MSP QUESTIONS BMI CANCELLATION OF GLASGOW-HEATHROW SERVICE

Commenting on the announcement that BMI is to suspend daily flights between Glasgow and Heathrow from the end of March with 138 staff at Glasgow Airport at risk of redundancy, SNP MSP for the Westof Scotland, Stuart McMillan - a member of the Scottish Parliament's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee - suggested that the issue of landing charges be a matter of inquiry by the committee.

BMI has said that the forthcoming rises in domestic passenger charges by BAA at Heathrow had made the loss-making route "unsustainable" and claimed that there was unfair discrimination against domestic and short-haul operators in favour of long-haul carriers. However BAA have denied that is the case and say the route was "loss-making".

Commenting Mr McMillan said:

"This is a very worrying situation and the loss of this route can only be bad for jobs and business in Scotland and the west of Scotland in particular. The threat of redundancies is particularly worrying and I will be contacting Jim Mather and the Scottish Government to ensure this matter is raised with the UK Government as a priority.

"The issue of landing charges at Heathrow is one that invariably raises its head again and again and the reduction of flights to Heathrow from Glasgow to only one operator can only raise concerns about future costs.

"I feel this issue is one that should be looked at and the Scottish Parliament's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee may be the forum that can look into this issue."

McMillan Continues to Support RI in Funding Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) further commented on the announcement that funding for Riverside Inverclyde (RI) is to be reduced in 2011/12.

The Scottish Government indicated in a letter to Mr McMillan that they face unprecedented levels of spending cuts from Westminster. This means that the availability of funds from Scottish Government budgets for regeneration projects in 2011/12 is significantly reduced.

Mr McMillan has been raising the matter consistently with the relevant authorities, including with the Chief Executive and Chairman of Scottish Enterprise in the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, writing to both Alex Neil MSP and john Swinney MSP and also meeting with Bruce Crawford MSP, the Parliamentary Business Manager. Added to this, Mr McMillan has, once again, written to the Minister for Communities to praise the work Riverside Inverclyde is doing to regenerate parts of Inverclyde.

Mr. McMillan said;

"We cannot forget the reason a reduction is being proposed are the draconian cuts coming from the Tory/Lib Dem UK Government to Scotland as a result of the economic shambles left by Labour when they were in power.

"Despite this, I have been and always will fight Inverclyde’s corner in the Parliament as I am positive about the area I live in.

"The work of Riverside Inverclyde is vital in regenerating Inverclyde for the future and the proposed reduction to their budget from Scottish Enterprise would undoubtedly hamper further improvements.

"I have been raising the funding levels of RI at the highest levels in both Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government and I believe an improved funding allocation for Riverside Inverclyde should be secured.

"This reduction will not fully support their current, and future, projects which could have a negative effect on future employment opportunities and economic prosperity to Inverclyde.

"One thing this issue highlights is the real lack of financial powers of the Scottish Parliament. If the parliament were independent or had at least financial responsibility, then borrowing in these tough times could be an option until the economy picks up. However, the unionist parties want to stymie this even further with their flawed Scotland bill currently going through the UK Parliament."

McMillan to Speak in Coastguard Centre Cuts Debate

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) will speak in a Scottish Parliamentary Members' debate on Thursday 27th January in relation to proposed cuts by the Tory/Lib Dem coalition Government to coastguard centres throughout the UK including Clyde Coastguard base in Greenock.

The debate, to be led by SNP MSP for the Western Isles Alasdair Allan, calls on the UK Tory Government to abandon the plans to cut the number of Coastguard stations.

The cuts have sparked calls for coastguard services to be devolved so Scottish waters and coastal industries can be properly protected.

Mr McMillan said;

"The Clyde is an extremely busy waterway with commercial, military and recreational activity. Scrapping the Clyde Coastguard station and passing responsibility to a station on the other side of the country is a ridiculous proposal.

"I recently met with staff from the Clyde coastguard station and also spoke to representatives of the PCS Union to make them aware of my concerns and to also listen to their concerns.

"We need local knowledge and local coastguard services. It is increasingly clear that as well as local services we need local control, with devolution of the coastguards as well as full responsibility for our coastal waters."

McMillan Questions Opposition Finance Plans

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has questioned the opposition party spending plans as they all back increasing council tax on pensioners whilst supporting lower tax payments from supermarkets.
Labour and the Lib Dems voted against the SNP Government's council tax freeze in the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee, while Labour voted with the Tories and Lib Dems against plans to introduce a small levy on supermarkets to support public services and small businesses.

However, no party produced alternative spending proposals or explained how they would replace the £30 million due to be collected from supermarkets.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I find it incredible that Labour and the Lib Dems voted to make pensioners pay more tax and big businesses less. Not to mention the Tories failing to say how they would pay for the £30 million shortfall without the large retail levy. Would they impose even more public service cuts?
Add to this that none of the opposition parties have put forward alternative spending proposals and you see an opposition with no clear future agenda for Scotland.

"In contrast John Swinney and the SNP have put forward a balanced budget for Scotland that spares our pensioners and families from council tax rises in order to help household budgets and redresses the balance for business with a small levy on supermarkets.

"A Labour budget would cut £30 million more from public spending and increase council tax by hundreds of pounds while letting large supermarkets off the hook. Scotland simply can't afford Labour.

"Without the council tax freeze over the last four years people in Inverclyde would now be paying around £295 a year more than they are now.
"The SNP is the only party firmly supporting Scottish households and small businesses as well as investing in jobs and public services."

McMillan Hands Over Charity Cheque to Inverclyde Piping Project

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has recently handed over a charity cheque of £75.00 to the Inverclyde Piping Project. The cheque was from Ipsos Mori, and obtained by Mr McMillan to give to a charity or organisation of his choosing for completing a research project with the organisation.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was delighted to have the opportunity to hand over this cheque to David Kerr and Inverclyde Piping Project and hope it will provide them with some assistance.

"As a fellow piper I'm always keen to assist, where possible, and I was therefore delighted to be able to pass on this cheque.

"I would like to wish David and Inverclyde Piping Project every success for the future.

David Kerr, Inverclyde Piping Project said;

"Stuart has been a great supporter of the Project, which The College of Piping, under whose auspices the teaching takes place, regards as exemplary.

"Future funding of the Project is uncertain and we are currently endeavouring to have Inverclyde Education authorities take The Project into the mainstream education budget."

MSP & Councillor Welcome Scottish Government Consultation on flood management

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and Inverclyde Councillor Jim Grieve have today (Tuesday) welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government of a consultation on flood management.

The consultation will be the first ever statutory guidance setting out Scotland's approach to dealing with flooding and its impacts on homes, businesses and communities.

The blueprint covers a broad range of topics, setting out how key organisations should work together to tackle the causes and consequences of flooding. It also outlines how these organisations can engage with the public to give them better information about flood risks.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I welcome the continued actions of the SNP Government in making flood prevention a priority for Scotland through the adoption of The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act.

"This consultation will set out the guidelines which will ensure that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, local authorities and other organisations, such as Scottish Water, adopt a sustainable and collaborative approach to managing the risk.

"As a strong campaigner for greater flood protection for the businesses and communities throughout Inverclyde I will be responding to this consultation with my views.

Councillor Grieve said;

"This consultation on flood management is an important step in the direction of reduce the damage and distress caused by flooding in Scottish communities particularly in Inverclyde and within my ward.

"I hope those who have been affected by flooding will make their views known and respond to the SNP Government's consultation."

McMillan Welcomes Training Funding for Inverclyde Charities

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the news that Inverclyde charities are to benefit from over £35,000 from the Scottish Government.

Quarriers and Little Sisters of the Poor are to receive the cash to train frontline staff to meet the registration standards set by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Mr. McMillan said;

"Providing training in order for staff to meet standards can be a costly exercise so I am delighted the SNP Government is helping Inverclyde in this way.

"The money from the Voluntary Sector Development Fund has come at a crucial time for many who are facing budget cuts.

"It is important that we have a confident and competent workforce who are able to support the vulnerable people they work with, thus insuring these standards are met is key to the success of the organisations.

"Therefore, assisting these Quarriers and Little Sisters of the Poor in Inverclyde will ensure the staff continue to provide the high standard of care already available".

McMillan Hands Over Charity Cheque to Greenock District Model Railway Club

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has recently handed over a charity cheque of £40.00 to the Greenock District Model Railway Club. The cheque was from Project Mercury, and obtained by Mr McMillan to give to a charity or organisation of his choosing for completing a research project with the organisation.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was delighted to have the opportunity to hand over this cheque to Greenock District Model Railway Club and hope it will provide them with some assistance.

"As an Honorary Member of Greenock District Model Railway Club and I was delighted to be able to pass on this cheque. The organisation are doing a fantastic job in trying to revive Fort Matilda Station and make it a hub of the local community.

"I would like to wish everyone involved in the club every success for the future and in their pursuit of renovating Fort Matilda Station.

Mike Jones, Chairman of Greenock District Model Railway Club said;

"Greenock & District Model Railway Club are delighted to receive this donation from the Mercury Foundation which Mr McMillan nominated us for.

"The money will be put to good use in our funds and help support railway modelling in the Greenock area. Our club is keen to be able to share the facilities at Fort Matilda once they have been upgraded and we hope that the venue will be of use to a number of local groups."

McMillan & Osborne Comment on RI Funding

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and Ward 3 Councillor Chris Osborne have today (Friday) commented on the announcement that funding for Riverside Inverclyde (RI) is to be reduced in 2011/12.

The Scottish Government have indicated in a letter to Mr McMillan that they face unprecedented levels of spending cuts from Westminster. This means that the availability of funds from Scottish Government budgets for regeneration projects in 2011/12 is significantly reduced.

Mr. McMillan said;

"It's disappointing to hear the news that Riverside Inverclyde's funding levels will be reduced in 2011/12. RI have been delivering for Inverclyde and I hope this will continue for the duration of their lifespan.

"However, funding levels have been reduced as a result of the savage cuts the Scottish Government has received from the Tory /Lib dem UK Government. As everyone knows, the UK public finances are a shambles left by the previous Labour government and the savage cuts agenda of Cameron and Clegg will hamper regeneration opportunities in places like Inverclyde.

"These cuts by the Tories with the help of the Lib Dems are the beginning of what looks like years of austerity. If the Scottish parliament had more powers such as real borrowing powers, then it need not be like this and projects like RI need not suffer."

Councillor Osborne said;

"This is another example of Inverclyde losing out because of the cuts imposed on the area by the Tory Government.

"As a board member of Riverside Inverclyde and I will be arguing that its funding must now be focussed on one thing, job creation."

McMillan Speaks Out on Inverclyde Renewable Energy Potential

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) this week spoke in the Scottish Parliament on the Electricity Market Reform currently being tackled both in Holyrood and Westminster.

During his speech Mr. McMillan highlighted the case for Inverclyde's renewable potential with assistance from the much disputed Fossil Fuel Levy. Earlier in the week Mr. McMillan questioned the thinking behind the UK Government's proposals to use the Levy for a Green Investment Bank;

"If the Fossil Fuel Levy were invested now it could open up even more possibilities in Inverclyde. Inverclyde narrowly missed out against more developed locations for resources from the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund (NRIF). I was disappointed it missed out, but it was against other areas that were more developed.

"Who is to say that if the Fossil Fuel Levy came to Scotland now, then some of it may find its way to help Inverclyde become a renewable hub that it has the potential to become? We have the core facilities and with a bit of investment on the waterfront, Inverclyde could be on the cusp of a renewable boom.

"How can any politician sell to the people of Inverclyde that we should wait for a few years for the Green Investment Bank to be established, with a capitalisation of £1bn with a guaranteed investment of £250m for Scotland but at the same time, bankers may well be paid obscene bonuses and if the bank fails in the future, they will need to go to the taxpayer for a bailout?

"I, along with many others, see the potential Inverclyde has to become a renewable hub and hope that clarification can be sought on various issues surrounding the UK Government wisdom behind neglecting that future".

McMillan Welcomes Jobs for Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed today's (Thursday 13 January) news that 200 more jobs are to be created by Amazon in Gourock.

Alongside a new Fulfilment Centre in Dunfermline the online retailer are expanding their exciting facility in Gourock, which packs and ship items for Amazon customers. The company is also expected to create further temporary jobs during peak periods.

Following the announcement by the First Minister Mr. McMillan said;

"This is a fantastic boost to the local Inverclyde economy with the creation of jobs always welcome news.

"I am delighted the SNP Government has been able to assist in bringing jobs to Inverclyde in the form of financial support from Scottish Enterprise.

"The potential for the local community here is obvious and it's just one more reason to be positive about the future of Inverclyde.

"However, I hope the working practices of Amazon have vastly improved since the situation that arose over the festive period involving sending agency staff home in the middle of shift without

prior warning.

"I am confident that particular incident has been resolved and look forward to the increase in staffing at the facility resulting in permanent staff taking on these roles".

FOSSIL FUEL LEVY SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR BANKERS’ BONUSES

MONEY IS FOR GREEN JOBS FOR SCOTLAND NOW

An SNP MSP has expressed astonishment that money which could and should be invested in creating jobs in Scotland’s green energy industry could be paid out in bankers bonuses after an admission by the UK LibDem Energy Secretary Chris Huhne and his colleague Philip Wynn Owen that bankers' bonuses and public bailouts could be a feature of a new Green Investment Bank set up with money from Scotland's share of the fossil fuel levy.

The SNP believes the £200 million should be released now to be invested in Scotland's green energy industry creating new jobs and boosting the economy.

The admission that the Tory Government is planning extra bank bonuses come as LibDems failed in their promise to stop bankers bonuses and to release the fossil fuel levy money,

Commenting Mr McMillan said:

"Under the SNP Government Scotland's renewable energy industry has moved forward and we're seeing increased investment, new jobs and world leading technology developed in Scotland.

"I was astonished when a UK Lib Dem minister admitted that money from the fossil fuel levy will set up a bank that could see some of the bankers bonuses that are a matter of some debate at the moment.

"Scotland has a real opportunity to lead the renewables revolution and releasing this money to create green jobs rather than bankers bonuses would help advance that cause.

"Instead the LibDems have disappointingly reneged on another campaign promise and taken a lackadaisical approach to investing in jobs.

"What the people of Scotland want is investment in jobs to help economic recovery. We recognise the urgency of securing investment in the Scottish renewables sector and that is why the UK Government must act without delay and release the Fossil Fuel Levy to support investment in Scotland's green energy revolution rather than horde it for bankers bonuses."

MSP & Councillor Comment on Inverclyde Flooding Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and Inverclyde Councillor Jim Grieve have today (Thursday) commented on the recent news coverage regarding the issue of flooding throughout Inverclyde.

In January 2009 Mr McMillan conducted a consultation with residents of the east end of Greenock who were affected by the devastating flood in December 2008. Since the consultation, Mr McMillan organised and set up meetings at Cappielow Stadium with Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Water, River Clyde Homes and ward Councillor Jim Grieve.

These meetings were to highlight to the relevant organisations the devastation the flooding caused with Inverclyde and that action must be taken to address flood prevention.

This led to Inverclyde Council undertaken steps to introduce a ‘Flood Action Plan’ for the area.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Once again we are witnessing the devastating affect flooding has caused throughout Inverclyde on local businesses and households.

"The many constituents who I have spoken to about flood prevention are adamant that swift action should have be taken to address this major issue throughout Inverclyde, including the west end where local traders have been hit badly in recent years.

"Unfortunately, Inverclyde Council have made little progress in tackling flooding throughout the area.

"Instead we have witnessed decades of dithering and a lack of action which is totally inadequate and inept."

Councillor Grieve said;

"It's very disappointing that we are still no further forward in dealing with the issue of flooding throughout Inverclyde.

"I know from experience that flooding has been a major issue in my ward. Therefore, it's essential that drastic action is taken now to alleviate flooding so that future generations don't have to deal with the consequences."

LABOUR PLAN £30 MILLION CUT TO SCOTTISH BUDGET

SNP BACK PUBLIC SERVICES AND SMALL BUSINESS

The SNP has confirmed support for public services, households and small business in the face of Labour, Lib and Tory efforts to cut £30 million from Scotland’s budget.

A coalition of Labour, Lib Dem and Tory is putting supermarket profits ahead of the Scottish people by trying to axe SNP plans to raise £30 million from the largest and most profitable retailers to invest in public services and support for small businesses.

Stuart McMillan MSP, a member of the Scottish Parliament’s economy committee said;

"The SNP’s budget for Scotland backs public services and Scotland’s businesses yet Labour in coalition with the Tories and Lib Dems want to cut £30 million from the Scottish budget in the interests of supermarkets.

"When the Scottish budget is under pressure as a result of cuts already made by Labour, Tory and Lib Dem Government’s it is almost beyond belief that they are trying to cut £30 million more.

"The SNP’s small business bonus has invested £2.4 billion in business relief and sees over half Scottish business pay no or reduced rates and the SNP is freezing the council tax saving households over £200 to ensure families do not have to pay the cost of Labour’s recession. Where we are having to raise funds it is only 0.1% of businesses that will face any extra costs.

"It is astonishing that any party – never mind a Labour, Tory and Lib Dem coalition - would call for Scottish households to pay higher council tax at the same time as asking for big business to be let off.

"Labour want to keep taxes off big businesses while asking households to pay higher council tax, small business to pay higher rates and have already increased National Insurance.

"While Labour, Tory and Lib Dem form another coalition against Scotland’s interests in this budget and at the coming election the SNP will work with households, small business and communities to make Scotland better and to protect our essential services."

McMillan Looks For Young Green Champion

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) is encouraging people in Inverclyde to nominate an inspiring young person in their area who is passionate about environmental issues to be the Young Green Champion.

The Young Scottish Green List are looking for examples of volunteering, community action, education, campaigning or from business.

Nominees will be judged on the basis of their work, not on the number of nominations they receive and winners will be invited to celebrate their achievements at an exciting awards ceremony in Edinburgh.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Inverclyde has many green projects and schemes that involve many different groups in the community so it would be nice to see some of our young people recognised for the part they play.

"It is encouraging to see young people caring for their environment and I hope these awards will be supported by people in Inverclyde when they nominate local citizens.

"People wishing to make a nomination should visit www.youngscottishgreenlist.org/nominate before midnight on Friday 14 January".