SNP OVERTAKE LABOUR IN YOUGOV CONSTITUENCY VOTE – SCOTSMAN POLL

For Immediate Release – Tuesday 29 March 2011


Attn: NEWS DESKS


POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS



AND AHEAD OF LABOUR IN STRAIGHT CONTEST BY 44% TO 42%


BIG MOMENTUM IN CAMPAIGN WITH SNP

Welcoming the YouGov poll in the Scotsman newspaper tomorrow [Wednesday], Scottish National Party Depute Leader and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

"This is an excellent poll, confirming that the SNP have the big momentum in this campaign. Since last month’s YouGov poll, we have reversed a 9-point Labour lead in the constituency vote to move ahead for the first time in a year. It shows that we can reach the election-winning 40 per cent threshold, and we have also moved forward 6 points on the regional list since last month – where our ‘Alex Salmond for First Minister’ message stands us in extremely good stead to make further progress.

“Significantly, the poll also puts the SNP ahead of Labour in a straight contest, by 44 per cent to 42 per cent – and Scotland’s election is a clear two-horse race, particularly as the Westminster coalition parties continue to haemorrhage support to the SNP.


"The poll also adds to the wealth of evidence demonstrating that Alex Salmond is streets ahead of the other leaders in terms who would be best First Minister.

“Labour’s unremitting negativity is coming unstuck.

“We are confident that we can win people’s trust, and that voters will endorse the positive record of the SNP in Government – with 1,000 more police on our streets, a continued council tax freeze, a record 25,000 apprenticeship places for young Scots, and protection for health

spending.”



Note:

The YouGov poll for the Scotsman newspaper was conducted between 25-28 March, among 1,025 Scottish adults.

The figures in brackets refer to changes since the YouGov poll conducted on 11-12 February 2011:



* Constituency vote

SNP: 40% (+8)


Lab: 39% (-2)


Con: 11% (-4)


Lib Dem: 5% (-3)


Oth: 5%

* Regional list vote



SNP: 32% (+6)


Lab: 39% (-1)


Con: 12% (-3)


Lib Dem: 5% (-2)


Green: 6%


SSP: 4%


Sol: 0


Oth: 2%

* If you had to choose between Labour and the SNP, irrespective of who you would normally vote for. Party support:

SNP: 44%


Lab: 42%


Don’t know: 13%

* Who would make the best First Minister:

Alex Salmond: 38%


Iain Gray: 14%


Annabel Goldie: 9%


Tavish Scott: 3%


Patrick Harvie: 1%

RUSSELL BACKS GLASGOW UNIVERSITY CUTS MORATORIUM CALL

For immediate use: Monday 27th March 2011

Attn: NEWSDESKS

         EDUCATION CORRESPONDENT

NEW UNI FUNDING SETTLEMENT WILL FOLLOW ELECTION

All changes to courses at Glasgow University should be put on hold pending the outcome of the election, Education Secretary Michael Russell said today (Monday), as he met with student representatives to hear of their concerns.

Backing the call from the University Senate for a moratorium pending the outcome of the election, Mr Russell said that the SNP’s commitment to ensure no funding gap opened up with England meant there would be more money for the sector compared to the budget anticipated by the University when it first announced the plans.

Speaking as he joined SNP Glasgow Kelvin candidate Sandra White in meeting with the President of the Student Representative Council (SRC), Tommy Gore, Mr Russell said:

“The proposed cuts at Glasgow University are based on an outmoded estimate concerning the funding available to the sector over the next few years.. The SNP is fully and publicly committed to increased funding. The Court’s plans for cuts pre-dated the final publication of conclusive figures that allowed that commitment to be made, and therefore have been overtaken by events.

“The SNP Government has an outstanding record of defending our universities and we will go on doing so.

“Since May 2007, universities share of the Scottish budget has gone up, backdoor fees have been abolished, and grant and bursary spending has increased by 25%. All of this without any need to introduce tuition fees in the way Labour did last time they were in power – and which they might well do again, given their very late and half hearted conversion to the principle of free education.

“But we have made a clear pledge: we won’t introduce tuition fees and we won’t allow a funding gap to open up with universities south of the border. What’s more, we have already identified £62million of additional income from students from the rest of the UK and £22 million from EU students. In simple terms, that means more money will be available to Scotland’s universities over the next few years to make sure they keep pace with England.

“The sensible and obvious thing to do is to wait until we know the outcome in May; wait until we know that the SNP Government is back and able to deliver the extra funding our universities need. That’s exactly what the university’s own Senate has called for and they have got it right.”

SNP Glasgow Kelvin candidate Sandra White said:

“The way this university has gone about its business is appalling. They are looking for savings of £20 million over three years out of an annual budget of more than £430 million. That is around 1.5% a year. It simply doesn’t make sense to claim that this small level of savings justifies the massive cuts management are proposing.

“Students and others are right to question the priorities of the University when management salaries are sky high, yet the same management say they cannot make savings without taking an axe to courses. That simply doesn’t wash.

“And all of this before they have the new funding settlement from the next SNP Government.

“There is real anger on campus and across Glasgow. It’s time these proposals were stopped in their tracks. I agree with Michael that they should be withdrawn, and the election should decide what funding is made available for this sector. The SNP’s proposals would make most of these changes completely unnecessary.”

Tommy Gore President of Glasgow University SRC added

"I welcome Michael Russell’s interest in events at Glasgow University.

"The time period of the election should be used for open, transparent and innovative discussion with students, staff and the community on the way ahead for Glasgow University ahead of any final funding decisions"

RE-ELECTED SNP GOVERNMENT WILL CREATE ENTREPRENEURIAL SCOTLAND

For immediate release: Monday 28^th March 2011

Attn: Newsdesks

Political correspondents

A re-elected SNP Government will support young entrepreneurs with a new national prize fund of £100,000.

The Youth Enterprise Scotland Challenge will be awarded to teams with the best and most creative ideas for a new business.

The £100,000 will be matched with £100,000 worth of mentoring and support for 10 finalists to develop their ideas.

A similar scheme at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has led to the creation of 130 new businesses and 2,500 jobs. http://www.mit100k.org/about/about/

The challenge will be included in the SNP’s manifesto.

Speaking about the plan SNP Finance Secretary John Swinney said:

“A re-elected SNP Government will help to build a culture of entrepreneurship for Scotland’s future.

“The SNP will give young people with great ideas the opportunity to turn those ideas into a reality and create new businesses in Scotland.  By matching £100,000 of funding with £100,000 worth of mentoring a new generation of Scottish entrepreneurs will have the chance to shine.

.

"There is huge talent, enterprise and imagination among young folk in Scotland - the job of government is to help and incentivise it, and then the sky's the limit. Who knows, the person to come up with the next big idea such as Facebook or Google could be in Scotland right now, and this is a great policy to help realise the potential of our young generation, and bring bright business ideas to fruition here in Scotland."

SNP MP LODGES MINORITY REPORT TO SCOTTISH AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

For Immediate Release - Monday 21 March 2011

Attn:      NEWSDESKS

           POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS

SCOTLAND BILL ‘A MISSED OPPORTUNITY’

SNP MP Eilidh Whiteford has today (Monday) taken the unusual step of lodging a minority position in the Scottish Affairs Committee Report on the Scotland Bill.

Dr Whiteford, who is the only SNP Member of the Scottish Affairs Committee, expressed her concern that the report agreed by Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Conservative MPs, did not fully reflect the diversity of views presented to the Committee.   

Commenting, Dr Whiteford said:

“The Committee heard a range of views on the Scotland Bill and the report, as it stood, failed to reflect that. On many points, the Committee shared concerns, but on some matters we drew different conclusions, so this minority report aims to ensure that these conclusions are reflected.  

“What came through very strongly from the evidence was that this Bill has been rushed through with inadequate scrutiny and consultation. There are still real question marks over how some of its proposals will work in practice and whether it really moves us very far forward. 

“Twelve years on, of course it was absolutely right to look at how devolution is working, but the outcome has been a timid piece of legislation that falls short. In that sense this Bill is a real missed opportunity. As it stands, the Bill offers little that will help Scotland boost sustainable economic growth and create jobs, the very real challenges we face in the current climate."

Excerpts from Dr Whiteford’s report:

While the objectives of further empowering the Scottish Parliament and increasing its accountability are entirely laudable, the Scotland Bill makes only modest progress in the direction of those objectives. In this respect, the passage of the Scotland Bill is a missed opportunity to enhance devolution more significantly by delivering to Scotland the levers to promote economic growth and create employment.

In the aftermath of a bruising global recession, when restoring the health of the economy through sustainable growth and job creation ought to be the top priority of Governments, the Scotland Bill ducks the challenge of devolving greater fiscal responsibility to the Scottish Parliament and Government that would equip them with powers to strengthen and improve economic and social policy in Scotland, while significantly enhancing their financial accountability.

[...]

The principle that the UK Parliament should not normally legislate with regard to devolved matters without the consent of the Scottish Parliament is an important one. In this respect, the timetable of the Scotland Bill has provided less than optimum opportunity for the Scottish Parliament to scrutinise the legislation before its progress in the House of Commons, or to consult adequately with wider civil society in Scotland. In particular, it is regrettable that the first day of Committee Stage debate in the House of Commons took place before the Scottish Parliament had an opportunity to debate its Legislative Consent Motion.

[...]

The Committee’s deliberations have centred mainly on the financial provisions of the Scotland Bill, as these have been the focus of considerable public debate and the source of greatest variation in views. However, the non-financial provisions of the Bill are also worthy of attention, and the Committee received numerous written submissions in response to its call for evidence from a wide range of stakeholders and individuals. Particular policy areas where proposals of the Calman Commission for further devolution have been omitted from, or only partially included in the Scotland Bill include a role for the Scottish in benefits policy; marine nature conservation; and in relation to the Crown Estate Commissioners.

[...]

In relation to the income tax proposals, the Scottish Government and others have expressed concern regarding the over-reliance on a single tax (in this case, one which has been decreasing as a proportion of public spending over the last forty years) rather than on multiple taxes. As income tax has grown at a slower rate than public spending across OECD countries in the last four decades, the Scotland Bill potentially introduces risks to the Scottish Budget. These risks could be mitigated by access to other economic levers, but the existing proposals of the Scotland Bill offer no such provision. This issue is compounded by the fact that revenue from higher rate tax bands tends to grow faster than revenue from the basic rate band, yet the Bill devolves half of basic rate income tax revenue, but only a quarter of higher, and a fifth of top rate tax revenues respectively, thereby potentially exposing the Scottish Budget to unnecessary risk, especially in times of economic downturn. During recession, lower revenue from income tax would be likely to lead to a decline in the Scottish Budget at a time when demands on it would be increasing and there would be merit in increasing public spending to stimulate the economy. 

[...]

The Committee has also received evidence on and considered the capital and revenue borrowing provisions contained in the Bill, which would allow annual borrowing of up to £200 million in any one year, with a maximum limit of £500 million to finance current expenditure where there are differences between the forecasts and the actualities of Scottish tax revenue under the Bill’s income tax proposals. Most of the expert witnesses from whom we took evidence identified these limits as too low in the context of the introduction of the proposed new income tax raising powers, and the attendant increased volatility these are likely to bring. The Scottish Parliament’s Scotland Bill Committee also examined this issue, concluding that the powers are ‘inadequate’ as proposed, recommending that the limit on borrowing be ‘set by reference to the capacity of the Scottish Government prudently to finance it from devolved tax revenue.’ That Committee also ‘invites the UK Government to consider bringing forward these borrowing powers’ while recognising the UK Government’s wish to constrain borrowing in the present economic climate. The Scottish Parliament’s Scotland Bill Committee also considered the issue of bonds, concluding that the ability of the Scottish Government to access the bond markets ‘is not a possibility that should be ruled out in statute’ and recommending ‘that the Bill be amended to permit this, subject, if the UK Government thinks it necessary, to the agreement from HM Treasury to conditions for bond issues’. The Bill should therefore be amended in accordance with these eminently sensible recommendations which will strengthen the proposals in the Bill and enable more effective governance in Scotland.

ENDS

LIBYA - SNP SUPPORT FOR UNITED NATIONS-SANCTIONED ACTION

For Immediate Release - Sunday 20th March 2011

Attn.     NEWS DESKS
           POLITICAL EDITORS

SNP Westminster Leader and Defence Spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP, has today (Sunday) highlighted the support of the Scottish National Party for the United Nations-sanctioned approach, as military operations continue over Libya.

Speaking from outside RAF Lossiemouth in his Moray constituency, Mr Robertson said:

"The United Nations has resolved to protect innocent civilians in Libya, and it is important that the legal will of the international community is upheld.

"As long standing advocates of the United Nations and the primacy of international law, the SNP backs the humanitarian aims of the military operation sanctioned by a Security Council resolution.

"The Gaddafi regime must stop killing and terrorising the innocent, and must observe a comprehensive ceasefire.

"Our thoughts are with the service personnel from home and abroad who are putting themselves in harms way to protect the welfare and safety of innocent civilians in Libya."

ENDS

NOTES

Background: The SNP has a long history of support for the United Nations, but opposition to military interventions not sanctioned by the UN.

The SNP has opposed military action not sanctioned by the UN, including the recent Iraq War and Kosovo intervention.  The SNP supported the no-fly zones over Kurdish Iraq and Bosnia, and the 1991 Gulf War to eject Iraq from Kuwait - all of which were fully sanctioned by UN Security Council resolutions.

GRAY’S CRIME PLEDGE UNRAVELS

For Immediate Release – Sunday 20th March 2011

Attn.     News Desks
           Political Correspondents

LABOUR LEADERSHIP IN CRISIS AS CONFERENCE LOOKS TO LONDON

Scottish Labour have been plunged further into a leadership crisis after the main announcement in Iain Gray’s speech to his party’s conference was called into question.

Mr Gray pledged to end the practice of automatic early release in favour of shorter sentences at the time of sentencing – despite Scottish Labour’s ongoing campaigns for longer custodial sentences.

Yesterday, Labour leader Ed Miliband attempted to detract from the underperformance of Mr Gray by devoting most of the party political sections his speech at Labour’s Scottish conference to dealing with Westminster issues or policies south of the Border – even the future of “England’s forests” – as further evidence of Labour’s leadership crisis in Scotland.

The latest ICM poll shows that 43% of people think that Alex Salmond is the best candidate for First Minister, compared to just 9% for Iain Gray – behind even Tory leader Annabel Goldie at 10%.

Among those who voted Labour in last year’s UK General Election, 38% think Alex Salmond is best to be First Minister – compared to just 23% for Iain Gray.

Commenting, SNP Parliamentary Business Minister Bruce Crawford MSP said:

“Labour’s policies are unravelling before they’ve even printed a manifesto. Iain Gray has announced his support for more short sentences and fewer longer ones – the exact opposite of what is needed.

“It is SNP justice policies – with 1000 more police officers on the streets – which have delivered 32 year low crime rates.

“Under Labour, there would be fewer police officers and more crime.”

Mr Crawford added:

“Labour are facing a full blown leadership crisis in Scotland – which is why Ed Miliband is desperately trying to pretend that Scotland’s election in May is a Westminster poll.

“Ed Miliband’s speech reflects Labour’s growing panic about the Scottish election – where the SNP are already ahead of Labour in terms of who is best to govern Scotland, and Alex Salmond is five times more trusted to be First Minister than Iain Gray – as they try to turn it into a Westminster-focused contest.

“But this election is not about who rules in London – it is about who is chosen to serve Scotland, and the SNP are confident of success based on our record of good government over the past four years.”

ENDS

Notes:

The ICM poll of 1,003 voters, conducted between the 13th and 14th of March 2011, asked:

Putting aside your own party preference, which one of the following do you think is best qualified to be First Minister of Scotland?

Alex Salmond: 43%
Annabel Goldie: 10%
Iain Gray: 9%
Tavish Scott: 3%
Patrick Harvie: 1%
None: 6%
Don’t know: 28%

GRAY’S COUNCIL TAX PANIC EXPOSED BY LOCAL LABOUR COUNCIL LEADER

For Immediate Release - Sunday 20th March 2011

Attn:       NEWSDESKS
            POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS

EAST LOTHIAN LABOUR WANTED 2% COUNCIL TAX INCREASE

The rush to Iain Gray’s humiliating u-turn on supporting the SNP's policy of a two year Council Tax freeze has been further exposed by the fact that his local councillors in East Lothian demanded that Council Tax be increased by 2% when the local council’s budget was being debated in February.

At the East Lothian Council budget debate on the 8th of February the opposition Labour Group Leader, Cllr Willie Innes, proposed a 2% Council Tax rise.

The local Labour party’s support for a rise actually happened AFTER Iain Gray had claimed on 24th January that Labour would accept the SNP Government’s Council Tax freeze.

Commenting on the utter confusion at the heart of Labour’s Council Tax policy, East Lothian Council Leader and SNP Councillor Paul McLennan said:

“This utter confusion from Labour and Iain Gray just shows that they cannot be trusted at all when it comes to a Council Tax freeze.

“How on earth can we believe a word Labour and Iain Gray say when only days after he said he was supporting a freeze for this year his own local Council group leader was demanding a 2% rise?

“If Iain Gray cannot convince his own local Labour Group why should Scotland trust him?”

SNP Lothian MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville added:

"Iain Gray has been humiliated on this issue. After their numerous attacks on a Council Tax freeze it is yet another example of hypocrisy.

“Just weeks before an election they have dumped their Council Tax reform policy despite promising they would announce an alternative. Yet after months of delays and prevarication they have failed to come up with a policy.

"It is also incoherent since they only just voted against a Council Tax freeze in the recent budget.

“There must now be serious questions about Iain Gray's leadership as he fails to bring his own local party with him and follows the SNP's agenda.

"However what Iain Gray says doesn't meet the reality of his party's track record. The SNP and Labour records on Council Tax speak for themselves.

"It was the SNP which promised a Council Tax freeze and delivered a Council Tax freeze for four years, and it was Labour who increased Council Tax by 60% when they were last in power.

"In the weeks ahead we will be telling voters those facts and that they can't believe a word Labour says on Council Tax.”

ENDS

Notes

Quotes showing Labour opposition to a Council Tax freeze with claims that
it would have to be paid for from a number of sources – thus begging the
question as to whether or not they now believe that cuts should be made in
those areas:

***********************

1. IAIN GRAY CALLS FOR COUNCIL TAX FREEZE TO END

-----------------------

i. Herald, 3rd October 2010

"It does not look to us that the Council Tax freeze is sustainable. In the
circumstances in which they find themselves, Councils should have that
share of the £70m. They have to have as much flexibility as possible. I
don’t think local authorities should be free to put their Council Tax up
as much as they feel like it. We are saying they ought to be given their
freedom to set tax locally.”
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/revealed-labour-s-council-tax-bombshell-1.1058937

-----------------------

ii. Brian Taylor's BBC Webcast, 29th October 2010

"If a Council comes to the Government, if it was my Government, and said
'we need some flexibility to avoid the worst of the cuts', I would listen
to them.

"If they could convince me exactly what the beneficial effect of that
should be, we should listen to that."

On the level of cap, he said: "I think in the current circumstances,
you're talking about one or two percent."

-----------------------

iii. Daily Record, 17th August 2010

“Labour leader Iain Gray demands end to Council Tax freeze to help
authorities offset Tory cuts”

Scottish Labour called yesterday for the SNP government to end the Council
Tax freeze...

...Gray's call came after Labour-led Glasgow became the first local
authority in Scotland to challenge the council Tax Freeze publicly.

Leader Gordon Matheson said he needed the option of raising extra cash to
offset "brutal" cuts as the city seeks savings of £180 million over the
next three years.

***********************

2. EXAMPLES OF LABOUR FRONT BENCHERS OPPOSING THE COUNCIL TAX FREEZE:

-----------------------

i. HELEN EADIE’S WARNINGS OF DOOM

In a Parliamentary debate on 25th March 2009 Labour MSP Helen Eadie went
as far to suggest that the consequences of a Council Tax freeze could be
people dying:

Helen Eadie (Dunfermline East) (Lab): Campaigners in Scotland warned that
people would die as a result of the cuts, which councils blame on the SNP
Government's Council Tax freeze.
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0325-02.htm

-----------------------

ii. ANDY KERR, LABOUR’S FINANCE SPOKESPERSON

In a Parliamentary debate on 27 March 2008 Labour’s finance spokesperson
Andy Kerr mocked a Council Tax freeze at a time of cuts.

Andy Kerr (East Kilbride) (Lab): It will seem ironic to many communities
throughout Scotland that the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable
Growth is parading the glory of the Council Tax freeze as they experience
many cuts in public services.
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-08/sor0327-02.htm

And in a debate on 11 February 2009 he claimed that a Council Tax freeze
only benefited the better off.

Andy Kerr (East Kilbride) (Lab): The Cabinet Secretary talked about who
gains from the Council Tax freeze. All the evidence suggests that the
best-off—those who are in a better position in society and who have more
wages coming into their homes—gain from the Council Tax freeze
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0211-02.htm

-----------------------

iii. DAVID WHITTON, LABOUR’S DEPUTY FINANCE SPOKESPERSON

On 11 February 2009 Labour’s deputy spokesperson on finance David Whitton
claimed a Council Tax freeze would leads to poorer services and job
losses.

David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab): That will translate into
poorer services for the public and job losses among local authority
workers, which is the real price of the SNP's Council Tax freeze.
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0211-02.htm

On the 10th of February 2010 he claimed a Council Tax freeze led to the
removal of a “vital” income stream.

David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab): Those who favour a
Council Tax freeze say that it saves people money, but it is regressive:
people who live in band G homes, who can afford to pay more, save more
than those at the bottom of the scale, but the impact of service cuts is
greater on the poorest in society. For Councils, it removes a vital income
stream, which could be spent on the services and jobs that they should be
delivering.
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-10/sor0210-02.htm

On 10th March 2010 he tabled an amendment to a Parliamentary Motion
attacking the Council Tax freeze and calling it an "imposition".

It refers to “difficult budget decisions had to be taken by East
Dunbartonshire Council … as a result of the SNP Government’s imposition
of zero percent Council Tax policy”.
http://www.parlamaid-alba.org/Apps2/business/motions/Default.aspx?motionid=18557

It has been supported by Jackie Baillie, Mr Frank McAveety, Rhona Brankin,
Trish Godman, James Kelly, Helen Eadie, Des McNulty, Pauline McNeill, Mary
Mulligan, Elaine Smith and Marilyn Livingstone

In a Scottish Parliament debate on 19th May 2010, he claimed a freeze left
Councils unable to balance the books.

David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab): Will we see another
Council Tax freeze? Perhaps only Mr Swinney knows the answer to that one,
but it leaves many Councils unable to balance their books.
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-10/sor0519-02.htm

Even as recently as 10 February 2011 he was saying it would do damage to
local authority services.

David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab): The cost of the unfunded
Council Tax freeze does untold damage to local authority services, just so
the SNP can claim to have helped the average band D council tax payer to
save a few pence a week.
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/apps2/business/orsearch/ReportView.aspx?r=6102&mode=html

-----------------------

iv. MICHAEL MCMAHON, LABOUR’S LOCAL GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON

On his biog page on the Scottish Labour party website Labour’s Local
Government spokesman Michael McMahon says a Council Tax freeze equals
cuts:

"The Council Tax freeze means that Councils have been forced to make cuts
that they know will damage local services."
http://www.scottishlabour.org.uk/local-government

In a Scottish Parliament debate on 19th May 2010, Michael McMahon
criticised a Council Tax freeze claiming it would benefit those hit
hardest by recession least:

"The fact is that those who are hardest hit by the recession, and by
social exclusion generally, are those who benefit least from the Council
Tax freeze"
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-10/sor0519-02.htm

On 17th August 2010 Michael McMahon the issued a statement claiming a
Council Tax freeze doesn't benefit the poorest.

“It isn’t the poorest who benefit from the Council Tax freeze. The main
beneficiaries are high earners..."
http://www.scottishlabour.org.uk/labourcondemn-63-million-snp-cut-to-council-funding

And on 29th October 2010 he made a conference speech claiming a Council
Tax freeze could only be achieved by holding a gun to Councillors’ heads.

"...currently the SNP is holding a gun to Councillors’ heads in order to
achieve a Council Tax freeze."
http://www.scottishlabour.org.uk/speech-to-scottish-conference-by-michael-mcmahon

As recently as 1st February 2011 Labour’s Michael McMahon issued a
statement saying a Council Tax freeze was a result of bullying
Councillors.

"[The SNP] have spent the last four years disrespecting local government
and bullying councillors to get their own way on issues like the Council
Tax freeze.”
http://www.scottishlabour.org.uk/snp-accused-of-disrespecting-local-government

-----------------------

v. JOHANN LAMONT, LABOUR’S HOUSING SPOKESPERSON

On 15th March 2010 Labour’s housing spokesperson Johann Lamont issued a
press release claiming a Council Tax freeze took money away from housing
grants.

"It looks like the SNP is asking the housing industry and local
communities to pay the price to protect its own party political
priorities, like the centrally imposed Council Tax freeze."
http://www.scottishlabour.org.uk/140-million-local-housing-cuts-revealed

-----------------------

vi. DES MCNULTY, LABOUR’S EDUCATION SPOKESMAN

In a Press Association report on 17th March 2010 Labour’s education
spokesman Des McNulty claimed the Council Tax freeze took money away from
schools.

"From Edinburgh to East Ayrshire, the SNP is presiding over chaos while
Mike Russell washes his hands of the problems his Government has caused
by diverting money from schools to fund their imposed Council Tax
freeze."

PRESCRIPTION CHARGES OFF IN SCOTLAND BUT UP IN ENGLAND

For immediate release: Friday, 4th March 2011

Attn: NEWSDESKS

         POLITICAL / HEALTH CORRESPONDENTS

A SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT WORKING FOR SCOTLAND

Today’s announcement of an increase in prescription charges in England to £7.40 per item from 1 April by the Tory-LibDem UK government against the abolition of prescription charges on the same date in Scotland says SNP MSP and former Wester Hailes GP Dr. Ian McKee who is a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee

Dr McKee said that it showed the importance of the Scottish Parliament and a Scottish Government working for Scotland in delivering the right policies for Scotland.

Commenting Dr. McKee said:

“Today’s announcement of an increase in prescription charges in England against the abolition of charges in Scotland by the SNP emphasises the importance of a Scottish Government working for Scotland. 

“No one chooses to be ill and prescription charges are a tax on ill health.

“The SNP’s delivery of free prescriptions from April will be a landmark day for the Scottish Parliament and indeed the National Health Service in Scotland.

“Thanks to the SNP Government, Scotland will be a prescription charge-free zone. Our actions on prescription charges will have saved people with long term conditions £180 in charges.

“When I was practising in Wester Hailes it wasn’t uncommon to see people unable to get treatment because they couldn’t afford to pay.

 "Prescription charges are nothing but a false economy and I’m glad that from April 1^st in Scotland at least, because of the SNP Government, they will be history. 

ENDS

LIBDEMS RE-ANNOUNCE FUEL POLICY THEY ANNOUNCED AT LAST CONFERENCE

For Immediate Release: Friday 4 March 2011

Attn: NEWSDESKS

POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS

LIBDEM LET DOWN AS RURAL MAINLAND EXCLUDED FROM RURAL FUEL DISCOUNT

The SNP have questioned the LibDems credentials on fighting rural fuel prices after the Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander re-announced plans for a plot scheme in his conference speech that he had announced at a previous conference.

The SNP has questioned why an application has still not been submitted to the European Commission for a rural areas fuel duty derogation despite the previous announcement.

Commenting SNP Westminster Transport spokesperson Angus MacNeil MP said:

“Danny Alexander made the same announcement in his autumn conference speech last October, it sounded good, but the only thing the Treasury has delivered since then are even higher fuel prices. Just why are they dragging their feet on this policy?

“The Lib Dems need to stop delaying and start delivering for motorists in rural areas. Fuel prices are already so high in the islands a 5p discount will still leave us higher than many areas on the mainland.

“If Danny Alexander wants something new to say in his speech he should commit to cancelling the rise in fuel duty planned next month, and introduce a fuel duty regulator to bring fuel prices down for everyone.”

Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber SNP MSP Fergus Ewing also pointed out that mainland rural Scotland will miss out on the proposed 5p-a-litre rural fuel discount for hard-pressed motorists after Danny Alexander, who lobbied for the scheme in opposition, told a south-west

English paper that it would only apply to islands and that it was up to parts of rural Britain to “make the case” that they should also benefit.

Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, made the admission to the Western Morning News despite the fact he was an opposition MP lobbying for such a scheme to be introduced to cover mainland Highland areas.

However in a speech in the House of Commons on the 4th of July 2006 he talked about “very serious economic impact that higher fuel prices in rural areas have on areas such as the Highlands” and then listed a number of mainland Highland locations suffering from high fuel prices such as Aviemore, Dalwhinnie and Thurso.

Commenting Mr Ewing has said:

“It will be hugely disappointing to all of those on the Highland minland that the promises made by the LibDems for a fuel rebate for rural areas have been ditched.

“It is equally disappointing that attempt to approach to the EU to seek to implement the scheme are dragging on for the many remote communities in the Highlands, where the fuel prices are so much higher than in the central belt.”

ENDS

Notes:

1. Mr Alexander’s comments to the Western Morning News can be read here:

http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/news/Scillies-local-area-benefit-5p-rural-fuel-discount/article-3222880-detail/article.html

2. Mr Alexander’s speech in the House of Commons on the 4th of July 2006 where he talked about the need for a rural fuel discount in rural areas of the Highlands can be read here:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060704/debtext/60704-0017.htm#06070483002435

3. Another occasion where Mr Alexander argued for a discount for rural areas can be heard on this STV News YouTube video:

Highland MP makes fuel plea to government

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egAcyTAYM8Y

LIBDEM CONFERENCE OVERSHADOWED BY BY-ELECTION HUMILIATION

For immediate release: Friday, 4th March 2011

Attn: NEWSDESKS

      POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS

  

THIRD OF LIBDEM VOTERS BACK RE-ELECTION OF AN SNP GOVERNMENT

TAVISH’S PARTY COULD HAEMORRHAGE VOTES TO RE-ELECT SNP

Last night’s Barnsley Central by-election humiliation has totally overshadowed the LibDems' Scottish conference in Perth today (Friday), says SNP Campaign Manager Angus Robertson MP, and has raised further questions about whether the LibDems can hold on to their Scottish Parliament vote in the coming election – particularly since polling shows nearly a third of LibDem voters back re-electing an SNP government.

 

The humiliation comes as polling by Mori reports that “they face an uphill battle to win back voters” in the Scottish Parliament elections as well as face the prospect of losing support to the SNP from those who want the SNP Government re-elected.

Commenting Angus Robertson said:

"We are two months from Scotland's election and a third of Lib Dem voters already want to see an SNP Government led by Alex Salmond re-elected.

"The SNP's values of fairness, equality and a better greener future for Scotland are resonating with an electorate that is horrified by the decisions of Scottish LibDems in London.

Lib Dem voters are backing an SNP Government that has fought for fairer fuel prices, has restored the principle of free education, supports real powers for the Scottish Parliament and continues to be opposed to nuclear weapons on the Clyde and new nuclear power stations in Scotland.

 “Last night's election disaster for the LibDems was yet another example of how they have got it so wrong in supporting a Tory government and its cuts programme. This result will hang over this weekend’s LibDem conference in Perth like a dark cloud

"A quick glance at opinion polls in Scotland shows voters no longer find it possible to put their trust in the LibDems and are now looking to an SNP Government to protect the values they support.

“By-elections and polling show that the LibDems will be squeezed in this election and that it will be a clear choice between an SNP government on the side of the people or a hypocritical Labour party who put immature political opposition before the interests of the people of Scotland.”

ENDS

Notes: 

1. Polling showing nearly a third of LibDem voters back the re-election of an SNP Government.

a.  The Scottish National Party has led the Scottish government since the elections of 2007. Regardless of how you intend to vote personally in the forthcoming election, do you think the SNP should be re-elected as the government for the next four years, or do you think a different party should lead the next Scottish government?  (Certain to Vote)

SNP 48%

Another party 44%

Don’t Know 9%

b. A breakdown of the questions shows:

    * Amongst Lib Dem voters around a third (32%) want to see the SNP re-elected

[Ipsos Mori Poll of 1000 people between 10th and 13th February 2011]

2. An Ipsos MORI briefing reports that:

“Our February poll of voting intention for the Scottish Parliament shows that, in line with our UK-wide polls, the Liberal Democrats’ share of the vote has fallen considerably over the last year, particularly since the General Election in May 2010. As a result, they face an uphill battle to win back voters in both the constituency and regional list votes. The poll also shows that Tavish Scott, the leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland, has the lowest satisfaction rating among the leaders of the four main parties.”

http://www.ipsos-mori.com/Assets/Docs/Scotland/politicaltrend_scotlibdemspringconf2011_chart_03-03-11.pdf

FORCES OF DARKNESS REPELLED AS TORIES DITCH CLOCK CHANGE

For Immediate Release: Friday 4 March 2011

Attn: NEWSDESKS

POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS

The SNP has welcomed news that the UK Government has abandoned its plans to move the clocks to European time. Plans to move the clocks forward by one hour had been expected within the UK Government’s tourism strategy published today (Friday).

Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP Angus MacNeil, who has tabled an amendment to the Scotland Bill to ensure that any future Westminster proposal to shift the clocks would require the consent of the Scottish Parliament, said:

“I am delighted that the forces of darkness have been repelled, and that the Tory/Lib Dem government in London has dropped this terrible idea.

“Moving to double summer time would have condemned everywhere north of Manchester to dark mornings. It was a daft idea which would have had a damaging effect on safety, health, energy consumption and commerce.

“The evidence put forward supporting this change was dubious at best and ignored the sound reasons why this change was abandoned after being trialled in the 1970s, and more recently by other European neighbours.”

ENDS

NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG UNEMPLOYED SCOTS

Scottish Government to support 85 young people in work opportunities

The Scottish Government today announced that it will provide work based opportunities for 85 young people across its organisation helping to prepare them for the world of work.

The head of the civil service in Scotland, Permanent Secretary Sir Peter Housden and Skills Minister Angela Constance were at the Scottish Government's Glasgow office to meet the very first young person to be offered a Get Ready for Work placement with the organisation.

16 year-old Lorelle Lipsett from Glasgow will undertake a Get Ready for Work placement and learn crucial skills which will better prepare her for full-time employment.

The scheme will eventually provide work based opportunities for 85 young people across the organisation and will give prospects in the form of Modern Apprenticeships, Get Ready for Work placements, mentoring support and student placements.

Announcing the initiative Sir Peter Housden said:

"Throughout my career I have always been struck by the importance of work to people of all ages in society and therefore the negative effect the absence of work can have, particularly on young people. Any work experience a young person has provides them with much needed support for their future - it can provide the opportunity for them to gain experience, develop skills and build their confidence.

"This initiative should not be looked upon as a 'like to have' or a 'need to do'. I believe that this is a critical business issue for the Scottish Government. Our workforce is our single biggest asset. A diverse workforce should reflect the community that it serves. Opening up our organisation to a wider range of people will benefit our workforce development and will provide the organisation with ambition, energy and drive moving forward. I will be encouraging all public bodies to offer similar opportunities.

"Ensuring colleagues have quality work based opportunities and learning experiences is at the core of what we do as an organisation. This new initiative will also provide opportunities for existing staff to become involved and develop skills in management and mentoring."

Skills Minister Angela Constance said:

"Scotland has a higher employment rate and lower inactivity rate than the UK as a whole, a testament to the Scottish Government's strong stance supporting jobs, skills and training.

However, we cannot rest and that is why despite a Westminster cut of £1.3 billion, we are offering a range of support to employers and young people in the coming year, including a record 25,000 modern apprenticeships in the coming year.

"Just last month the First Minister wrote to Scotland's 200 biggest companies encouraging them to sign up to the Modern Apprenticeship scheme.

"It is only right that the Scottish Government as a major employer leads by example and in answering that call has created real, meaningful opportunities for young people. I am delighted to see that young Scots are being helped onto the first rung of the career ladder, gaining invaluable civil service experience in the process."

The Scottish Government Employer scheme will :

* Externally recruit 15 young people to modern apprenticeships who, on completion of the programme, would continue to fill permanent posts;

* Provide opportunities for 25 SG staff to provide mentoring for a disadvantaged young people ,

* Increase the number of student placement opportunities to 40 a year;

* Provide 5 work placements (of up to 6 months in duration) for unemployed 16-18 year olds through the Get Ready for Work national training programme.

Background

For skills, training and education, the Scottish Government's budget will:

* Invest a further #11.5 million to create 25,000 modern apprenticeship places - a record high for Scotland

* Provide 7,000 flexible training opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) - 2,000 more than originally planned in the draft Budget

* Protect the total number of core university places and invest #8 million for an extra 1,200 college places

* Invest an additional #15 million across 2010-11 and 2011-12 in funding for college bursaries

* Maintain the educational grants for pupils and college students most in need (Educational Maintenance Allowances (EMAs)) which were cut south of the border

* Invest #10m to deliver the Community Jobs Scotland programme in partnership with the Third Sector, providing new support for 2,000 unemployed people across Scotland

* Provide additional investment of #5m to support the extension of the Employer Recruitment Incentive to deliver up to 5,000 new jobs for individuals aged 18+, who have been unemployed for 6 months or more and who are participating in the Training for Work programme.

The Scottish Government's innovative Engage for Education site allows users to read blogs from Ministers, post comments and get involved in workshops on issues relating to education http://www.engageforeducation.org/

SNP WARN OVER TORY CUT TO CRISIS LOANS

For Immediate Release: Thursday 3 March 2011

Attn:        NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS

RULE CHANGE WILL PUNISH POOREST

SNP Work and Pension spokesperson Eilidh Whiteford MP has expressed concern at an announcement by the UK Government, that it is to cut the level and availability of Social Fund Crisis Loans, warning that the decision would force people on low incomes towards high cost or illegal lending.

In a Written Statement published today (Thursday), the UK Government announced that it will no longer pay Crisis Loans for items such as cookers and beds; the rate paid for living expenses will be cut from 75 per cent down to 60 per cent of benefit rate; and the government
will implement a cap of three Crisis Loan awards for general living expenses in a rolling twelve month period. In the last 12 months alone, over 17,000 people received ten or more Crisis Loans.

Commenting, Dr Whiteford said:

“By their nature crisis loans are a last resort, and it is appalling that the Tory Government are cutting this safety net for the very poorest people in our society. The only winners from this will be loan sharks and high interest lenders.

“The fact that so many people have had to take out these loans should underline the difficulties that households are facing, but instead of trying to help the UK Government are making things much more painful.

“These are loans that people pay back, so these cuts don’t really save money. This is a cruel cut that will force people who are in crisis to take out high interest loans or to go to loan sharks.”

ENDS