support for college students than ever before and investment in training programmes that support young people into work the SNP is a government working for Scotland to get Scotland out to work."
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL / ECONOMY / EDUCATION CORRESPONDENTS
TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS TO FORM £40 MILLION PACKAGE
The SNP today made a pre-election pledge to expand on the steps for young people announced in last week’s budget with a guarantee of 25,000 apprenticeship places a year for the next four years and an expanded programme to help young people into work with 25,000 training places under the party’s £40 million Youth Employment Scotland (YES) proposals.
The £40 million Youth Employment Scotland package which will be introduced by a re-elected SNP Government was announced by Finance Secretary John Swinney and Skills Minister Angela Constance as they met apprentices with the Edinburgh Construction Group at their workshop in Leith.
Youth Employment Scotland includes
• 25,000 apprenticeship places a year – for the next FOUR years
• £20 million of extra investment in training for work places – ensuring 25,000 places for young people struggling to get into work
• Record support for bursaries by continuing the £10 million of additional funding this coming year to provide 50,000 bursaries a year for the next four years
SNP MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Finance John Swinney said:
“Ensuring our young people have the jobs and opportunities they need to get started in life is essential.
“88,000 young people are struggling to find work as a result of the recession. The SNP in Government has taken action by increasing apprenticeships and expanding college places to help our young people. At the coming election we will do more.
“Youth Employment Scotland will see a re-elected SNP government extend our policy of 25,000 apprenticeships a year from next year to the next four years. We will also expand training places that get young people into work with a £20 million investment to provide 25,000 training for work places in each of the next four years. These places will give more young people the chance to learn a trade, to pick up skills and to prevent today’s young people another lost generation.
"As a Scottish Government working for Scotland getting Scotland's young people into work is a key priority for the SNP."
SNP MSP Angela Constance, Minister for Skills and Further Education who joined Mr Swinney to meet the young apprentices added:
“Today we are not only extending our support for apprenticeships to a full four years we are introducing new training places and I can confirm we will guarantee the additional funding for bursaries not just for next year but for the full four year parliament.”
“I want to see young people saying YES to job opportunities and employers finding a workforce they can say YES too.
“The SNP will deliver practical on the job training for our young people not empty promises.
"With a record 20,000 apprenticeship places last year in everything from construction to retail to life sciences and renewable energy, more support for college students than ever before and investment in training programmes that support young people into work the SNP is a government working for Scotland to get Scotland out to work."
Saturday, 12 February 2011
DEEP DIVISIONS & RANK HYPOCRISY EXPOSED IN WAKE OF ‘IMMATURE’ BUDGET VOTE
For immediate use: Saturday 12th February 2011
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
NO CREDIBLE POLICIES AS IT IS REVEALED LABOUR’S DRAFT MANIFESTO UNCOSTED
An article in today’s Times newspaper and an online article by the New Statesman reveal ‘startling’ splits and problems within the Scottish Labour party only weeks before the Scottish Parliamentary election says the SNP’s Campaign Director Angus Robertson.
In today’s Times newspaper a queue of anonymous party sources criticise Iain Gray for deciding the Labour group should vote against the SNP Government’s budget, saying he was led by an ‘immature minority’ within the party and that they should have accepted what John Swinney offered them since it met their demands and would let them look like they were acting in the ‘national interest’.
And in an online article in the New Statesman it is revealed by Dan Hodges that Labour’s draft manifesto for the Scottish Parliament elections is ‘uncosted’ - confirming SNP criticisms of Labour’s burgeoning policy announcements – and that the UK party will put all additional capacity into the Welsh Assembly elections with only one additional party staff member seconded to the Scottish campaign.
Commenting Mr Robertson said:
"These reports just show that in May, voters will have a choice between a responsible, experienced SNP government aiming to protect Scotland’s progress by creating jobs, investing in essential public services and helping family budgets – or a divided and hypocritical Labour party putting immature political opposition before the people of Scotland.
“The revelations show Iain Gray was led on the Budget vote and that he isn’t even capable of leading his own group of MSPs, never mind Scotland.
“It just proves that they were offered all they wanted – and more – and put puerile political opposition before the national interest.
“It is obvious many of his MSPs are unhappy and have startlingly resorted to making known their unhappiness with Iain Gray’s leadership.
“The New Statesman is equally revealing in showing a lack of confidence in Iain Gray’s leadership by his London bosses who don’t believe the Scottish campaign is worthy of significant additional resources.
“Their revelation that their draft manifesto is uncosted only confirms what the SNP have been saying – that they have an uncosted wish-list of fantasy policies. They don't have a credible alternative for Scotland and their budget vote shows they are hypocritical, inexperienced and inconsistent.”
ENDS
Notes
1. Today’s Times headlines with:
“Labour split by ‘immature’ minority vote on Budget”
The introductory paragraphs read:
“Deep divisions are merging in the Labour Party at Holyrood after its decision to vote against the Scottish Government budget this week, with criticism aimed at Iain Gray, the leader, for failing to take control.
“Some senior voices in Mr Gray’s Holyrood group of MSPs say that he simply acquiesced in the decision and “allowed himself to be led by immature voices within the shadow cabinet”.”
One MSP source said:
“What we should have done, given that we got most of what we wanted, was to say that while the budget was still imperfect, we would vote for it and be seen to put the national interest before the party interest…
“…That would have been the mature thing to do. Iain was not driving the ‘No’ vote. Instead he allowed himself to be led by immature voices in the shadow cabinet – he let it run.”
2. In Dan Hodge’s online article in the New Statesman it says:
“Labour's Scottish election campaign has also suffered an additional setback after the manifesto was produced without costings, and has had to undergo a comprehensive re-write…
…The squeeze is also creating tensions in the run up to next May's local elections and Scottish and Welsh Assembly elections. Scottish officials have reportedly been informed only one additional party staff member will be seconded for the Scottish assembly campaign, with all additional capacity being directed to Wales, where it's believed Labour may secure an outright majority.”
http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/dan-hodges/2011/02/party-labour-miliband-shadow
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
NO CREDIBLE POLICIES AS IT IS REVEALED LABOUR’S DRAFT MANIFESTO UNCOSTED
An article in today’s Times newspaper and an online article by the New Statesman reveal ‘startling’ splits and problems within the Scottish Labour party only weeks before the Scottish Parliamentary election says the SNP’s Campaign Director Angus Robertson.
In today’s Times newspaper a queue of anonymous party sources criticise Iain Gray for deciding the Labour group should vote against the SNP Government’s budget, saying he was led by an ‘immature minority’ within the party and that they should have accepted what John Swinney offered them since it met their demands and would let them look like they were acting in the ‘national interest’.
And in an online article in the New Statesman it is revealed by Dan Hodges that Labour’s draft manifesto for the Scottish Parliament elections is ‘uncosted’ - confirming SNP criticisms of Labour’s burgeoning policy announcements – and that the UK party will put all additional capacity into the Welsh Assembly elections with only one additional party staff member seconded to the Scottish campaign.
Commenting Mr Robertson said:
"These reports just show that in May, voters will have a choice between a responsible, experienced SNP government aiming to protect Scotland’s progress by creating jobs, investing in essential public services and helping family budgets – or a divided and hypocritical Labour party putting immature political opposition before the people of Scotland.
“The revelations show Iain Gray was led on the Budget vote and that he isn’t even capable of leading his own group of MSPs, never mind Scotland.
“It just proves that they were offered all they wanted – and more – and put puerile political opposition before the national interest.
“It is obvious many of his MSPs are unhappy and have startlingly resorted to making known their unhappiness with Iain Gray’s leadership.
“The New Statesman is equally revealing in showing a lack of confidence in Iain Gray’s leadership by his London bosses who don’t believe the Scottish campaign is worthy of significant additional resources.
“Their revelation that their draft manifesto is uncosted only confirms what the SNP have been saying – that they have an uncosted wish-list of fantasy policies. They don't have a credible alternative for Scotland and their budget vote shows they are hypocritical, inexperienced and inconsistent.”
ENDS
Notes
1. Today’s Times headlines with:
“Labour split by ‘immature’ minority vote on Budget”
The introductory paragraphs read:
“Deep divisions are merging in the Labour Party at Holyrood after its decision to vote against the Scottish Government budget this week, with criticism aimed at Iain Gray, the leader, for failing to take control.
“Some senior voices in Mr Gray’s Holyrood group of MSPs say that he simply acquiesced in the decision and “allowed himself to be led by immature voices within the shadow cabinet”.”
One MSP source said:
“What we should have done, given that we got most of what we wanted, was to say that while the budget was still imperfect, we would vote for it and be seen to put the national interest before the party interest…
“…That would have been the mature thing to do. Iain was not driving the ‘No’ vote. Instead he allowed himself to be led by immature voices in the shadow cabinet – he let it run.”
2. In Dan Hodge’s online article in the New Statesman it says:
“Labour's Scottish election campaign has also suffered an additional setback after the manifesto was produced without costings, and has had to undergo a comprehensive re-write…
…The squeeze is also creating tensions in the run up to next May's local elections and Scottish and Welsh Assembly elections. Scottish officials have reportedly been informed only one additional party staff member will be seconded for the Scottish assembly campaign, with all additional capacity being directed to Wales, where it's believed Labour may secure an outright majority.”
http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/dan-hodges/2011/02/party-labour-miliband-shadow
Thursday, 10 February 2011
SNP VOW TO MAKE FUEL ACTION KEY HOLYROOD CAMPAIGN
Attn: News Desk
For Immediate Release
Thursday 10th February 2010
WESTMINSTER FAILURE MAKES CASE FOR HOLYROOD POWERS
The SNP have vowed to make soaring fuel prices a key Holyrood campaign after a demand for action was defeated in the House of Commons on Monday evening.
An SNP and Plaid Cymru motion, backed by a coalition of motoring and industry organisations, was defeated by 303 to 14 votes with Lib Dem and Tory MPs voting against calls for relief, and Labour MPs abstaining. The SNP and Plaid Cymru had dedicated their annual Opposition Day debate to demand the Conservative-led government fulfil its pre-election pledge to establish a fuel duty regulator.
Speaking after the vote, Finance Secretary and SNP candidate for Perthshire North Mr John Swinney, said:
“People were looking to the Westminster parliament for action, but have been let down by a coalition of Labour, Tory and Lib Dem MPs who have betrayed households and businesses.
“If Westminster won’t act then we need to equip the Scottish Parliament with the powers so that it can deliver instead. Fuel prices are a crucial issue for households and businesses, and will now become a central issue for the Holyrood elections in May.
“The SNP will use every opportunity to remind people in Scotland of the way the Tories, Labour and the Lib Dems have let Scotland down, and done nothing while fuel prices soared.
“It is simply unacceptable that in energy-rich Scotland, motorists and businesses are facing pump prices that have reached over £1.40 a litre in some areas.
“Coupled with the UK Government's recent VAT rise, these record fuel costs are putting a huge and unnecessary amount of pressure on our communities and on vital sectors of the Scottish economy, and risk choking the recovery that the SNP Government is building in Scotland.”
For Immediate Release
Thursday 10th February 2010
WESTMINSTER FAILURE MAKES CASE FOR HOLYROOD POWERS
The SNP have vowed to make soaring fuel prices a key Holyrood campaign after a demand for action was defeated in the House of Commons on Monday evening.
An SNP and Plaid Cymru motion, backed by a coalition of motoring and industry organisations, was defeated by 303 to 14 votes with Lib Dem and Tory MPs voting against calls for relief, and Labour MPs abstaining. The SNP and Plaid Cymru had dedicated their annual Opposition Day debate to demand the Conservative-led government fulfil its pre-election pledge to establish a fuel duty regulator.
Speaking after the vote, Finance Secretary and SNP candidate for Perthshire North Mr John Swinney, said:
“People were looking to the Westminster parliament for action, but have been let down by a coalition of Labour, Tory and Lib Dem MPs who have betrayed households and businesses.
“If Westminster won’t act then we need to equip the Scottish Parliament with the powers so that it can deliver instead. Fuel prices are a crucial issue for households and businesses, and will now become a central issue for the Holyrood elections in May.
“The SNP will use every opportunity to remind people in Scotland of the way the Tories, Labour and the Lib Dems have let Scotland down, and done nothing while fuel prices soared.
“It is simply unacceptable that in energy-rich Scotland, motorists and businesses are facing pump prices that have reached over £1.40 a litre in some areas.
“Coupled with the UK Government's recent VAT rise, these record fuel costs are putting a huge and unnecessary amount of pressure on our communities and on vital sectors of the Scottish economy, and risk choking the recovery that the SNP Government is building in Scotland.”
Monday, 7 February 2011
SNP VOW TO MAKE FUEL ACTION KEY HOLYROOD CAMPAIGN
For Immediate Release - Monday 7 February 2010
Attn: NEWS DESKS
TRANSPORT / POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
WESTMINSTER FAILURE MAKES CASE FOR HOLYROOD POWERS
The SNP have vowed to make soaring fuel prices a key Holyrood campaign after a demand for action was defeated in the House of Commons this evening (Monday).
An SNP and Plaid Cymru motion, backed by a coalition of motoring and industry organisations, was defeated by 303 to 14 votes with Lib Dem and Tory MPs voting against calls for relief, and Labour MPs abstaining. The SNP and Plaid Cymru had dedicated their annual Opposition Day debate to demand the Conservative-led government fulfil its pre-election pledge to establish a fuel duty regulator.
Speaking after the vote, SNP Treasury spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP said:
“People were looking to parliament for action, but have been let down by a coalition of Labour, Tory and Lib Dem MPs who have betrayed households and businesses.
“If Westminster won’t act then we need to equip the Scottish Parliament with the powers so that it can deliver instead. Fuel prices are a crucial issue for households and businesses, and will now become a central issue for the Holyrood elections in May.
“The SNP will use every opportunity to remind people in Scotland of the way Labour and the Lib Dems have let Scotland down, and done nothing while fuel prices soared.
“It is simply unacceptable that in energy-rich Scotland, motorists and businesses are facing pump prices that have reached over £1.40 a litre in some areas.
“Coupled with the UK Government's recent VAT rise, these record fuel costs are putting a huge and unnecessary amount of pressure on our communities and on vital sectors of the Scottish economy, and risk choking the recovery that the SNP Government is building in Scotland.”
ENDS
Attn: NEWS DESKS
TRANSPORT / POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
WESTMINSTER FAILURE MAKES CASE FOR HOLYROOD POWERS
The SNP have vowed to make soaring fuel prices a key Holyrood campaign after a demand for action was defeated in the House of Commons this evening (Monday).
An SNP and Plaid Cymru motion, backed by a coalition of motoring and industry organisations, was defeated by 303 to 14 votes with Lib Dem and Tory MPs voting against calls for relief, and Labour MPs abstaining. The SNP and Plaid Cymru had dedicated their annual Opposition Day debate to demand the Conservative-led government fulfil its pre-election pledge to establish a fuel duty regulator.
Speaking after the vote, SNP Treasury spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP said:
“People were looking to parliament for action, but have been let down by a coalition of Labour, Tory and Lib Dem MPs who have betrayed households and businesses.
“If Westminster won’t act then we need to equip the Scottish Parliament with the powers so that it can deliver instead. Fuel prices are a crucial issue for households and businesses, and will now become a central issue for the Holyrood elections in May.
“The SNP will use every opportunity to remind people in Scotland of the way Labour and the Lib Dems have let Scotland down, and done nothing while fuel prices soared.
“It is simply unacceptable that in energy-rich Scotland, motorists and businesses are facing pump prices that have reached over £1.40 a litre in some areas.
“Coupled with the UK Government's recent VAT rise, these record fuel costs are putting a huge and unnecessary amount of pressure on our communities and on vital sectors of the Scottish economy, and risk choking the recovery that the SNP Government is building in Scotland.”
ENDS
UK REVIEW REVEALS LABOUR HYPOCRISY
For immediate use: Monday 7 February 2011
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
LABOUR SUPPORTED MEGRAHI RELEASE IN PRIVATE
Responding to a statement today (Monday) by the Prime Minister on the case of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson MP said the documents revealed the “total rank hypocrisy” of the Labour party who, as of autumn 2008 supported Mr al-Megrahi being released to Libya, and were saying one thing in public and the complete opposite in private.
Speaking after an exchange with the Prime Minister, Mr Robertson said:
“The only revelation here is the total rank hypocrisy of the last Labour government who privately changed their position to favour the release of al Megrahi, while claiming that they had no position in public.
“While Westminster government policy changed to support release, it is clear that Scottish Ministers followed the due process of Scots Law and practice throughout the entire period, without regard to foreign policy, economic or any other considerations.
“The record shows clearly and consistently that the Scottish Government maintained its opposition to the PTA itself and to al Megrahi’s non-exclusion from it, and criticised his non-exclusion in extensive correspondence in 2007 and 2008 with Jack Straw and the Prime Minister, from both the Justice Secretary and the First Minister.
“David Cameron appears not to understand the reality of Scottish self-government – which shows more Tory disrespect for Scotland. Regardless of people's opinion, the decision was Scotland's to take on the basis of the due process of Scots Law – which was done to the letter. Any attempt by Tories at Westminster to interfere with Scotland's justice system would be vigorously resisted north of the Border, by people of all political persuasions and none.”
ENDS
Note – a transcript of Mr Robertson’s exchange with the Prime Minister
is detailed below:
Angus Robertson: The Prime Minister does not share the same view on
compassionate release as the Scottish Government or indeed
international observers like Nelson Mandela. What is new however is
that these official UK documents prove that as of autumn 2008 UK
Labour Ministers supported Mr al-Megrahi being released to Libya, and
were saying one thing in public and the complete opposite in private.
Is that not total rank hypocrisy?
David Cameron: I’ve made my view clear and I have tried to state it in
a calm and reasonable was, because I don’t believe that there was some
conspiracy theory between the SNP Government and a Labour Government.
I think they find it hard enough to communicate with each other at the
best of times. But I would say, I think Ministers will look back and
say what could I have said more to give a complete picture.
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
LABOUR SUPPORTED MEGRAHI RELEASE IN PRIVATE
Responding to a statement today (Monday) by the Prime Minister on the case of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson MP said the documents revealed the “total rank hypocrisy” of the Labour party who, as of autumn 2008 supported Mr al-Megrahi being released to Libya, and were saying one thing in public and the complete opposite in private.
Speaking after an exchange with the Prime Minister, Mr Robertson said:
“The only revelation here is the total rank hypocrisy of the last Labour government who privately changed their position to favour the release of al Megrahi, while claiming that they had no position in public.
“While Westminster government policy changed to support release, it is clear that Scottish Ministers followed the due process of Scots Law and practice throughout the entire period, without regard to foreign policy, economic or any other considerations.
“The record shows clearly and consistently that the Scottish Government maintained its opposition to the PTA itself and to al Megrahi’s non-exclusion from it, and criticised his non-exclusion in extensive correspondence in 2007 and 2008 with Jack Straw and the Prime Minister, from both the Justice Secretary and the First Minister.
“David Cameron appears not to understand the reality of Scottish self-government – which shows more Tory disrespect for Scotland. Regardless of people's opinion, the decision was Scotland's to take on the basis of the due process of Scots Law – which was done to the letter. Any attempt by Tories at Westminster to interfere with Scotland's justice system would be vigorously resisted north of the Border, by people of all political persuasions and none.”
ENDS
Note – a transcript of Mr Robertson’s exchange with the Prime Minister
is detailed below:
Angus Robertson: The Prime Minister does not share the same view on
compassionate release as the Scottish Government or indeed
international observers like Nelson Mandela. What is new however is
that these official UK documents prove that as of autumn 2008 UK
Labour Ministers supported Mr al-Megrahi being released to Libya, and
were saying one thing in public and the complete opposite in private.
Is that not total rank hypocrisy?
David Cameron: I’ve made my view clear and I have tried to state it in
a calm and reasonable was, because I don’t believe that there was some
conspiracy theory between the SNP Government and a Labour Government.
I think they find it hard enough to communicate with each other at the
best of times. But I would say, I think Ministers will look back and
say what could I have said more to give a complete picture.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)