Tag: Holyrood

Warning to Westminster over Australian-style immigration sytem

Calls for tailored migration policies to support Scottish repopulation

The introduction of any Australian-style points-based immigration system in the UK must recognise Scotland’s unique needs, the Scottish Government has said. Continue reading Warning to Westminster over Australian-style immigration sytem

Queen’s Speech raises fears over ‘no deal’ brexit

UK Government legislation puts the prospect of a damaging ‘no deal’ Brexit more firmly back on the table, the Scottish Government has warned.

The Queen’s Speech made clear the UK Government intends to bring forward legislation to ensure there can be no extension to the implementation period beyond 2020, even if no future partnership has been agreed.

According to Scottish Government analysis, the country’s economy would suffer significant damage under Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal. A ‘no deal’ outcome would cause even more damage with profound consequences for jobs, investment and living standards.

Commenting on the Queen’s Speech, Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations Michael Russell said: “Once again the prospect of a disastrous ‘no deal’ Brexit is looming for Scotland if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal.

“The decision to remove Scotland from the European Union, which ignores the will of the Scottish people, is the most serious example of the democratic deficit in our post-devolution relationship with the UK Government.

“A ‘no deal’ Brexit would further and seriously compound the harmful effects of this decision and have a very damaging effect on our economy.”

Holyrood committee welcomes Deposit and Return Scheme proposals

Scotland’s proposed deposit return scheme will have a real and lasting impact on tackling climate change, according to a report issued today by the Scottish Parliament’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee.

In its report, the Committee notes that whilst the scheme itself had widespread support, there was disagreement about some aspects of the operation of the system, including what materials should be included, how it will operate and when it will come into effect. Continue reading Holyrood committee welcomes Deposit and Return Scheme proposals

Arts funding needs a greater focus on artists, says Holyrood Committee

The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee has today published its report into Scotland’s funding of the arts and artists where it called for an urgent resetting of arts policy and funding.  The Committee’s report is the first Scottish Parliament inquiry to consider the arts funding system as a whole. Continue reading Arts funding needs a greater focus on artists, says Holyrood Committee

Systemic change needed to address disadvantage in STEM subjects, says Holyrood committee

Disadvantages as a result of deprivation, gender and rurality need to be addressed to improve learning experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), according to a new Holyrood committee report. Continue reading Systemic change needed to address disadvantage in STEM subjects, says Holyrood committee

Benefits take-up: Holyrood comes to Wester Hailes

Holyrood’s Social Security Committee visited Wester Hailes Education Centre yesterday as they continued their inquiry into benefit uptake. The Committee met with various organisations and individuals to try to uncover why a huge number of benefits remain unclaimed. Continue reading Benefits take-up: Holyrood comes to Wester Hailes

Votes for foreign residents and prisoners?

Foreign nationals resident in Scotland should be able to have a say in how the country is run. This the view of the majority of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee following its consideration of the Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation) Bill. Continue reading Votes for foreign residents and prisoners?