Fight to Save Clyde Coastguards Continues

Stuart McMillan MSP joins a delegation to meet with First Minister Alex Salmond MSP. The First Minister added his full support to maintaining Coastguards services on the Clyde:

McMillan Welcomes Action to Combat Fuel Poverty

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) and Member of the Scottish Parliament Energy Committee has today (Monday) welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that 200,000 homes across Scotland will be offered free help to save on energy bills.

Over the next year, the £12.5 million Universal Home Insulation Scheme (UHIS) will be administered by local authorities to offer a range of free home insulation measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty.

Mr McMillan said;

“I’m pleased to learn the Scottish Government continues to take the issue of fuel poverty very seriously and this funding announcement further demonstrates that commitment.

“With the onset of winter just round the corner, now more than ever, we need to offer support and immediate assistance to those most in need to help them heat their homes and stay energy efficient.

“Therefore, I welcome the Universal Home Insulation funding of £ 175,000 for West Dunbartonshire.”

McMILLAN CALLS TO HALT COASTGUARD CLOSURE

SNP MSP AT THE CENTRE OF FIGHT TO SAVE CLYDE COASTGUARD WITH LESS THAN TWO WEEKS LEFT OF CONSULTATION

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan will make a final plea tomorrow (Saturday) to the UK government to reverse their current proposals to close the Clyde coastguard station.

The Tory-Lib plans will see the Clyde MRCC in the next four years with responsibility for the busy and extensive waters being divvied up between centres at Belfast and Stornoway.

At a meeting in Greenock tomorrow Mr McMillan will join campaigners at a rally in the fight to keep Scotland's busiest coastguard station open.

There is now only 13 days until the end of the consultation and the West of Scotland MSP will be joined and supported in a show of local solidarity by other elected political representatives and trade unionists.

Mr McMillan said:

“As the clock ticks the people of Inverclyde and all over the West of Scotland are becoming increasingly aware of just how serious this is.

“We can only hope that the Westminster Government pay attention to the specialist needs of our rugged coastline which has some of the busiest waters for tourists and most significant shipping channels for trade anywhere in the UK.

“I got involved in politics to try and help people, not to put peoples’ lives into danger, and putting peoples’ lives into danger is exactly what the UK government proposals will do if the cuts are made.

“I wonder if the people behind these proposals have looked into the possible loss of lives when there is a delay when there is a call out from Belfast or Stornoway?

“And there is no substitute for local knowledge. Not only will the teams from the other centres be stretched if they have to look after Clyde’s huge and busy area but they won’t know the coastline the way the team here do.”

McMillan Secures Enterprise Zone Meeting

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today secured a meeting with Minster for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, Fergus Ewing MSP, to discuss the possibility of bringing a new ‘Enterprise Zone’ to Inverclyde.

Mr McMillan raised the issue in a question in the chamber of the Scottish Parliament, asking what consideration has been given to creating an enterprise zone in Inverclyde, and about the possibility of linking enterprise zones with the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund (NRIF) . Mr Ewing commended Mr McMillan on his persistence on this issue and agreed to meet with Mr McMillan to see how the proposal could be taken forward.

Mr McMillan said;

"I believe there is a massive opportunity to create something positive in Inverclyde via the creation of an ‘enterprise zone’ in the area.

“I propose that this is done in conjunction with the NRIF as the renewables industry is vital to the future of Scotland and I believe Inverclyde is well placed, in terms of knowledge and workforce, to help drive this industry forward.

“Inverclyde was an enterprise zone in the past and it wasn't a success. At the time, the Tories were in power at Westminster and Labour were in power in Inverclyde. It really was a missed opportunity, but I am sure that if organised properly it can be a success and bring massive benefits to the area.

“Inverclyde deserves better and I am pleased the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, has agreed to meet with me to see how we can take my proposals forward.”

McMillan Welcomes Budget for Scotland

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has welcomed today’s Budget announcement and three year spending review by Finance Secretary John Swinney MSP.

The budget has set out the Scottish Government’s spending commitments for the year 2012-13 and the spending review set out spending plans for the subsequent two years.

Key announcements include plans to maintain the Council Tax freeze, an increase in real terms funding for frontline NHS and the creation of a £50 million Early Years Fund.

Commenting on the spending review announcement Mr McMillan said:

“Today’s spending review shows why the SNP Government’s economic strategy is working, whilst the UK Government’s is failing, with Scotland having lower unemployment and higher employment than in the rest of the UK.

“John Swinney has invested in jobs, in infrastructure and in real change to Scotland’s public services so we can prevent the problems facing our society instead of meeting the cost of cleaning them up.

“The news of investment in the housing sector through the building of 30,000 news homes is to be welcomed, particularly in Inverclyde where we have seen record investment in social housing by the Scottish Government in recent years.

“With a council tax freeze continuing to deliver support for Scotland’s households we are seeing Scotland through the tough times and with investment in early years, broadband and renewables we are backing the future of our nation.

“Instead of cutting too far and too fast like the UK Government the SNP Government has delivered a balanced budget that protects investment and supports jobs. Meanwhile Labour has put their heads back in the sand demanding everything with no indication of how they would fund anything.

“We must all work together to get Scotland through the tough times imposed by Tory/Lib-Dem London coalition.”

McMillan Welcomes Reduction in Flytipping

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has welcomed figures released today that show the number of instances of flytipping in West Dunbartonshire has reduced significantly.

Figures released by the Scottish Government show that instances of flytipping in West Dunbartonshire have reduced from 860 in 2009/2010 to 446 in 2010/2011.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was pleased to learn of the dramatic reduction in instances of flytipping in West Dunbartonshire.

“This demonstrates the success of work undertaken by West Dunbartonshire Council and the Scottish Fly-tipping Forum, funded by the Scottish Government through Zero Waste Scotland, to help remove flytipping from our society.

“Flytipping blights far too many beauty spots and communities in Scotland and any action to help reduce its prevalence is to be welcomed.

“There is still plenty work to be done on this issue and I am sure all parties involved will be working hard to bring this figure down further in 2011/2012.”

McMILLAN SPEAKS OF ADMIRATION FOR UCS WORKERS

The Scottish Parliament is this evening to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders’(UCS) work-in. The members debate will see politicians from all sides of the chamber speak in commemoration of the industrial action which gained worldwide prominence before First Minister Alex Salmond speaks at a reception to honour those who took part.

Ahead of the debate, SNP parliamentarians spoke of their admiration for those involved in work-in.

SNP MSP for the West of Scotland Stuart McMillan said:

“The UCS dispute was an event of great historical significance which had long term effects many years afterwards.

“I had the pleasure of campaigning with the late Jimmy Reid in 2005 and 2007 and we discussed the events of the time.

“It was obvious the men were determined to fight for their livelihoods in the face of great adversity. Listening to Jimmy explain these events was an education.”

McMillan ‘Wears it Pink’ to Raise Awareness of Breast Cancer

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Thursday) joined forces with Breast Cancer Campaign to raise awareness of its biggest fundraising event, wear it pink day.

On Friday 28 October 2011 supporters in schools, colleges and businesses throughout the country are encouraged to don an item of pink in support of Campaign and each donate £2 to fund innovative world-class breast cancer research.

Last year hundreds of thousands of people took part in wear it pink to help improve survival rates for the one in eight women who experience breast cancer during their lifetime.

Mr McMillan said:

“Every year in the UK, around 48,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women.

“Although it is rare, men can also suffer from breast cancer, with around 340 men diagnosed each year.

“I know people who have lost friends and family members to the disease and I would like to encourage everyone in West Scotland and throughout the country to support wear it pink on October 28, to raise valuable funds for breast cancer research.”

To take part in the UK’s original and best pink day visit www.wearitpink.co.uk and register to receive your free fundraising pack now. Wear it pink is supported by Vanish, which has committed to raising an incredible £250,000 for the charity this year.

McMillan Speaks in Economy Debate

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Wednesday) spoken in the Scottish Government debate on economic strategy.

During his speech Mr McMillan highlighted his support for new enterprise zones, which are to be created in four locations in Scotland, and the urgent requirement for Scotland to have control of corporation tax.

Mr McMillan said;

“With the UK Government cutting public spending too far and too fast, including an £800m cash cut to the Scottish Government Capital Budget this year alone, the lack of a Plan B from the Chancellor is frightening to say the least.

“It’s vital the Scottish Government is given control of taxation as this will allow the Finance Secretary the necessary tools to shape a better economy for Scotland.

“Alongside this, I am keen to learn the location of the new enterprise zones for Scotland as I believe it’s vital at least one should be based in West Scotland.

“As people will be well aware, under the Tories at Westminster and with Labour in control of Inverclyde Council at the time, Inverclyde became an Enterprise Zone. However, it’s fair to say it wasn’t a success. A ten year opportunity wasted.

“Therefore, it’s important the new enterprise zones are fully supported and given the necessary economic and financial levers to flourish. I believe linking the enterprise zones with the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund would aid Inverclyde’s potential to become a new enterprise zone and thus a sustainable economic player in the Renewables sector.”

McMILLAN WELCOMES SUPPORT FOR LOW CARBON ECONOMY

The SNP today welcomed the support of two of Scotland’s environmental organisations for the Scottish Government’s renewables ambition.

In a letter to the Scotsman, citing independent research supporting Scotland’s ambitions WWF Scotland and Friends of the Earth Scotland state

“Ultimately our entire economy must become resource efficient and low carbon and we will support government leadership and action to deliver this”.

(http://news.scotsman.com/opinion/Letter-Renewables-economic-key-or.6835865.jp)

Their comments follow those of Scottish Renewables who told the Scotsman yesterday that

“With plans for major investments in offshore wind and wave and tidal developments by 2020, and a number of turbine manufacturers looking at manufacturing in Scotland, it's clear renewables has massive future growth potential and will be a major driver of the economy."

SNP MSP and member of the Parliament’s Energy, Economy and Tourism committee Stuart McMillan said:

“In recent days we have seen the usual nay-sayers do down Scotland’s economy and Scotland’s ambitions.

“Reaching our target of meeting 100% of our domestic electricity needs from renewable sources is both achievable and essential.

“Renewable energy production and the development of a low carbon economy offer huge opportunities for Scotland to create jobs, grow our economy and meet our key climate change targets.

“There could be 130,000 jobs in Scotland as a result of capitalising on Scotland’s natural assets, our skilled manufacturing base and the science and research expertise of our universities.

“We are already attracting organisations and investment such as Gamesa, Mitsubishi and significant funding for the International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone in partnership with Strathclyde University.

“In contrast to the negative attitudes and lack of ambition expressed in recent days by some who remain tied to support for nuclear power, the support of Scotland’s environmental organisations, Scottish Renewables and leading business figures such as Jim McColl is welcome.”

McMillan Welcomes Action on High Hedges

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Friday) welcomed the announcement that legislation will be brought forward, to the Scottish Parliament, in the form of a Private Members’ Bill to solve neighbourly disputes over high hedges.

The Scottish Government has previously consulted with interested parties on options for legislation and fully supports a Private Members’ Bill being brought before the Scottish Parliament.

Mr McMillan said;

“I am pleased to hear a Bill will be brought before the Scottish Parliament to tackle the issue of high hedge disputes. I previously responded to the SNP Government’s consultation on the issue due to the volume of correspondence I received from angry constituents.

"I know, through speaking to those constituents, that high hedge and other nuisance vegetation disputes can cause a lot of stress and worry. Some constituent have indicated to me they feel there is little assistance available to deal with the problem

"Therefore, I feel this will be a very important piece of legislation as the current methods and practices for dealing with high hedge disputes are somewhat limited.

McMillan Raises Clyde Coastguard Issue in Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Thursday) raised the issue of the future of Clyde Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) in the Scottish Parliament with

Mr McMillan used the opportunity to raise the issue in the Scottish Parliament, once again, echoing the view that local knowledge is vital when it comes to the coastguard services and Clyde must remain open.

Mr McMillan said;

“There is cross party support in Scotland to keep the Clyde MRCC and other stations open.

“Leaving the West Coast of Scotland to be covered by the stations in Belfast and Stornoway, who won’t have the local knowledge, may well add to the time it takes to get to those in trouble. This situation would be highly dangerous and I believe is ill advised.

“Local knowledge and understanding are vital when dealing with emergency situations and with half of Scotland’s marina’s in the Clyde MRCC area, as well as numerous ferry routes including the high volume routes from Gourock, there will be a reduction in confidence and growth from investors if they feel that safety on the Clyde is being placed in jeopardy.

“Therefore, it’s vital we retain MRCC Clyde in Greenock in-order to reassure the public in West Scotland that safety is of paramount importance rather than what we are currently witnessing which is a cost cutting exercise from the Tory Lib Dem UK Government.”

Parliamentary Motion

Stuart McMillan has lodged the following motion in the Scottish Parliament on the use of video technology in football:

Date of Lodging: 06 September 2011

Short Title: Integrity of Football

S4M-00790 ♦ Stuart McMillan () (Scottish National Party): That the Parliament recognises the current debate in the game of football regarding the introduction of electronic monitoring *to help assist officials in making the correct decision, as once again highlighted by the recent international game in Glasgow*; notes that other sports throughout the world, including cricket, hockey, rugby and tennis, utilise video technology to indicate whether a decision given by officials is in fact the correct decision; further notes that many people involved in the game of football believe that video technology should be introduced in order to help prevent dubious decisions from affecting the outcome of a match, and would welcome an examination of the potential benefits of introducing added technology to the game.

McMillan Welcomes Lottery Funding

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Friday) welcomed the announcement from the Big Lottery Fund that 37 projects in the West of Scotland region have secured funding totalling £202,308.

The Big Lottery Fund is investing in Scotland’s communities through its Investing in Communities portfolio as well as the small grants schemes Awards for All, Investing in Ideas and 2014 Communities. Further details of these funding programmes and other information about BIG in Scotland are available online at http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/funding-sco.

Some of those to benefit were Helensburgh Play Park Association who secured funding of £9,980 and Helensburgh Sailing Club who received £8,750.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was delighted to hear that 37 projects in the West of Scotland region have received funding totalling £202,308.

"Projects such as Able2Sail, Geilston Hall Management Committee, Helensburgh Play Park Association and Age Concern Dumbarton are all projects in West Scotland which have secured financial assistance.

"This funding announcement is warmly welcomed and I wish every project the very best for the future."

McMillan Highlights Bogus Call Scam

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Friday) urged his constituents to be alert to a new telephone scam.

Mr. McMillan said:

“Bogus calls are a real nuisance with callers, often from overseas, trying to con folk into giving away their bank details or access to their computers. It is very easy for folk unsure about technology, particularly the elderly, to be tricked by these calls.

“This most recent scam is particularly sneaky, playing, as it does, on the suspicion about bogus calls that the fraudsters have built up amongst the population.

“These calls, I have been informed, claim to be from BT or the Telephone Preference Service, offering protection from bogus callers. The sting comes when the recipient of the call agrees that they would like this service and are then asked for their bank details to pay in the region of £50 for the service.

“I want to stress to my constituents that the Telephone Preference Service is free. No-one from the TPS will call you up and ask for money. Anyone doing so is a fraudster and you should simply hang up the phone.

“Signing up for the TPS – which you can do online or by phone - is a good idea. Although, sadly, there is little they can do at the moment about calls from overseas that deliberately flout the law, they do give some defence against bogus calls and telemarketers.”

Parliamentary Assistant for Stuart McMillan MSP & Bob Doris MSP

Stuart McMillan MSP (West Scotland) and Bob Doris MSP (Glasgow) are seeking to jointly employ an enthusiastic and hard working Parliamentary Assistant to work full time (5 days per week) between the Scottish Parliament and Glasgow.

The purpose of the post is to assist Mr McMillan and Mr Doris fulfil their Constituency and Parliamentary duties.

Salary : £17,500k - £21k p.a. pro rata (Temp) depending on experience.

The position will be 6 months in duration from start date and will be subject to review.

It is hoped the successful applicant can take up employment as soon as possible.

Job Description (duties may include):
• As part of a team, taking lead responsibility as appropriate.
• Providing support for meetings and events.
• Dealing with general public enquiries by telephone, mail, email and in person and taking appropriate initial action.
• Research for Parliamentary and Committee issues.
• Policy development.
• Support constituency related campaigns.
• Draft correspondence, consultation responses and annual reports.
• Liaison with SNP press officers and central research unit.
• Basic secretarial and administrative work.
• Supporting constituency casework.
• Provide information, advice and support to constituents on a variety of issues through liaison with different agencies.
• Draft Parliamentary questions and motions.
• Assisting with drafting of speeches.
• Undertake other administrative tasks and projects as required by MSP.

Additional responsibilities:
• Attend surgeries and other meetings to assist MSP in dealing with constituents’ issues.
• Attending meetings and events on behalf of MSP.
• Assist with the work of other colleagues as required and communicate appropriately with internal and external contacts.
• Occasional irregular hours and weekend work as required.

Requirements:
• Knowledge and experience of research methods.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Flexible approach to working with the ability to work on own initiative and under time pressure.
• Ability of dealing with sensitive issues and respecting the need for confidentiality.
• Effective team working skills and the ability to supervise voluntary workers.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of issues affecting the West of Scotland and Glasgow.
• Good knowledge of Scottish Politics.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft office.
• Full Drivers Licence.

Applications should enclose a CV and covering letter addressed to Stuart McMillan MSP. Send to:
• Email: stuart.mcmillan.msp@scottish.parliament.uk • Address: M3.19, Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP

Closing date is Friday 16th September 2011.
For further details please email Stuart on Stuart.McMillan.MSP@Scottish.Parliament.uk

McMillan Highlights Grants Scheme

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has highlighted the availability of grants from the Bank of Scotland Foundation for local charitable groups.

Twenty-three charities across Scotland received nearly £290,000 in the first tranche of donations from the foundation.

The foundation is now seeking applications for the latest round of donations.

Mr. McMillan said:

“The small grants programme accepts applications for amounts up to and including £20,000 from charities registered in Scotland. It particularly seeks to help with the development and improvement of local communities and also financial literacy and financial inclusion.

“I would like to urge local charities to apply. Further information and application forms can be found on their website at - http://www.bankofscotlandfoundation.org/small-grants-programme or you can call 0131 243 7053. The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm, Friday 14th October 2011.

“I hope that charities in West Dunbartonshire will be able to benefit from this scheme.”