Who blinks first? Something’s got to give as governments set on collision course
The Scottish Parliament has backed SNP plans to pave the way for a second independence referendum. MSPs voted 69 – 59 in favour, with the Greens supporting the SNP against Tory, Labour and Lib Dem opposition. Continue reading Holyrood says aye, but Westminster says it’s not the time
The UN Special Rappoteur on the Right to Food, Hilal Elver, visited Scotland for the first time last week, and Ben Macpherson MSP was delighted to welcome her to The Scottish Parliament for a discussion on the Right to Food. Continue reading The right to food: ‘A real chance for Scotland to be a leading nation’
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson, says it is absolutely correct and appropriate for the people of Scotland to be offered a choice, once the options become clear, between a Tory hard Brexit and becoming an independent country.
Continue reading Macpherson: Scotland must have choice over future
The formal notice was published ahead of the local government elections on 4 May yesterday – and a group of 16 and 17-year-old city pupils found out more about how to register to vote.
A voter registration event was held at Holy Rood RC High School, raising awareness among pupils about their eligibility to cast their vote in the Council elections for the first time.
Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: “This is the first time 16 and 17-year-olds are eligible to vote in Scottish Council elections and it’s a great opportunity for young people to get involved in local democracy and have their say about how services are delivered where they live.
“Registration for the 4 May election ends on 17 April and it’s quick and easy to do – find out more at yourvotematters.co.uk and make your vote count.”
Asked why it was important for young people to go out and vote, Holy Rood High S5 pupil Jason Stewart-Evans, 17, said: “It gives me, as an individual, more of a say in my political system.”
Niyoshi Dave, 16, also S5, said: “I believe it is important to vote because the laws being passed right now will significantly affect my future.”
And Christy Biju, 16, S5, said: “Voting is a right we have and we should use it, especially young people because we are the future. We need to make our voices heard!”
Pictures: Ian Georgeson
£350 million more for Scotland, proving that ‘we are stronger together in this great United Kingdom’, cried a triumphant Chancellor. No, we’re £2.9 billion POORER, said the Scottish Government’s finance spokesman. Confused? You will be. Continue reading More smoke and mirrors: a good deal for Scotland … or is it?
£58 million to combat UK Government’s welfare cuts
Almost £58 million will be spent mitigating the harmful impact of the UK Government’s welfare cuts on households across Scotland. Continue reading Holyrood acts to mitigate impact of Bedroom Tax
The City of Edinburgh Council benefitted from a nationwide increase of 2.7% in education spending last year, thanks to Scottish Government efforts to close the attainment gap and provide local authorities with a fair funding deal. Local MSP Ben Macpherson says that means a good deal for the city’s schoolchildren. Continue reading Schools spending boost for Edinburgh
The barriers to participation and the availability of sports facilities across the country were just some of the issues explored as members of the Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee visited facilities in North Edinburgh yesterday. Continue reading A sporting chance: Holyrood comes to North Edinburgh
The barriers to participation in sport and the availability of sports facilities across the country are just some of the issues to be explored as members of the Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee undertake a series of visits across Scotland this week. Continue reading Barriers to participation in sport: MSPs visit North Edinburgh today
Proposed targets for addressing child poverty in Scotland are to be scrutinised by Scottish Parliament’s Social Security Committee as it begins its examination of the Child Poverty (Scotland) Bill. Continue reading Child poverty targets under scrutiny at Holyrood
