Europe Referendum date is 23 June

REFERENDUM DATE set for 23 JUNE

Not quite a ‘peace in our time’ moment – but has the Prime Minister secured enough concessions to keep Britain in Europe?

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The Prime Minister made a statement following the meeting of the European Council where he negotiated a deal to give the UK special status in the EU. Continue reading Europe Referendum date is 23 June

Brock calls for support to scrap ‘appalling’ rape clause

Deidre Brock MP

Edinburgh North and Leith MP Deirdre Brock is calling upon constituents to sign a petition which seeks to scrap the UK Government’s rape clause. Continue reading Brock calls for support to scrap ‘appalling’ rape clause

Christmas 2015: Prime Minister’s message

Prime Minister David Cameron sends his best wishes to everyone celebrating Christmas in the UK and around the world.

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If there is one thing people want at Christmas, it’s the security of having their family around them and a home that is safe. But not everyone has that. Millions of families are spending this winter in refugee camps or makeshift shelters across Syria and the Middle East, driven from their homes by Daesh and Assad. Christians from Africa to Asia will go to church on Christmas morning full of joy, but many in fear of persecution. Throughout the United Kingdom, some will spend the festive period ill, homeless or alone.

We must pay tribute to the thousands of doctors, nurses, carers and volunteers who give up their Christmas to help the vulnerable – and to those who are spending this season even further from home. Right now, our brave armed forces are doing their duty, around the world: in the skies of Iraq and Syria, targeting the terrorists that threaten those countries and our security at home; on the seas of the Mediterranean, saving those who attempt the perilous crossing to Europe; and on the ground, helping to bring stability to countries from Afghanistan to South Sudan.

It is because they face danger that we have peace. And that is what we mark today as we celebrate the birth of God’s only son, Jesus Christ – the Prince of Peace. As a Christian country, we must remember what his birth represents: peace, mercy, goodwill and, above all, hope. I believe that we should also reflect on the fact that it is because of these important religious roots and Christian values that Britain has been such a successful home to people of all faiths and none.

So, as we come together with our loved ones, in safety and security, let’s think of those who cannot do the same. Let’s give thanks to those who are helping the vulnerable at home and protecting our freedoms abroad. And let me wish everyone in Britain and around the world a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

First Minister takes trade union fight to Westminster

‘Imposing Trade Union Bill on Scotland is unacceptable’ – FM.

cameron and sturgeon

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will take the fight to stop the Trade Union Bill coming into force in Scotland to Downing Street today. In her meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron the First Minister will set out the clear opposition for the bill north of the border.

The First Minister will also make clear that Scotland must not lose out from changes to the way the Scottish budget is calculated after new tax and spend powers are devolved. Continue reading First Minister takes trade union fight to Westminster

U-turn welcome but Scotland still faces cuts

Swinney condemns ‘austerity of choice’

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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

Swinney urges Osborne: do the right thing

Chancellor must listen to growing opposition to austerity measures

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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

Devastation: charities fear impact of slashed Lottery funding

‘A significant cut to lottery funding, coupled with increased demand from people affected by welfare cuts and unemployment would represent a perfect storm for many Scottish charities’ – SallyAnn Kelly, Aberlour Trust. Continue reading Devastation: charities fear impact of slashed Lottery funding

“France grieves. But she does not grieve alone”

“The terrorists seek to divide us, and to destroy our way of life. But theirs is an empty, perverted and murderous ideology. They represent no one. And they will fail.” – Home Secretary Thesesa May

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The Home Secretary made this statement on the Paris terrorists attacks to the House of Commons yesterday:  Continue reading “France grieves. But she does not grieve alone”