Tag: Politics

Yousaf announces Council Tax freeze

STUC: ‘Today’s announcement will only make situation worse’

COSLA: ‘We were unaware of it in advance‘

Council tax rates will be frozen in the next financial year to support people struggling with the effects of high inflation, the First Minister has announced.

The freeze will benefit every Council Tax-payer in Scotland at a time when rising prices are putting significant strain on household finances. The Scottish Government will fully fund the freeze to ensure councils can maintain their services.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Today’s announcement will bring much needed financial relief to those households who are struggling in the face of rising prices. Council tax is already lower in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK, and some 2.5 million households will now benefit from this freeze.

“Of course, the public sector across the UK is facing budget pressures as a result of UK Government austerity, and we know councils are facing financial challenges themselves. That’s why the Scottish Government will be fully funding this freeze to ensure they can continue providing the services on which we all rely. This is on top of the real-terms increase to local government revenue funding this financial year.

“The Scottish Government remains wholly committed to the Verity House Agreement, and as part of that are continuing work with COSLA on a new fiscal framework for local authorities.

“We are also working on longer term reforms to the council tax system, which are being considered by the working group on local government funding that we are chairing jointly with COSLA.”

A COSLA Spokesperson said: “We have just heard the announcement made at the SNP Conference in relation to freezing council tax.  We were unaware of it in advance.  

“This has longer term implications for all councils right across the country, at a time when we know there are acute financial pressures, and where we are jointly looking at all local revenue raising options.

“We will need to consider the implications for COSLA and Local Government with our members when we get more of the detail.  

“This will also need to be examined against the principles of the recently signed Verity House Agreement.”

COSLA arranged an emergency meeting of their Executive, who issued the following statement:

There is absolutely no agreement to freeze Council Tax next year COSLA’s Presidential Team said today (Wednesday 18th October).

“The announcement of a council tax freeze as we said yesterday was made completely without reference to Local Government and there is no agreement to freeze council Tax next year, the decision to freeze council tax is one which can only be made by Councils.

“Our Cross-Party Group Leaders held an emergency meeting first thing this morning on the back of the announcement and there is real anger at the way this has been handled and what it puts at risk.

“On the back of this our Political Group Leaders also asked us to seek an urgent meeting with the First Minister.

“We deplore the way the announcement was made and its substance, both of which fly in the face of the Verity House Agreement which we all recently signed.

“It has been shown that previous council tax freezes have been regressive, having no impact for the poorest in society and eroding the council tax base, compounding councils’ ongoing underfunding.

“We will explore the implications arising and what the Scottish Government might propose when we meet with the Deputy First Minister later today – but we are clear that local taxation and particularly Council Tax should be left for democratically elected councils to determine.”

THE STUC responded swiftly to the First Minister’s announcement of a council tax freeze:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1714597373681279306

THE Scottish Greens, the SNP’s partners in government, have also expressed concerns. Scottish Greens finance spokesperson Ross Greer MSP said: “We are concerned about the effect this freeze could have on already-strained frontline public services if it is not properly funded.

“Our local councils and people who rely on services like social care, schools and early years centres must not lose out as a result of this announcement.

“Green MSPs will now work with our government colleagues in the SNP to work through the details, ensure that their decision is sustainably financed and that the most vulnerable people in our communities do not see the services they rely on being underfunded as a result.

“The First Minister is right to want to support those who are struggling the most through the cost of living crisis, but the way to do that is to completely replace the deeply unfair Council Tax with a more progressive system.

“As we have repeatedly highlighted, council tax is a ludicrously broken system. It hasn’t been accurate since before I was born, with most people now paying the wrong rate as a result of those 1991 valuations. 

“The Scottish Greens have ensured that Scotland’s income tax system is the fairest in the UK, raising a billion pounds more every year for essential services like the NHS and our schools by asking those earning the most to pay a bit more.

“That is the progressive approach we will take once again as we work with SNP colleagues to agree the national budget for 2024-25.”

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU Scotland, said: “LGIU Scotland is deeply concerned by yesterday’s announcement from the First Minister to freeze council tax.

​​”The lack of consultation with local government demonstrates a failure of the principles of trust and respect that should be the foundation of the working relationship between the Scottish Government and local authorities and which are at the heart of the Verity House Agreement. 

“Our research shows how important it is that local government is empowered to make decisions regarding its financing. International comparisons clearly show the detrimental impact that undermining the financial independence of local authorities has on the financial sustainability of the sector and the delivery of essential local services.

“Freezing council tax should be a decision for councils, not for central government. Even where those freezes are funded by grants, the loss of growth in the council tax base undermines the council’s finances for years to come. Many councils in England are still recovering from this nearly a decade on. 

“Everyone aspires to a sustainable, stable future for local government finances but this can only be achieved by giving councils control, not by imposing decisions upon them. 

“Scotland had seemed to be making good progress in this regard with the Verity House Agreement and commitments to empowering local government. So it’s disappointing to see this backward step.”

‘An acute humanitarian crisis is unfolding, to which we must respond’

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak yesterday made an oral statement to the House of Commons on the latest situation in Israel and Gaza

Mr Speaker, the attacks in Israel last weekend shocked the world. Over 1,400 people murdered, one by one. Over 3,500 wounded. Almost 200 taken hostage.

The elderly men, women, children, babies in arms – murdered, mutilated, burned alive. We should call it by its name: it was a pogrom.

Mr Speaker, the families of some of the missing are in the public gallery today.

We called for the immediate release of all hostages.

And I say to them. We stand with you. We stand with Israel.

The murdered and the missing come from over 30 countries – including the United Kingdom.

The terrible nature of these attacks means it is proving difficult to identify many of the deceased.

But with a heavy heart, I can inform the House that at least 6 British citizens were killed. A further 10 are missing, some of whom are feared to be among the dead.

We are working with Israel to establish the facts as quickly as possible, and we are supporting the families who are suffering unimaginable pain.

We are also helping British citizens who want to leave Israel.

We have organised 8 flights so far, bringing out over 500 people, with more flights leaving today.

We are working with neighbouring countries on land evacuations for our citizens in Gaza and the West Bank.

I have spoken specifically to President Sisi about supporting civilians to leave Gaza via the Rafah border crossing – which at present remains closed.

And we have a Border Force team in Egypt working with our Embassy to help citizens when they are able to cross.

I will come back to the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza for a moment.

But first, Mr Speaker I want to address the British Jewish community directly. As I said at Finchley United Synagogue last week and a Jewish school I visited this morning – we stand with you, now and always.

This atrocity was an existential strike at the very idea of Israel as a safe homeland of the Jewish people.

I understand why it has shaken you to your core.

And I am sickened that antisemitic incidents have increased since the attacks.

We are doing everything we can to protect you.

We are providing an additional £3 million for the Community Security Trust to protect schools, synagogues, and other Jewish community buildings.

And we are working with the police to ensure that hate crime and the glorification of terror is met with the full force of the law.

I know the whole house will support this – and join me in saying unequivocally: We stand with the Jewish community.

Mr Speaker, I also recognise that this is a moment of great anguish for British Muslim communities, who are also appalled by Hamas’ actions but fearful of the response. We must listen to these concerns with the same attentiveness.

Hamas is using innocent Palestinian people as human shields – with the tragic loss of more than 2,600 Palestinian lives, including many children.

We mourn the loss of every innocent life – civilians of every faith, every nationality who has been killed.

And so let’s say it plainly: we stand with British Muslim communities too.

Mr Speaker, Israel was founded not just as a homeland for the Jewish people, but as a guarantor of their security.

To ensure that what happened to the Jewish people in the Holocaust could never happen again.

Through its strength and resilience Israel gradually achieved some of that longed for security.

Despite the strategic threats on their borders, including Hezbollah in the north, with Iran at their back.

They normalised relations with the UAE and Bahrain through the Abraham Accords and moved towards normalising ties with Saudi Arabia.

Steps that not long ago were thought unthinkable.

One reason why this attack is so shocking is that it is a fundamental challenge to any idea of coexistence.

Which is an essential precursor to peace and stability in the region.

Mr Speaker, the question is: how should we respond?

I believe we must support, absolutely, Israel’s right to defend itself. To go after Hamas, take back the hostages, deter further incursions, and strengthen its security for the long term.

But this must be done in line with international humanitarian law but also recognising that they face a vicious enemy that embeds itself behind civilians.

As a friend, we will continue to call on Israel to take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians.

I repeat President Biden’s words – as democracies “we are stronger and more secure when we act according to the rule of law.” Humanity. Law. Decency. Respect for human life. That’s what sets us apart from the mindless violence of the terrorist.

Mr Speaker, there are three specific areas where the UK is helping to shape events.

First, we are working to prevent escalation and further threats against Israel.

On Friday, RAF surveillance aircraft began patrols to track threats to regional security.

I have deployed a Royal Navy task group to the eastern Mediterranean – including RFA Lyme Bay and RFA Argus, 3 Merlin helicopters and a company of Royal Marines. Ready both to interdict arms and support the humanitarian response. And we are bolstering our forces in Cyprus and across the region.

Let me be clear, we are not engaging in fighting or an offensive in Gaza. But we are increasing our presence to prevent broader regional instability at this dangerous moment.

Second, Mr Speaker, I’m proud that we are a longstanding and significant provider of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. And I can announce today that we are increasing our aid by a third, with an additional £10 million of support.

An acute humanitarian crisis is unfolding, to which we must respond. We must support the Palestinian people – because they’re victims of Hamas too.

Like our allies, we believe that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people, or their legitimate aspirations to live with equal measures of security, freedom, justice, opportunity and dignity.

Hamas simply does not stand for the future that Palestinians want.

And they seek to put the Palestinian people in harm’s way.

So we must ensure humanitarian support urgently reaches civilians in Gaza. This requires Egypt and Israel to allow in the aid that is so badly needed.

We also need to keep the situation in the West Bank in the forefront of our minds at this moment of heightened sensitivity.

Earlier today, I spoke to Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the Palestinian Authority, to express our support for his efforts to provide stability.

Third, we will use all the tools of British diplomacy to sustain the prospects of peace and stability in the region.

Ultimately, that requires security for Israelis and Palestinians and a two-state solution. So we’re increasing our regional engagement. 

I have spoken to Prime Minister Netanyahu twice in the last week, along with the United States, France, Germany, Italy and others.

My Right Honourable Friend the Foreign Secretary was the first to visit Israel after the attacks.

I met with His Majesty the King of Jordan yesterday – a long-time voice of reason and moderation.

I have spoken today with the leaders of Turkey and previously Egypt … and will speak to others in the coming days.

Our partners in the region have asked us to play a role in preventing further escalation. That is what we will do.

However hard it is, we need to ask the tough questions about how we can revive the long-term prospects for a two-state solution, for normalisation and regional stability.

Not least because that is precisely what Hamas has been trying to kill.

In conclusion, Mr Speaker, unequivocally backing Israel’s right to defend itself.

Stepping forward with humanitarian support.

Working to protect civilians from harm. And straining every sinew to keep the flame of peace and stability alive. That is our objective.

It is the right approach for the region. It is the right approach for Britain.

And I commend this statement to the House.

First Minister calls for Gaza humanitarian corridor

First Minister Humza Yousaf has written to the Foreign Secretary James Cleverly supporting the establishment of a humanitarian corridor in Gaza to allow civilian evacuation:

To: Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly
From: First Minister Humza Yousaf

I am writing concerning the horrific terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas over the weekend, and the escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza.

The Scottish Government and I unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist actions of Hamas. Israel – like any other country – has a right to protect itself and its citizens from terror.

Too many innocent people have already lost their lives as a consequence of these completely unjustifiable and illegitimate attacks by Hamas. However, innocent men, women and children cannot, and should not, pay the price for the actions of a terrorist group. Collective punishment of innocent civilians cannot be justified and will do nothing to set the conditions for peace in the region.

As the number of civilians displaced in Gaza increases and with supplies restricted, innocent people are being affected and conditions will worsen. The United Nations Secretary General has called for “relevant parties to allow United Nations access to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians trapped and helpless in the Gaza Strip” and the international community to mobilise to provide support. I support this view.

As a close friend and ally of Israel, I therefore ask the UK Government to call on the Government of Israel to ensure innocent civilians are protected and to put in place an immediate ceasefire to allow the safe passage of civilians through the Rafah border.

Furthermore, it should open a humanitarian corridor into Gaza to allow supplies, including food, fuel, water and medical supplies, for those civilians who are trapped, helpless and cannot leave.

Finally, I call on the international community to be proactive and work towards an immediate ceasefire and a long-lasting peace that sees Israelis and Palestinians treated as equals.

I am grateful for the ongoing engagement of Lord Ahmad, who has briefed me on the situation concerning UK nationals in Israel and Gaza. The Scottish Government stands ready to assist any efforts to support those who find themselves caught up in this tragic situation.

Disability Bill will not fully achieve it’s aims, says Holyrood Committee

A Bill that seeks to improve disabled children and young people’s transition to adulthood would not fully achieve its aims, according to report from Holyrood’s Education, Children and Young People Committee.

The Committee has been scrutinising the Disabled, Children and Young People (Transitions to Adulthood) (Scotland) Bill.

While the Committee is supportive of the aims of the Bill, it is not convinced that it will resolve the issues being experienced by disabled young people. 

During its inquiry, the Committee repeatedly heard about the challenges faced by disabled young people and their families. They said they often did not feel they were listened to by professionals, found there was nobody to take the lead on transitions and felt there was a disconnect between children’s and adult services.

Furthermore, many witnesses, including professionals working to support disabled young people, characterised the current legislative landscape as complex, cluttered and difficult to navigate.

The Committee heard that whilst the Bill sought to address this, several aspects of the Bill risked inadvertently complicating this landscape further. 

The Committee recognises, however, that doing nothing is not an option and makes a series of recommendations setting out which changes to current practice are urgently required.

During its inquiry, the Committee was also told that existing legislation and policies suffered from an ‘implementation gap’ due to limitations in resources, inconsistent practices, organisational cultures and difficulties with information sharing.


Commenting on the publication of the report, Sue Webber MSP, Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee, said: “We want to see the support available for disabled children and young people’s transition to adulthood improve and commend the Member for her work in bringing forward this legislation.

“This Bill has shone a light on the challenges faced by disabled young people and their families.

“However, the views we heard during our inquiry were clear. The Bill is unlikely to resolve the substantial issues that families with disabled young people are facing. The Scottish Government must urgently act to fix these issues.”

Martin Whitfield MSP dissented from the following sentence within the report:
“However, for the reasons set out in this report, the Committee is not convinced that the general principles should be agreed.”

Disabled-Children-and-Young-People-Transitions-to-Adulthood-Scotland-Bill-Easy-ReadDownload

‘Seismic’ victory for Labour in Rutherglen and Hamilton West

LABOUR has won the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election.

The contest was brought about by the sacking of former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier after she broke Covid rules.

The Labour victory was widely expected given those circumstances, the SNP’s current difficulties and the deep unpopularity of the Tory government at Westminster;

Labour’s Michael Shanks amassed more than double the votes of his SNP opponent Katy Louden. In what predictably turned out to be a two horse race, all of the other candidates lost their deposits.

It was Labour’s first win in a Scottish by-election for twelve years and doubles Labour’s representation at Westminster. The party sees this as a springboard to nationwide success in next year’s general election, which Labour is also predicted to win emphatically.

‘Seismic’ was the Labour party’s agreed word of choice on the night , but was the result really seismic? An impressive victory, certainly – but the turnout in this so-called ‘crucial’ by-election was a miserable 37 per cent. Nearly two in three voters simply couldn’t be bothered.

VOTES WERE CAST AS FOLLOWS:

  • Gloria Adebo (Scottish Liberal Democrats) – 895
  • Bill Bonnar (Scottish Socialist Party) – 271
  • Garry Cooke (Independent) – 6
  • Andrew Daly (Independent) – 81
  • Cameron Eadie (Scottish Greens) – 601
  • Prince Ankit Love, Emperor of India – 34
  • Niall Fraser (Scottish Family Party) – 319
  • Ewan Hoyle (Volt UK) – 46
  • Thomas Kerr (Scottish Conservatives) – 1,192
  • Katy Loudon (SNP) – 8,399
  • Chris Sermanni (Scottish Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition) – 178
  • MICHAEL SHANKS (Scottish Labour) – 17,845
  • David Stark (Reform UK) – 403
  • Colette Walker (Independence for Scotland Party) – 207

Briggs: Reduction in people receiving alcohol treatment ‘deeply troubling’

  • Reduction in people receiving alcohol treatment in Lothian
  • A 1,000 fewer people receiving treatment compared to eight years ago
  • Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Lothian Miles Briggs says the fall in the number of people starting alcohol treatment in NHS Lothian over the last decade is “deeply troubling.”

Figures obtained by Scottish Conservative MSP Miles Briggs, from SNP Drugs and Alcohol Minister Elena Whitham, show that across Scotland the number receiving treatment has fallen by a staggering 40 per cent.

In 2013/14, 32,556 accessed alcohol treatment programmes, but by 2021/22 that figure had dropped to 19,617.

In Lothian there has been a 30% percentage drop in those accessing programme.

In 2013/14 in Lothian 3303 accessed programmes, but in 2021/22 that figure stood at only 2303 – a drop of 1000 people.

These figures follow news that the highest number of Scots since 2008 have lost their lives to alcohol in the last year at 1,276.

In the light of these figures, Mr. Briggs has now demanded that SNP ministers back the Right to Recovery Bill in Parliament.

That would enshrine in law a right to access treatment for anyone in Scotland who needs it most.

Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Miles Briggs said: “The drop in the number of people accessing alcohol treatment programme in Lothian is something I find deeply troubling.

“It is a shameful reflection of how the SNP have mishandled Scotland’s problems with alcohol that there has been a 30% decrease in the numbers accessing treatment programmes since 2013/14.

“This fall is replicated right across the country, and it is astounding that SNP ministers would allow treatment places to be so dramatically reduced at a time when alcohol deaths across the country are at their highest level since 2008.

“This latest example of incompetence will come as no surprise to anyone witness to the SNP’s failure to tackle Scotland’s drug death emergency, and once again it is the most deprived people in Lothian that these cuts are harming the most.

“These concerning findings only reaffirm the need for SNP ministers to finally back the Right to Recovery Bill.

“This legislation would enshrine in law the right for those suffering from addiction in Lothian to receive potentially life-saving treatment and has been backed by frontline experts and charities.

“I will continue to put pressure on the SNP-Green government to give this bill their backing, so it becomes law as quickly as possible.”

Ayrshire and Arran: 2013/14 (4777 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (1546 patients received treatment)- decrease of 13%

Borders: 2013/14 (431 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (310 patients received treatment) Down 28%

Dumfries and Galloway 2013/14 (922 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (918 patients received treatment) Down 0.4%

Fife 2013/14 (1635 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (1092 patients received treatment) Down 38%

Forth Valley 2013/14 (1491 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (773 patients received treatment) Down 48%

Grampian 2013/14 (1761 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (1214 patients received treatment) Down 31%

Greater Glasgow and Clyde 2013/14 (11895 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (4901 patients received treatment) Down 59%

Highland 2013/14 (1531 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (735 patients received treatment) Down 52%

Lanarkshire 2013/14 (5727 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (4789 patients received treatment) Down 16%

Lothian 2013/14 (3303 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (2303 patients received treatment) Down 30%

Orkney 2013/14 (54 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (23 patients received treatment) Down 57%

Shetland 2013/14 (73 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (54 patients received treatment) Down 26%

Tayside 2013/14 (1651 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (912 patients received treatment) Down 44%

Western Isles 2013/14 (305 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (47 patients received treatment) Down 84%

Briggs disappointment over Sheriffhall Roundabout inaction

Last week at the Scottish Parliament, Lothian MSP Miles Briggs called on SNP and Green Ministers to progress the A720 Sherrifhall roundabout.

At the start of February this year a Public Local Inquiry was carried out, to address objections which were received in relation to the project.

In his question, Mr Briggs asked if the Scottish Government has received any recommendations from the independent reporter.

In response, Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop, said: “The Scottish Government has not yet received any recommendations from the independent reporter regarding the A720 Sherrifhall roundabout following that public inquiry, held between the 31st January and the 8th February 2023.”

Mr Briggs has previously called on SNP and Green Ministers to make progress on upgrades to the junction, with £120 million being earmarked for the project as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

The announcement on Thursday by Audit Scotland that the Scottish Government will not meet their infrastructure goals has raised concerns over the delivery of the project.

Lothian MSP Miles’ Briggs said: “I am disappointed to hear that and I think that people across Edinburgh and the Lothians and the South of Scotland as well, will really be wanting to see when those will be given to Ministers and how fast we can see this progress, because we need the A720 Sherrifhall roundabout to be upgraded.

“It is now over five years since the Sherrifhall Roundabout was included in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. We need to see this upgrade urgently progressed.”

UK Government announces new long-term plan to back motorists

Plan for drivers ‘will sit alongside continued investment in public transport and active travel’

  • new long-term government plan will support drivers and put the brakes on anti-car measures
  • plan will address drivers’ everyday concerns with new measures to keep traffic moving, make parking simpler, and clamp down on overrunning road works
  • guidance to be reviewed on 20mph limits and low traffic neighbourhoods in England to ensure local support, ending blanket imposition of anti-driver policies

Transport Secretary Mark Harper has set out plans to protect drivers from over-zealous traffic enforcement, as part of a long-term government plan to back drivers.  

With 50 million people holding a driving licence in Great Britain and more than 40 million licensed vehicles in the UK, the government’s new plan will support the majority who drive, by keeping motoring costs under control and ensure people have the freedom to drive as they need to in their daily lives.

The measures include reviewing guidance on 20mph speed limits in England to prevent their blanket use in areas where it’s not appropriate and amending guidance on low traffic neighbourhoods to focus on local consent.

As part of the ongoing review into low traffic neighbourhoods, the government will also consider measures for existing anti-driver policies that did not secure local consent. The plans also aim to stop councils implementing so called ‘15-minute cities’, by consulting on ways to prevent schemes which aggressively restrict where people can drive.

Drivers across the country will also soon be able to benefit from new technology to simplify parking payments. The national parking platform pilot will be rolled out nationwide so that drivers can use an app of their choice to pay instead of downloading multiple apps.

In the continued drive to tackle potholes, the government will support councils to introduce more lane rental schemes, where utility companies are required to pay to dig up the busiest roads at peak times. Under the proposals, at least half of the extra money raised from these fees will go directly towards repairing road surfaces.

To further clamp down on overrunning street works, the government will consult on extending fines for repairs which run into weekends and increasing current levels of fixed penalty notices.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “For too long politicians have focused on the short-term decisions with little regard for the long term impact on hardworking families.

“We’ve seen this consistently with people’s freedoms on transport. The clamp down on drivers is an attack on the day to day lives of most people across the UK who rely on cars to get to work or see their families.

“This week the UK government will set out a long-term plan to back drivers, slamming the brakes on anti-car measures across England. We are taking the necessary decision to back the motorists who keep our country moving.”

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:  “Too often the private car is vilified when it has been one of the most powerful forces for personal freedom and economic growth. That’s why the government is taking the long-term, necessary decision to back the motorists who keep our country moving. 

“We’re introducing a plan to ensure drivers can enjoy smoother journeys, park more easily and no longer face unfair and oppressive traffic enforcement measures.

“Our plan will sit alongside our continued investment in public transport and active travel as part of a package of measures designed to help people travel in the best way that works for them.”

A call for evidence will be launched on options to restrict the ability of local authorities to generate revenue surpluses from traffic offences and over-zealous traffic enforcement, such as yellow-box junctions.

To make life easier for drivers and help traffic flow better, the Department for Transport will strengthen guidance to make sure bus lanes only operate when necessary and a consultation will be launched on motorcycles using bus lanes. Further measures and the full plan will be published in the coming days.

The measures follow the Prime Minister’s new approach to net zero announced last week, which committed to ending the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, while supporting people who rely on their cars in their daily lives. The long-term plan to back drivers will protect people who rely on their cars from anti-driver policies.  

The plans also follow the government’s support for drivers by cutting the fuel duty rate by 5p per litre since March 2022, saving the average driver around £100 a year. This is in addition to £5 billion government investment since 2020 to resurface local roads, and new rules to clamp down on utility companies leaving potholes behind after street works.

Consultation open for Desecration of War Memorials Prevention (Scotland) Bill

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Meghan Gallacher MSP yesterday (Wednesday) launched her Proposed Desecration of War Memorials Prevention Scotland Members Bill for consultation at Holyrood.

The legislation would ensure that attacks on war memorials – which have been on the rise over the last decade – are actively discouraged by amending vandalism law to recognise the desecration of these monuments as a specific offence, which would bring Scotland into line with England and Wales.

The consultation will run from now until December 19.

In the early hours of Monday 14th November the war memorial in front of Edinburgh City Council was vandalised in what was a mindless act of vandalism.

Miles Briggs asked an FMQ at the Scottish Parliament that Thursday describing the incident as an “absolutely appalling insult to our fallen war heroes”.

Groups including the Friends of Dennistoun War Memorial have campaigned tirelessly for this legislation, which has also secured the support of veterans’ organisations, past and present British Armed Forces personnel – including Simon Weston – veterans campaigners, community action groups, and leading veteran charities.

Miles Briggs is now encouraging people to make their views known through the consultation so that Scotland’s War Memorials will receive the protection that they deserve.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “I fully support my colleague Meghan Gallacher’s proposed bill to protect our war memorials in Scotland.

“Vandalising war memorials is an abhorrent act and those who damage these memorials should be punished appropriately.

“I encourage everyone in the Lothians to engage with this consultation to prevent our war memorials from being vandalised .”

Lorna Slater welcomes cheaper, greener rail fares 

Lorna Slater MSP, the local Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, has hailed the cheaper greener rail fares pilot that will see peak rail fares scrapped across Scotland from 2nd October.

The pilot, which will last for at least six months, will provide huge financial relief to people commuting to and from Edinburgh at peak hours, and will protect the planet by encouraging more people to take the train rather than drive.

Route                                     Current peak fare                 New peak fare

Edinburgh to Glasgow                     £28.90                                    £14.90

Edinburgh to Dundee                      £41.40                                    £32.20

Edinburgh to North Berwick           £4.90                                      £3.80

Lorna Slater, the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, said: “I’m delighted that with Scottish Greens in government we are introducing this trial, ending the two-tier pricing system and helping thousands of people across Lothian to cut costs while leaving the car at home.

“Every pound saved on a commute is money that can instead go towards heating, eating, and other expenses this winter.

“It’s a game-changing opportunity to transform habits, cut congestion, save money, and make our communities safer, cleaner and greener places to live and work.

“We’ve already seen how free bus travel for everyone under 22 has boosted bus use since we launched it last year, with tens of thousands of journeys being taken across Scotland every day.

“By helping people come back to public transport, and making our streets safer to walk, wheel and cycle, we are beginning to see the kind of positive, transformational change that Scottish Greens joined the government to deliver. Change that will help people, communities like the Lothians, and our planet.”