Tag: Politics

Scotland’s Drugs and Alcohol Minister steps down

Elena Whitham leaves government

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham has tendered her resignation to the First Minister and stepped down from her ministerial post for health reasons.

Ms Whitham was appointed to the post in March last year, after previously serving as Minister for Community Safety.

Accepting her resignation, the First Minister thanked her for her service and said that he greatly valued her efforts to tackle alcohol and drug-related deaths, particularly her work to take forward proposals for reviewing drug laws.

Elena Whitham’s letter to the First Minister:

Dear Humza,

Over the last year I experienced a series of events leading to post traumatic stress which has impacted my wellbeing greatly and for which I am receiving treatment. I have sought to undertake my role in your government diligently and with the passion and focus that it requires. Sadly, after much soul searching, it is apparent to me that I must regrettably resign from my ministerial role so that I am able to look after my wellbeing and ensure my constituents of Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley continue to be represented assiduously.

It has been the greatest honour to be first the Minister for Community Safety and latterly the Minister for Drug and Alcohol Policy. Both of these roles are areas I am passionate about having been a Women’s Aid worker and someone who supported people dealing with multiple and complex needs including problematic substance use. I have been privileged to meet folk up and down the country who are working collectively to address the great harm Scotland is experiencing due to alcohol and other drugs…none more so than those with lived and living experience who have sought to speak truth to power. I am grateful to them and to all of the family members and organisations who took time to speak with me this last year.

I will continue to support the aims of the National Mission from the backbenches and in my constituency work. It is imperative that we strive with all of our might to continue our efforts to save and improve lives as we have lost far too many of our folk to wholly preventable deaths. Your government’s efforts to tackle poverty and inequality also play an integral role in the National Mission and the cross government plan set out last year continues to be vital to delivery.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity bestowed upon me, it truly has been an honour.

Yours sincerely

Elena Whitham MSP

First Minister’s letter to Elena Whitham:

I write to thank you for your service as Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy over the past year. I am greatly saddened to hear that due to your personal ill-health you feel you cannot continue to give the role the focus that you would wish to.

I wanted you to be aware of how greatly I have valued your efforts to tackle alcohol and drug-related deaths – not least the work to take forward proposals for reviewing drug laws.

Similarly, I know the dedication that you brought to your previous role of Minister for Community Safety.

I believe our government has been enriched by your efforts and the experience that you have brought into public life.

I know that the people of Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley have in you a dedicated and conscientious public servant and I know you will continue to stand up for them to the very best of your ability.

Boyack demands Yousaf is honest with public over fate of Eye Hospital

Labour MSP for the Lothians, Sarah Boyack, has written an open letter to First Minister Humza Yousaf urging him to be honest about the fate of Edinburgh’s replacement eye hospital.

This comes after the First Minister confirmed that the Scottish Government was still committed to the eye hospital, despite the capital spending freeze imposed on health boards.

However, excerpts from the NHS Lothian board papers confirmed that work on the eye hospital would “cease” and stated that the board “should recognise the loss of this future infrastructure” will lead to major, negative challenges in delivering scheduled care over the coming years.

This admission throws into doubt the First Minister’s commitment, given the Scottish Government’s instruction to NHS Lothian to “immediately cease all capital projects”. The instruction includes “the New Eye Hospital at the BioQuarter”.

It also highlights a lack of certainty within the health board about the project’s status.

The current Eye Pavilion was deemed not fit for purpose in 2014, and a new replacement has been deemed a top priority by NHS Lothian.

Since 2014, the average wait time in days for inpatient and outpatient appointments more than doubled.

Ms Boyack has urged the First Minister to end the uncertainty around the project, as it is having detrimental impacts on patients and their treatment.

Commenting on her letter, Ms Boyack said: “The First Minister needs to level with the public about the replacement eye hospital.

“It was promised at the last election, then in the budget we found out that no new capital project can go ahead.

“While the First Minister says he is committed to the project, his government have kicked it into long grass.

“NHS Lothian has been put in an impossible position.

“If the First Minister is serious about delivering Edinburgh’s eye hospital, then he must come forth with a concrete timeline to deliver it.

“Anything less is just being dishonest with the public and damaging to patients.”

The letter reqads:

Dear First Minister,

I am writing regarding the recent announcements in relation to the construction of a replacement Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh.

As you are aware, you and your predecessor have both committed to a new Edinburgh Eye Hospital since the 2021 Scottish Parliament election following the current Eye Pavilion being deemed not fit for purpose in 2014. However, in a letter I received from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care on the 18th January confirmed that the building of a new Eye Hospital will not go ahead.

Moreover, NHS Lothian Board papers, published in advance of the board’s meeting on the 7th of February, have stated “NHS Lothian was directed to immediately cease all capital projects”. The board paper observed that  “the loss of this future infrastructure will substantively and negatively impact on our ability to deliver compliant access to scheduled care for our population in coming years.” Worryingly the paper also highlighted the “the significant and detrimental impact this decision has had on our teams many of whom have dedicated time, expertise, and leadership in supporting progress of these vital projects.”

In light of your comments during First Minister’s Questions, on January the 25th, which appear to contradict NHS Lothian, I would appreciate if you could give an overview of the timeframe for the Eye Hospital being delivered if it is still the Scottish Government’s intention to proceed with the project, after the two year capital spending project freeze. Given the lengthy and increased waiting times for operations, the Scottish Government must also provide immediate support to ensure that NHS Lothian is able to provide adequate care for those with vision impairments.

My concern is that confused information and delays will only cause more disruption for patients, on top of increasing numbers of cancelled and delayed appointments.

Best wishes,

Choudhury: ‘Let’s work together and get new station done!’

Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury has called for sustained action to secure a train station for Winchburgh.

Winchburgh is an expanding West Lothian community, with Winchburgh Developments Ltd delivering thousands of new homes and some new schools. However, a train station has not been delivered, as a new railway station was not a condition of planning permission.

As a result, homeowners in Winchburgh have been left without commuter links to Glasgow and Edinburgh, leading to a campaign to get the station built.

Foysol Choudhury, a Labour MSP for Lothian, has been pursuing the issue on behalf of constituents and has addressed the issue in the Scottish Parliament with Ministers, as well as making enquiries with other stakeholders such as the Council, local councillors and the Developers.

Mr Choudhury has raised concerns that he has written to THREE successive Ministers for Transport – Jenny Gilruth MSP, Kevin Stewart MSP and Fiona Hyslop MSP – to ask them to meet with him and other interested MSPs so that they can all work together to try and find a solution for constituents.

Mr Choudhury says he was disappointed to have only received a response on the 10th January 2024, which referenced the correspondence sent to Ms Gilruth, Mr Stewart and Ms Hyslop and said that as Winchburgh is in Ms Hyslop’s constituency, she has recused herself from this project. The letter said that the issue now lies in the Ministerial Portfolio of Patrick Harvie MSP, who says he cannot meet with Mr Choudhury at this time. 

Mr Choudhury has written back to Mr Harvie highlighting the importance of meeting to discussing this issue, for the sake of constituents, and has asked to be invited to an upcoming meeting with the relevant stakeholders.

Mr Choudhury said, following issuing this response to the Minister: “It is incredibly disappointing that I have had to write to so many Ministers, only to finally receive a response which did not offer a meeting.

“We must all work together to secure a station for the people of Winchburgh, who were sold homes on a belief it would be a commuter town-I cannot understand why the Scottish Government has ignored my requests to this extent so many times.

“I even previously invited the Minister to come and see first-hand why a railway station is needed and the importance of clean and sustainable transport links for Winchburgh, yet the Scottish Government still do not seem to be taking this seriously.

“I am glad that other stakeholders, including MSPs, local councillors, the local community and the developers Winchburgh Developments Ltd, are instead taking this seriously where the Scottish Government are not.

“We were able to come together earlier this week to have a very productive conversation on how we can work together towards a new station for Winchburgh and I am hopeful that together, we can get this done!”

Mr Choudhury says he remains committed to continuing to pursue a new Winchburgh train station on behalf of all his constituents and will work with all relevant stakeholders possible to secure the station for his constituents. 

Culture in an independent Scotland

Benefits for culture, events and creative sectors

The culture and creative sectors of an independent Scotland would be enhanced by the establishment of a new Scottish public service broadcaster reflecting the needs and values of Scottish audiences, according to the latest Building a New Scotland paper published by Culture Secretary Angus Robertson.

The tenth paper in the series outlines how the Scottish Government would have the power to determine the list of events that should be available to broadcast free-to-air to reflect the interests of Scottish audiences, including some major sporting events.

It also sets out how re-joining the EU would help mitigate the impact of Brexit on the culture and creative sector’s ability to reach new audiences and generate income in a key export market.

The paper outlines how an independent Scottish Government could further protect, support and enhance Scotland’s culture and creative sectors by:

  • becoming members of multilateral conventions and agreements, organisations like Creative Europe and UNESCO
  • providing greater support to promote the creative sectors on the world stage and collaborating and cooperating on cultural initiatives with other nations
  • using its network of new embassies to promote Scottish culture globally. This would build on the current ‘Scotland House’ model, which fosters connectivity with international partners
  • building on the success of the festivals, ensuring they remain diverse, vibrant and international through supporting touring from international artists and creative professionals

Mr Robertson said: “Our culture and creative sectors, such as music, video games and the screen sector, are a key part of Scotland’s economy, not just in their own right but also as a driver of other sectors such as tourism and hospitality.

“Our creative industries already make an important contribution to our economy but as an independent country, Scotland’s rich and diverse culture would help our economy to thrive.

“Independence means that broadcasting decisions that impact Scottish audiences and our creative industries would be determined by the Scottish public through the Scottish Parliament. For example, decisions about what large-scale sporting events should be made available to broadcast free-to-air, such as international football qualifiers.

“A new public service broadcaster would prioritise content and services that are more representative of diverse audiences in Scotland, enhancing local voices and coverage of community issues.

“Brexit and the removal of free movement has had a major impact on Scotland’s cultural and creative sectors by limiting access to the people, talent and skills the sector needs.

“The increased costs and administrative burdens have also meant that working in the EU is now beyond the reach of many of Scotland’s artists, damaging their ability to reach new audiences and generate income.

“Independence and Scotland becoming a full member state within the EU is the only way for artists and creatives to regain the vast benefits of EU membership, including freedom of movement.”

culture-independent-scotland-paper-10Download

Building a New Scotland: Culture in an independent Scotland

It is the tenth paper in the Building a New Scotland series.

Lothian MSP launches petition to restore funding for planned new Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion

Lothian MSP launches petition to restore funding for planned new Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has launched a petition to save the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion after SNP Ministers withdrew funding for a replacement hospital, for the second time in three years.

At FMQs last Thursday, Mr Briggs asked the First Minister about plans for the development of a new eye hospital for Edinburgh and the South East of Scotland. In response to Mr Briggs the First Minister stated that: “There is no doubting of course that the Eye Pavilion does need built”.

Following the original decision to withdraw funding for a replacement eye hospital, a significant campaigning effort led to the previous First Minister U-turning and reinstating funding for a replacement hospital.

The current eye pavilion is no longer fit for purpose with an extensive list of maintenance issues that the health board needs to keep on top of.

There has been no money spent on the existing Princess Alexandra Eye Hospital in the last year.

The current Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is a centre for excellence, which Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has said is at risk of being lost due to the mismanagement of budgets by SNP Ministers.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said :“It is completely unacceptable that SNP Ministers have removed funding for a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Hospital for the second time in two years.

“The current hospital is no longer fit for purpose and we need a new hospital to treat over 50,000 patients who attend the hospital every year.  

“We are at risk of losing a centre of excellence in the South East of Scotland and future generations will have worse eye health due to this period of ineptitude by SNP Ministers.

“Please sign my petition for a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion to show the extent of public support for this funding to be reinstated.”

If you would like to support Mr Brigg’s petition to reinstate funding for a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, you can find the petition here :

https://www.edinburghconservatives.org.uk/campaigns/save-edinburghs-new-eye-hospital

Yesterday (Thursday 1st February) at FMQs Miles Briggs MSP asked the First Minister:

Last year 59,240 patients attended the Princes Alexandra Eye Pavilion.

For a patient in Edinburgh or the Borders with a detached retina the need for urgent surgery is critical.    

The Health Secretary has suggested that if the Edinburgh Eye Pavilion is not replaced then more surgery will be centralised to the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Glasgow.

It would be unacceptable for emergency eye surgery to be centralised to Glasgow.               

Can ask the First Minister if he and the Health Secretary will agree to urgently meet with Lothian MSPs to discuss the concerns that Ministers will now not commit to a new replacement Eye Hospital.

Scottish Budget faces difficult choices in challenging circumstances, says Finance Committee

The Scottish Government’s budget for 2024/25 has been set amidst a context of persistently high inflation, low growth and high interest rates amidst deep cuts to capital funding.

In its budget report published on Wednesday, Holyrood’s Finance and Public Administration Committee looks at the choices the Scottish Government has made, including on taxation.

Finance and Public Administration Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson said: “Significant pressure on Scotland’s public finances have presented difficult tax and spending decisions in the budget. Everybody recognises that.

“The Scottish Government priorities are based on delivering its three ‘missions’ of equality, opportunity and community.  However, there was a great divergence in views from witnesses on what those priorities should be, with the focus understandably in areas where budgets will be reduced rather than increased.

“The committee is unclear how spending has been prioritised towards a fair, green and growing economy.

“Regarding taxation, there is uncertainty about the behavioural impact on taxpayers earning more than £75,000 per year and when there will be a fundamental review of the council tax.

“The Scottish Government needs to deliver long-term financial planning. At present it gives the impression that it’s procrastinating on important decision-making that would help the sustainability of Scotland’s public finances, albeit in the medium and longer-term.

“The Committee is also disappointed at continuing cuts to the capital budget by the UK Government which restricts the Scottish Government’s ability to invest in capital projects, achieving net zero and growing the economy.”

On public service reform Mr Gibson added: “The Scottish Government’s public service reform programme is critical to the sustainability of the Budget and ensuring effective delivery of public services.

“While the government has set out principles and objectives for its reform programme there are few other signs of progress. This is disappointing given the urgent need for reform.

“We need to see the government develop and deliver its reform programme at a quicker pace in the months and years to come.”

The report also says that the Scottish Government must explain why it has delayed:

  • the public sector pay policy 2024-25
  • an updated infrastructure project pipeline and
  • a financial strategy for public service reform.
FINANCE-and-PUBLIC-ADMINISTRATION-CTTEE-REPORTDownload

Party leaders discuss climate ambitions for Scotland

First Minister chairs cross-party meeting on net zero

First Minister Humza Yousaf chaired a cross-party discussion on Scotland’s climate change ambitions at Holyrood yesterday.

Inviting party leaders to discuss how we can all address the climate crisis, the First Minister highlighted the Parliament’s shared goal of securing a future that is fair and just for all.

He urges all parties to lead and promote behaviour change from everyone in society.

Chris Stark, Chief Executive of the independent UK Climate Change Committee (CCC), presented information on where Scotland is in its journey to net zero.

Speaking ahead of yesterday’s meeting, the First Minister said: “Tackling the climate and nature crises is the collective fight of our lifetime, with implications for generations to come.

“The discussion will focus both on the challenges and opportunities we face in reaching net zero. We collectively made a commitment to deliver on net zero when Parliament backed the Act on a cross-party basis.

“There must be a recognition from across the political divide that we require bold action to tackle the scale of the climate crisis, and meet our ambitions on net zero.

“In addition to our Climate Change Plan, we are developing the first set of Just Transition Plans to set out how these changes impact different parts of society and how we can promote a fair path to a net zero and climate resilient Scotland.

“We will continue to implement net zero policies and deliver funding to where it is needed the most – with the highest impact.

“From today’s meeting, I am hopeful that we can continue to work together to implement net zero policies – thereby helping to create a better and more sustainable planet for us all.”

UK Government plan urgently needed to address “the silent killer” of heatwaves

2022 saw UK temperatures soar to above 40°C for the first time, while 2023 was the world’s hottest year on record. Westminster’s Environmental Audit Committee has raised concerns over the UK’s lack of preparedness in its report on ‘Heat resilience and sustainable cooling’.

The “silent killer” of heatwaves could claim up to 10,000 lives annually in the UK without concerted action, with the most vulnerable at greatest risk. Physical and mental health can be severely impacted: the Committee heard that suicide risk is twice as high in the UK when the temperature was 32°C rather than 22°C.

Work-related injuries also increase, and interrupted sleep patterns due to high temperatures can cost the UK economy £60bn a year, or 1.5% to 2% of GDP.

The social and economic case for accelerating heat adaptation measures in the UK is clear-cut, and EAC recommends measures around prioritising passive cooling – that do not involve expending energy – and clear Government messaging on the risks of heat events, underpinned by a national strategy on heat resilience.

Nature based solutions offer important passive cooling measures and additional co-benefits. Parks, trees, water bodies and green infrastructure – such as green roofs – can have significant cooling effects and also help biodiversity and air quality.

The Government must adopt a range of these measures, particularly in areas where the ‘urban heat island’ effect typically raises temperatures: for example, London can be up to 8°C warmer than surrounding rural areas.

Over 4.6 million English homes experience summertime overheating, and with 80% of homes that will exist in 2050 having already been built, retrofitting for net zero and thermal comfort will be needed on a vast scale.

Existing initiatives on insulation and energy efficiency should be developed into a national retrofit programme which should be delivered by local authorities, supported by long term funding, focusing on insulation and ventilation, as well as passive measures, above active cooling mechanisms.

Fans may also have a role, and the Government should consider amending Building Regulations to encourage the use of ceiling fans. The Government must urgently bring forward proposals to encourage access to low-cost finance for householders to retrofit passive cooling measures.

Some of the passive measures EAC heard about included installing external shutters, which could reduce incidences of heat mortality by around 40%, and coating the roofs of buildings with reflective white paint.

Passive cooling measures would reduce the need for energy intensive air conditioning units, which in 2022 and 2023 led to a surge in demand for electricity causing coal fired power stations to fire up once more. A repeat of this surge risks a vicious cycle of increased greenhouse gas emissions that in turn make the world even hotter. Action to increase the energy efficiency of air conditioners is therefore also required.

Any national retrofit programme must be well-funded but also address concerns of a “net zero tradespeople crisis” amid concerns that by 2030, there will be a shortfall of 250,000 people in suitable roles.

Information on coping with extreme heat does not always appear to be reaching those in need. Repeating calls the predecessor Committee made in its 2018 Heatwaves report, EAC urges the Government to launch a public information campaign on the developing threat of heatwaves and their significant impact on human health and activities.

The Met Office should trial naming heatwaves to boost public recognition of the threat to health and wellbeing in the same way as named storms. Humidity levels should also be incorporated into weather forecasts and heat-health alerts.

At COP28, the UK signed the Global Cooling Pledge, which saw nations commit to reduce cooling related emissions by 68% from 2023 by 2050. EAC hopes its report assists the Government’s production of a national cooling action plan as the pledge calls for, and in response to its report, the Government should set out its timetable for this plan.

Environmental Audit Committee Chair, Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP, said: “The world is heating up, and in the coming year we may exceed an increase of over 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels: breaking a key ambition of the Paris Agreement. The record temperatures we are seeing in UK summers, triggered by climate change, pose significant risks to health and wellbeing, and swift action must now be taken to adapt to the UK’s changing climate.

“Projections suggest that without action, there could be 10,000 UK heat-related deaths annually. High temperatures are costing the UK economy £60 billion a year: so measures to address the risks from overheating are simply a no-brainer.

“There are a number of relatively simple ways to mitigate overheating risk, such as installing shutters, increasing the size of green spaces and using reflective paint on roofs. Yet none of these measures are being rolled out at scale. There is now a real opportunity to focus on these measures in tandem with improving the energy efficiency of the country’s homes in a new national retrofit programme.

“Tackling overheating at scale will not be a quick or easy undertaking. Clear collaboration between Government departments and local authorities is necessary, supported by a clear messaging campaign and a pipeline of funding and skilled retrofitters to undertake the work needed.

“Existing Government policy fails to grasp the urgency of the task at hand. A Minister with oversight on heat resilience must be appointed to oversee this important work.”

Dr Radhika Khosla, Associate Professor at the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment, University of Oxford, who acted as Specialist Adviser for the EAC’s inquiry, said: “We were delighted to partner with the EAC for this timely and important inquiry.

“Sustainable cooling has rightly been pushed up the global agenda in recent years as temperatures rise around the world. But now that we recognise the problems from extreme heat, it is imperative we commit to the solutions.

“Our hope is that this report helps the UK take action to meet its Global Cooling Pledge commitments and, most importantly, helps to save lives and protect people’s wellbeing while reducing emissions from cooling.”

New campaign supports Edinburgh schools to talk to pupils about vaping

There has been a rise in young people in Scotland vaping in recent years, with more than 40 per cent of children and teenagers saying they’ve tried vapes by the time they reach S4.1

Vaping is a new and emerging pattern of disruptive behaviour in schools, with staff reporting reduced attendance as young people gather to vape in toilets through the school day.2

Nicotine, often found in vapes, can also be linked to stress, anxiety and struggles with sleeping. Research shows that you can become addicted to nicotine within days of starting to use it and a quarter of teens who tried vaping say they are addicted.3

To help tackle this issue the Scottish Government has launched a campaign which encourages and supports teachers to have conversations with pupils about the serious health risks of vaping.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Smoking damages lives and kills more than 8,000 people a year in Scotland and is burden on our NHS and social care services. Research also suggests that almost one in five adolescents have tried vapes.

“While E-cigarettes are one of a range of tools for adult smokers to quit smoking, they should never be used by young people or adult non-smokers. We must take action to prevent young people using vapes and becoming addicted which will damage their health, and that’s why we launched a marketing campaign. It is much easier to never start than it is to give up.”

Allie Cherry-Byrnes, CEO of Fast Forward, a voluntary education organisation, said: “We know from speaking to schools and parents during our vaping workshops that schools have seen a notable increase of vaping among pupils recently.

“The nicotine addiction associated with vaping can affect pupils’ ability to concentrate in school and schools are also seeing a negative impact on attendance.

“The campaign resources are a useful tool for teachers as they continue to speak to pupils about vaping and help young people understand the health risks involved.”

Resources linking to Curriculum for Excellence have been shared with all Scottish schools, including information and facts about vaping, posters, newsletter copy, social media assets and an expert film featuring Professor Linda Bauld talking about the impacts of vaping on young people.

Professor Linda Bauld from the University of Edinburgh said “There is a rise in young people in Scotland who vape and this is a concern. These are products that should be used by adult smokers trying to quit and not other groups.

“Although we don’t have long term evidence on health harms, we do know that many vaping products contain nicotine that can be addictive. Cravings for nicotine can lead to irritability, restlessness, feeling anxious or depressed, trouble concentrating and sleeping.

“It’s important that we communicate to young people and parents about risks and support them to have informed discussions about these products.”

Nicotine withdrawal can have an impact on a young person’s mental health making them tired, stressed and anxious. It can also affect young people’s concentration and impact their ability to learn and study. The first symptoms of nicotine dependence can appear within days or weeks of starting to occasionally vape.

The ‘Take Hold’ campaign also offers advice for parents about talking to their about vaping and features a striking image of a young person being ‘taken hold of’ by vape smoke, to highlight how vaping can quickly take hold of and impact your life.

Deidre Brock MP calls for discussion on future of Leith’s Old Town Hall if Police decide to leave

The Old Town Hall in Leith should be considered for community use if Police Scotland vacate the building, according to Deidre Brock MP. 

The station is one of those up for possible closure as part of Police Scotland’s estate review. 

Built in 1828, the Category A listed building still contains the original Leith Burgh Council debating chamber. 

The Edinburgh North & Leith MP said: “If Police Scotland decide that the old Leith Town Hall is no longer appropriate for modern policing, there should be a discussion about how it can be utilised for the community. 

“It is a wonderful building that holds a unique place in Leith’s history, and I hope the Council will consider how it can best be used for the benefit of current and future generations of Leithers.”