Tag: Holyrood

Lentil munchers to the rescue: Scotland’s Budget passed

‘Sandal-wearing watermelons’ save the day!

SNP MSPs have welcome the Scottish Government’s Budget saying that communities across Edinburgh are set to benefit from greater support as a result. They herald £1.3bn for NHS Lothian, as well as £230m to deliver new Sick Children’s Hospital and Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh and funding to complete the Queensferry Crossing. Opposition politicians have lambasted the Greens for supporting the budget. Continue reading Lentil munchers to the rescue: Scotland’s Budget passed

Job Centre closures ‘wrong-headed’

Scottish politicians have reacted angrily to news that more Jobcentre Plus offices are to close in Scotland. Holyrood’s Minister for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn said the cuts are disproportionate while both Green MSP Alison Johnstone and North and Leith MP Deirdre Brock said the decision is ‘wrong-headed’.

Continue reading Job Centre closures ‘wrong-headed’

Ben Macpherson: Scotland must choose it’s own path if all attempts to compromise are rejected

Tuesday’s statement by the Prime Minister’s made it clear the UK is heading for an ‘economically disastrous hard Brexit’, according to local MSP Ben Macpherson. He said Scotland voted overwhelming to remain in the EU – with Edinburgh voting 74% to Remain – and the Scottish Government is doing all it can to make sure the Tories cannot ignore and act against Scotland’s interests. Continue reading Ben Macpherson: Scotland must choose it’s own path if all attempts to compromise are rejected

Plea to save ideals of Green Investment Bank

Two Green MSPs are lobbying the Scotland Office to intervene in the potential sale of the Green Investment Bank. Alison Johnstone and Andy Wightman are urging the UK government’s office in Scotland to ensure that the bank maintains its commitment to environmental causes and that it safeguards the 55 jobs it has in Edinburgh, the city the MSPs represent at Holyrood. Continue reading Plea to save ideals of Green Investment Bank

Scotland’s different tack on Unversal Credit welcomed

Universal Credit payments in Scotland are to become more frequent and adaptable, as new social security powers are set to be used by the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government’s different approach has been welcomed by housingorganisations and anti-poverty campaigners as well as the Scottish Greens. Continue reading Scotland’s different tack on Unversal Credit welcomed

Freeman urges Westminster rethink on latest welfare proposals

Welfare changes ‘damaging’ to low income families

Minister for Social Security Jeane Freeman has expressed strong opposition to the UK Government on its proposal to limit the number of children in families who can qualify for Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit. Continue reading Freeman urges Westminster rethink on latest welfare proposals