The Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee is seeking the views of health professionals across Scotland as they embark on the second phase of their inquiry into primary care. Continue reading MSPs seek health professionals’ views on the future of primary care
TORY GOVERNMENT MUST SCRAP “HEARTLESS” POLICY – SNP
13.1% of the total number of children in Edinburgh could be affected by the two-child cap, according to new research – prompting more calls for the UK Government to scrap the “heartless” policy.
The “two-child policy” allows low-income families to claim child tax credits or universal credit for their first two children only.
New research from the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) (see report, below)has revealed that 160,000 families have had their income slashed by the two-child limit to-date. The charity estimates that more than 3 million children across the UK could eventually be affected by the benefit cap.
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “Social security should be a safety net for all of us, but the two-child limit is having a devastating effect on families up and down the country, with 10,305 children in Edinburgh set to be affected by it.
“All families are valuable and worthy of support, but this heartless policy turns people away when they most need support, and leaves children to grow up in hardship – which can have lifelong consequences for their health and wellbeing.
“The SNP government has been left to pick up the pieces, investing over £125 million to mitigate callous Tory welfare policies.
“In addition, the Scottish Government is introducing a Scottish Child Payment to tackle child poverty. Without the two-child cap, this payment could go so much further.
“We have an aging population and we will be relying on children and young people in the years to come.
“The next Tory Prime Minister should make it a priority to tackle the unacceptable levels of poverty we are seeing as a direct result of the UK Government’s welfare policies, starting with reversing the two-child limit and horrendous ‘rape clause.”
The creation of a Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB) has been backed unanimously by MSPs on the Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee who have called for a formal role when it comes to setting the long-term focus of the Bank’s work.
Continue reading MSPs call for formal role in new Scottish bank
What impact will new laws have on political participation? This is the question that Holyrood’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee is asking as it launches a call for views on the Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation) Bill.
The Bill extends candidacy rights for Scottish Parliament and local government elections for foreign nationals, as well as setting out a number of changes to the electoral franchise in Scotland.
These changes include provisions extending the electoral franchise to include all those with a legal right to live in Scotland and extending the right to vote to some prisoners.
Now the Committee is asking what effect this will have on political participation in Scotland.
Committee Convener, Bill Kidd MSP said: “Although the Bill before us is small, its ambition is clear. By extending the right of who can stand in Scottish Parliament and Local Government elections, it is aiming to increase diversity and of course political participation.
“But we want to hear about how this would work in practice and whether this change really will have an impact on who gets involved in politics.”
More information about the Committee’s call for views can be found here.
Deadline for responses is 6 September.
Industry leaders should ‘take ownership’ when it comes to tackling longstanding challenges within the construction industry MSPs on the Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee said today.
The call comes as a result of the Committee’s inquiry into Scotland’s construction sector. Continue reading Holyrood: Industry leaders must ‘take ownership’ in tackling construction challenges
The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee is looking for views from a wide range of road users on the effectiveness of the current approach to road maintenance in Scotland and whether current funding levels are sufficient. Continue reading Holyrood committee asks: Are Scotland’s roads properly funded?
1st July 1999
First Minister Donald Dewar said Scotland should rejoice at the opening of its new parliament and asked that people spare a special thought to peace negotiations in Northern Ireland.
This is the full text of his address in Parliament Hall ahead of the official opening: Continue reading Holyrood Twenty Years On: Donald Dewar’s opening speech
Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has raised concerns with SNP Ministers about waiting times for Alcohol and Drug Partnerships in Lothian, following latest ISD figures for the quarter ending 31st March 2019. Continue reading Alcohol and Drug Partnership waiting times must improve, says Briggs
The full line-up has been announced for today’s ceremony celebrating the Scottish Parliament’s 20th Anniversary.
The first part of the day will see Her Majesty The Queen address Parliament. The Queen will be accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Rothesay.
This will be followed by a fun packed afternoon for all the family. The doors of the Scottish Parliament will be opened to everyone to explore with a huge range of free events and entertainment.
Her Majesty The Queen’s Address to Parliament: 11.00 am – 12.00 pm
Order of Ceremony
Her Majesty The Queen will be preceded into the Chamber by:
• The Scottish Parliament’s Mace
• Royal Company of Archers.
• The Crown of Scotland borne by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, escorted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms and the Captain-General
Fanfare for Elizabeth, Her Majesty The Queen, composed and conducted by John Wallace CBE and performed by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Brass Ensemble, will play on The Queen’s arrival in the Chamber.
This will be followed by the welcome from the Presiding Officer
Her Majesty The Queen addresses the Scottish Parliament
Performance The Bonnie Banks O’ Loch Lomon’ arranged by D M Gardner
Conducted by Mark Evans and performed by The National Youth Choir of Scotland Chamber Choir.
First Minister responds followed by Ruth Davidson MSP
Poem THE LONG VIEW written and performed by Jackie Kay, Scots Makar accompanied by Lewis McCaskill, Scottish Youth Theatre performing in Gaelic, Suzanne Bonnar singing and Moira Anne McAuslan performing in BSL (BSL translation by Amy Cheskin)
Richard Leonard MSP responds.
Performance Farewell to Govan composed by Phil Cunningham
Arranged and conducted by John Logan, Head of Brass and performed by Braw Brass accompanied by Phil Cunningham, Artistic Director of Traditional Music and Jenn Butterworth, Lecturer in Practical Studies The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Patrick Harvie MSP responds followed by Tavish Scott MSP
Song Ae Fond Kiss by Robert Burns arranged by Donald Shaw and Kevin McCrae
Sung by Karen Matheson accompanied by Donald Shaw on piano and the Harvey String Quartet.
The Presiding Officer closes the meeting of Parliament and the Scottish Parliament’s Piper Stuart McMillan MSP plays A Man’s a Man for a’ That by Robert Burns to mark The Queen’s departure.
From 3pm, the Parliament will open its doors to the people of Scotland for an afternoon of celebration and commemoration. Everyone is invited to join the Parliament in marking its 20th birthday at this unique event.
Looking back at two decades of achievements, there will be live music from across the eras, from a wide range of performers; retro games, face painting and lots more.
Looking forward to the next 20 years we will also have a future-focused area showcasing technology of the future and environmental priorities for protecting Scotland’s natural environment.
The event is free and unticketed but you can RSVP on Facebook to stay updated.
Party leaders from across political lines have joined together at the Scottish Parliament to renew their support for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and the charity MND Scotland. Continue reading Pulling together for MND: Party leaders unite at Holyrood
