McMillan Writes to Amazon Regarding Casual Staff

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Wednesday) written to the Amazon depot in Inverclyde to seek assurances that no staff member will be left stranded during the night if their shift is cut short.

Mr McMillan was following up on reports from last winter which indicated agency staff had their shift cut short and had to wait till the morning for public transport in-order to get home.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was extremely disappointed to hear about the events at Amazon last winter when staff were let go during their shift without any suitable transport.

"This type of action was unhelpful and created needless issues between the employer and employees.

"Therefore, I have written to Amazon in Inverclyde to seek assurances that this practice will not happen this winter and that if shifts are cut short during the night then appropriate transport is made available to get staff home."

McMillan Calls For Flooding Summit

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Tuesday) written to Scottish Government Minister for Environment, Stewart Stevenson MSP, to highlight the on-going flooding issues in Inverclyde.
Today we have, once again, witnessed heavy flooding throughout the area which has caused delays on the road network and cancellations of trains.

Mr. McMillan said:

"Today we are again witnessing terrible flooding in Inverclyde which is causing lengthy delays and road closures.　

"The closure of the A8 road network in Inverclyde is a major issue for everyone including those travelling to the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley for appointments.

"Firm action must be taken in Inverclyde to tackle the problem of flooding as for too long this issue has affected local people, the local economy and the livelihoods of the people in the area.

"Therefore, I have written to the Scottish Government asking that an Inverclyde Flooding Summit be arranged with all relevant stakeholders including Inverclyde Council, Scottish Government, SEPA, Scottish Water and any other public agency with a locus on helping reduce this annual issue."

McMillan Speaks in Coastguard Debate

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Thursday) spoken in a Scottish Government Debate on Maritime Safety and Coastguards.

Mr McMillan used his speech to highlight the reckless and ill-though decision by the UK Con/Lib Dem Government to close Clyde Maritime Rescue & Co-ordination Centre (MRCC).　 Mr McMillan was a passionate campaigner in support of retaining Clyde coastguard and maintaining the local knowledge of staff which is so vital to this service.　

Mr McMillan said;

"I spoke in this Parliamentary debate with a heavy heart. This week, campaigners for the Clyde MRCC based in Greenock heard the news they and the Inverclyde Community had been dreading – the Greenock base is to close.

"I wholeheartedly support the 31 men and women who work in Greenock delivering the full range of coastguard services. Their skill, expertise, understanding and local knowledge covering 2,500 miles of Scottish coastline will be hard to replicate.

"It’s vital to maintain the local knowledge of the men and women who serve at MRCC Clyde.

"MRCC Clyde is the busiest coastguard station in Scotland and the third busiest in the UK.

"Therefore, the dangers of the closures are clear as they threaten to leave us with too few coordination centres, too few staff and a lot less local knowledge."

UK COASTGUARD CUTS PUT LIVES AT RISK

SNP HIGHLIGHT CAPABILITY CONCERNS

Responding to a statement on the future of Coastguard services in the Commons today (Tuesday) the SNP expressed grave concern over capability gaps that had been created in search, rescue and coastguard cover and called for responsibility over the lifeline services to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament.

Responding to a statement by the Department for Transport, SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson MP said:

"The UK Government are putting lives at risk by carrying on with these reckless cuts which confirm that two out of five coastguard stations in Scotland will close.

"These closures cannot be seen in isolation. There is already uncertainty about the future of emergency tug services, and UK Ministers have scrapped long-range fixed-wing Search and Rescue capability operating from the north of Scotland and are still considering the closure of the Air Rescue Coordination Centre at Kinloss.

"With ever increasing activity on Scotland's seas - through oil and gas, offshore renewables, fishing and tourism – there are real concerns over the UK Government's ability to manage the coastguard service.

"The UK is making really bad decisions for coastguard services in Scotland which raise real safety concerns. We should make better decisions in Scotland and not leave it to London."

West of Scotland SNP MSP Stuart McMillan, who has worked with the campaign to save the Clyde MRCC in Greenock and led a members debate in the Scottish Parliament on the issue branded the move to shut Scotland’s busiest coastguard base which employs 30 people at the end of next year as ‘disgraceful’.

Mr McMillan said:

"Closing Clyde is reckless and misguided and shows the UK Government continues to miss the point of local coastguard services."

"The UK Government’s claim that Clyde’s 2,500 miles of coastline can be adequately covered by other bases over one hundred miles further away is simply foolish, the closure is bad news for all who live and use the Clyde coast – for business or pleasure.

"Clyde’s waters see 10 million tonnes of cargo annually and have no less than 27 marinas. It is one of the busiest areas in the UK for ferry travel with 8.5 million passengers a year and the base for the UK’s nuclear submarines. These cuts are totally irresponsible."

Rod Campbell, MSP for North Fife, echoed Mr McMillan’s concerns. Mr Campbell said:

"The Tory Lib coalition have failed Scotland and failed Fife. The lifeline services of Forth Coastguard are recognised and valued here and the local campaigners told the UK Government as much.

"From the oil and offshore renewable industry, to fisheries and tourism the Forth and Scotland’s east coast are increasingly important parts of Scotland’s economy.

"This closure could have been avoided if, as we proposed, Coastguard services were devolved to the SNP Government but frustratingly, on both these points, the UK Government has had their fingers in their ears."

McMillan Attends National Osteoporosis Society 25th Anniversary Reception

Stuart McMillan MSP was one of a group of parliamentarians who attended an Evening Reception to mark the 25th anniversary of the National Osteoporosis Society.

The Reception, which was held in the Garden Lobby of the Scottish Parliament was organised to allow the National Osteoporosis Society to say a very big thank you to all of the MSPs, officials, health professionals, members and dedicated volunteers who have supported the Charity in Scotland since it began in 1986.

Professor David Reid, Chair of the National Osteoporosis Society paid tribute to everyone who has contributed significant time to supporting their work in Scotland and highlighted the huge progress which has been made in service provision, especially in the last few years. Professor Reid described how all mainland health board areas now have at least one DXA scanner available locally, and explained that almost 80% of the Scottish population now have access to a Fracture Liaison Service. A network of osteoporosis specialist nurses work together with the Charity’s staff in Scotland providing information and support to help people who have newly diagnosed with osteoporosis to manage better.

The National Osteoporosis Society’s Development Manager for Scotland, Anne Simpson expressed her gratitude to everyone who has helped the charity:

‘This evening’s reception is really to say a very big thank you to everyone who has helped the National Osteoporosis Society since our humble beginnings in 1986. In those 25 years, knowledge of osteoporosis has improved immeasurably and more people than ever before are being diagnosed and treated with a growing number of treatments. I would also like to thank all of our MSPs for their strong and consistent support in Parliament, both at constituency and national level.’


A system of support groups and volunteers throughout Scotland provides ongoing local support and the latest information across a range of bone related subjects, including drug treatments, nutrition, bone health and local and national policy. The Glasgow Support Group, who have been meeting monthly for over 23 years, are the longest serving group in the UK.

To date this year alone, nearly 1000 people have attended events organised by the National Osteoporosis Society in Scotland. Since the National Osteoporosis Society was first established, well over 100 awareness, information and support events have taken place throughout the country to raise awareness of the disease from Lerwick to Kelso and Stranraer.

At the Reception, the charity also took the opportunity to call for the existing Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) to be protected, particularly at a time when health cuts are being made, the National Osteoporosis Society insists that FLS must not be seen as an easy target .

McMillan Underlines Progress Made on Inverclyde Regeneration

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) today (Wednesday) spoke in the Scottish Government’s Parliamentary debate on regeneration to commend the SNP’s record on investment in Inverclyde, against the background of unprecedented cuts from Westminster.

Mr McMillan highlighted the success that millions of pounds of central government funds have brought about through various initiatives. High on this list was Riverside Inverclyde who have received more than £52.3m since 2006 through a combination of Government, Scottish Enterprise and Inverclyde Council funding.

He went on to outline the other ways that regeneration in Inverclyde has benefited from Scottish Government funding under the SNP, including:

£99m invested in Social Housing, £18m in the Fairer Scotland Fund, £2.2m for Town Centre Regeneration, half the funding for the new additional needs school to be built in Port Glasgow, half the cost of the new Wellpark Centre dealing with addictions funded by the SNP.

Mr McMillan also fiercely defended the Scottish Government’s record against its detractors, instead condemning the Labour party’s record of government by saying;

"In the Greenock Telegraph of 3rd November, Duncan McNeil MSP is quoted as saying:

"Riverside Inverclyde has only just begun its mission to attract jobs and business to the area, and it appears the Scottish Government is pulling the rug from under their feet.’

"If Mr. McNeil actually believes that after receiving £52.3m that the job of job creation has only just begun, and I dare say he does, this just goes to show the state in which Inverclyde was left after decades of Labour misrule in Inverclyde."
　
Mr McMillan also reminded Parliament that the regeneration of Inverclyde and other such areas in Scotland takes place against the backdrop of very challenging economic circumstances, and noted that the job is made no easier when Parliament’s hands are tied by the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition in Westminster. He said;

"I appreciate the Scottish Government does have some difficult decisions to make as a result of the ‘never, never’ borrowing of the previous Labour UK Government getting the UK into a mountain of debt and the current ‘too far and too fast’ cuts being implemented by the Tory / Lib Dem Coalition. This Scottish Government and indeed Parliament are at the mercy of political decisions made elsewhere.

"If ever there was an argument for this Parliament to become a normal Independent Parliament then the regeneration debate is it."

McMillan Highlights Bank of Scotland Foundation

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Monday) highlighted that the Bank of Scotland Foundation first tranche of funding for 2012 is now open and charities have until Monday 16 January to send in their applications.　

Applications are accepted up to and including £20,000 for the Small Grants Programme and grants are awarded for one year only.

Since the Foundation was formed, over 200 charities supporting communities across Scotland have shared just over £1 million of funding through its Small Grants and Matched Giving programmes.

Mr. McMillan said:

"I would encourage local organisations and charities to consider making a submission to the Bank of Scotland Foundation.

"I know in 2011 over £55,000 was given to charities in West Scotland.

"Therefore, a grant of up to £20,000 is an ideal opportunity for charities to obtain much needed funding to allow them to continue or even expand their organisation."

McMillan Welcomes Clamp Down on Metal Theft

An SNP MSP has welcomed news that laws for metal dealers will be tightened –in the wake of reports that thieves are targeting war memorial plaques.

Stuart McMillan SNP MSP for West Scotland wrote to Kenny MacAskill about the increasing number of thefts from railway lines in his constituency.

The Justice Secretary said the licensing regime would be toughened to bring more metal dealers into the scope of licensing rules.

Stuart McMillan, SNP MSP for West Scotland, said:

"This is very welcome action from the Scottish Government which I hope will curb the disgraceful increase in metal thefts which has become a growing problem.

"Tightening of these laws will properly bring more metal dealers into the scope of licensing rules.
"I am pleased at the way the SNP Government has committed to tackling this problem. I welcome the Justice Secretary’s determination to bring nearly all metal dealers into the scope of licensing by dramatically increasing the level of turnover required for exemptions.

"This commitment is particularly welcome at a time when the War Memorials Trust said monuments are increasingly being targeted for metal.

"This issue was originally brought to my attention by constituents who were concerned with delays in train travel – being caused by rail line thefts.

"The current legislation has clearly not deterred thefts and something must be done to get a solution that targets this crime, which is why I welcome the Scottish Government’s plans for secondary legislation in this area beginning with a consultation."

RI Will Survive - McMillan Gets Assurances from Cabinet Secretary

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Thursday) met with Alex Neil MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment regarding the future of Riverside Inverclyde.

Mr McMillan has won a key concession from the Cabinet Secretary that RI will survive beyond the next financial year (2012/13). The Cabinet Secretary has agreed that RI has an important part to play in Inverclyde’s regeneration and that the URC will be able to bid for government funding up until 2015/16, thereafter the assets of RI will be transferred to another organisation.
RI have a lifespan of 10 years and this is due to come to a natural end by 2016.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. McMillan said;

"I would like to thank the Cabinet Secretary for agreeing to meet me so soon after I made the request yesterday. I think this shows the importance the Cabinet Secretary places upon the regeneration of Inverclyde and wider Scotland.

"The Cabinet Secretary agreed with me that Inverclyde has made positive strides due to the work of RI. He has listened to my arguments and provided me with an assurance that RI will continue up until the end of its natural life (2015/16).

"Riverside Inverclyde will get funding for next year and thereafter they will be in a position to bid for funds from the new regeneration strategy that will be introduced.

"The news yesterday will have come as a shock to everyone but I am delighted the Cabinet Secretary has listened to my arguments and conceded on the future of RI.

"Acting decisively and pushing Inverclyde’s case forward was the right course of action to take here. I am elected to play my part in moving Inverclyde forward and will always fight Inverclyde’s corner."

‘Shipbuilding Coming Home’

MSP and Local Councillor Welcome Awarding of Shipbuilding Contract to Port Glasgow Yard

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) and local Ward 1 Councillor, Jim Macleod have today (Thursday) welcomed the news that Ferguson Shipbuilders in Port Glasgow have become the preferred bidder to build the world’s first two ‘hybrid’ ferries. The order for these two ferries totals £20m and it will create an additional 100 jobs including apprenticeships as well as safeguarding another 75 jobs.

Speaking after the announcement, Stuart McMillan MSP, who grew up in Port Glasgow, said:

"This is a tremendous announcement for ‘the Port’, shipbuilding on the lower Clyde and for Inverclyde. Once again the SNP Government are living up to the promises and helping to deliver for Inverclyde.

"These two vessels being built in the town will safeguard employment but also provide new opportunities for young people. The creation of apprenticeships is the icing on the cake for me and I’m sure that whoever obtains these positions will be grateful of the chance.

"Mixing the traditional Clydebuilt skills as well as newer green technologies shows that Port Glasgow can once again be at the vanguard of the shipbuilding industry. These world first vessels will prove to the world that commercial shipbuilding on the Clyde is not over but can be the start of something bigger.

"I grew up in Port Glasgow and my father worked in Ferguson’s before passing away. I know what shipbuilding meant to him and I know what it means to the whole town. Portonians are proud of their history and legacy to the world and we know that we can still contribute to the shipbuilding world.

"I wholeheartedly congratulate everyone associated with Ferguson’s for winning this order. The skills of the workforce are well known and they deserve every credit. I know they will deliver top quality vessels enhancing their reputation even further.

"I also congratulate CMAL for their innovative specification and I welcome the SNP Government providing the finance for this fantastic news.

"Shipbuilding is returning home and I look forward to seeing the progress of these world leading Clydebuilt vessels."

SNP Councillor for Ward 1 (Inverclyde East), Jim MacLeod said:

"I live in Port Glasgow and understand the importance of shipbuilding to the local community as well as to Inverclyde as a whole. This announcement is fantastic news for everyone associated with Fergusons, Port Glasgow and Inverclyde.

"A great news story that will not only help sustain existing jobs at the yard but create many new jobs for people in this district.

"We must also not forget the spin off that these new jobs will create for our local economy.

"Congratulations must go to Alex Neil and the Scottish Government in awarding this order to Fergusons and bringing these new jobs to Port Glasgow. It’s also imperative that the management who won the order and the workforce who will build the vessels deserve credit. Their hard work in this instance has paid off."

McMillan to Meet Infrastructure Secretary over Regeneration Strategy

Tory Lib Dem UK Budget cuts of £1.3bn affect Scottish budget

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Wednesday) reacted to the announcement surrounding the funding of the Urban Regeneration Company (URC), Riverside Inverclyde (RI).

Mr McMillan has been a supporter of the work of Riverside Inverclyde since his election in 2007 and regularly meets up with RI representatives to keep fully abreast of progress with the URC. Stuart recently met up with RI to discuss renewable opportunities and the promotion of Inverclyde as a place with renewable opportunities.

Mr McMillan said;

"It’s clear that the UK Government budget cuts are having an effect on every part of the UK. Their slashing of the Scottish Government budget by £1.3billion makes the task of trying to keep the economy working even more challenging.

"The Scottish Government have difficult choices to make with £1.3billion less to spend. The current Scottish Budget process is underway and it is proposed that the regeneration budgets were to be amended with a new regeneration strategy to be announced later in the year.

"This morning during the Economy Energy and Tourism Committee budget meeting, Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary, Alex Neil MSP was giving evidence. I asked him about the future of the URC’s and Riverside Inverclyde in particular. He acknowledged that there are challenges facing the URC’s and that work is taking place on the new Regeneration Strategy.

"The Cabinet Secretary has agreed to meet me to discuss the situation facing the URC’s and also to provide an update on the new Regeneration Strategy.

"It is important to acknowledge the vast sums of finance from the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise that RI has received so far – over £39million since 2006. This is in addition to the £2.2million from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.

"The current proposals are of course a surprise but I will be pressing the case yet again for RI as I have done consistently over the last 4 years.

"I would hope that elected members of all sides act in a constructive manner to press the case for RI and to ensure Inverclyde gets a good deal when the new Regeneration Strategy is announced. This is a time for a measured response not the histrionics of a bygone era."

McMillan Meets With Minister to Discuss Enterprise Areas

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) and Member of Scottish Parliament Economy, Energy & Tourism Committee has today (Tuesday) met with the Minister for Enterprise, Fergus Ewing MSP, to discuss the Scottish Government’s plans to create four enterprise areas throughout Scotland.

Mr McMillan has recently raised the issue with the Minister in the Scottish Parliament chamber and through Parliamentary Questions. This has now been followed up by a meeting to put forward the case for Inverclyde to be included in the Scottish Government’s plans for enterprise areas.

Mr McMillan said;

“I was pleased to have the opportunity today to sit down with the Minister for Enterprise and Scottish Government officials to highlight the case why Inverclyde should be seriously considered as a future enterprise area.

“As I stated before, I believe Inverclyde is well placed, in terms of knowledge and workforce, to help drive the renewables industry forward. Therefore, the benefits of an enterprise area to Inverclyde would be vast, in-terms of employment opportunities and growing the local economy.

“The Minister is firmly aware of the issues surrounding Inverclyde, such a population decline and unemployment, and I hope he will take on-board my proposal as to why Inverclyde should be considered as an enterprise areas.”