The Scottish Government’s quarterly housing statistics show that ministers are too reliant on the private sector to deliver housing targets, say the Scottish Greens. Continue reading Housing stats raise affordable homes questions, say Greens
Tag: Politics
Pupils ready to vote in council elections
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
Increased funding for affordable housing
Over £590 million will be made available for 2017/18 to increase the supply of affordable homes in Scotland, Angela Constance has announced. The Scottish Greens have welcomed the announcement but say that more must be done to bring empty homes back into use. Continue reading Increased funding for affordable housing
Indeyref2 confirmed: “It will be Scotland’s choice”
Independence referendum will be held between Autumn 2018 and Spring 2019
The people of Scotland must be offered a choice between a hard Brexit and becoming an independent country, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said, as she confirmed plans to seek parliamentary approval to begin discussions with the UK Government on the details of a Section 30 order to enable an independence referendum to take place. The referendum is expected to take place between Autumn 2018 and Spring 2019. Continue reading Indeyref2 confirmed: “It will be Scotland’s choice”
Take up your benefits
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith and Social Security Committee Member, Ben Macpherson has called on constituents across the city to claim the benefits that they are entitled to, following the launch of a Scottish Government awareness campaign. Continue reading Take up your benefits
Brexit “a threat to Scotland’s population and prosperity”
Deidre Brock MP has called for tailored immigration solutions for Scotland to tackle its differing population needs and the economic threat of a ‘hard’ Brexit. She was speaking during yesterday’s Westminster debate on the Scottish Affairs Committee’s report into the demography of Scotland and its implications for devolution. Continue reading Brexit “a threat to Scotland’s population and prosperity”
Letters: Words and Deeds
Dear Editor
Actions by the Tory-led governments of 2010 and 2015 to deal with the financial crisis – caused not by the people, but by banks and financial institutions – was to immediately pass the debt onto the majority of people by restricting wages and reducing funding for services of all kinds.
They also launched a tremendous appeal to the people, assuring them that ‘we are all in this together’. This worked for a while but very quickly their tactic of ‘divide and rule’ was brought into play, blaming sections of the population for being scroungers or skivers, the disabled, those on benefits (particularly those on housing benefit), etc. to justify further cuts in wages and essential services.
After more than six years, people were seeing through their talk of a ‘big society’ and ‘all in this together’ speeches and began to realise they had been conned. This posed a threat to the continuation of Tory control, so out went David Cameron and in came Theresa May, who said in her first speech as PM she would do things differently, make changes to bring about a more just society and again making a Tory appeal for support from the people. She even claimed the Tories are now the party for working people!
This puts into context the continuous attack on Jeremy Corbyn in the press, in Parliament and other sections of the media. The Tories know his ability to speak the language of working people and therefore his capability of winning an election: this, the Tories fear.
The millions and millions of people who have seen and felt the difference between the words and deeds of the Tories must now reawaken nationwide activity and campaign to make real changes to our society.
A. Delahoy
Silverknowes Gardens
City’s school leavers heading for positive destinations
Latest figures released by the Scottish Government have shown that numbers of Edinburgh’s school leavers are going on to positive destinations. Continue reading City’s school leavers heading for positive destinations
Local Council Elections hustings at Craigroyston
More smoke and mirrors: a good deal for Scotland … or is it?
£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?