Actress and comedian Elaine C Smith will visit North Edinburgh Arts on Saturday at 11.30am to talk to women about the referendum, life, anything!
Elaine is a commited YES supporter of course, so in the interests of balance we should point out that other voting options are available!
Join local women Women’s International Group at Royston Wardieburn this morning to talk about the referendum …
Politicians say they pay no attention to them, but with only ten days to go until Scotland Decides the analysts, the campaign teams, the anoraks and yes, the politicians – will be poring over the latest opinion polls …
The latest polls indicate that the gap between Yes and No voting intentions has narrowed significantly and that the referendum result really is now too close to call. What is certain is that both Yes Scotland and Better Together now face ten days of last ditch campaigning to convince undecided voters to support their cause.
A YouGov poll published in the Sunday Times today shows that Yes support has surged to 51 per cent – up 12 points since the YouGov poll in early August, with No down 12 points.
The findings give Yes its best result so far in any poll of the campaign – Yes has reached 51 per cent, with No dropping to 49 per cent, once ‘don’t knows’ are excluded.
Meanwhile, Yes Scotland published findings from a new poll, commissioned by the Yes campaign and conducted by Panelbase, which finds a record high of 47 per cent support for independence among women, with the gender gap between male and female Yes support virtually closed.
The overall support for Yes in the Panelbase poll is 48 per cent, excluding undecideds. When undecideds are included, Yes support is at 44 per cent – the highest recorded by Panelbase so far.
The Panelbase poll also finds that an overwhelming majority of people in Scotland believe that the referendum is something to be proud of – by 69 per cent to 15 per cent.
Commenting on the YouGov poll, Yes Scotland’s chief executive, Blair Jenkins, said: ‘This breakthrough poll shows that Yes has the big momentum – it’s an all-time high for Yes support in the campaign, and a 12-point swing from No to Yes in the last month. Yes support is rising particularly strongly among women – and already over a third of Labour voters plan to vote Yes.
‘While this poll puts us marginally ahead, other polls show that we still have more progress to make if we are to win. We will be working flat out between now and 18 September to ensure that we achieve a Yes vote, because it’s the biggest opportunity the people of Scotland will ever have to build a fairer society and more prosperous economy.
‘Scotland is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. More and more people are beginning to realise that a Yes vote is Scotland’s one opportunity to make that enormous wealth work better for everyone who lives here, create more jobs, and protect Scotland’s NHS from the damaging effects of Westminster privatisation and cuts.
‘While the No campaign press the panic button and blame each other for a series of blunders, Yes will get on with the job of persuading more of our fellow citizens – both No and undecided voters – that we need a Yes vote to put Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands.’
Welcoming the polls, and discussing the detail of the Panelbase poll, the Deputy First Minister and Yes Scotland Advisory Board member Nicola Sturgeon said: “These are exceptionally positive and encouraging figures – and the Panelbase poll shows record support for independence among women. Compared to earlier this year, female support for Yes is up 13 points.
“There is no doubt from my own experience that as women weigh up the issues – particularly the need for the powers of independence to protect Scotland’s NHS, and to put bairns before bombs by transforming childcare and getting rid of Trident – they are choosing Yes in significantly increasing numbers.
“Yes still has a lot of work to do to win on the 18th, we remain the underdogs, but we approach the final 10 days with huge enthusiasm and confidence.
“A positive finding that everyone can unite on – whether Yes or No – is that overwhelmingly people in Scotland believe that deciding our future in a democratic referendum is something we can be very proud of as a nation. The referendum has engaged many people who have never voted before in their lives, filled public halls the length and breadth of the country, and ushered in a sense of possibility and creativity.
“The challenge for all of us is to unite as a country once the decision is made, and do everything we can to maintain this boost in democratic participation that the referendum has ushered in.”
Better Together’s Jim Murphy – back on his 100 towns in 100 days tour – said earlier this week that the only poll that matters is the poll on 18 September, and yesterday the unionist side turned their attention to the independence campaign’s welfare plans – they insist the Yes Scotland figures just don’t add up.
The economy is seen as the key battleground in the referendum – many believe that whoever wins the argument over Scotland’s finances will win the vote.
Better Together says new analysis has shown that the SNP’s uncosted promises on welfare don’t add up, and that leaving the UK would put the money we have to support vulnerable Scots at risk. The campaign to keep the union says that a separate Scotland would face an extra £6 billion worth of spending cuts.
The Better Together website says:
New analysis from Better Together has shown the devastating impact this would have on our welfare state.
£6 billion is
The nationalists are asking us to take risks that we simply don’t have to take. Staying part of the UK means we can have more powers for Scotland on tax and welfare, without taking on the risks of independence.
The Nationalists have claimed in their White Paper that they would abolish the bedroom tax, but yesterday two thirds of their MPs couldn’t even be bothered to turn up to vote against it .
The White Paper contains no policy which redistributes wealth from the rich to the poor. The only redistributive policy it has is a tax cut which would take nearly £400 million out of our budget and deliver it into the pockets of the chief executives of the likes of Google, Starbucks and Amazon.
We had the spectacle of Elaine C Smith, representing the Yes Campaign in a TV debate, failing to name a single policy which, with independence, would improve the lives of working class people.
Elaine’s excuse was that she is not a politician – not a defence that could be trotted out by SNP Minister Humza Yousaf who also failed the test in a television interview the next day, as he failed to name a single redistributive policy.’
Jackie Baillie MSP, Scottish Labour’s Social Justice, Equalities and Welfare spokesperson, said: “The welfare state is one of the UK’s proudest achievements. It was founded on the basis of need, not nationality, so that those who fall on hard times get the support they need.
“To make that founding principle a reality we need to be able to fund our welfare state. Independence puts that at risk. The experts at the impartial Institute for Fiscal Studies are clear that leaving the UK would mean an extra £6 billion of cuts.
“The SNP’s welfare claims simply don’t add up. Alex Salmond needs to tell people in Scotland how his welfare promises would be paid for when independence would bring about austerity plus.
“It is those in the greatest need who would suffer most from the cuts that independence would cause. The nationalists are trying to deceive some of the most vulnerable people in Scotland. This is a risk that we just don’t need to take.
“We have a better vision for Scotland. It’s one where there are more powers for Scotland guaranteed, including more powers over tax and welfare, without taking on all the risks of independence. We should say no thanks to that risk.”
STILL UNDECIDED? WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE REFERENDUM?
Come and join Women’s International Group (WIG) for a coffee and blether about the referendum at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre this Thursday (11 September) from 10 – 11.30am. All welcome.
There is now just one week to go until the Scottish Independence Referendum registration deadline (Tuesday 2 September).
Over 50,000 registration forms have already been downloaded from the Electoral Commission’s www.aboutmyvote.co.uk website in the first ten days of the campaign.
It is now important that anyone who has still not registered to vote does so by 2 September, or they will not be able to take part in this historic poll.
Over 2.5 million copies of the Commission’s impartial voting guide have been sent out during the first 10 days of the public awareness campaign.
During the same period (Monday 11 August – Wednesday 20 August):
The Electoral Commission’s TV, radio, billboard and online advertising campaign runs right up until the registration deadline.
Andy O’Neill, Head of Scotland Office at the Electoral Commission, said:“There’s a huge amount of interest in the referendum and that’s reflected in the unprecedented response to the first ten days of our campaign.
“With just a week left to register to vote we’re encouraging anyone who’s not already registered to download a form at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk or call our helpline on 0800 3 280 280 to request one as soon as possible.”
The Electoral Commission’s campaign has also included activities targeted at ensuring young people are aware of the registration deadline.
The Commission launched a joint push with Facebook so that Scottish Facebook users who visited the site saw a post in their Newsfeed about its voting guide.
The Commission has also been a part of the Scottish Youth Parliament’s ‘Ready, Steady Vote Week’.
As well as advertising directly to the public the Commission has partnered with a variety of organisations to target information at specific groups who are less likely to be registered to vote.
This includes the National Union of Students, Shelter Scotland, and Young Scot. The Commission has also produced a range of resources, including factsheets, posters and e-mail banners, which can be downloaded free of charge and used by anyone who is also working to promote awareness of how to take part in the referendum.
Some of Edinburgh’s residents could miss out on their chance to vote in Scotland’s biggest election if they don’t act soon – potential voters have just four weeks left to register to make sure they can have their say in the Scottish Independence Referendum.
Almost 360,000 people in Edinburgh have already registered for Thursday 18 September’s vote on whether Scotland should be an independent country, but approximately 10% of the city’s potential electorate have yet to sign up to take part in the momentous vote.
Sue Bruce, Chief Executive of City of Edinburgh Council and Counting Officer for Edinburgh, has encouraged local constituents to take action by 2 September.
She said: “The Referendum is an incredibly important decision for everyone in Scotland, and it would be unfortunate to miss out because of something as simple as failing to register.
“I would encourage anyone who has not registered, or is not certain if they have already, to make sure they do so as soon as possible.”
All those who will turn 16 by 18 September can register to vote by calling the Electoral Registration Office on 0131 344 2500 or visiting their website before 2 September.
Once they are on the register, people who wish for someone to vote on their behalf (by proxy), or to vote by post, have until 3 September to register, otherwise they will need to vote in person on 18 September.
Poll cards will begin being sent out on 14 August with postal voters receiving voting packs from 27 August.
Lothian Valuation Joint Board has been gearing up for the event with a series of registration roadshows, including one which will take place at this month’s Edinburgh Mela.
Further information and FAQs on voting and registration can be found on the Council’s website: www.edinburgh.gov.uk
First Minister Alex Salmond published a youth version of Scotland’s Future at a youth engagement event in Glasgow yesterday.
The young person’s guide to Scottish independence (see below) was made available as the Scottish Government hosted the first ever ‘Youth Cabinet’ – an opportunity for over 100 young Scots from across the country to quiz Scottish Ministers directly on independence plans.
In the first event of its kind event at Glasgow’s SECC, the young people quizzed the politicians who were seated at portfolio-themed tables. Then, after a rapid-fire 15 minutes a ‘gong’ was sounded and the young people moved on to ‘grill’ the next Minister!
Young people were involved in all aspects of the event, including hosting duties and the filming and live streaming of the session.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCQeB_6iNxE
Speaking at the youth cabinet First Minister Alex Salmond said: “I am proud that for the first time ever we have ensured 16 and 17 year-olds will get the vote.
“The case for independence rests on the talent and ability of our people. It will be better for all our futures if decisions about Scotland are taken by the people who care most about Scotland – the people who live and work here.
“No-one else will do a better job and no-one else has a bigger stake in our success and that fundamental truth applies to young people more than anyone else. In an independent Scotland your future – Scotland’s future – will be in the hands of our young people.
“Today we are also publishing a version of Scotland’s Future which focusses, in particular, on issues of interest to young people. It’s a plan to demonstrate how, working together, we can build a better, more prosperous and fairer country.
“For young people the prospect of an independent Scotland really is the opportunity of a lifetime and my message to them is let’s ensure Scotland’s future is in Scotland’s hands.”
Edinburgh residents are being urged not to lose the opportunity to vote in the forthcoming European Elections – you must register to vote by TUESDAY (6 May) in order to cast your vote on 22 May.
Though registration across the capital’s 151 polling districts is relatively high, there are some areas that continue to experience a much lower rate in voter registration – particularly areas with a high volume of rented properties.
Those living in rented accommodation or who have moved house are being reminded to let the Electoral Registration Office know when they move to avoid losing out on their vote.
Getting on the electoral register now will also allow a vote in the Scottish Referendum on September 18.
City of Edinburgh Council leader, Councillor Andrew Burns, said: “With both the European Parliamentary Elections and the Scottish Independence Referendum taking place this year, it’s important that you are registered to vote.
“This is your opportunity to be part of our democracy and make your vote count. Registering only takes a few minutes and being on the Electoral Register has other benefits such as helping improve your credit rating.”
The European Elections will be held in all 28 member states of the European Union, with Edinburgh residents voting to elect six members of the European Parliament to the Electoral Region of Scotland.
Citizens must register to vote by 6 May by filling out an application form, which can be found on the Lothian Valuation Joint Board website at www.lothian-vjb.gov.uk or call the Lothian Valuation Joint Board 0131 344 2500.
Want a postal vote? Those wishing to vote by post must register by 5pm on Wednesday (7 May).
The Church of Scotland has called for community and integrity to be at the heart of the debate the country’s future. The call is made in ‘Scotland’s Future: Our Vision’, a report based on the views of over 900 people who attended 32 community events run by the Kirk across Scotland as an alternative national debate on the referendum.
While the 28-page report does not come down on either side of the yes/no debate, ‘Our Vision’ is an interesting insight into Scots’ views on the future of our country and is another welcome contribution towards wider debate. Among the conclusions:
• The referendum is about far more than the simple question “what is in it for me?” The idea that being £500 better off or worse off would affect how people vote was conspicuous by its absence in all 32 events. Instead, participants prioritised the building of local communities on the principles of fairness, justice and sharing of resources
• Dissatisfaction with the political system at all levels, not just Westminster or Holyrood also featured strongly. Participants wanted to see integrity, accountability and transparency, being able to hold politicians accountable between elections and for the party system to be less powerful
• Call for radical changes including far greater local decision-making and for politicians to see themselves as public servants in a more participative democracy
• A modern, successful economy needs limits placed on free market forces; business models should be more focused towards the employee and more value driven. There was a willingness to consider alternative and more progressive models of taxation to build a better society
• There was a strong expression of the need for prayer and for the Church to be involved in social action and in promoting Christian values such as love, hope, respect and forgiveness, as the fundamental building blocks to contributing towards the common good.
Sally Foster-Fulton, Convener of the Church of Scotland’s Church and Society said: “It is an inspiration to see that people in communities across Scotland are challenging the political status quo. The Church of Scotland is committed to finding ways to transform our political debate to ensure that wellbeing and values, such as justice, cohesion and sustainability become the measures for economic activity.”
Click on link (below) to read the report in full:
Public meeting to challenge ‘gagging law’
38 Degrees – a non-party-political, member-led campaigning organisation – is holding a public meeting on Thursday evening to organise support against legislation they say will gag ordinary people and charities but will leave big lobbying firms untouched.
The Westminster government’s Bill is an attempt to clean up the lobbying industry but a wide range of campaigning and charity groups see the legislation as an attack on free speech which, if enacted, would severely curtail the rights of groups and individuals to participate in open public debate and discussion.
To find out more about the ‘Gagging Law’ and how it could seriously damage democracy, why not go along to 38 Degrees’ public meeting this Thursday evening?
The meeting will be held at the Cosla Conference Centre at Haymarket Yards from 7.30 – 9.30pm. Edinburgh West MP Mike Crockart is expected to be in attendance.
For further information visit www.38degrees.org.uk/gagging or check out #gagginglaw on Twitter
The Bill to allow the people of Scotland to choose whether Scotland should be an independent country has been passed by Holyrood.
MSPs voted in favour of the Scottish Independence Referendum Bill following a final debate on the legislation this afternoon.
The Bill confirms that:
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“This is a truly historic moment in Scotland’s national story. It means that in September next year the people of Scotland will be asked whether they want this country to be independent.
“This Government believes independence will benefit everyone in this nation, and that having decisions taken here by the people who live and work here will help us create a fairer and more prosperous society.
“Later this month, we will publish the White Paper on independence, outlining in great detail the benefits and opportunities of having decisions made here in Scotland, for Scotland.
“The Edinburgh Agreement confirmed that next September’s referendum should be legislated for by the Scottish Parliament and that it should be conducted so as to command the confidence of parliaments, governments and people.
“With today’s vote, Holyrood has fulfilled that objective. It is a strong message that, whatever our political differences, we have agreed the rules and the procedure to be followed in the referendum. “I hope we can continue in this spirit as we make our case for either outcome by committing to engage in a constructive and respectful debate.
“People want to know what the gains of independence will be for their families and communities. We already take decisions here on a wide range of devolved issues, and these have led to real gains for communities all across Scotland. Independence is the next logical step in Scotland’s Home Rule journey, and the passing of this Bill will allow people to have that choice.
“Independence is not about this administration but about the right of the people of Scotland to choose a Government of our own.”
