Tag: Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP

Dijkstra-Downie reveals crew shortages at Edinburgh fire stations left engines out of action

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern Sanne Dijkstra-Downie has today revealed the extent to which fire stations in Edinburgh have been unable to operate their second engines because of a lack of crew to man them.

Larger fire stations should have at least two fire engines ready to respond to an emergency call at all times.

Staffing shortages, however, can mean that fire stations are unable to dispatch a crew or a vehicle to an emergency call.

Scottish Liberal Democrat freedom of information requests to Scottish Fire and Rescue have revealed that a second fire engine was unable to operate from Mcdonald Road Fire Station for 22.9% of the previous financial year due to insufficient crew numbers.

It also revealed that in the same period, a second engine was similarly unable to operate from the Sighthill station 20.9% and Crewe Toll 18% of the time.

Picture – Chris Watt Photography

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “In recent years, we have seen how the fires along Princes Street and attacks on Bonfire Night are putting additional strain on the capital’s firefighters.

“That has only been made worse by crew shortages leaving some of Edinburgh’s fire stations unable to operate their second engines on too many occasions.

“This could inevitably lead to dangerous situations where there are multiple fires happening nearby, but only one truck available.

“The efforts and service of our city’s firefighters need to be matched by leadership from their bosses and the ministers who sit behind them.”

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie: Scottish Government must rethink dropping healthy environment right from Human Rights Bill

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Sanne Dijkstra-Downie has urged the Scottish Government to rethink its decision to exclude the right to a healthy environment from its future Human Rights Bill.

Minister for Equalities, Simita Kumar, said that the government will “not include a standalone right to a healthy environment in the future Human Rights Bill.”

The right is about making sure people have access to clean air, a safe climate, safe water and adequate sanitation, healthy and sustainably produced food, non-toxic environments in which to live, work, study and play, and healthy biodiversity and ecosystems.

Recognising this right was a key recommendation of the Scottish Government’s National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership in 2021. 

In 2023, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice said that legislating for this right was a  “necessary and important step for Scotland now to take”.

In their manifesto, Scottish Liberal Democrats committed to recognising everyone’s human right to a healthy environment.  

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern and party spokesperson for the environment Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said: “I am deeply disappointed to see that the Scottish Government is withholding such a fundamental human right.

“Everybody deserves access to clean air, safe water and sanitation, as well as a stable climate. Without these protections, people are exposed to severe physical illnesses, mental health struggles, and long-term societal damage ranging from toxic chemical and radiation exposure to deepening food insecurity.

“As Scotland faces a surge in energy-intensive infrastructure, including the proposed development of massive data centres and chip-manufacturing plants, it is more vital than ever to establish robust legal frameworks that safeguard our environment and protect future generations.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats remain fully committed to high environmental standards by recognising everyone’s human right to a healthy environment.

“We are determined to work closely with our European neighbours, rather than falling behind international best practice.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Sanne Dijkstra-Downie responds to Daily Express article

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie, Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern, has made a statement in response to an article published in the Daily Express, SNP Government fund group which wants police and councils to not cooperate with immigration raids in Scotland which can be found HERE:

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said: “I am deeply disappointed to see the rhetoric of Reform UK and their attack on Project Esperanza, which does immeasurable work for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“Project Esperanza provides support for migrant, refugee, and racially minoritised women, children, and families across Edinburgh and Scotland who are navigating poverty, insecure immigration status, racialised policing, gender-based violence, housing precarity, and barriers to healthcare, employment, and education. Without them, people in my constituency and beyond would lack life-changing support.

“A vital service such as this does not deserve to have its work demonised, nor should charities and community organisations representing the needs of the communities they serve have their legitimacy challenged simply because of the people they support.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in the place they call home, and organisations like Project Esperanza help make that safety a reality for women, children and families in Edinburgh.

“The Scottish Liberal Democrats firmly stand in solidarity with targeted communities and rejects racism across the city.”

You can read the Reform UK article HERE

Cole-Hamilton calls for more respite care and holiday hubs in Edinburgh after a tough summer for families

This week, Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh North Western, visited Oaklands School in Edinburgh with Edinburgh Northern MSP, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie where they received a warm welcome from both staff and pupils.

Oaklands provides a supportive and significantly adapted learning environment for those with profound learning disabilities and associated health care needs.

The main topic of conversation centred on respite care throughout the school holidays, as many pupils and families from the school struggled to secure some, if any. This pressure on families, often unpaid carers, can be difficult to sustain.

Alex is now calling for the Scottish Government to support the City of Edinburgh Council in providing a higher level of provision for families, especially in the school holidays.

Speaking after the visit, Alex said: “Visiting Oaklands School always brings me so much joy. The staff and pupils are a delight and welcome you into their space with such kindness.

It is so hard to see these pupils struggle outside of term time, as well as their families, by not having access to appropriate levels of respite care and holiday hubs.

“Many families are also going without Section 23 assessments. The awareness amongst families of their right to a Section 23 assessment is not nearly high enough. The Scottish Government needs to act on this to ensure families have the support they need.

 “Councils need support from the Scottish Government as to how we up the ante for those who need it most during the summer months and other school holidays. We need to get it right for them and their families.”

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP: The Fringe is a chance to celebrate the very best of Edinburgh

As Edinburgh prepares to welcome visitors from across the globe for the start of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP has welcomed the return of the world’s largest arts festival and highlighted the pride it brings to the capital.

Every August, Edinburgh comes alive. Our streets are filled with music, theatre and comedy while local cafés, pubs and shops welcome thousands of extra customers and people come to experience the city at its very best. The Fringe is not only a major boost for the local economy but a celebration of the creativity, diversity and community spirit that make Edinburgh such a special place.

However, this year the Fringe begins after a difficult few weeks for the city. The fire on Princes Street is continuing to affect our public transport and ongoing discussion around policing in the city centre reminding us that Edinburgh also faces real challenges.

Commenting, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “The Fringe is one of the things that makes Edinburgh unlike anywhere else. There’s a real buzz about the city as performers arrive, venues open their doors and our streets fill with people looking to discover something new.

“It’s been a tough few weeks, though. The fire on Princes Street has been an ongoing issue for businesses and locals alike as transport continues to be disrupted. This is why I pushed the Scottish Government to provide emergency support.

“I’m really pleased we’ve now secured a £5 million recovery fund to help Edinburgh get back on its feet. That support matters, but so does making sure people feel safe when they’re out enjoying the city.

“The ongoing rise in petty crimes and anti-social behaviour have left residents concerned. These concerns need to be taken seriously because the Fringe should be something everyone can enjoy with confidence and in safety.

“The Fringe reminds us why so many people fall in love with Edinburgh.

“Let’s make sure we give visitors a warm welcome while continuing to back the businesses, workers and communities that make this city such a brilliant place to live all year round.”

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP: Wildfires across Europe show climate emergency can no longer be ignored

Following the recent wildfire in Holyrood Park, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP has warned that the growing numbers of major wildfires seen across Scotland and Europe highlights the urgent need to recognise the scale of the climate emergency and strengthen efforts to tackle its causes.

Recent weeks have seen devastating wildfires spread across parts of Spain and France, while Scotland has also experienced significant blazes, including within the Cairngorms National Park.

These incidents are evidence of a new and worrying trend of hotter, drier conditions resulting in an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires.

We are also seeing an increase in fires in habitats that used to be much more resilient to such events.

Wildfires have a long-lasting impact on the affected areas causing lasting damage to natural habitats, threatening wildlife and releases large amounts of stored carbon into the atmosphere. They also pose a significant risk to the safety of the communities who live in their vicinity of such fires.

France is currently seeing the largest peacetime evacuation in its history and Bordeaux, a city with a million people living in its urban area, is threatened with destruction.

Commenting, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “The fire that occurred in Holyrood Park was not an isolated incident. Across Europe we can witness the growing consequences of a changing climate. These events serve as a stark warning that the climate emergency is not a future problem, it is happening right now.

“Climate change is creating the conditions for longer periods of hot, dry weather, making destructive wildfires more common and more severe.

“We must respond with the urgency this crisis demands by accelerating our actions to reduce emissions, protect and restore our natural environment and invest in climate adaptation measures that make our communities more resilient.”

Local MSP reflects on Holyrood Park wildfire

Following the fire which began in Holyrood Park on Sunday evening, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie has called for recognition of the impact that climate change is already having on our city while highlighting the need for better wildfire awareness.

While wildfires can be an important part of the ecological cycle, the rate and intensity that we are seeing them occur with is a clear indication of climate change and its impact on our day-to-day lives.

Longer, hotter and drier summers are becoming the norm within Scotland and now areas that previously rarely saw such fires are affected more often. Given the number of visitors and the variety of purposes it serves, Holyrood Park is particularly susceptible to fires that are started by human activity.

Holyrood Park is a uniquely important ecological site with a wide range of trees, plants and animals, including several rare and endangered species.  The effects of climate change threaten the destruction of these species within our city, reshaping how the park will look, sound and feel for the future.

Commenting Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: – “I am deeply concerned by yet another fire in Holyrood Park and want to thank the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and all emergency responders for their swift and professional efforts to tackle the blaze.

“Holyrood Park is one of Edinburgh’s most striking natural landscapes which provides a vital habitat for wildlife and a valuable green space for residents and visitors alike. Fires of this nature can have a devastating impact on local ecosystems, destroying vegetation, disrupting breeding habitats and leaving long-lasting damage.

“The effects of climate change are not a distant threat and we are already seeing its impact across our city. As climate change contributes to more frequent periods of hot, dry weather we need investment in wildfire prevention. We also need better education about wildfire risks due to human activity such as campfires and discarded cigarettes.

“Above all, we must increase our efforts to reduce emissions, support renewable energy and step up adaptation measures in these ecologically important areas so that they can be safeguarded for future generations.”

Local MSP questions Scottish Government over it’s commitment to heat networks in Edinburgh Northern

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern Sanne Dijkstra-Downie yesterday questioned the Scottish Government on its commitment to tackling issues affecting heat networks throughout the constituency.

Heat networks are a manner of heating buildings that use a central source of hot water which is then pumped to various different homes or buildings. 

The Liberal Democrat MSP has asked the Scottish Government to comment on when the Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) Bill and any associated Heat Network legislation will be introduced, and how the proposals will differ from those previously consulted on.

Sanne has also questioned the government on if assessments have been carried out to properly document the benefits that heat networks can provide toward lowering fuel poverty, improving energy efficiency and lowering emissions.

The introduction of comprehensive legislation on heat networks will ensure that the people of Edinburgh Northern have better access to cheaper and more efficient energy methods.

However, for this to happen, the Scottish Government must be proactive in facilitating not only the deployment of heat networks, but also in engaging with local authorities and developers to ensure that any future heat networks are correctly implemented.

Commenting Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “Heat networks have the potential to play an extremely important role in delivering cleaner, more secure and more affordable heating for communities across Edinburgh Northern.

“However, this success depends on providing certainty for local authorities, investors and the consumers of heat networks.

“The questions that I have asked aim to establish the Scottish Government’s timetable, funding commitments and legislative intentions regarding heat network deployment.

“This will allow both parliament, constituents and those in the industry to have a clear understanding of how heat network deployment will be taken forward.”