McMillan Delighted Strathclyde Police Pipe Band is Saved

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has spoken of his delight that Strathclyde Police Pipe Band is to be saved.

After months of uncertainty for the Band the official announcement that they are to be saved comes as they prepare for the coming piping season.

Mr. McMillan campaigned from the outset with the College of Piping to save the Band.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I am absolutely delighted the band has been saved. I know the band members are thrilled to know their future is secure and thank Strathclyde Police for listening to the views put to them and reaching this positive decision.

"The tireless campaigning by the College of Piping and other band supporters is to be commended and I’m pleased it all paid off.

"I hope the band can now go from strength to strength with their new members and hope old members consider rejoining now the future is stable.

"The band are ambassadors for Scotland and are now able to put the uncertainty of the past few months behind them and concentrate on the upcoming piping season".

McMillan Finally Receives Response to Navy Buildings Letter

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) received a response from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to his letters pertaining to the future of the Royal Navy Buildings in Greenock and plans to dispose of them. In the response letter Kevan Jones MP states, following a recent long term cost modelling exercise… the continued retention of the buildings does not represent the best value for money.

Mr McMillan, firstly, wrote to the MOD on 2nd October 2009 and then again on 14th December 2009 and has now received a response dated 14th January 2010. In the letter Mr McMillan raised a number of questions that he felt needed addressed in regards to the future of the Navy Buildings.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was contacted by constituents about this matter last year and I also met with representatives of the PCS Union in December 09 to discuss the future of the Navy Buildings in Inverclyde.

"During the meeting it was evident that they had many concerns about the future of the building and what it meant for all those who were employed there.

"As the majority of the workers are from the Inverclyde area it is important that we are made aware what the future holds for the building.

"Therefore, the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Navy Buildings is unacceptable and I hope the MOD will do the right thing and save the buildings and secure the future of the employees.

"Alongside the answers I received from the MOD I have also, through my Westminster colleagues, lodged a number of further questions which must be addressed sooner rather than later in-order to determine the budget, expenditure and value of the Navy Buildings."

McMillan Backs RNIB Campaign

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) the vice-convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Visual Impairment, is backing a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of the often devastating personal consequences of sight loss.

Asked by the Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland what he would miss most if he lost his vision, Mr. McMillan said he would miss seeing his children growing up.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Many of us take our sight for granted and without doubt seeing my children growing up would be a big loss for me and is difficult to imagine.

"I'm very happy to help support the vital work that RNIB Scotland does in helping blind and partially sighted people to live as fully and independently as possible. Asking members of the public to take just a moment to think of all the things they would lose if they lost their sight really brings home the true impact of sight loss.

"I hope as many people as possible will take a few moments to take part in the campaign".

Note to Editor
· Stuart McMillan MSPs quote, recorded on video, has been posted on RNIB Scotland’s website and can be viewed alongside the First Minister’s views here: whatwouldyoulose.org.uk

McMillan Welcomes HMIe Report

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) welcomed the news from a report published by HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIe) that Gibshill Children's Day Centre, Inverclyde has a welcoming and supportive ethos throughout the centre. The report also highlighted "Staff, parents and children work very well together to improve the work of the nursery."

Mr McMillan said;

"Its excellent news to hear of this report from HMIe which states that Gibshill Children's Day Centre has a high-quality learning experience.

"A great deal of credit goes to the hard work and dedication shown by all staff members in receiving such a report. This is why I have lodged a motion of congratulations in the Scottish Parliament.

"I note the inspectors have acknowledged the children are making very good progress in developing early language and mathematical skills.

"I hope this report will allow the centre to go from strength to strength in the future."

FIGURES SHOW TOUGH APPROACH ON KNIFE CRIME PAYING OFF

West of Scotland SNP MSP Stuart McMillan has welcomed figures from Strathclyde Police which show that less people are carrying knives despite an increase in searches carried out during a new £500,000 initiative.

The figures were announced by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill as he unveiled details of the new phase of the 'No Knives Better Lives' campaign in Inverclyde today

"I welcome the news from Strathclyde Police that there has been a drop in knife carrying in Inverclyde during the recent pilot project.

"Under the SNP we've already seen jail terms for knife carrying increase by a third, while the Justice Secretary has made clear that those who use a knife should expect to go to jail.

"These figures from Inverclyde show that taking a tough approach is working.

"It's important that those who carry a knife know of the serious consequences of their actions and that when they are caught they will be swiftly dealt with.

"The 'No Knifes Better Lives' initiative has been a positive step in tackling the scourge of knife crime within the Inverclyde community and I hope similar schemes will be implemented throughout the country as a method of combating knife carrying in our communities."

McMillan Welcomes Health Committee Support for Alcohol Bill

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Monday) welcomed the news that Inverclyde Council's Health Committee is in support of the Scottish Government's Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Bill and the policy of minimum pricing.

The news came to Mr McMillan in a response letter from Health Committee Convenor Joe McIlwee who said, In Inverclyde we have taken note of the severity of our alcohol related problems for some time and I am pleased to say that our alcohol related deaths have reduced over the past decade. I welcome the Scottish Government's Alcohol Bill and support minimum pricing as one of a raft of measures which will lessen the harmful effect of alcohol misuse on our community.

Commenting Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased to see Inverclyde Council's Health Committee has come out in support of the measures the Scottish Government is looking to introduce, including minimum pricing, to tackle Scotland's alcohol misuse problem.

"The support for the Scottish Government's proposals on alcohol continues to grow and the argument seems to be winning the day, throughout Scotland, that drastic action must be taken to address the problems this country faces.

"The support of Inverclyde Council's Health Committee comes on the back of further support I received at local level from West Dunbartonshire Council.

"Therefore, It's disappointing, on a national level, that opposition politicians are unable to put aside party differences and support the Scottish Government's proposals, whereas on a local level they are, as demonstrated in the responses I have received from Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire Councils.

"I hope this will change and opposition politicians will listen to the large opinion of support for the Scottish Government's Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Bill and vote in favour of the measures. We owe it to the people of Scotland to seriously address this problem."

CANCER CAMPAIGN BACKS ALCOHOL BILL

Stuart McMillan MSP has welcomed the news from Breakthrough Breast Cancer that they are in support of the Scottish Government's commitment to tackle alcohol misuse in Scotland through the Alcohol etc (Scotland) Bill. The organisation highlighted the fact that Breast Cancer continues to be the most common cancer among women in Scotland with 4,000 women being diagnosed and 1,000 dying from the disease each year.

Mr McMillan announced their support, in the Scottish Parliament chamber, in a supplementary question to the Cabinet Secretary for Health Nicola Sturgeon MSP in relation to finding out what further support the Scottish Government had received for Alcohol etc (Scotland) Bill.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the support from Breakthrough Breast Cancer to the Scottish Government's Alcohol etc (Scotland) Bill.

"This is another organisation to add to the vast list of Health Boards, Police Chiefs and medical experts who are in support of the Bill being put before Parliament by the Scottish Government.

"It vital that these measures are introduced as we have just recently heard how alcohol abuse is costing the taxpayer an average of £900 per adult in Scotland today.

Audrey Birt, Director for Scotland at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said;

"Alcohol is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Breakthrough Breast Cancer is extremely concerned that failure now to take strong action to reduce levels of alcohol consumption, will lead to more women being diagnosed with breast cancer in the future."

McMillan Condemns Asbestos Insurers Appeal

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Friday) condemned insurance companies Aviva, AXA, RSA and Zurich who are appealing the Court of Sessions ruling of 8 January rejecting their attempt to invalidate the Scottish Parliament's Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions)(Scotland) Act.

The insurers see the legislation as "flawed" and are refusing to accept Lord Emslie’s ruling last week.

Mr. McMillan said;

"While I appreciate the reassurances from the ABI that the appeal will not affect the insurance companies’ commitment to pay compensation to people with asbestos-related diseases this further appeal is ridiculous.

"I would encourage the companies involved to work with agencies such Clydeside Action on Asbestos to resolve this issue once and for all.

"The view that the Scottish Parliament’s legislation is flawed is ludicrous and is undermining these companies’ reputation. I can’t believe they are on the side of their clients when they refuse to accept an Act of the Scottish Parliament that stood up to thorough scrutiny and was passed by all parties last year.

"It is time to accept the word of the law in this Act and move on".

McMillan Writes to Inverclyde Council on Cold Weather Contingencies

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) written to Inverclyde Council in light of recent weather conditions to enquire as to which provisions the council has put in place to mitigate against adverse impacts of freeze turning to thaw.

In his letter, Mr McMillan raised his concerns regarding the potential for flooding, burst pipes and the worsening condition of roads.

Mr McMillan said;

"After the terrible weather conditions across the country of the last few weeks we will begin to see the thaw.

"However, with this comes the potential for flooding, burst pipes and the emergence and worsening of cracks and pot-holes on our roads.

"In view of this, I have written to Inverclyde Council, asking for an overview of the contingencies put in place to cater for such outcomes and to ensure people are protected against any of the unwelcome side affects that come with improvements in weather conditions such as flooding".

McMillan Welcomes Inverclyde Charities Cash Boost

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to an Inverclyde voluntary care organisation with new funding.

The funding for Greenock Medical Aid Society will help to meet the cost of staff training and development through the Voluntary Sector Development Fund.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I am delighted Greenock Medical Aid Society will receive almost £20,000 which emphasises the SNP Government’s commitment to improving the skills in such organisations.

"The voluntary sector provides a vital support to our local community and this has been particularly important during the challenging economic times we have seen recently.

"I am pleased they will be able to develop to their full potential with the aid of the Scottish Government’s funding which will equip staff to work more effectively with the people in Inverclyde who rely on their help and support".

McMillan Encourages Inverclyde to ‘Adopt an Apprentice'

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Monday) welcomed the launch of a new initiative by the Scottish Government that will give businesses of all sizes and in all sectors the opportunity to receive £1,000 to take on a new apprentice [1]. The £4million funding is open to businesses across Scotland, and Mr McMillan has encouraged businesses in Inverclyde to apply to the scheme if they would benefit from taking on an apprentice.

The scheme is part of ScotAction, the Scottish Government's skills support package for leading Scotland out of recession and on to economic growth. It combines new and improved measures to help individuals and businesses through the recession and will provide skills assistance - including wage subsidies in some circumstances - for training for work, training in work and training from work to help people and businesses in Scotland survive the downturn and thrive when the economy starts to recover.

Businesses can find out more by visiting http://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/scotaction.aspx or calling Skills Development Scotland on 0808 100 8095.

Mr McMillan said;

"This initiative from the Scottish Government could make a real difference to businesses of all shapes and sizes across Inverclyde.

"The offer of £1000 to take on a new apprentice will, I'm sure, benefit our hard working companies and employers who continue to fight the effects of the recession. It will also provide increased skills training opportunities to thousands of individuals across Scotland.

"I believe apprentices are vital for Scotland's recovery and the actions of the Scottish Government’s demonstrate it wants to make sure that businesses continue to invest in training for the people who will be our workforce of the future.

"Therefore, I would encourage any local business that might be interested in the scheme to contact Skills Development Scotland on 0808 100 8095."

McMillan Welcomes Funding Boost for Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Monday) welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that Inverclyde is to share in a cash injection of more than £34 million which will be invested in programmes to develop Scotland’s workforce and safeguard and create jobs.

£16 million will be invested in Community Planning Partnership initiatives to support and prepare people for work in Dundee, East Ayrshire, Fife, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian. This will support the creation of 23 jobs and provide more than 23,000 individuals with help to find work.

Mr McMillan said;

"This funding announcement by the First Minister is an excellent boost for Community Planning Partnerships in Inverclyde.

"It's important that support is made readily available from the Scottish Government to secure jobs and training opportunities, therefore, this announcement serves to highlight the Scottish Government's continued commitment to getting Scotland through these difficult economic times.

"I look forward to seeing the benefits this funding will bring to the local economy and the opportunities it will provide to the people of Inverclyde."

MSP WELCOMES COURT'S REJECTION OF INSURANCE COMPANIES ATTEMPTS TO BLOCK ASBESTOSIS COMPENSATION

West of Scotland SNP MSP and supporter of Clydeside Action on Asbestos Stuart McMillan has welcomed the news that the Court of Session has rejected attempts by insurance firms to overturn a new law which allows victims of an asbestos-related condition to claim damages.

Some of the biggest insurance companies contested the new law which gives the victims the right to seek damages. A move condemned by Mr McMillan when the insurance companies sought a judicial review over the Scottish Parliament's decision to support the Damages (Asbestos-related conditions) (Scotland) Act.

The Act ensures that an earlier House of Lords decision which could have prevented sufferers claiming compensation is not applicable in Scotland. Mr McMillan was active in the campaign and instrumental in securing a member's debate which led to the Act being passed.

Commenting Mr McMillan said:"I am pleased to hear the news that the Court of Session has rejected this move by the insurance companies. This is great news for those sufferers of asbestos related conditions who will be able to represent themselves in their battle to obtain justice."It's important that all sufferers of asbestos related conditions have their voices heard and they receive the compensation they deserve. Those who have pleural plaques are innocent victims of the damaging impact of asbestos and should not be punished for it.

"The Scottish Parliament took the democratic decision to pass this legislation and to ensure sufferers have access to compensation. In Scotland we have the legislation to ensure those who should be compensated for their injuries receive that compensation, not to deprive people of legitimate compensation as the insurance companies were attempting."

McMillan Welcomes House of Commons Committee Support for Minimum Pricing

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Friday) welcomed the publication of a major report by an influential cross party committee of Westminster MPs, which has recommended the UK Government follow the Scottish Government’s lead in proposing a minimum price for alcohol.

The House of Commons Health Select Committee acknowledged the crippling effect of alcohol on society and said that imposing a minimum price could save up to 3000 lives a year in the UK. The report "flatly rejects as a myth" the suggestion that minimum pricing would unfairly affect moderate drinkers.

Releasing the report, Committee Chair and senior Labour MP, Rt Hon Kevin Barron said:

"The facts about alcohol misuse are shocking. Successive governments have failed to tackle the problem and it is now time for bold government."

Welcoming the Committee’s conclusions, SNP MSP Mr McMillan called on Members of the Scottish Parliament currently opposing similar measures in the Scottish Government’s Alcohol Bill to follow the lead of their UK counterparts and back this crucial legislation.

Mr McMillan said;

"This report only serves to further highlight the growing support for introducing minimum pricing in Scotland as an important measure in tackling the countries drinking culture.

"Members of the Select Committee from all political parties agree that minimum pricing is a bold, practical policy that will tackle the worst effects of problem drinking without penalising the majority of responsible drinkers.

"I have recently received supportive letters from the Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the Chief Executive of West Dunbartonshire Council to the introduction of minimum pricing.

"Therefore, I continue to urge all Members of the Scottish Parliament to support the Scottish Government's Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Bill and show that we are serious about tackling the binge drinking culture in Scotland."

McMillan Condemns Plans to Privatise British Waterways

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP), has spoken out against reports that the UK Government plans to privatise British Waterways. Media reports have suggested that British Waterways is to be included in a potential £16 billion asset sale by the UK Government in an attempt to raise funds to bail out the Labour Government's economic mess. Mr McMillan has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament urging the UK Government to keep British Waterways in public ownership.

Mr McMillan, who is convenor of the Cross Party Group on Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism in the Scottish Parliament as well as a member of the Parliament's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, said:

"I was shocked to read media reports of proposals to sell British Waterways, inland waters are a vital artery of the UK and their control should always remain in public ownership.

"East Dunbartonshire has seen the significant benefits of British Waterways through the development of the South Bank Marina in Kirkintilloch. The Kirkintilloch Canal is a huge boon for the local economy and as such I would be angry to see future developments of this kind throughout the UK being jeopardised.

"I hope my fellow Parliamentarians will sign the motion I have lodged and put pressure on the UK Government to keep British Waterways, and all their assets, in public ownership."

McMillan Welcomes Uptake in Energy Assistance Package in 2009-10

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today welcomed the news from the Scottish Government highlighting the number of households who have received help through the Energy Assistance Package (EAP) in Inverclyde. The number of households helped under the Energy Assistance Package (EAP) from April 2009 to the end of November 2009 was 665 in Inverclyde.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased to hear of the uptake in households in the Inverclyde area who have benefited from the Energy Assistance Package.

"It's important that households throughout Inverclyde and Scotland continue to contact the Energy Saving Trust as they will receive advice on how to reduce their energy bills, also whether they are eligible for cavity wall and loft insulation and also what benefits and tax credits they are entitled to.

"Therefore, I would urge constituents in Inverclyde to contact the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 to find out what support they could receive in relation to making their homes more energy efficient."