NORTHERN IRELAND FM HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED FOR LOCAL COASTGUARD KNOWLEDGE

SNP MSP SUPPORTED BY PETER ROBINSON WHO HAS SAFETY CONCERNS OVER PROPOSED CLOSURE OF CLYDE COASTGUARD

The First Minister of Northern Ireland has highlighted the need for local knowledge with regards to Clyde Coastguard in its campaign against UK Government cuts.

The UK Government’s plans to reduce the number of coastguard bases would see Clyde - the busiest Coastguard station in Scotland employing over 30 people - close and the responsibility of area which stretches over some of the most used waterways in the British Isles be carved up between stations including Belfast.

In reply to Stuart McMillan, SNP MSP for West of Scotland, Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson says that local knowledge and safety are of paramount importance to the future of delivering a service for the people using the waterways of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The leader of Northern Ireland’s Assembly Government said:

“Our concerns centre on the safety of the people using our coasts and seaways which could be jeopardised by the loss of local knowledge and experience.”

Mr McMillan said:

“We welcome the support from the First Minister of Northern Ireland. The case for opposing the closure of Coastguard stations including Clyde in Greenock is overwhelming.

“Local knowledge of our rugged coastline is the key to our highly valued Coastguard services who keep the waters safe for millions of users every year.

“The SNP Government and Scotland’s First Minister have already given their support to retaining Clyde and other coastguard stations across Scotland.

“Despite the consultation period being over it is not too late for the UK Government listen to the growing number of voices saying that this must be reversed.

“Closing coastguard stations down including Clyde is a short-sighted and dangerous move which puts saving money over saving lives.”

McMillan Welcomes Support for Small Business in West Dunbartonshire

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) and Member of Scottish Parliament Economy Committee – has welcomed figures published by the Scottish Government today showing record uptake of the Small Business Bonus Scheme. The number of businesses receiving support in West Dunbartonshire has risen steadily each year since its introduction in 2008. Over 655 small businesses were in receipt of rates relief in September 2008 and by September 2011 the figure for West Dunbartonshire had increased to 1,079 businesses receiving rates relief – two in five commercial properties in Scotland – now saving up to £4,260 a year.

In early 2009 the Federation of Small Business in Scotland published a survey of SBBS recipients which found that, among other things, 1 in 8 recipients suggested that the rates relief was helping them stay in business during the recession, helping safeguard thousands of jobs.

Mr McMillan said;

“The Small Business Bonus Scheme has been one of the undoubted successes of the SNP Government and I am delighted that it continues to go from strength to strength.

“The Scottish Government has made a huge effort to help small business during difficult times – not just through this scheme but also through making it much easier for SMEs to bid for public contracts – and simply underlines how much more we could do to help business if we had full economic powers and independence.

“Under the SNP, Scotland now has the most generous rates package of anywhere in the UK, and it is no coincidence that the latest figures show private sector employment in Scotland increasing by 55,000 over the year to the second quarter of 2011, and that the Scottish labour market in general continues to outperform that of the UK.

“These figures really are good news for West Dunbartonshire and I warmly welcome the commitment from the Cabinet Secretary for Finance during his conference speech that the Small Business Bonus Scheme would continue under the SNP.”

MCMILLAN CONDEMNS LABOUR’S FUEL POVERTY HYPOCRISY

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) and Member of the Scottish Parliament Energy Committee has condemned Labour’s fuel poverty hypocrisy in a members debate in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 26th October. While calling on the Scottish Government to do more to alleviate fuel poverty, Mr McMillan highlighted Labour’s poor track record on this issue.

The current Labour leader, Ed Miliband MP, was formerly the Energy Minister who failed to control the excessive increases in gas and electricity prices, and the Labour party still prefer to have the Tory/ LibDem Coalition Government in Westminster control all the key energy policies rather than devolving real power to the Scottish Parliament.

Mr McMillan MSP said:

“This is a very important issue, with many local families in Renfrewshire and all across Scotland facing the threat of fuel poverty – yet Labour’s crocodile tears on this issue should be exposed.

“When in power in Westminster they refused to act, and locally in Renfrewshire Labour councillors have consistently voted against policies which would help to alleviate fuel poverty in this area.

“Scotland is a fuel-rich nation; no one in Scotland should be living in fuel poverty. How much could have been done if successive Westminster Governments had not squandered the billions of pounds of revenue from the North Sea since the 1970s? How much of that money could have been invested in housing stock in Scotland?

Councillor Kenny MacLaren, Renfrewshire Council’s Convener of Housing, added:

“One of our key aims to address fuel poverty is the implementation of the Scottish Housing Quality Standard in all our council homes – yet Labour councillors have consistently voted against this. It seems that while their MSPs moan about fuel poverty their councillors go out of their way to block potential solutions”.

Stuart McMillan MSP further added:

“In Renfrewshire, the SNP led administration invested an extra £160,000 in their anti-poverty strategy to help tackle issues including fuel poverty, yet Labour councillors voted against this move.

“Instead of playing party politics, perhaps Labour should acknowledge its hypocrisy and try to bring more powers to the Scottish Parliament so that the necessary investment can be made”.

McMillan Supports Energy Saving Week

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) and Member of Scottish Parliament Energy Committee has today (Tuesday) given his backing to Energy Saving Week, which takes place from 24th – 28th October. The week is in its fifteenth year and will be focussing on households and how you can “Take back control of your energy bills”.

Mr. McMillan said:

“The average home can save up to £250 a year by being energy efficient and with the cost of energy bills on the rise, there’s no better time than now to take back control of your bills.

“Simple changes can make all the difference such as insulating cavities, checking that your fridge freezer door seals are working properly, install an insulating jacket for hot water tanks and remember to close your curtains at dusk.

“For those wishing for more information you can call the Energy Saving Trust Scotland on 0800 512 012 or by visiting the website: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Scotland.”

McMillan Highlights Proposed Changes to Out of Hours GP Services

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Thursday) highlighted the proposed changes, by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, to Out of Hours GP services at Greenock Health Centre.

Mr McMillan received the information in a letter from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde who have arranged two community briefing sessions for members of the public to learn of the proposals and discuss any issues they may have with health board staff.

Mr. McMillan said:

“I would encourage any members of the public in Inverclyde who are concerned with proposed changes to Out of Hours GP services to attend the community briefing sessions at Greenock Health Centre or Inverclyde Community Care Forum.

“It’s important members of the public are fully informed of any changes to vital services.

“Therefore, the briefing sessions are an ideal opportunity for constituents to raise any issues they may have and to talk directly to NHS staff.”

Notes;

Community briefing sessions –

• Thursday 27th October at Greenock Health Centre, 20 Duncan Street, Greenock, PA15 4LY 6-8pm.

• Friday 28th October at Your Voice, 12 Clyde Square, Greenock, PA15 1NB 10-12noon.

McMillan Welcomes Roads Response from Inverclyde Council

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has welcomed the response letter he has received from Inverclyde Council in relation to the condition of the footways and road at Hilltop Crescent, Gourock.

Mr McMillan had contacted Inverclyde Council after receiving correspondence from a constituent at Hilltop Crescent who made Mr McMillan aware of their concerns about the condition of both the footways and road network. The constituent also attached a petition which was signed by over 25 households at Hilltop Crescent which argued that repairs are required to the footways and road.

In responding Inverclyde Council have stated, The footway will be placed on the proposed resurfacing programme as part of the 2012/2013 Capital Budget. A programme for substantial comprehensive patching will be promoted and targeted to be carried out as soon as resources are available.

Mr McMillan said;

“I am pleased with the response letter from Inverclyde Council that Hilltop Crescent in Gourock is to receive much needed repairs to the footways and road.

“I know from recently visiting the street that the works are necessary and I fully appreciate the concerns of all those constituents who signed the petition urging action to be taken.

“Therefore, I look forward to witnessing the resurfacing of the footways and the comprehensive patching on the road.”

McMillan Hands over Charity Cheque

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has recently handed over a charity cheque of £140 to Chris Jewell, Co-ordinator, Dreams Come True Inverclyde.

Mr McMillan was providing the charity cheque to Dreams Come True Inverclyde after participating in an event at Big on the Beach, Ardrossan. Mr McMillan who is Convenor of the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism took part in the annual Tin Bath Championships.

Mr McMillan said;

“Taking part in the recent Tin Bath Championships was a very enjoyable, if not wet, experience.

“However, the event was in aid of good causes and I am delighted to be able to handover a cheque to Dreams Come True Inverclyde for £140.

“The organisation is providing much needed joy to young people in Inverclyde and this is very much welcomed.”

Chris Jewell, Co-ordinator, Dreams Come True Inverclyde said;

“Considerable thanks go to Stuart for this great fundraising effort which will help provide dreams for sick Inverclyde children and young people.

“We have just had our first dream application accepted for Shay Quigley, a young lad from Inverkip, who has had very severe medical problems. He is going to the LG Arena in Birmingham in November to watch WWE Smackdown which is his dream and is already climbing the walls in anticipation!”

PLEURAL PLAQUES CASES MUST NOW GO AHEAD

INSURERS MUST END LEGAL DELAYS

The Supreme Court’s decision to reject insurance companies attempts to block compensation for people suffering from exposure to asbestos has been welcomed by SNP MSPs.

The SNP Government and Scottish Parliament passed legislation to allow compensation but court challenges from insurance companies have meant cases have been put on hold or sidelined while the insurance companies tried to overturn Scottish Parliament legislation.

Stuart McMillan MSP who supported the bill and worked with the campaigners added

“I welcome the announcement from the Supreme Court that the insurance companies case to overturn the Damages Act has failed.

“This decision is an important victory for common sense and I now hope those who suffer from pleural plaques can receive the justice they so rightfully deserve.

“Clydeside Action on Asbestos deserves tremendous credit for their efforts campaigning for justice for the many sufferers of asbestos related conditions in Scotland.”

McMillan Signs up to Stamp out Stigma with ‘see me’

Today, at the launch of Scottish Mental Health Week (10 – 16 Oct 2011) and as part of World Mental Health Day, Stuart McMillan MSP is raising awareness of mental health issues by signing the ‘see me’ Wall of Support and pledging their commitment to deliver a real impact on reducing stigma and changing public attitudes associated with mental ill-health in Scotland.

National statistics show that one in four people in Scotland will experience a period of mental ill-health. This means an estimated 173,800 adults in West of Scotland area could experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. Many more will know and support or care for someone close to them.

Stuart McMillan MSP says: "’see me’s work in tackling the stigma and discrimination of mental ill-health has reached out to people across Scotland and contributed significantly to a positive shift in public attitudes. However there is still work to do and we will continue to take action to break down stigma and allow people to seek the help and support they need. By signing the ‘see me’ Wall of Support I have pledged my commitment to improving the mental health and well-being of people in West of Scotland region.”

Improving mental well-being is a key priority for the Scottish Government and at a recent ‘see me’ event at the Scottish Parliament almost 70% of MSPs pledged their support for the ‘see me’ campaign.

Suzie Vestri, ‘see me’ Campaign Director says: “While people are increasingly open about their mental health, stigma and discrimination still exists and we have much to achieve in reaching ‘see me’s vision for a Scotland where all people with mental health problems are fully equal and included.

“I think it’s fantastic that so many MSPs have the topic of mental health on their agenda and we hope that the support they have pledged will encourage others to take positive action by joining us in tackling the stigma of mental ill-health.”

For more information about the ‘see me’ campaign and to sign up to the ‘see me’ wall of support visit: www.seemescotland.org

SAVE CLYDE BASE TO SAVE LIVES - MCMILLAN RESPONDS TO COASTGUARD CONSULTATION

Stuart McMillan MSP has today (Thursday) lodged his submission to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency consultation on revised proposals for modernising the Coastguard 2011.

The consultation, Protecting our Seas and Shores in the 21st Century, was initiated by the UK Government in relation to making changes to coastguard services and one of the proposed changes is to close Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) Clyde.

Mr McMillan has been a passionate campaigner in support of retaining Clyde coastguard having met MCA employees many times. Alongside this, Mr McMillan has attended public meetings and spoke at the recent rally in Greenock.

Mr McMillan said;

“Local knowledge and understanding are vital when dealing with emergency situations. With half of Scotland’s marinas in the Clyde Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) area, numerous ferry routes, as well as the UK Government’s nuclear arsenal, it’s vital we retain a fully functioning Clyde MRCC.

“To remove a committed and fully functioning coastguard service with expert local knowledge would leave a void that could not be filled by an over stretched centre in Belfast. The UK Government proposals would see the largest coastguard area handed over to a base in Belfast that is currently responsible for one of the smallest.

“As I have continually argued, it’s vital we retain MRCC Clyde in Greenock in-order to reassure the public in the West of 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.

“I will never argue for the closure of any of the coastguard stations. I have been heartened by the attitude of the men and women of MRCC Clyde who deliver this valuable service. I hope the UK Government see sense and retain the Clyde base to Save Lives.”

McMillan Welcomes FITRA to Scottish Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has recently welcomed representatives of The Federation of Inverclyde Tenants Residents Association (FITRA) to the Scottish Parliament building.

The group attended First Minister’s Question Time and then toured the Parliament building as guests of Mr McMillan. Alongside this, they had the opportunity to meet the Scottish Government Housing Minister, Keith Brown MSP to discuss a number of issues pertinent to housing and Inverclyde.

Mr McMillan said;

“I was delighted to invite representatives of The Federation of Inverclyde Tenants Residents Association (FITRA) to the Scottish Parliament and offer them the opportunity to tour the building and attend First Minister’s Question Time.

“The visit was something I arranged with FITRA when they extended the welcome to me to chair their annual general meeting.

“I know from attending the AGM the group were very keen to raise a number of issues relating to housing and Inverclyde with the Minister for Housing.

“Therefore, I was delighted the Minister for Housing, Keith Brown MSP took the time to personally meet the group, during their visit to Parliament, and answer their questions.”

McMillan Welcomes Inverclyde Inventor Announcement

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) and Member of the Scottish Parliament Economy Committee has today (Monday) welcomed the announcement from the Bank of England that a new banknote featuring Scottish engineer James Watt will go into circulation on 2 November.

James Watt, developed the concept of horsepower and had the standard measure of electricity - the watt - named after him, is to appear with Matthew Boulton on the new £50.

Mr McMillan said;

“I was delighted to hear the announcement that James Watt is to feature on a new banknote.

“James Watt is an important figure within Inverclyde and I know people will be proud to see his face featuring on the new banknotes. It’s also worth noting James Watt will be only the second Scot to ever feature on a Bank of England note, the first being Adam Smith.

“Therefore, this recognition is an important acknowledgement of James Watt’s achievements and demonstrates the inventor’s high standing in society today.”