Edinburgh North & Leith MP Deirdre Brock has called for the UK government to rethink the accelerated timetable for pension change. The local MP’s call comes as the SNP launch a report into the impact of state pension age changes on women born in the 1950s. Continue reading Brock calls for pension reforms rethink
Parliament will debate creating a new offence to hold abusive partners to account, after it was announced in the Programme for Government. Continue reading No excuses: Holyrood to debate new law to tackle domestic abuse
Guarantees over the future of Scotland’s mountain weather forecasts were sought by Green MSP Andy Wightman at Holyrood yesterday.
Reports emerged over the weekend suggesting that SportScotland is to end funding of the Mountain Weather Information Service, and In spite of repeatedly asking the Minister for Public Health and Sport if SportScotland had told the Mountain Weather Information Service at a meeting on July 2016 that its funding would end, Ms Campbell was unable to provide an answer.
Andy Wightman MSP, the Scottish Greens’ housing & land reform spokesperson, said: “I’m glad that the minister shares my view that the forecast service is an essential service for climber and walker safety in Scotland and that conversations with the government and its agencies are ongoing. However, the public will be looking for more transparency over what the current funding set up is and how that has been communicated to the MWIS. I’ll continue to seek updates from the minister to guarantee the long-term future of mountain weather-forecasting.
“This is a service that has provided trusted detailed forecasting for mountain users for 13 years and SportScotland has funded it since 2007. It’s a service that is trusted and relied upon by hundreds of thousands of users of Scotland’s mountains every year and safety and enjoyment of those who use our mountains is dependent upon accurate reliable, and above all trusted sources of weather forecasts.”
Green MSP Alison Johnstone has written to the First Minister offering support for the Scottish Government to adopt progressive welfare policies using powers newly devolved to Holyrood.
Ms Johnstone has also asked for an update on the government’s implementation of the Scottish Greens’ policy pledge for a Young Carer Allowance.
Lothian MSP Alison Johnstone said: “As of this week, Holyrood will be able to create entirely new benefits and also to top-up the value of benefits that are reserved, such as Jobseeker’s Allowance. The Scottish Government has made a promising start, particularly in correcting some of the blind spots of the current system by pledging to create new benefits. Shortly after the election earlier this year, the First Minister pledged to consider the Scottish Green Party election pledge of a Young Carer Allowance.
“It’s important the Scottish Government continues to explore the possibilities of the new powers. Whilst these proposals for new benefits are very welcome, it is the benefit top-up powers that present one of the most exciting opportunities for Scotland to chart a different, fairer course in social security.
“For years, both the Scottish Government and the Scottish Greens have criticised the UK government for cutting support for those most in need. Up until now, that’s all that we’ve been able to do: criticise. But from today, we can do something about it.
“Whether by out-and-out cuts like the shameful impending £30 reduction to Employment Support Allowance, or by secretive changes to the way rates are calculated, we no longer have to accept that Scots will be worse off.”
In August, the Scottish Greens published a report showing that 13,000 people a year could soon face benefit sanctions through employment programmes devolved to Scotland. The party also launched a petition calling for a new welfare system in Scotland that eliminates the need for sanctions.
Following Holyrood’s first debate since Brexit and The First Minister’s announcement of The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government for 2016-17 on Tuesday, local MSP Ben Macpherson explained how Scotland will continue to move forward post-Brexit. Continue reading Ben Macpherson: SNP will take Scotland forward despite Brexit
Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, has challenged politicians from all parties at Holyrood to get behind the Scottish Government in delivering “the best for Scotland”. Continue reading Ben Macpherson: ‘Get behind us’
North and Leith MP Deirdre Brock has been appointed to sit on Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee. Continue reading Brock joins Scottish Affairs committee
Green councillors have slammed Edinburgh’s Local Development Plan, saying that it fails the city on affordable housing, traffic problems and loss of greenbelt land. Continue reading Greens slam Local Plan ‘sham’
The Scottish Government’s plan to deliver on its commitment to greater equality of opportunity, increased economic growth and improved public services will be laid out this week. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will mark the opening of the parliamentary session with a pledge to deliver policies that will help increase prosperity and create a fairer country for everyone in Scotland. Continue reading FM to unveil five year plan
Prime Minister Theresa May will set out her ambition for the UK to become the global leader in free trade when she attends G20 summit
The Prime Minister will set out her ambition for the UK to become the global leader in free trade when she attends her first G20 Summit in China today. The Prime Minister intends to use the summit to robustly champion free trade while underlining the need to do more to spread the benefits and build a fairer economy for all.
