Stuart McMillan MSP SNP and ward Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess have today (Friday) welcomed the news that Inverclyde Community Development has received £77,823 from the Third Sector & Social Enterprise Challenge Fund.
The aims of the fund will be to help young people (16-24) to move towards and into employment. Total value of the fund is £3,027,282 and supports 2,019 beneficiaries across Scotland.
The aims of the challenge fund are to:
• Deliver successful outcomes for young people in terms of Employment
• Support successful transition into education and learning
• Add value to existing interventions
• Support innovative and creative approaches.
Mr McMillan said;
“I am delighted that the contribution of Inverclyde Community Development to the local community has been recognised with this latest funding award.
“Youth unemployment is a big issue facing Inverclyde and Scotland currently and any action to help the situation is to be welcomed. I am pleased the Scottish Government is taking this seriously and investing in our nations young people.
“The Third Sector and Social Enterprise Challenge Fund has been set up to help improve young peoples employability, it is hoped that over 2,000 youngsters across Scotland will benefit from this fund.
Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess added;
“This is a great announcement by the Scottish Government. This new funding for Inverclyde Development Trust will allow them to continue their vital work supporting Greenock's young people into work.
“It is good news for Greenock, for Inverclyde, and for Scotland."
Friday, 28 September 2012
Thursday, 27 September 2012
MSP & Councillor Welcome News of Ferry Tendering Process
Stuart McMillan MSP SNP and Gourock ward Councillor Chris McEleny have today (Thursday) welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that tendering for the new Clyde and Hebrides Ferries Services (CHFS) contract will begin in autumn 2014. The new service will be procured as a single contract.
And to ensure a robust and thorough procurement exercise is conducted that will enhance ferry services across the Clyde and Hebrides routes and consideration of adding new routes currently being delivered by local authorities, a new three year interim contract will be put in place with the existing operator, CalMac.
Mr McMillan said;
“I welcome the announcement from the Scottish Government that tendering for the new Clyde and Hebrides Ferries Services (CHFS) contract will begin in autumn 2014 and the new service will be produced as a single contract.
“I know this announcement will be welcomed here in Inverclyde by the many passengers who use the different CalMac ferry routes for business, commuting and leisure trips.
“Therefore, I look forward to hearing further news about the procurement process and the possibilities this may open up for services links to and from Inverclyde.”
Councillor Chris McEleny added;
“I am happy to read the Scottish Governments announcement and in particular that Calmac have been granted a 3 year interim contract. Calmac is a large employer in Gourock that provides many well paid jobs to local people.
“Therefore this is a good news story for both ferry users and those who work for the company."
McMillan Hosts Clydeside Action on Asbestos Event
Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Wednesday) hosted an event at the Scottish Parliament for Clydeside Action on Asbestos (CAA).
Clydeside Action on Asbestos (CAA) is a registered charity which was formed in 1984 to provide advice and assistance to those who suffer from asbestos related disease and their families.
CAA wanted to build on the success of their self-management course developed by those living with Asbestosis in Aberdeen, making it available in an alternative format to a national audience. They also wanted to address the lack of information given at the point of diagnosis by working with health care professionals to incorporate self-management information.
Commenting Mr McMillan said:
“I was delighted to host Clydeside Action on Asbestos at an event in the Scottish Parliament tonight.
“I know, through working alongside the charity for a number of years, how much dedication and effort they’ve put in to assist sufferers of asbestos related conditions. Working alongside the Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill MSP, the charity helped shape the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill. A vital piece of legislation to ensure suffers of asbestos related conditions receive the justice they so rightfully deserve.
“Therefore, hosting the event in the Parliament was a great opportunity to recognise their work and for MSPs to learn more about the organisation and most importantly to meet people who are victims of asbestos."
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
MSP & Councillor Welcome New Schools for Scotland
Stuart McMillan MSP SNP and local ward Councillor Keith Brooks have today (Wednesday) welcomed the news that 30 new schools are to be built across Scotland faster and sooner than planned.
Last week’s budget brought forward £80m of the cash as part of a £1.25billion investment to ensure the school projects get underway quicker. Inverclyde will see the refurbishment of St Patrick’s Primary School.
Mr McMillan said;
“Thanks to the SNP Government 30 new schools will be built across Scotland including the refurbishment of St Patrick’s Primary School here in Inverclyde.
“Even more pupils from across the country will benefit from top-quality classrooms as a result of the beginning of phase three of Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme and construction workers will benefit from new projects getting started sooner.
“Today’s announcement is part of the Scottish Government’s £1.25billion investment in the school building programme to ensure pupils have access to safe and productive learning environments.”
Local Ward Councillor Keith Brooks added;
“I am delighted to learn that St Patrick’s Primary School is to receive a refurbishment under the SNP Government’s investment in school projects.
“This announcement is a welcomed boost for Scotland’s education sector and also the construction industry.”
Ends
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/09/school-buildings26092012
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
McMillan Backs ‘Wear it Pink’ in Parliament
.jpg)
Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has attended a Parliamentary event in Holyrood to back the 10th year of Breast Cancer Campaign’s ‘Wear It Pink’ day, and took the opportunity to highlight the importance of getting regular checks for the disease which affects 1 in 8 women in across the country.
Mr McMillan said;
“Everyone will know family, friends or colleagues who have been touched by cancer in some way, and it is vitally important that we raise funds to help medical science fight back against the disease.
“It is essential that both women and men get themselves checked if they notice any kind of abnormality. That way treatment can be sought fast and there will be a better chance of beating the condition.”
Friday, 21 September 2012
McMillan Writes to Transport Minister Regarding Gourock to Kilcreggan
Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Friday) written to the Transport Minister, Keith Brown MSP, regarding the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry.
Mr McMillan has asked the Minister for Transport about the drop in ferry passengers from the equivalent time last year.
Mr McMillan has raised the issue of the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry service with SPT, Audit Scotland and the Scottish Government after receiving numerous correspondence from constituents relating to problems with the ferry.
Mr McMillan said;
“Figures released show that the new operators of the Gourock – Kilcreggan ferry route have carried over 4000 fewer passengers than the equivalent time last year.
“There are concerns within both communities and users that Labour led SPT are determined to remove themselves from the route altogether.
“Therefore, I felt it was important to write to the Minister to ask if he could provide any update on discussions he has had with SPT regarding this route and what guarantees have been provided to him that Labour led SPT are committed to the route.”
Mr McMillan has asked the Minister for Transport about the drop in ferry passengers from the equivalent time last year.
Mr McMillan has raised the issue of the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry service with SPT, Audit Scotland and the Scottish Government after receiving numerous correspondence from constituents relating to problems with the ferry.
Mr McMillan said;
“Figures released show that the new operators of the Gourock – Kilcreggan ferry route have carried over 4000 fewer passengers than the equivalent time last year.
“There are concerns within both communities and users that Labour led SPT are determined to remove themselves from the route altogether.
“Therefore, I felt it was important to write to the Minister to ask if he could provide any update on discussions he has had with SPT regarding this route and what guarantees have been provided to him that Labour led SPT are committed to the route.”
Thursday, 20 September 2012
McMillan Welcomes Budget for Jobs, Growth and Fairness
Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Thursday) welcomed the announcement by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, John Swinney MSP, of his budget to the Scottish Parliament introducing a raft of announcements putting jobs, growth and fairness at the heart of this SNP Government’s spending priorities.
Following a week in which the human cost of Tory/Lib Dem cuts to the welfare state were laid bare, and in which Nick Clegg was finally forced into a humiliating apology for breaking the Lib Dem promise on tuition fees, the Scottish Government has today outlined a number of measures designed to boost jobs and protect those on the lowest incomes, including
• £180m over two years for investment in construction, skills and the green economy
• £80m brought forward for the Schools for the Future programme
• £40m additional investment in affordable housing
• £18m for skills training
• A modest wage increase for most public sector employees, and a commitment to uprate the living wage in line with the Living Wage campaign recommendations.
Commenting Mr McMillan said:
“The contrast between the Scottish and UK Governments could not be clearer. We are living in incredibly tough financial times, and while the UK Government stifles growth and takes money from the most vulnerable in society, the Scottish budget has growth and fairness at its heart.
“The Scottish Government, along with the other devolved administrations across the UK, recognises the paramount importance of capital investment to support economic recovery – that’s why the hundreds of millions of pounds being poured into vital projects across Scotland – supporting thousands of jobs in the process - is particularly welcome.
“And of course the living wage, the council tax freeze, free prescriptions, concessionary travel and free university tuition are all helping to put money back into families’ pockets.
“Above all, this budget helps explain why Scots overwhelmingly trust the Scottish Government to make the right decisions for Scotland, while fewer than one in five Scots trust the Westminster Government."
Following a week in which the human cost of Tory/Lib Dem cuts to the welfare state were laid bare, and in which Nick Clegg was finally forced into a humiliating apology for breaking the Lib Dem promise on tuition fees, the Scottish Government has today outlined a number of measures designed to boost jobs and protect those on the lowest incomes, including
• £180m over two years for investment in construction, skills and the green economy
• £80m brought forward for the Schools for the Future programme
• £40m additional investment in affordable housing
• £18m for skills training
• A modest wage increase for most public sector employees, and a commitment to uprate the living wage in line with the Living Wage campaign recommendations.
Commenting Mr McMillan said:
“The contrast between the Scottish and UK Governments could not be clearer. We are living in incredibly tough financial times, and while the UK Government stifles growth and takes money from the most vulnerable in society, the Scottish budget has growth and fairness at its heart.
“The Scottish Government, along with the other devolved administrations across the UK, recognises the paramount importance of capital investment to support economic recovery – that’s why the hundreds of millions of pounds being poured into vital projects across Scotland – supporting thousands of jobs in the process - is particularly welcome.
“And of course the living wage, the council tax freeze, free prescriptions, concessionary travel and free university tuition are all helping to put money back into families’ pockets.
“Above all, this budget helps explain why Scots overwhelmingly trust the Scottish Government to make the right decisions for Scotland, while fewer than one in five Scots trust the Westminster Government."
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Scotland Wealthier than the rest of the UK since 1980
Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has welcomed the news that Scotland has been wealthier than the rest of the UK for every single year since 1980, new analysis of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures has shown.
The figures, obtained from the UK and Scottish Governments and released by the SNP, show that on average Scotland’s GDP per head has been £1,905 (14.34%) higher than that of the rest of the UK – and that gap has grown to £3,804 (16.62%) per head since the Scottish National Party came to office in 2007.
The figures come as a bitter blow to anti-independence campaigners who have consistently argued that Scotland would be worse off being a normal independent nation.
Commenting Mr McMillan said:
“These figures totally demolish the bogus claims of the anti-independence parties, because they prove once and for all that Scotland more than pays its own way in the UK.
“Even during the Thatcher years with the closure of some of Scotland’s biggest industries, productivity continued to be higher in Scotland than the rest of the UK.
“On average, Scots were more than 14% more productive per head than their counterparts in the rest of the UK since 1980, equal to £1,905 per person.
“The figures have improved further since the SNP took office in 2007, which underlines the hard work being done by the Scottish Government to improve the Scottish economy even with the relatively limited financial powers currently available.
“With the full economic powers Scotland would have as an independent country we will do even better still, with the ability to boost recovery, create jobs and deliver a wealthier and fairer society.
“The questions are now stacking up for the anti-independence parties and the No campaign which has real questions to answer about the credibility of their campaign.”
The figures, obtained from the UK and Scottish Governments and released by the SNP, show that on average Scotland’s GDP per head has been £1,905 (14.34%) higher than that of the rest of the UK – and that gap has grown to £3,804 (16.62%) per head since the Scottish National Party came to office in 2007.
The figures come as a bitter blow to anti-independence campaigners who have consistently argued that Scotland would be worse off being a normal independent nation.
Commenting Mr McMillan said:
“These figures totally demolish the bogus claims of the anti-independence parties, because they prove once and for all that Scotland more than pays its own way in the UK.
“Even during the Thatcher years with the closure of some of Scotland’s biggest industries, productivity continued to be higher in Scotland than the rest of the UK.
“On average, Scots were more than 14% more productive per head than their counterparts in the rest of the UK since 1980, equal to £1,905 per person.
“The figures have improved further since the SNP took office in 2007, which underlines the hard work being done by the Scottish Government to improve the Scottish economy even with the relatively limited financial powers currently available.
“With the full economic powers Scotland would have as an independent country we will do even better still, with the ability to boost recovery, create jobs and deliver a wealthier and fairer society.
“The questions are now stacking up for the anti-independence parties and the No campaign which has real questions to answer about the credibility of their campaign.”
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
McMillan Welcomes Shipbuilders Return to Profit
Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has welcomed news that Ferguson Shipbuilders in Port Glasgow has returned to profit in the year to May, as turnover more than doubled.
In an article in The Herald, the company said it had returned to profit and was “delighted to be back building new vessels”.
Commenting Mr McMillan said:
“I’m delighted to learn that Ferguson Shipbuilders in Port Glasgow has returned to profit. This is a vast transformation from the dark days of 2005 when it faced closure.
“I know the assistance from this SNP Government in helping Ferguson deliver two hybrid ferries has been of great importance to the companies revival.
“It’s vital Ferguson remains active and open for new orders as it employs a significant number of people in Inverclyde. The addition of a number of new apprentices has also been a great boost for the company and the local area.
“Therefore, I look forward to hearing more about Ferguson Shipbuilders success and hopefully new contracts for the lower Clyde.”
In an article in The Herald, the company said it had returned to profit and was “delighted to be back building new vessels”.
Commenting Mr McMillan said:
“I’m delighted to learn that Ferguson Shipbuilders in Port Glasgow has returned to profit. This is a vast transformation from the dark days of 2005 when it faced closure.
“I know the assistance from this SNP Government in helping Ferguson deliver two hybrid ferries has been of great importance to the companies revival.
“It’s vital Ferguson remains active and open for new orders as it employs a significant number of people in Inverclyde. The addition of a number of new apprentices has also been a great boost for the company and the local area.
“Therefore, I look forward to hearing more about Ferguson Shipbuilders success and hopefully new contracts for the lower Clyde.”
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Customhouse could be “Ellis Island of Scotland”
Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Wednesday) raised the prospect of creating a heritage museum in the currently unoccupied Customhouse building in Greenock. The museum would focus on the vital role the building played in emigration from Scotland and Mr McMillan believes it could provide a focal point for the Homecoming 2014 tourism initiative which aims to draw visitors with Scottish ancestry from across the world back to Scotland.
Mr McMillan questioned the Chief Executive and Chair of VisitScotland, Malcolm Roughead and Dr. Mike Cantlay respectively in today’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee about what opportunities there are for the west of Scotland in the lead up to the next year of Homecoming in 2014. Mr. Roughead stated that he sees no reason why the Customhouse in Greenock couldn’t become the ‘Ellis Island of Scotland’ as it has a tremendous amount of history, in particular it is estimated that over 600,000 people left Greenock from the Customhouse to the new world in the past.
The Customhouse building was recently bought by Riverside Inverclyde and is undergoing extensive refurbishment although there are no definitive plans for its future use.
Mr McMillan said;
“I am delighted that Mr. Roughead sees the Customhouse as having this wonderful opportunity which could provide another attraction in the area. There obviously would be a cost element to such an attraction but with the year of Homecoming in 2014, I see no reason why a Homecoming event, centring around the Customhouse couldn’t be operational with a view to a longer term sustainable attraction in the building.
“The Customhouse was the place from which around 600,000 Scots emigrated from Scotland, it was the last bit of Scottish soil they stepped on before leaving for new lives in the new world.
“In 2014, we are hoping to welcome so many people back to Scotland from around the globe and it would be excellent to have the Customhouse play its part in encouraging ancestors to come here.
“The United States celebrates Ellis Island as the place that welcomed millions to the USA, it is now a major tourist attraction that reminds us of its importance in American history. I would like to see Scotland celebrate the Customhouse, it’s history and its heritage, in the same way, turning it into the Ellis Island of Scotland.
“Tourism is Scotland’s largest industry with an income of over £11bn. Inverclyde can play a larger part in this and I am sure that with the increasing number of cruise ships, as well as the huge interest in genealogy, Inverclyde could create an inspirational attraction to add to what is already here.
“I will be contacting VisitScotland, Riverside Inverclyde, Scottish Enterprise, Inverclyde Council, Discover Inverclyde and the Inverclyde Tourist Group to find out what possibilities there are to take forward my proposals.”
Mr McMillan questioned the Chief Executive and Chair of VisitScotland, Malcolm Roughead and Dr. Mike Cantlay respectively in today’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee about what opportunities there are for the west of Scotland in the lead up to the next year of Homecoming in 2014. Mr. Roughead stated that he sees no reason why the Customhouse in Greenock couldn’t become the ‘Ellis Island of Scotland’ as it has a tremendous amount of history, in particular it is estimated that over 600,000 people left Greenock from the Customhouse to the new world in the past.
The Customhouse building was recently bought by Riverside Inverclyde and is undergoing extensive refurbishment although there are no definitive plans for its future use.
Mr McMillan said;
“I am delighted that Mr. Roughead sees the Customhouse as having this wonderful opportunity which could provide another attraction in the area. There obviously would be a cost element to such an attraction but with the year of Homecoming in 2014, I see no reason why a Homecoming event, centring around the Customhouse couldn’t be operational with a view to a longer term sustainable attraction in the building.
“The Customhouse was the place from which around 600,000 Scots emigrated from Scotland, it was the last bit of Scottish soil they stepped on before leaving for new lives in the new world.
“In 2014, we are hoping to welcome so many people back to Scotland from around the globe and it would be excellent to have the Customhouse play its part in encouraging ancestors to come here.
“The United States celebrates Ellis Island as the place that welcomed millions to the USA, it is now a major tourist attraction that reminds us of its importance in American history. I would like to see Scotland celebrate the Customhouse, it’s history and its heritage, in the same way, turning it into the Ellis Island of Scotland.
“Tourism is Scotland’s largest industry with an income of over £11bn. Inverclyde can play a larger part in this and I am sure that with the increasing number of cruise ships, as well as the huge interest in genealogy, Inverclyde could create an inspirational attraction to add to what is already here.
“I will be contacting VisitScotland, Riverside Inverclyde, Scottish Enterprise, Inverclyde Council, Discover Inverclyde and the Inverclyde Tourist Group to find out what possibilities there are to take forward my proposals.”
McMillan Highlights the Need for Tough Action on Alcohol Misuse
Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Wednesday) highlighted the need for tough action to be taken on the issue of alcohol misuse in Scotland.
Mr McMillan’s comments come after it was announced that alcohol-related harm could cost more than £1,000 per person in Scotland's largest council, new figures have revealed. Inverclyde is £444 per person (total estimated cost of alcohol-related harm £35.4 million).
For the first time ever Alcohol Focus Scotland has produced a regional breakdown, revealing in which parts of Scotland the problem costs the most.
Mr McMillan said:
“These figures released continue to demonstrate Scotland’s problem with alcohol and the requirement for drastic action to be taken. In Inverclyde alcohol-related harm cost £444 per person in 2010-11 and this compares to East Renfrewshire which had a figure of £214 per person.
“I note the new Health Secretary, Alex Neil MSP, stated alcohol sales are still unacceptably high, with enough alcohol being sold for every adult to exceed weekly recommended limits for men (21 units) each and every week since at least 2000.
“That is why this SNP Government introduced and has recently passed the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Bill as a measure to tackle the cheap consumption of alcohol throughout Scotland. Minimum pricing is one of a number of methods being brought forward by the SNP Government to take touch action on alcohol misuse.
“Unfortunately, this measure was not supported by the opposition Labour Party here in Scotland.”
Mr McMillan’s comments come after it was announced that alcohol-related harm could cost more than £1,000 per person in Scotland's largest council, new figures have revealed. Inverclyde is £444 per person (total estimated cost of alcohol-related harm £35.4 million).
For the first time ever Alcohol Focus Scotland has produced a regional breakdown, revealing in which parts of Scotland the problem costs the most.
Mr McMillan said:
“These figures released continue to demonstrate Scotland’s problem with alcohol and the requirement for drastic action to be taken. In Inverclyde alcohol-related harm cost £444 per person in 2010-11 and this compares to East Renfrewshire which had a figure of £214 per person.
“I note the new Health Secretary, Alex Neil MSP, stated alcohol sales are still unacceptably high, with enough alcohol being sold for every adult to exceed weekly recommended limits for men (21 units) each and every week since at least 2000.
“That is why this SNP Government introduced and has recently passed the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Bill as a measure to tackle the cheap consumption of alcohol throughout Scotland. Minimum pricing is one of a number of methods being brought forward by the SNP Government to take touch action on alcohol misuse.
“Unfortunately, this measure was not supported by the opposition Labour Party here in Scotland.”
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
McMillan Speaks in Economic Growth Debate
Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Tuesday) spoken in a SNP Government led debate, in the Scottish Parliament chamber, on actions to deliver sustainable economic growth.
The debate focused on the Scottish Government’s approach to supporting output and employment through boosting capital investment, taking direct action to tackle unemployment and enhancing economic confidence.
Mr McMillan said:
“We all know the economic situation has been very challenging on communities and families throughout Scotland. The gap between the richest and the poorest increased to record levels under former Labour’s PM, Gordon Brown.
“Nevertheless, The Scottish Government is doing what it can to promote recovery, but the UK Government must listen to the calls to invest in shovel-ready projects here in Scotland. It’s estimated that every additional £100m invested in shovel-ready projects would support around 1,400 jobs in Scotland.
“However, the economic conditions have been largely created elsewhere and the ability of this Government and Parliament to address the problems are limited.
“The actions taken by the SNP Government are evident to see and these contrasts dramatically with the austerity measures being implemented by the Tory/Lib Dem coalition which have seen growth regress.
“Therefore, it’s time the Scottish Parliament was given the full economic and fiscal powers of independence in-order to address the issue of economic growth and provide real employment opportunities for the people of Scotland.”
The debate focused on the Scottish Government’s approach to supporting output and employment through boosting capital investment, taking direct action to tackle unemployment and enhancing economic confidence.
Mr McMillan said:
“We all know the economic situation has been very challenging on communities and families throughout Scotland. The gap between the richest and the poorest increased to record levels under former Labour’s PM, Gordon Brown.
“Nevertheless, The Scottish Government is doing what it can to promote recovery, but the UK Government must listen to the calls to invest in shovel-ready projects here in Scotland. It’s estimated that every additional £100m invested in shovel-ready projects would support around 1,400 jobs in Scotland.
“However, the economic conditions have been largely created elsewhere and the ability of this Government and Parliament to address the problems are limited.
“The actions taken by the SNP Government are evident to see and these contrasts dramatically with the austerity measures being implemented by the Tory/Lib Dem coalition which have seen growth regress.
“Therefore, it’s time the Scottish Parliament was given the full economic and fiscal powers of independence in-order to address the issue of economic growth and provide real employment opportunities for the people of Scotland.”
McMillan Welcomes Further Support from Scot Gov to Clyde Coastguard
Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Tuesday) welcomed the news the Scottish Government Minister for Transport, Keith Brown MSP making a last-ditch plea to save some of Scotland’s coastguard stations from closure and is urging the UK Government to reconsider plans to reduce emergency cover.
Keith Brown MSP has submitted further evidence at the request of the Commons Select Committee for Transport, following their previous inquiry into Coastguard Modernisation, Emergency Towing Vessel removal and changes to the MIRG (Maritime Incident Support Group) which were published in June last year.
Despite changes in the UK Government’s stance in relation to the Coastguard closures, Scotland is still scheduled to lose one ETV, reducing cover by 50 per cent, and see two of its coastguard stations – Clyde and Forth - closed.
Mr McMillan said:
"I welcome the continued assistance and pressure from the Scottish Government to overturn the ludicrous decision by the UK coalition Government to close Clyde Coastguard.
“As we are fully aware the Clyde is one of the busiest waterways throughout these islands and its survival is vital in dealing with the many daily situations and utilising the local knowledge of its staff.
“Only last week, I wrote to the new Secretary of State for Transport to encourage him to overturn the decision taken by his previous incumbent to close Clyde coastguard. I hope he will see sense and rethink the decision to close Clyde.
“Once again, the SNP Government is standing up for the interests of Scotland against the backdrop of a Tory/Lib Dem coalition hell bent on cutting jobs and potentially putting lives further at risk on the Clyde.”
Keith Brown MSP has submitted further evidence at the request of the Commons Select Committee for Transport, following their previous inquiry into Coastguard Modernisation, Emergency Towing Vessel removal and changes to the MIRG (Maritime Incident Support Group) which were published in June last year.
Despite changes in the UK Government’s stance in relation to the Coastguard closures, Scotland is still scheduled to lose one ETV, reducing cover by 50 per cent, and see two of its coastguard stations – Clyde and Forth - closed.
Mr McMillan said:
"I welcome the continued assistance and pressure from the Scottish Government to overturn the ludicrous decision by the UK coalition Government to close Clyde Coastguard.
“As we are fully aware the Clyde is one of the busiest waterways throughout these islands and its survival is vital in dealing with the many daily situations and utilising the local knowledge of its staff.
“Only last week, I wrote to the new Secretary of State for Transport to encourage him to overturn the decision taken by his previous incumbent to close Clyde coastguard. I hope he will see sense and rethink the decision to close Clyde.
“Once again, the SNP Government is standing up for the interests of Scotland against the backdrop of a Tory/Lib Dem coalition hell bent on cutting jobs and potentially putting lives further at risk on the Clyde.”
Monday, 3 September 2012
RED FLARE PROTEST SHOWS ESTEEM FOR JOB-THREATENED COASTGUARD
Last night’s red flare protest against the coming closure of Clyde Coastguard station clearly demonstrated the esteem in which coastguard staff are held, in contrast to the way they have been treated by David Cameron.
The UK Government is planning on closing coastguard stations around the UK, with Clyde due to close at the end of this year. Clyde MRCC in Greenock is Scotland’s busiest coastguard base and employs 30 people, covering 2,500 miles of Clyde coastline.
In July a letter from the Prime Minister to coastguard campaigners indicated that job losses would not take place until 2015, however this was subsequently revealed to have been sent in error. West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan called upon the Prime Minister to visit Clyde Coastguard and personally apologise for misleading staff there, however David Cameron has failed to do so.
Commenting, SNP MSP Stuart McMillan who has led the campaign to save Clyde Coastguard said:
“If last night’s protest showed anything it was just how much Clyde Coastguard is valued by everyone who spends time on the water.
“It is simply appalling that the Tory-led coalition plans to axe the station at the end of the year, leaving staff who have worked to save lives jobless.
“The esteem in which so many people hold Clyde Coastguard could scarcely contrast more with the disrespect the Prime Minister has shown towards staff there.
“After misleading staff at Clyde coastguard on the future of their jobs David Cameron could not even bring himself to personally apologise to staff, despite having found the time to attend events a short journey away.
“His plans will put lives at serious risk and his treatment of staff at Clyde Coastguard has appalled people across the local area any beyond.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)