Edinburgh North and Leith MP Deidre Brock is part of the SNP’s new Westminster Group leadership team, announced ahead of today’s Queen’s Speech by new group leader Ian Blackford MP. Ms Brock will be frontbench spokesperson on Devolved Government Relations and Northern Ireland and Fair Work and Employment. Continue reading Deidre Brock is SNP’s Westminster spokesperson on Fair Work and Employment
Tag: Politics
Finsbury Park terror attack: leaders speak out
Prime Minister Theresa May gave a statement in Downing Street yesterday following the terror attack in Finsbury Park:
This morning, our country woke to news of another terrorist attack on the streets of our capital city: the second this month and every bit as sickening as those which have come before. It was an attack that once again targeted the ordinary and the innocent going about their daily lives – this time British Muslims as they left a mosque having broken their fast and prayed together at this sacred time of year.
Today we come together – as we have done before – to condemn this act and to state once again that hatred and evil of this kind will never succeed.
The government’s Emergency Committee, COBRA, has just met and I can set out what we know about what happened, and the steps that we are taking to respond.
Just after twenty-past midnight, the Metropolitan Police received reports that a van had been driven into a crowd of people on Seven Sisters Road in Finsbury Park.
Officers were in the immediate vicinity as the attack unfolded and responded within one minute.
Police declared it a terrorist incident within 8 minutes.
One man was pronounced dead at the scene; 8 injured were taken to 3 separate hospitals; while 2 were treated at the scene for more minor injuries.
The driver of the van – a white man aged 48 – was bravely detained by members of the public at the scene and then arrested by police.
The early assessment by the police is that the attacker acted alone.
Our thoughts and prayers this morning are with the family and friends of the man who died and those who were injured.
On behalf of the people of London – and the whole country – I want to thank the police and the emergency services once again for responding as they always do with great professionalism and courage.
Extra police resources have already been deployed to reassure communities, and the police will continue to assess the security needs of Mosques and provide any additional resources needed, especially during this final week before Eid Al-Fitr, a particularly important time for the whole Muslim community.
This was an attack on Muslims near their place of worship. And like all terrorism, in whatever form, it shares the same fundamental goal.
It seeks to drive us apart; and to break the precious bonds of solidarity and citizenship that we share in this country.
We will not let this happen.
When I stood here for the first time as Prime Minister last summer I spoke about our precious belief in the Union – not just the bond between the four nations of the United Kingdom – but the bond between all our citizens, every one of us, whoever we are and wherever we are from.
At the heart of that bond is a belief in the fundamental freedoms and liberties that we all cherish; the freedom of speech; the freedom to live how we choose and yes, the freedom to practice religion in peace.
This morning we have seen a sickening attempt to destroy those freedoms; and to break those bonds of citizenship that define our United Kingdom.
It is a reminder that terrorism, extremism and hatred take many forms; and our determination to tackle them must be the same whoever is responsible.
As I said here two weeks ago, there has been far too much tolerance of extremism in our country over many years – and that means extremism of any kind, including Islamophobia.
That is why this government will act to stamp out extremist and hateful ideology – both across society and on the internet, so it is denied a safe space to grow.
It is why we will be reviewing our Counter-Terrorism strategy and ensuring that police and security services have the powers they need.
And it is why we will establish a new Commission for Countering Extremism as a statutory body to help fight hatred and extremism in the same way as we have fought racism – because this extremism is every bit as insidious and destructive to our values and our way of life and we will stop at nothing to defeat it.
Today’s attack falls at a difficult time in the life of this city, following on from the attack on London Bridge 2 weeks ago – and of course the unimaginable tragedy of Grenfell Tower last week, on which I will chair another meeting of Ministers and officials later today.
But what we have seen throughout – whether in the heroism of the ordinary citizens who fought off the attackers at London Bridge; the unbreakable resolve of the residents in Kensington; or this morning the spirit of the community that apprehended this attacker – is that this is an extraordinary city of extraordinary people.
It is home to a multitude of communities that together make London one of the greatest cities on earth.
Diverse, welcoming, vibrant, compassionate, confident and determined never to give in to hate.
These are the values that define this city.
These are the values that define this country.
These are the values that this government will uphold.
These are the values that will prevail.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd gave a number of statements over the course of the day as more information became available.
At 2.20pm she said: “Today the Prime Minister gave a statement on the recent attack in Finsbury Park. The Prime Minister said after 12:20am, the Metropolitan Police received reports that a van had been driven into a crowd of people on Seven Sisters Road. Officers were in the immediate vicinity as the attack unfolded and responded within 1 minute, with police declaring it a terrorist incident within 8 minutes.
Earlier, the Home Secretary said: “A van was driven into innocent people in Finsbury Park and the police are treating it as a terrorist incident.
“We know the police were on hand immediately. Our priority must be to support the people who have been victims of this and to make sure the investigation is done with all due speed and professionalism.
“Londoners have been hit by a series of attacks and have actually been nothing short of heroic. We will always make sure that everyone is protected. We have a places of worship fund, which we announced last summer, which is there to protect places of worship like mosques. We will make sure we do all we can to reduce these sorts of attacks.
“We will allow the police and Counter Terrorism police who are involved to make sure the investigation continues and will continue to keep people aware of what progress is being made.”
In her first statement at 5:40am, the Home Secretary said: “My thoughts are with all those affected by the appalling incident at Finsbury Park. I am in contact with the Metropolitan Police who have confirmed it is being investigated by their Counter Terrorism Command.
“Yesterday, like so many others around the country, I took part in the Great Get Together to celebrate the values of Jo Cox. It was powerful and moving to see the community come together in a show of solidarity. We must all continue to stand together, resolute, against all those who try to divide us and spread hate and fear.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon chaired a Scottish Government resilience (SGORR) meeting yesterday following the terrorist attack in Finsbury Park..
Deputy First Minister John Swinney, Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, Communities Secretary Angela Constance and senior Police Scotland representatives and Scottish Government officials took part in the meeting.
Following the meeting, the First Minister said: “This was a horrific attack and my thoughts go out to everyone who has been affected. I know that everyone will be saddened to see yet another terrorist attack.
“I convened a resilience meeting this afternoon to ensure that we are closely monitoring the situation. While there is no intelligence of any specific threat to Scotland, Police Scotland remain vigilant and visible across communities to provide reassurance to members of the public.
“Muslim communities will understandably be anxious just now and it is in these moments that we must come together as a country and unite against extremism and hate from wherever it comes.”
42% of young voters steered clear of snap General Election
LUKE CAMPBELL reflects on the general election results and says more must be done to engage young people in the democratic process:
A YouGov poll, published on Tuesday 13 June has suggested that UK-wide 42% of all eligible voters aged under 25 did not vote in the snap General Election of Thursday 8th June (writes Luke Campbell). Continue reading 42% of young voters steered clear of snap General Election
Yes folks, it’s Capital Coalition 2!
‘Stable leadership for the Council moving forward’ – Council Leader Cllr Adam McVey
The City of Edinburgh Council is to be run by an SNP and Labour coalition. SNP group leader Adam McVey (SNP) and Labour’s Cammy Day will sign the formal agreement later today, ending weeks of uncertainty. The capital has been without political leadership since last month’s council elections. Continue reading Yes folks, it’s Capital Coalition 2!
All About Me: local women celebrate Making it Work achievements
A day of celebration but serious challenges lie ahead
Local women have just completed a lottery-funded Making It Work employability course and they celebrated their success with a special event at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre last week. The highlight of the event was the premiere of a film made to document the young mothers’ experiences, and while there were smiles and laughs there were tears and no little anger too.
Film maker George Williamson worked alongside the women during their experience of getting ready to return to the world of work and he recorded the difficulties the young mums have faced along the way. From juggling household finances and getting kids to and from school to finding affordable, flexible childcare is challenging enough – but then to be hit with changes to the benefits system that could see you lose your home adds a whole new series of anxieties.
Some of the women have been faced with as a result of welfare reforms, exacerbated by cuts to Discretionary Housing Payments. Some don’t know where they will be living from one day to the next – yet they are still expected to look for work.
This sudden change in circumstances has seen the women add another string to their bow: lobbying and campaigning. The women have lobbied councillors at the City Chambers and last week held a peaceful protest at Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson’s constituency office in Roseburn.
The film sparked a debate about the implications of welfare reforms and benefits at the packed Royston Wardieburn event which was attended by MSPs Alison Johnstone and Ben Macpherson, North and Leith prospective MP Diedre Brock and new Forth Councillor Ellie Bird.
“We want to work, but it’s not easy”, said Johan. “There are a lot of barriers.”
“Not knowing where your kids will be sleeping is heartbreaking. It’s the not knowing that’s most upsetting – that’s the hardest part” said Rachel, one of the victims of the welfare reforms.
“Mums work all day, every day and even when the kids reach school age there are very few jobs that fit around the school day”, said Heather. “Single mums do want to work, but not just any job at any cost.”
Yvonne was lucky enough to be offered her ‘dream job’ – only to have to turn it down when childcare arrangements fell through. “It’s a nightmare to try to plan work commitments around childcare. There needs to be much more flexibility” she said.
All About Me mums organised and ran the whole event with the help of their support worker Pauline Nicol-Bowie, who also wrote a poem for the occasion. The Benefit Cap was read by group member Jade Ashley-Parker (below).
The poem, The Benefit Cap, reads:
Oh look, here they come
Scrounging their benefits
and away they run.
Make-up, eyebrows, brand new phones,
Dinnae bother paying their loans.
Bairns in designer gear
Jog on, pal!
We live in fear.
Sanctions, PIP, ESA
I cannae pay my bills
What am I tae dae?
Benefits caps, foodbanks,
Homelessness to name a few.
Ignore us, Councillors,
‘Cos it’s no’ happening to you.
Another week, another meeting,
Get a job is all I hear,
I’m trying!!
Sick of greetin’,
I’m never gettting a career.
Kids are fed, homework done,
Oh,today wasnae fun!
Kids tucked up nice and cosy,
One more thing, their kiss and story.
Kids asleep, it;s time for ma tea
Oh, shit!
There’s nowt for me
It’s okay, I’ll eat tomorrow,
It just means I’ll have to borrow.
Even with my daily struggles
My kids will always get lots of cuddles.
All my worries are so depressing
Thank God for my kids
THEY ARE MY BLESSING!
Capital City Partnership’s Irene Thomson (below), who leads the Making it Work project, said: “This was a Big Lottery funded initiative to support lone parents into work. Over the four-year duration we have supported 100 people into work and eighty into training, far exceeding the targets set at the outset so it has been a great success.
“It will be really sad to leave behind such a great bunch of very inspirational women, but we hope that we are leaving them in a better place.”
The funding for the group ends in September, but the women plan to continue to meet regularly. They also have a Facebook page.
Congratulations Tasha, Ashleigh, Heather, Rachael, Michelle, Johan, Jade, Deborah and Siobhan who made the event such a success – and congratulations too to everyone else who took part in the group but who couldn’t be there on the day.
There will be two further opportunities to see the film and meet the women this month.
On Friday 23 June, the Making it Work team will hold an event at Central Hall, Tollcross from 1.30 – 3.30pm. As well as an opportunity to meet the parents and see the film there will be face-painting and balloon modelling activities with free creche.
The group will also present their film at North Edinburgh Arts on Friday 23 June at 4.30pm.
May: Let’s get to work
Prime Minister Theresa May’s statement following the General Election:
“I have just been to see Her Majesty the Queen, and I will now form a government – a government that can provide certainty and lead Britain forward at this critical time for our country. Continue reading May: Let’s get to work
Tartan Tory resurgence may save May
It’s a hung parliament
Scotland’s ten Tory MPs have saved the day for Theresa May. The Tory leader went to the country to secure a bigger working majority only for her gamble to misfire spectacularly. With only four results still to be announced the Tories have lost twelve seats and have 315 MPs – well short of the 326 needed for a majority. Mrs May must now broker a deal with Ulster’s ten Democratic Unionist MPs to enable her to run the country: hardly a recipe for ‘strong and stable’ government. Continue reading Tartan Tory resurgence may save May
‘Tip of the Iceberg’: local women to lobby Ruth Davidson in Roseburn
Young mothers from Royston Wardiburn’s ‘All Abut Me’ group and their supporters are to stage a protest outside Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson’s constituency office on Roseburn Terrace this morning. The women are protesting against changes to the benefits system that will see at least eleven local families – and 42 children – evicted from their homes. Continue reading ‘Tip of the Iceberg’: local women to lobby Ruth Davidson in Roseburn
Child Poverty Bill crosses first hurdle
A Bill to tackle child poverty has been unanimously approved at its first stage by the Scottish Parliament. Continue reading Child Poverty Bill crosses first hurdle
More cash for carers
Increased Carer’s Allowance to be delivered next summer
The first social security payments to be delivered by the Scottish Government have been outlined to parliament by Social Security Secretary Angela Constance. Continue reading More cash for carers