Prime Minister Theresa May chaired her first Joint Ministerial Committee meeting with devolved administration leaders at 10 Downing Street yesterday – and while Number 10 says the talks were constructive, Scotland’s First Minister said the session was ‘hugely frustrating’. Continue reading No meeting of minds on Brexit strategy
Tag: Politics
Brexit: time to talk
Prime Minister Theresa May is to offer the devolved administrations a new forum to allow them to help shape the UK’s EU exit strategy. The devolved administrations will be offered the chance of a direct line to the Brexit secretary to allow them to help shape the UK’s EU exit strategy.
Prime Minister Theresa May will make the offer of a new official forum, to be chaired by David Davis, to the leaders of Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments today.
It follows the pledge the Prime Minister made in her first weeks in office that she was fully committed to engaging with the devolved administrations as the government delivers on the verdict of the UK people in their vote to leave the EU.
In the first meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee for 2 years, the Prime Minister will say the government is ready to listen to proposals put forward by political leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as she renegotiates the UK’s relationship with the EU.
She has made clear that strategies taken forward must protect and advance the needs of all people.
Prime Minister Theresa May said: “I am determined that as we make a success of our exit from the European Union, we in turn further strengthen our own enduring union.
“The great union between us has been the cornerstone of our prosperity in the past – and it is absolutely vital to our success in the future.
“The country is facing a negotiation of tremendous importance and it is imperative that the devolved administrations play their part in making it work. The new forum I am offering will be the chance for them all to put forward their proposals on how to seize the opportunities presented by Brexit and deliver the democratic decision expressed by the people of the UK.
If the devolved governments accept the offer of formal discussions, a new sub-committee of the Joint Ministerial Committee will be established, chaired by David Davis and attended by nominees put forward by the devolved governments.”
The Prime Minister will offer a first meeting by the end of November and at least one more by Christmas as negotiations progress before Article 50 is triggered by the end of March.
She is also set to discuss the government’s position on the EU exit strategy. The Prime Minister is expected to say that, contrary to some speculation, no final decisions have been taken and that how the UK leaves the EU will not boil down to a binary choice.
And she will tell Nicola Sturgeon, Carwyn Jones, Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness that she and Brexit secretary David Davis will listen to any proposals made.
David Mundell, Secretary of State for Scotland, Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales and James Brokenshire, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will be attending the Joint Ministerial Committee.
The new forum for government discussion, to be known as the Joint Ministerial Committee (EU Negotiations), will place the devolved administrations on a formal footing for discussions and allow them to voice the views of the governments they lead as negotiations progress.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Michael Russell, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe, laid out Holyrood’s position yesterday and said the Scotland must be treated as an equal partner in negotiations with the EU.
Scottish Ministers will expect Prime Minister Theresa May and the UK Government to demonstrate how they intend to deliver on their commitment to involve the Scottish Government fully in discussions to develop an agreed UK approach and listen to alternative proposals for Scotland at today’s meeting.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Russell said: “The UK Government needs to understand there is a triple mandate to maintain Scotland’s relationship with, and place in, Europe. The clearly-expressed views of the people of Scotland, the democratically elected Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament all need to be respected.
“But four months on from the referendum we have yet to see a proposal from the UK Government on how the views of people in Scotland will be taken into account.
“The Scottish Government is becoming increasingly concerned that the UK is heading for a hard Brexit with all the damage that will bring to the Scottish and UK economies.
“The Prime Minister has set the clock ticking and the UK Government must use the time before triggering article 50 to engage properly with all the devolved administrations and show that they are willing and able to treat Scotland as an equal partner.
“A majority of people in Scotland voted to maintain their relationship with Europe and we expect to see the UK Government take account of that and to formulate an agreed negotiating position.
“We will continue to pursue all options to protect Scotland’s interests, including working with other devolved administrations and other parties to drive the UK away from the cliff edge of a hard Brexit and putting forward our own proposals for a different approach for Scotland within the UK.
“However, we can make no progress without clarity on what the UK Government wants from Brexit and how it intends to reach an agreement across the UK.”
Turning politics on it’s head
North Edinburgh residents to lead the debate in ‘upside down hustings’
Community campaigners in north Edinburgh are turning the traditional hustings model, which sees political candidates telling voters what they will do if elected, on its head. Pilton Community Health Project (PCHP) is bringing together a group of grassroots ‘experts’ from across the north of the city to tell politicians what changes are needed to improve the area. Continue reading Turning politics on it’s head
Supermarket surgery!
Edinburgh North & Leith MP Deirdre Brock is holding a ‘pop-up’ surgery in Sainbury’s Craigleith on Friday 28 October from 10 – 11am.
The end is nigh: Government paves the way for orderly EU withdrawal
Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis has announced that the Government plans to repeal the 1972 European Communities Act (ECA). The Act gives direct effect to all EU law and the introduction of a new Bill to repeal it will mean the Act ceases to apply from the day of exit.
At the same time the new Bill will convert existing EU law into domestic law, while allowing Parliament to amend, repeal or improve any law after appropriate scrutiny and debate.
Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis said: “We will follow the process to leave the EU which is set out in Article 50.
“The Prime Minister has been clear that she won’t start the formal negotiations about our exit before the end of the year. As we prepare for those negotiations in Europe, we also need to prepare for the impact of Brexit on domestic law. It’s very simple. At the moment we leave, Britain must be back in control. And that means EU law must cease to apply.
“To ensure continuity, we will take a simple approach. EU law will be transposed into domestic law, wherever practical, on exit day. It will be for elected politicians here to make the changes to reflect the outcome of our negotiation and our exit. That is what people voted for: power and authority residing once again with the sovereign institutions of our own country.”
Mr Davis also dismissed any suggestion that the Government intends to use Brexit to roll back workers’ rights – pointing out that in many areas, including annual and parental leave, UK law goes further than minimum standards offered under EU law.
He added: “To those who are trying to frighten British workers, saying “When we leave, employment rights will be eroded”, I say firmly and unequivocally “no they won’t”.
“The European Communities Act has meant that if there is a clash between an act of the British Parliament and EU law, EU law prevails. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has interpreted EU law and delivered judgments that were binding on the UK and other member states. The repeal Bill will end ECJ jurisdiction in the UK.”
Mr Davis said the move demonstrates the Government’s determination to deliver the will of the British people, expressed in the EU referendum result, to ensure that Britain makes its own decisions about how it wants the country to be run.
The Repeal Bill will include powers for ministers to make some changes by secondary legislation, giving the Government the flexibility to take account of the negotiations with the EU as they proceed.
It will also ensure that the Government can establish new domestic regimes in areas where regulation and licensing is currently done at an EU level, and amendments are required to ensure the law operates effectively at a domestic level. The ECA created a power which currently exists for Ministers to make secondary legislation to give effect to EU law.
Legislation resulting from the UK’s exit must work for the whole of the United Kingdom, so the Government will work closely with the devolved administrations to get the best possible deal for all parts of the United Kingdom as we leave the EU. They will have opportunities to have their say and we will look at any suggestions they put forward.
The Prime Minister has stated that she intends to trigger Article 50, the formal process for starting a two-year negotiation over exit from the EU, by next March. In order for the UK to withdraw in an orderly way, ECA repeal will ensure that legislation is passed in advance so that EU law ceases to apply and domestic law can take its place on the day of exit.
Continue reading The end is nigh: Government paves the way for orderly EU withdrawal
Green support for tenant farmer in Old Pentland campaign
Greens say Damhead is wrong location for new film studio
Scottish Green MSPs joined campaigners who handed in a petition to the Scottish Parliament in protest at the imminent eviction of a farmer from his family’s home of 100 years.
82-year-old tenant farmer Jim Telfer faces from eviction from Old Pentland Farm near Straiton in Midlothian as the landowners want to sell to developers behind a proposed film studio. Planning permission rests with the Scottish Government after Midlothian Council failed to make a ruling on the application within a 16-week deadline.
Midlothian Green councillor Ian Baxter has previously proposed Shawfair as a better location for such a development.
Alison Johnstone and Andy Wightman, Green MSPs for Lothian, were joined at Thursday’s protest by Green co-convener Patrick Harvie MSP.
Andy Wightman MSP said: “The film studio may be a good idea but it’s the wrong location, and the stress this is placing on Jim, his family and the wider community is simply unacceptable. The site is good-quality farmland and should be protected, especially when there are other locations more appropriate for commercial developments.
“The residents of Damhead and Old Pentland are due credit for galvanising support in this campaign, and the Green MSPs were delighted to welcome them to Parliament today. Let’s hope Scottish Ministers heed the strength of local feeling on this issue.”
Rosh Hashanah 2016
The Prime Minister sends her best wishes to everyone in Britain and around the world to mark this Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Prime Minister Theresa May said:
It gives me great pleasure to wish the Jewish community in Britain and around the world a very happy and peaceful New Year.
This is a special time, when Jewish families join together in celebration and prayer. It is also a time of remembrance and renewal.
We remember the tremendous contribution made by Britain’s Jewish community to this country, from those who have served in our armed forces to those leading in fields such as business, science and the arts. You have given so much over the years, while at the same time maintaining a sense of identity, religion and culture.
And in the spirit of renewal we think of the opportunities ahead not only for ourselves, but for our country: opportunities to forge a bold and positive new role for Britain in the world, to build a better, fairer society, and to bring people closer together.
I have seen for myself the inspirational work carried out by many Jewish charities and organisations in Britain: helping and supporting others and reaching out to people of different backgrounds and faiths.
I want to ensure that Britain is a place where all our communities can flourish, and that means stamping out sickening and shameful hatred, including anti-Semitism the like of which I never thought we would see again.
I am clear that such hatred has absolutely no place in our society. So,as the Jewish New Year begins, I want to renew my unshakeable vow to stand by our Jewish community now and for the years to come. And as Prime Minister, and working in partnership with you, I will do everything in my power to protect your community, and indeed all communities in Britain.
I am also proud to support the new National Holocaust Memorial which will be built at the heart of our democracy, next to Parliament, along with an associated learning centre. We owe it to everyone who endured the horrors of the Holocaust to remind future generations of the depths into which humanity can sink, so it is never repeated again.
So once again I want to wish the Jewish community all the very best this Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Ahead of the Jewish New Year, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also wishes all Jewish communities across the world a happy and peaceful Shana Tova.
The Foreign Secretary said: “As the Jewish High Holidays approach, I send my warmest wishes to all Jewish communities in the UK and around the world as they pause to reflect on the past year and to celebrate and make plans for the new year.
“At this time I want to provide assurances that we stand with you, in particular in the fight against antisemitism. There will never be a place for it in our society and we must work together to defeat it.
“The High Holidays hold a particular significance for Israel, a close friend of the UK. We will continue to work closely with them in the pursuit of peace in the region.
“I wish you all a happy and peaceful holiday period and a sweet new year. Shana Tova and Chatima Tova.”
Community groups welcome at Anti-Cuts event
Still time to register for Saturday’s conference
Edinburgh Labour Anti Cuts Conference
Saturday 1 October, 9.15 am – 4.00 pm, St Thomas of Aquin’s High School, 2- 20 Chalmers Street, Edinburgh
Hi, a reminder that if you haven’t already done so you can still register here for Saturday’s event:
Full details of the event can be found here:
We’d really welcome your attendance and involvement.
A grand gesture!
Local MSP digs deep to support Leith CAB
Leith Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is appealing to the local community to help raise £20,000 for its new office on Dalmeny Street. Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP, Ben Macpherson, visited Leith CAB to pledge his support and made a personal donation of £1,000 to help the cause.
Leith CAB is an invaluable service for the local community and helps over 5,000 clients every year; with over 70 dedicated local volunteers offering their knowledge, skills and expertise free of charge, to help fellow citizens in need with essential, independent advice.
To help continue its vital service in Leith, Citizens Advice Edinburgh (CAE), a volunteer led independent charity, has launched a Crowdfunding campaign to fund Leith CAB’s move from its current office on Bernard Street to new premises on Dalmeny Street. Also supported by local musicians The Proclaimers, CAE aims to raise £20,000.
Yesterday Ben Macpherson MSP donated £1,000 to the campaign in response to CAE’s appeal to the local community to support the charity and help raise these vital funds.
The Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP said: “The Citizens Advice Bureau in Leith provides vital support to many of my constituents as well as to residents right across Edinburgh. That is why I’m proud to support this appeal and to help raise awareness of this important fundraising campaign. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a meaningful difference.
“The advice provided by the Citizens Advice Bureau in Leith is, unfortunately, crucial. At a time of continued economic austerity, UK government welfare reform, and significant uncertainty around Brexit, many people in Leith and across Edinburgh are reliant on the free, independent and impartial advice provided by Citizens Advice Bureaus. I will continue to support Citizens Advice Edinburgh and wish them every success with this important fundraising campaign.”
Benjamin Napier, CEO, Citizens Advice Edinburgh said: “We are delighted to have the support of local MSP Ben Macpherson and are grateful for his very generous personal donation. Citizens Advice Edinburgh work closely with all elected members, to help ensure we are dealing with the issues that impact on people’s lives in Edinburgh. Our bureau in Leith is a vital part of the network of support we provide and we hope that others will be encouraged by Ben’s donation to offer whatever they can to help keep this valuable service in Leith.”
Further information and details for anyone wishing to donate can be found at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/
MSPs turn pink to support breast cancer campaign
Edinburgh’s MSPs have shown support for women affected by breast cancer by dressing up in pink and encouraging everyone in Edinburgh to take part in the UK’s biggest, brightest and pinkest fundraiser, wear it pink, on Friday 21 October.
Wear it pink is back for its 15th year, calling on supporters across the country to add a flash of pink to their wardrobe for the day and raise money for Breast Cancer Now’s life-saving breast cancer research.
SNP MSPs Ben Macpherson (pictured), Ash Denham and Gordon MacDonald joined fellow parliamentarians in Holyrood to encourage people across Scotland to get involved and help support Breast Cancer Now’s efforts to ensure that, by 2050, everyone who develops breast cancer lives – an ambition shared by the Scottish Government and all party leaders in Scotland.
Wear it pink raises close to £2 million each year for world-class research into breast cancer, and this year it’s going to be pinker and more fun than ever before. Anyone can take part, whether at work, at home or at school. All you have to do is wear something pink and donate what you can.
Ash Denham MSP said: “Breast cancer still claims the lives of too many women in Scotland leaving their families devastated. I’m glad to support the work of Breast Cancer Now in Scotland and the wear it pink campaign in order to highlight this important issue.”
Ben Macpherson MSP said: “It’s great to see all MSPs join forces to show their support for Breast Cancer Now. I am very proud to Wear It Pink to support the crucial work that Breast Cancer Now undertake and I hope everyone in the local community will join me by wearing it pink on Friday 21 October.”
Gordon MacDonald MSP added: “Every penny raised for research brings the day closer when we will have an effective treatment for breast cancer. By supporting the Wear it Pink campaign we can all play our part in making that aim a reality.”
Breast Cancer Now is the UK’s largest breast cancer charity, created in JUne last year by the merger of leading research charities Breast Cancer Campaign and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
Breast cancer is still the most common cancer in the UK. Nearly 700,000 people living in the UK have experienced a diagnosis and one in eight women will face it in their lifetime. This year alone, more than 50,000 women will be told they have the disease.
Mary Allison, Breast Cancer Now’s Director for Scotland said: “I’m delighted that MSPs are coming together again this year to support wear it pink. Their continued support means a lot.
“More Scots are being diagnosed with breast cancer than a decade ago and it remains the most common cancer among women. We also know that while huge progress has been made in improving survival, almost 1,000 people a year in Scotland still die from this devastating disease.
“That’s why we need to continue to support research and find better ways to prevent, detect and treat breast cancer.”