Tag: Holyrood

Humans of The Walk

THE FIRST Minister and a host of high-profile politicians have pledged to champion everyday walking – after seeing a powerful photography exhibition about its benefits for ordinary Scots.

Nicola Sturgeon was among dozens of MSPs who backed Scotland’s walking charity Paths for All, after viewing the acclaimed Humans of The Walk exhibition at The Scottish Parliament.

Delighted staff of the charity, which aims to create a happier, healthier and greener nation, say they have been blown away with the positive response from Scotland’s national politicians, many of whom penned supportive messages after viewing the uplifting portraits and their accompanying stories.

The First Minister proudly posed for photographs with her pledge, which read: “I will champion walking by encouraging and supporting it – and trying to lead by example.”

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All, was thrilled when invited to exhibit in the Members’ Lobby from January 21-23 after linking up with a collective of female photographers from Edinburgh College of Art with the simple idea of capturing how walking can improve lives.

The resulting series of portraits celebrates the many ways in which walking benefits physical, mental and social health, regardless of age or ability. Its aim was to inspire the public to fall in love with walking and to incorporate it into everyday life.

Ian Findlay said: “It’s been a truly remarkable opportunity to be able to take the exhibition to the Scottish Parliament and share our messages and initiatives with the country’s leaders.

“Humans of the Walk has been received incredibly well and provoked many important conversations around the benefits of walking. We’ve had great discussions with numerous MSPs on the importance of walking and active travel and how it can positively impact not only the physical and mental health of the nation but also the environment.

“The response has been extremely positive and many of the politicians discussed the different ways in which they can help to encourage people in their own constituencies to walk more.

“We are very grateful to Alison Johnstone MSP for sponsoring the exhibition in the Parliament.”

Images captured by the talented young photographers of CollectiveF8 bring to life individual stories of love, strength, friendship and age – all connected by walking. They include a portrait of married couple Karine and Sarah Mather, who shared their story about how getting outdoors helped Karine following her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.

Such stories struck a chord with politicians of all parties with dozens of them posing for photos while sharing supportive messages.

Alison Johnstone, MSP for Lothian Scottish Green Party, said: “It’s a privilege hosting an exhibition like Humans of the Walk in Parliament, and even more so working with an organisation like Paths for All who are relentless in their work to share the positive impact and evidence about walking and why it’s so good for all of us. 

“In the face of the climate emergency and the obesity epidemic, walking is a sociable, affordable, health-enhancing way to get about.  We can’t take it for granted though, we need to invest in making walking safe and attractive for all”.

Such was the positive reception that the exhibition has now been invited to go on show at the Scottish Government’s Victoria Quay building in Leith later this month.

Ian Findlay added: “What this proves beyond any doubt is that the simple act of walking on a daily basis strikes a very powerful chord even with the most influential people in our society. We are delighted that Humans of the Walk is helping us spread the message far and wide.”

First launched in May 2019, the exhibition was part of the first Open Streets event in Edinburgh – a ground-breaking initiative which saw large parts of the city centre closed to motorised vehicles.

Paths for All’s aim is to significantly increase the number of people who choose to walk in Scotland, whether it’s walking for leisure or walking to work, school or to the shops.  The charity works to create more opportunities and better environments not just for walking, but also for cycling and other activities to help make Scotland a more active, more prosperous and greener country.

For more information on Paths for All, visit: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/

Mackay to deliver ‘Green Budget’

Scottish Budget to prioritise the climate emergency

Tackling the global climate emergency will be at the heart of the Scottish Budget this week. Speaking ahead of the budget, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: “This week I will set out the Scottish Government’s spending plans for the year ahead.

“The global climate emergency was at the centre of our Programme for Government and will be a priority theme in the budget this week.

“We have already put in place the most ambitious climate legislation and targets of any country including decarbonising Scotland’s railways by 2035 and making the Highlands and Islands the world’s first net zero aviation region by 2040.

“This budget will set out how our spending plans and investments will help us achieve these ambitions.

“We will also provide certainty for local government and vital public services. Despite the delay to the UK Government announcing its budget, we will confirm individual local authority funding allocations, having already announced that we are giving them the flexibility to increase their council tax levels by up to 3% in real terms.

“We will not stand by while the UK Government’s benefit cuts are hitting the poorest in Scotland so we will continue to mitigate the worst effects of these cuts to support low income households and tackle child poverty head on.

“I am focused on delivering a budget that promotes inclusive economic growth and puts wellbeing at the heart of our economic strategy to ensure as many people as possible across the country benefit.

“However, as we set out our spending priorities for the year, Brexit remains the biggest threat to our economy and the risk of a ‘no deal’ Brexit is still on the table with the UK Government ruling out any extension to the transition period.

“In a period of great uncertainty caused by Brexit, the national interest demands that the Scottish Parliament passes this budget in good order, and I urge all parties to work constructively to ensure that happens.”

UK NO to Scottish Visa

Proposals for a new Scottish Visa to address depopulation and cut skills gaps were unveiled yesterday by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon – but the initiative was swiftly scuppered by the Home Office, who said that ‘immigration will remain a reserved (to Westminster) matter.” 

The visa proposals have been designed to work with devolution – but the principles and the practical measures proposed could be adapted should Scotland become independent in future.

Under the current constitutional arrangements, the Scottish Government plan would see responsibility for immigration policy split with the UK Government.

Migrants wanting to live in Scotland could choose to apply for a Scottish Visa, or one of the existing immigration routes offered by the UK Government.

Residence in Scotland and maintaining a Scottish tax code would be a requirement for such a visa.

The Scottish Government says these proposals are important and urgent. In contrast to the rest of the UK, all of Scotland’s population growth for the next 25 years is projected to come from migration, and yet new UK Government immigration controls and the end of free movement after Brexit are expected to exacerbate the risk of skills gaps and labour shortages in Scotland.

The First Minister said: “Migration to Scotland supports economic growth and the delivery of public services and helps to address the serious issue of long term demographic change – as well as enhancing and sustaining our communities.

“Yet the latest proposals from the UK Government to control immigration and end freedom of movement would be disastrous for our economy and society and would risk acute labour shortages.

“Migration is an issue which is crucial for our future, but the Scottish Government doesn’t currently have the powers needed to deliver tailored immigration policies for Scotland.

“Devolving immigration powers by introducing a Scottish Visa would allow Scotland to attract and retain people with the skills and attributes we need for our communities and economy to flourish.”

Migration minister Ben Macpherson said: “Scotland’s migration needs are different to the rest of the UK.

“Today Nicola Sturgeon & I launched The Scottish Government’s proposals for a Scottish Visa, & other changes to UK immigration policy that would help us to deliver solutions that better met Scotland’s needs, values & aspirations.”

SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald has also backed proposals for a new Scottish Visa to address the skills gaps in Edinburgh, set to be made worse by Brexit.

Under plans announced by the First Minister, migrants who want to live in Scotland could choose to apply for a Scottish Visa – or one of the existing immigration routes offered by the UK Government.

All of Scotland’s population growth for the next 25 years is projected to come from migration. However, new UK Government immigration controls and the end of free movement after Brexit are expected to exacerbate the risk of skills gaps and labour shortages in Scotland.

Without migration, Edinburgh could face a demographic crisis that could hammer public services like the NHS – with an ageing population leaving Scotland with fewer working-age taxpayers.

A cross-party report by Holyrood’s Finance Committee found that, without additional powers for the Scottish Parliament, Scottish public spending may be put at risk by demographic changes.

Member of the finance committee, SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “Brexit, and the end of freedom of movement, poses a huge risk to our economy and public services in Edinburgh. 

“It is vital for the capitals’s future prosperity that we continue to attract people to live and work here. Migrants make hugely valuable contributions to our economy, public services, and communities – and that must continue.

“The one-size-fits-all approach by the UK government ignores Scotland’s needs and could put our ability to fund public services like the NHS at risk.

“UK government proposals to end freedom of movement and put in place inappropriate salary and skills requirements for all migrants would be disastrous for our economy and society, and would risk acute labour shortages.

“These sensible Scottish Government proposals, in line with other regional migration systems such as in Canada and Australia, would give us the ability to create a system which secures the future prosperity of Edinburgh.

“If the UK government refuse to deliver that plan it will yet again underline the urgent need for Scotland to take these decisions for ourselves.”

You can read the paper here: 

https://www.gov.scot/publications/migration-helping-scotland-prosper/.‬

Most vulnerable at risk from Brexit, says new report

The UK’s exit from the EU is highly likely to negatively impact the most vulnerable people in Scotland, a new report has found.

‘The Social and Equality Impacts of Brexit’ is an independent report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, which has identified 137 potential impacts on those already facing inequality, discrimination, or social exclusion.

The report highlights impacts including the loss of legal rights, employment protections, funding opportunities, healthcare rights, and supply and access to food, fuel and medicines.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “The Scottish Government has repeatedly warned that any kind of Brexit will be disastrous for our most vulnerable citizens.

“The UK Government failed to carry out any meaningful assessment on the impact of Brexit, including an Equality Impact Assessment. The Scottish Government asked an independent expert Dr Eve Hepburn to review the social and equality impacts of leaving the EU on people in Scotland and across the UK.

“The Scottish Parliament, like the other devolved nations, has explicitly – and comprehensively – refused to give its consent to the UK Government’s Withdrawal Agreement Bill.

“Although Scotland is being pulled out of the EU against its will, the Scottish Government will not ignore the negative impact Brexit will have on people, including the most vulnerable in our society.

“This report underlines, yet again, why the future of Scotland should be in its own hands.”

SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “Any form of Brexit will be bad for Scotland – and will hit jobs and household incomes in our city.

 “With just days until the UK is due to leave the EU, people and businesses in Edinburgh will be understandably concerned with the complete lack of clarity coming from Boris Johnson’s government.

“Far from delivering extra cash for the NHS, as was infamously promised by the Leave campaign bus, people face losing access to public services, the ability to buy daily essentials in the case of price rises and access to affordable housing.

“Every local authority area in Scotland voted to remain in the EU – Edinburgh voted to remain by 74% – and yet we’ve been completely ignored by the Tory government ever since.

“It is clearer than ever that the best future for Scotland is one as an equal, independent European nation.”

“The Social and Equality Impacts of Brexit’ report

PM Boris Johnson signed the Withdrawal Agreement on Friday. He said: “The signing of the Withdrawal Agreement is a fantastic moment, which finally delivers the result of the 2016 referendum and brings to an end far too many years of argument and division.

“We can now move forward as one country – with a Government focused upon delivering better public services, greater opportunity and unleashing the potential of every corner of our brilliant United Kingdom, while building a strong new relationship with the EU as friends and sovereign equals.”

Brexit poses threat to future of Edinburgh Festivals, says MSP

SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald raised has concerns in The Scottish Parliament, over the threat that Brexit poses to the future of the Edinburgh Festivals.

The Edinburgh Pentlands MSP asked The Scottish Government “what impact the Tory government’s plans to impose further restrictions on EU workers coming to Scotland will have on our internationally acclaimed festivals.”

Festival organisers have previously described the visa process for performers who want to appear at Edinburgh arts festivals as “humiliating” and “Kafka-esque”.

In response to Gordon MacDonald, the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Fiona Hyslop, highlighted that the additional restrictions on people to coming to this country will affect both artists and visitors. She said that the “attitude of the UK government and its attitude towards Europe will affect how people see this country”.

Gordon MacDonald has repeatedly highlighted the “devastating” impact that the UK government’s hostile environment has had on the ability to attract international guests to Edinburgh’s festivals.

In a Members’ Debate that he led last year, he argued that since the Tory government introduced hard-line visa controls, visa applications for performers have been hit by refusals, errors and delays, with some acclaimed international writers, actors and musicians forced to cancel trips to festivals across the capital.

The SNP MSP has now written to the UK government to raise these additional concerns for the future of the capital’s festivals.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, said: “The Edinburgh Festivals are world class and have enormous cultural and economic benefits, not only for our capital, but for Scotland.

“The success of the Festivals rely on the seamless flow of artists and people from across the world – something that the Tory government seem intent on preventing.

“For years now, artists have been deterred from coming here because of the UK government’s humiliating application process and their current obsession with a hard Brexit looks like it is going to make this situation worse.

“The UK government need to open their eyes to the damage they are causing to our festivals.”

Gordon MacDonald MSP’s letter to Rt Hon Baroness Nicky Morgan:

Dear Nicky,

Edinburgh Festivals – Restrictions on EU workers

As you will be aware, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival and the city is well recognised for its world-leading festival scene.

Over the last few years it has become apparent that the Festivals have experienced significant challenges due to UK government hard-line visa controls. This is an issue that has been raised by myself, Deidre Brock MP and the industry on several occasions.

However, on this occasion, I am writing to express further concern for the Festivals following the announcement by the UK government of plans to impose further restrictions on EU workers coming to the UK.

The success of the Festivals rely on the seamless flow of artists and people from across the world, and the current immigration system has already had a negative impact on the Festival’s ability to attract international artists. I’m sure you can appreciate the concerns about even further restrictions for workers entering the UK.

Can you confirm that you be attending the Scottish Government’s summit on festival visas in February 2020? Can you commit to meet industry representatives to discuss the UK government’s new plans for EU workers and how this will affect the Edinburgh festivals?

Yours sincerely,

Gordon Macdonald MSP

Prime Minister: NO to Indyref2

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has rejected Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s call for a transfer of powers to enable Holyrood to hold a second independence referendum.

In a letter to the First Minister this morning, Boris Johnson said another independence referendum would cause ‘continued political stagnation’ in Scotland and he urged Ms Sturgeon to work to ‘unleash the potential of this great country.’

I suspect we haven’t heard the last of this …

Nicola_Sturgeon_letter 20200114