U-turn welcome but Scotland still faces cuts

Swinney condemns ‘austerity of choice’

city park

Chancellor George Osborne’s U-turn on tax credits has been widely welcomed, but Scotland’s Deputy First Minister John Swinney has warned that the Scottish Government will see a real terms reduction of almost 6 per cent in the funding for day to day public services over the next four years. Continue reading U-turn welcome but Scotland still faces cuts

First Minister: “Workers’ rights are human rights”

First Minister to deliver Jimmy Reid Memorial Lecture

jimmy-reid-win

The UK Government’s Trade Union Bill does not reflect the reality of industrial relations in Scotland and does not contain a single proposal that would be passed by the Scottish Parliament, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will say tomorrow. Continue reading First Minister: “Workers’ rights are human rights”

Swinney urges Osborne: do the right thing

Chancellor must listen to growing opposition to austerity measures

bigben

The Scottish Government has consistently demonstrated that the UK’s deficit and debt can be brought down without the need for huge public spending cuts as set out by the UK Government, Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary John Swinney said today. Continue reading Swinney urges Osborne: do the right thing

Tram network back on track?

Capital Coalition stands firm to seek ‘best value for city’

tram front

Councillors have approved in principle that any tram extension should continue to Newhaven. Elected members voted today to continue consideration of an Outline Business Case (see below) until the next Council meeting in December, when a further report will be heard. Continue reading Tram network back on track?

Keir: Housing situation ‘pressing on being critical’

‘We desperately need housing but the local planning authority isn’t addressing the basics’ – Colin Keir MSP

building work

Colin Keir MSP for Edinburgh Western has called for infrastructure to be put in place to allow sustainable housing development in Edinburgh. Continue reading Keir: Housing situation ‘pressing on being critical’

Out of character, out of touch

Johnstone questions Marketing chief’s ‘patronising’ comments

old rhs

Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, has questioned comments by John Donnelly, chief executive of Marketing Edinburgh, in which he supported plans to turn the Royal High School into a luxury hotel and the controversial redevelopment of the St James Centre. Continue reading Out of character, out of touch

Meet your local Labour team

Drop-in sessions in Northern and Leith

Labour Leith

Saturday 21st November
1pm – 2pm at OOTB, 36 Dalmeny Street, EH6 8RG

Saturday 28th November
12 -1pm Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre,11 Pilton Drive North, EH5 1N

Johnstone lodges motion supporting Lorne Street residents

‘It’s important we send a strong message of support to them’

lorne

Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, has lodged a motion at the Scottish Parliament calling for financial support for the 200 tenants of Lorne Street in Leith who face being evicted from their homes by the charity that owns their flats. The Agnes Hunter Trust wants to sell the properties, saying maintenance costs are too high. Continue reading Johnstone lodges motion supporting Lorne Street residents

Muirhouse surgeries next week

Muirhouse Community Centre

colin keir & Michelle Thomson

Next week sees the monthly return of our M.S.P (Colin Keir) and M.P.(Michelle Thomson) for their local Surgeries here at the Centre (writes James McGinty).

Colin starts the week on Monday 2 November from 4 – 5pm and Michelle on Friday 6 November from 10.30 -11.30 am.

For more info on both parliamentarians click go to muirhousecommunitycentre.co.uk