McMillan Hosts Inclusion Scotland Parliamentary Reception

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) this week (Wednesday) hosted Inclusion Scotland's ‘Freedom of Information Research into Accessible Housing for Disabled People in Scotland' reception in the Scottish Parliament building. Mr. McMillan was joined by the Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil MSP. The event was an opportunity to discuss the report and network among invited guests.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was more than delighted to host Inclusion Scotland's Parliamentary reception on their report into Accessible Housing for Disabled People in Scotland and am pleased to say it was an extremely successful event for all concerned.

"This is an important piece of work which highlights responses from 30 of the 32 local authorities who responded back to their Freedom of Information Request on the provision of accessible housing for disabled people they provide.

"Therefore, I would like to commend everyone involved at Inclusion Scotland for producing this report and obtaining the information from local authorities which is now readily available in the public domain.

"I hope with the publication of this report it will allow for the provision of more accessible housing for disabled people throughout the country."

MSP's Welcome National Conversation to Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP and Dr Bill Wilson MSP, (SNP) have today (Thursday) welcomed the news that the National Conversation debate is coming to Inverclyde. The event will take place on Monday 16th November at Port Glasgow Town Hall. The Scottish Government Ministers taking part in the event are Kenny MacAskill MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Rosanna Cunningham MSP, Minister for the Environment.

Mr McMillan said;

"It's great news to hear that the National Conversation debate is coming to Inverclyde as this will give residents the opportunity to quiz Scottish Government Ministers on the constitutional future of Scotland.

"I believe it's vital that as many people as possible engage with Scotland's future and take part in the conversation as ultimately it will be the people of Scotland who decide which path Scotland will take.

"Therefore, I would encourage residents of Inverclyde who have any concerns or thoughts about Scotland's constitutional future to come to Port Glasgow and discuss their views with the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Minister for the Environment."

Dr Wilson said;

"The National Conversation is coming to Inverclyde, and I encourage everyone to make the most of this opportunity.

"The Scottish people will decide the nation's future and this event provides the perfect opportunity for those in Inverclyde to be heard by members of the Scottish Government.

"I hope that the event proves as successful as it has in other towns across Scotland.".

McMillan Welcomes Apprentice Recruitment Support

The news that Scottish businesses are to be offered £2,000 to recruit an apprentice has been welcomed by Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP).

Small and medium size businesses in the manufacturing, textiles, food and drink and energy sectors will be given a £2000 financial incentive by the Scottish Government to take on a new Apprentice.

Mr. McMillan said;

"The ‘Invest in an Apprentice’ scheme is just another example of the SNP Government being committed to doing everything possible to help people in this current economic climate and ScotAction is the Scottish Government's skills support package for providing real financial support to businesses and individuals through the recession.

"Apprentices are vital for Scotland’s economic recovery and I hope small and medium sized businesses in Inverclyde in the manufacturing, textiles, food and drink and energy sectors take advantage of this Scottish Government and European Social Fund incentive of £2,000 to take on a new 16-19 year old apprentice.

"This scheme reinforces the Scottish Government’s action to support Modern Apprenticeships and demonstrates that the SNP is delivering practical help to grow businesses, create jobs and support employment.

"We have a long tradition in the West of Scotland of taking on apprentices and I would emphasize how taking an apprentice on will benefit, not only small and medium sized businesses in Inverclyde, but also offer a fantastic opportunity to the young people in our community".

McMillan Welcomes Commission Ruling on Calmac

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) welcomed the news from the European Commission that the ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon town centres can continue – subject to a tendering exercise.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the announcement from the European Commission that a town centre to town centre service between Gourock and Dunoon supporting these two communities can continue.

"Though there still requires to be a tendering process the news that a service can continue is excellent for the residents of both areas as it will maintain a vital link.

"I hope those operators of alternative routes who have repeatedly threatened legal action will accept this decision.

"The decision taken by the European Commission is a strong result for Gourock."

McMillan Offers Support to Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) has today (Tuesday) lent his support to November’s Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung Cancer Awareness Month will see groups such as Macmillan Cancer Support and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation campaigning to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, and promoting the need to seek early diagnosis.

Mr McMillan said;

""While rates of Lung Cancer in Scotland are dropping, it still remains our most common cancer, and the one which causes the most deaths.

"Although it’s often associated with being a ‘smokers’ disease, the fact is that one in six cases are not related to smoking at all.

"A continuing cough, breathlessness, having difficulty swallowing, or experiencing a dull ache or sharp pain when you cough or take a deep breath, can all be early warning signs.

"If someone experiences all or any of these symptoms, they should voice their concerns to their GP. If there’s nothing wrong, you have piece of mind. If something is amiss, the faster it can be treated, the better."

McMillan Welcomes New Jobs at TSC Site

Mr McMillan has commented on the news that SKY are to introduce some 200 jobs at the TSC site in Greenock.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted to hear the news that the TSC site is to re-open with SKY introducing around 200 jobs.

"It was vital that the building did not lie vacant for a long period of time, especially during this difficult economic period, therefore, SKY brining in much needed jobs to the area is a welcome boost.

"I look forward to seeing the benefits this will bring to Inverclyde and the local workforce."

MSP and Councillor Highlight Council's Lack of Action on Flooding Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) highlighted Inverclyde Council's lack of action on flooding by publishing a letter he received from the Minister for Environment which states, "There has not been any correspondence with Inverclyde Council for some years". The Minister was responding to correspondence from Mr McMillan asking what advice Inverclyde Council sought from the Scottish Government/Scottish Executive.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am very disappointed to hear that Inverclyde Council have not contacted or sought advice from the Scottish Government on how to tackle flood prevention for some years.

"I have argued for sometime now that its vital action is taking to address the flooding problems we face in Inverclyde. No longer can we allow a repeat of the scenes witnessed throughout Inverclyde and especially in the east end of Greenock last December.

"The Council have created a Flood Action plan, nevertheless, its important this is acted upon and the working group includes all relevant parties to tackle flood prevention in Inverclyde."

Councillor Grieve said;

"I am disappointed to hear that Inverclyde Council have not been in correspondence with the Scottish Government for some years.

"It is important that Inverclyde Council leads all relevant authorities and organisations to find practical solutions to tackle flooding in the area."

McMillan Speaks in Charter Rights for People with Dementia Debate

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Thursday) spoken in the Scottish Parliament debate on Charter Rights for People with Dementia. Alongside this, Mr McMillan also signed the charter which was in the Scottish Parliament to raise awareness of this important issue.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was delighted to have the opportunity to speak in the Charter Rights for People with Dementia debate in the Scottish Parliament, and to also sign the Charter.

"It's important that we acknowledge this important issue and raise awareness, nationwide, that it's on the increase.

"Therefore, I was pleased to hear that the Scottish Government has given a commitment to making dementia a national priority for Scotland and will produce a strategy by April 2010.

"I look forward to visiting the Alzheimer Café at Wellpark Mid Kirk, Inverclyde tomorrow and discussing the important issues with those constituents in attendance."

McMillan Encourages East Dunbartonshire to Join In 'Make A Difference Day'

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) has today (Thursday) encouraged local people from East Dunbartonshire to get involved in the 6th 'CSV Make a Difference Day', which aims to bring all walks of the community together.

The annual event which is taking place on 31st of October 2009 is looking for innovative ideas to get schools, young people and workplaces involved in cleaning up the community. Ideas that have been carried out before include:

* Cleaning up eyesores and neglected waste from your surrounding area .
* Carrying out 'random acts of kindness' such as doing something for someone who's less able than you.
* Starting a local campaign for something you care about.
* Arranging collection boxes for old glasses, mobile phones and stamps.
Each participant in this year's event can claim for a free action pack to get them started, which can be found by visiting the Make a Difference Day website.

Mr McMillan said;

" I hope the local community of East Dunbartonshire get involved in this year's CSV Make a Difference Day and can't wait to hear about all the new activities and ideas that people come up with. Since it is landing on Halloween, it's sure to be innovative and fun.

"This will be a marvellous opportunity to show how communities such as Inverclyde can pull together and create another successful Make a Difference Day.

"Hopefully, this year's event will be the best yet and I would encourage people to log on to the website and to take part!"

McMillan Welcomes Record Low Hospital Infection Rates

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) welcomed the statistics published by the Scottish Government that C.DIFF & MRSA rates have fallen across Scotland over the last two years. Rates of C.difficile have fallen by 44% since the SNP came to office in 2007 and rates of MRSA are down by 26%.

Mr McMillan said;

"The publication of these figures show that real progress is being made under the Scottish Government to tackle hospital acquired infection. In Greater Glasgow and Clyde the Quarterly Number of Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI) cases in patients aged 65 and over has dropped dramatically since the Scottish Government took office in 2007.

"The additional funding from the SNP Government of £21 million this year and the measures being taken by Nicola Sturgeon to improve hospital hygiene are making a huge improvement.

"The Scottish Government is delivering for health in Glasgow. With additional funding for Glasgow NHS to tackle hospital infections this year the improvement in Glasgow and Clyde is a real testament to the work of the staff in our hospitals."

Notes:

1.http://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/index.aspx
2.http://www.documents.hps.scot.nhs.uk/ewr/pdf2009/0940.pdf

McMillan Welcomes Scottish Government Insulation Boost

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and member of the Energy Committee in the Scottish Parliament has welcomed the boost for home insulation given by the Scottish Government who are offering loans to cut fuel bills.

The Scottish Government will announce this week a new pilot scheme of loans for householders to improve insulation or other energy saving measures.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I am delighted this measure from the Scottish Government supports the forthcoming consultation on the Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Scotland, a key part of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act.

"These loans will work alongside other Scottish Government initiatives such as the Home Improvement Scheme, which are supporting thousands of people and improving energy efficiency.

"Energy efficiency is a key part of not only economic recovery for Inverclyde but also in achieving our climate change ambitions.

"The wider consultation will ask for views on annual targets for energy efficiency, look at ways of changing attitudes and influencing behaviour and see what opportunities exist to capitalise on innovation and investment in energy efficiency. I would urge anyone in Inverclyde to make their views known on this issue that I know is of great interest to many given the importance of energy efficiency".

Notes:
· A range of Scottish Government programmes already contribute to improving the energy performance of housing. These include:
* Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centres, providing independent advice on energy efficiency in housing, microgeneration, personal transport and fuel poverty.
* The Energy Assistance Package, a co-ordinated programme of support targeted at the fuel poor which includes energy efficiency advice, benefit and tariff checks, and a range of insulation and heating measures.
* The Home Insulation Scheme, an area-based insulation scheme.
* The Energy Saving Scotland Home Renewables scheme, which provides grants for householders to install their own renewable energy equipment.

· For more information visit http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Home

McMillan Receives Honourary Membership of Clydeside Action on Asbestos

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) has today extended his congratulations to Clydeside Action on Asbestos on reaching their 25th Anniversary following a successful anniversary dinner held in Glasgow on Friday night. Mr McMillan attended the event where he met campaigners and representatives of Clydeside Action on Asbestos who he worked alongside in the passing of the Damages Asbestos Related Conditions (Scotland) Bill.

Speaking after the anniversary dinner, at which Mr McMillan was awarded honorary membership for his continued work with Clydeside Action on Asbestos,

Mr McMillan said:

"I was delighted to attend the Clydeside Action on Asbestos 25th Anniversary dinner and help celebrate the excellent work they have undertaken since their inception.

"Since my election in May 2007 I have worked alongside campaigners and representatives of Clydeside Action on Asbestos to make sure legislation is put in place to compensate people who suffer from pleural plaques.

"Therefore, the passing of the Damages Asbestos Related Conditions (Scotland) Bill on 11th March 2009 in the Scottish Parliament was an important milestone in the campaign for pleural plaque sufferers.

"It's important to recognise the hard work and dedication that has gone into achieving the goal of passing the Damages Asbestos Related Conditions (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament and the 25th Anniversary of Clydeside Action on Asbestos was certainly a fitting occasion to mark the efforts of all those involved."

McMillan Encourages People of East Dunbartonshire to Get Flu Jab

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) has today (Tuesday) encouraged people of East Dunbartonshire, especially those vulnerable groups of people, to obtain the seasonal flu jab. Three groups of people are entitled to free seasonal flu vaccinations: Those aged 65 years of age and over; Those with a medical condition which puts them in an 'at risk' group and NHS healthcare staff.

Mr McMillan said;

"It's important that people in East Dunbartonshire take the necessary steps to obtain the seasonal flu jab.

"GP practices will now start inviting patients, holding flu clinics and publicising their programmes. Alongside this, a separate vaccination campaign will begin in the next few weeks to vaccinate people against the H1N1 pandemic flu virus.

"I would urge everyone entitled to receive a vaccination to ensure they come forward as this is the easiest way to protect yourself and others."

Notes:
1. Public information leaflets about the seasonal flu campaign will be available and distributed to GP surgeries, pharmacies, health boards and voluntary health organisations.
2. In the community, the vaccine will be available to those eligible from healthcare staff in GP surgeries and they will be invited to attend the practice to get their vaccine. Healthcare workers are usually vaccinated through their occupational health service.
3. Each year in Scotland in excess of a million doses of seasonal flu vaccine are made available for those aged 65 or over and those under the age of 65 at risk of complications as a result of flu, as well as healthcare staff eligible for the flu vaccine.
4. Those who are 'at risk' with regard to seasonal flu are people of all ages with long-term illnesses, including:
* Serious breathing problems, e.g. asthma needing regular inhaled or oral steroids; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
* Serious heart conditions
* Diabetes
* Severe kidney or liver disease
* Serious neurological conditions, e.g. stroke or multiple sclerosis
* Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, e.g.
chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment for cancer or long-term steroid use
* Any other serious medical condition - patients are advised to consult their doctor, practice nurse or pharmacist.
5. The priority groups for the H1N1 vaccination programme will be those in the 'at risk' group, pregnant women and healthcare workers. Those aged 65 and over who are not in the 'at risk'
group are not in the priority group for the H1N1 vaccination.

McMillan Raises Concerns For Future of Greenock Navy Buildings

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Friday) written to Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth MP regarding the proposals to close the Greenock Navy Buildings, raising concerns for the future of the site and the impact such a loss would have on the local community.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am extremely concerned about the proposals to close Greenock Navy Buildings. This would be huge blow to the local economy and would have an extremely damaging effect on the local community as a whole. Once again the Labour Government is letting down Inverclyde.

"I believe there are many questions that need to be answered surrounding these proposals and that the Ministry of Defence may not be disclosing all the relevant information.

"Questions need to be asked to assure job security of those currently employed at Greenock Navy Buildings. The Ministry of Defence must also outline what it proposes will happen to the site if it is to be closed.

"Due to importance of this issue I felt compelled to write to Defence Secretary, Bob Ainsworth MP, to highlight my concerns and ask questions of the Ministry of Defence about the future of the Greenock Navy Buildings."

Letter to Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth MP:

SM/NS

Rt Hon Bob Ainsworth MP
Secretary of State for Defence
MoD Ministerial Correspondence Unit
5th Floor, Zone A
Main Building
Whitehall, London
SW1A 2HB

2nd October 2009

Dear Mr Ainsworth,

Re: Greenock Navy Buildings

I have recently read, with some concern, about the proposals by the Ministry of Defence to close the Greenock Navy Buildings. As I am sure you are aware this would impact greatly on employment in the area as it would allegedly see 60 Coastguard jobs being transferred elsewhere, this is on top of the jobs of around 40 others working there for the Ministry of Defence and the marine salvage unit. This site is also used by the Naval Reserve unit HMS Dalriada, Royal Marine Reserves and is used by the air cadets.

I understand that proposals have been put in place to close this site by March 2011, the reasons for this are given as the high cost of repair and budget problems. In light of this I kindly ask that you answer the following questions in your role as Secretary of State for Defence:

• If the proposals are ratified what does the MoD plan to do with the site?
• Does the MoD currently lease any properties from private landlords within Inverclyde or the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area? If so, how many buildings do they lease and what are the cumulative annual costs in rent?
• What provisions have the MoD put in place to relocate staff and make sure there is no adverse effect on employment in the area?
• How long have these proposals to close Greenock Navy Buildings been discussed?
• What option appraisal documents are available to the public? Where can these documents be accessed?
• Have the economic and social implications of the proposed closure been fully discussed with Inverclyde Council and Scottish Enterprise?
• If so, when did these discussions take place?

What is the timescale for the proposed closure in terms of a final decision and subsequent action?
I look forward to hearing from you in the near future on this important issue.

Yours sincerely

Stuart McMillan MSP

McMillan Highlights Alcohol Awareness Week

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Friday) welcomed the news that this year's ‘What’s in it for me?’ campaign will be tackling alcohol. The campaign’s Alcohol Awareness Week will be from 4-10 October 2009 and aims to increase awareness amongst Scots and demonstrate that making positive choices, changing drinking habits and drinking more
responsibly will enable them to get more out of their day, week and weekend – at work, at home and with friends or family.

Now in its third year, Scotland’s Alcohol Awareness Week is going from strength to strength. Over the past two years, this innovative partnership between government, the alcohol
industry, health professionals and the voluntary sector has been working together to promote a common responsible drinking message.

Mr McMillan said;

"Alcohol misuse has a major impact not only on health, but also on the creation of safer and stronger communities. Organisations across Scotland are signing up to support Alcohol Awareness Week, understanding that they can play a key role in promoting responsible drinking, whether that be to their staff, service users or customers.

"Now in its third year, Scotland's Alcohol Awareness Week is going from strength to strength. Over the past two years this innovative partnership between government, the alcohol industry, health professionals and the voluntary sector has been working together to promote a common responsible drinking message.

"This is why I felt it important to visit the SPAR store in Wemyss Bay and highlight Alcohol Awareness Week.

"To find out more about what will be going on during Alcohol Awareness Week and who is involved visit the campaign website http://www.blogger.com/www.alcoholawarenessweek.com or call 0800 7 314 314."

CALL FOR STRATHCLYDE POLICE TO GUARANTEE FUTURE OF PIPE BAND

Speaking ahead of his Members Debate this evening in the Scottish Parliament on the future of the world famous Strathclyde Police Pipe Band, West of Scotland SNP MSP Stuart McMillan, a piper himself, has called on the Chief Constable to guarantee the future of the pipe band.

The pipe band, one of the leading pipe bands in the world could be disbanded as a result of internal re-organisation within Strathclyde Police.

Commenting Mr. McMillan said:

"Scotland is the home of bagpiping and with the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band facing uncertainty, I hope all elected representatives will support this campaign to preserve a prominent feature of our Scottish cultural heritage.

"The threat to the pipe band has been looming for months and now that the competition season is over until May 2010, even more pressure has been placed upon the band.

"The fact the band won the fight to compete at the 5 major competitions last season just shows that the management of Strathclyde Police can listen to legitimate arguments and I would urge them to listen again.

"The pipe band are an institution with a proud heritage whose players are civilians as well as serving police officers.

"In this year of Homecoming, the idea that an icon such as the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band are threatened beggars belief.

"The serving officers already spend 86% of their time doing direct police duties which is up from the 65% in 2007. Playing in the band offers a different face of the police as well as it being a fantastic recruiting tool. I am surprised the senior management do not recognise this.

"If the pipe band were a football club, then would be akin to Chelsea. Nobody in their right mind would want to disband Chelsea as they provide a lot of enjoyment to many people. Why disband a Scottish cultural icon that does likewise across the globe?"

McMillan Makes Submission to Inverclyde Council on Power Station Proposals

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Wednesday) made a submission to Inverclyde Council on their consultation over outline proposals lodged by Scottish Power for development on the Inverkip Power Station site. Mr McMillan recently visited Inverkip Power Station site to obtain a greater appreciation of the size of the site and a greater understanding of the proposals submitted by Scottish Power.

Mr McMillan said;

"The proposed development of Inverkip Power Station site has created a lot of feeling within the local communities of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay.

"Therefore, I felt it was important to consult both villages and gain the views of residents.

"It is quite clear from the results that residents are concerned that an additional 780 properties would exacerbate the problems on the A78 and increase road safety concerns.

"I have campaigned strongly for improved road safety on the A78 which I believe is of vital importance. Therefore, any development on the Inverkip Power Station site must take into account the increased volume of traffic this will bring to the area.

"If proposals are accepted in some form by Inverclyde Council then I believe its important improvements to slip roads, including introduction of street lighting and new road surfaces are considered. Alongside this, I believe a reduction in the number of domestic properties coupled with an increase in the number of industrial units, could bring much needed jobs to the area and boost the local economy.

"I hope Inverclyde Council take onboard my response and the results of the consultation I undertook with residents of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay."

McMillan Highlights Guide Dog Week

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has highlighted Guide Dog Week, which runs between 5-11 October, by lodging a motion in the Scottish Parliament.

The week long campaign aims to raise awareness of the benefits guide dogs can have for people with visual impairments.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This week long campaign is an excellent way to show how having a guide dog really can make a huge difference to someone’s life.

"This year’s campaign is focusing on the 20,000 children and young people in the UK with visual impairments and I wish it every success.

"The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association are always looking for new puppy walkers, people to look after the guide dog puppies in their infancy, so I also wish them success in furthering this campaign too.

"I was only too happy to lodge this motion in the Scottish Parliament and it immediately gained cross party support which shows the level of interest the issue has in Parliament".