McMillan Welcomes Passage of Franchise Bill

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP and Member of the Scottish Parliament Referendum Committee has welcomed the passage of legislation to enable 16 and 17 year olds to vote in next year’s referendum.

Yesterday’s vote on stage 3 of the Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Bill was overwhelmingly backed in the Scottish Parliament by 103 votes to 12.

The SNP Government have long been in favour of giving 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote in all elections and has already made this possible in elections it has the power to change the franchise of such as health board elections. The power to enable 16 and 17 year olds to vote in local government and Scottish Parliament elections remains reserved to Westminster.

Mr McMillan said:

“This is truly a momentous day, irrespective of which side of the debate members are campaigning for, as it will shatter the ceiling placed on 16 and 17-year-olds in Scotland. Next year’s referendum will allow 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote and, as Donald Dewar once said, I like the sound of that.

“When 16 and 17 year olds can pay taxes, get married and joined the armed forces, it is only right and fair that they should also be entitled to vote.

“Next year, 16 and 17-year-olds—and all Scotland—will have an important choice to make. Will we choose hope over fear? Prosperity over austerity? Responsibility in Holyrood over the irresponsibility of Westminster?

“The Scottish Parliament is maturing. We are ready and prepared to take the next step on our journey towards becoming a normal independent country, and 16 and 17-year-olds will play their part in that process.”

Scottish Government release - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2013/06/franchise-bill27062013

McMillan Praises Creative Industry Sector in the Scottish Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Thursday) raised the issue of the creative industry sector with the Scottish Government.


During General Question Time in the chamber, Mr McMillan, asked the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Fiona Hyslop MSP, what recent assistance the Scottish Government has provided to creative industries across the country.

Mr McMillan said:

“The creative industries sector is continuing to expand and we are seeing more opportunities for arts, culture and media throughout Scotland.

“With the success of Waterloo Road being filmed in Greenock and Rig Arts releasing their latest film ‘Dying Lights’ featuring young people who were unemployed and who now are being given training and experience in the media industry, its clear that the media industry in Inverclyde in thriving and has even greater potential to provide more job opportunities.

“Therefore, I am delighted the Cabinet Secretary for Culture has agreed to visit Inverclyde and meet with Rig Arts to learn more about their work.”

McMillan Writes to Council Over School Bus Attendant Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West Scotland) has today (Thursday) written to the Chief Executive of West Dunbartonshire Council in relation to the termination of contracts by First Group of school bus attendants throughout the local authority area.

Mr McMillan received the news, by letter from a constituent, that First Group will no longer operate school contracts from Dumbarton depot which require School Bus Attendant. This means a number of employees will have their employment with First terminated on 28th June 2013.

Mr McMillan said:

“I have been contacted by a constituent who has informed me they have received a letter from First Group indicating their employment has been terminated on the last day of this school term.

“The announcement appears to have come on the back of changes to the timing of buses and what this has meant for the contract between the local authority and First Group.

“Ultimately, it has meant a number of employees have lost their jobs with, it appears, very little notice and consultation occurring.

“Therefore, I have written to the Chief Executive of West Dunbartonshire Council asking a number of questions in relation to the contract with First Group, the changes to the timing of buses, what consultation has been undertaken and whether School Bus Attendants can transfer employment to any new contractor.”

McMillan supporting National Transplant Week

“This is an excellent opportunity to remind those who haven’t done so to sign up the Organ Donor Register,” said Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) highlighting National Transplant Week.


With the aim of promoting the issue of organ and tissue transplants and encouraging people to sign up for organ donation, National Transplant Week runs from 8th to 14th July 2013 under the title of ‘Pass It On – National Transplant Week.

In Scotland 600 people are waiting for a transplant while across the UK this figure is 7,500 people – of whom as many as 1,000 a year will die waiting on the transplant list simply because not enough organs are available.

In Scotland 356 solid organ transplants were carried out in 2012-13, 285 from deceased organ donors. The latest figures also show that Scotland has achieved a 74.1 per cent increase in organ donors with around 41% of Scots now on the organ donation register.

Stuart McMillan MSP added:

“I understand that over 90% of families will agree to donation if a loved-one is registered and discussed their wishes, and that this drops to around 40% if the donor's wishes are not known to their next of kin.

“I am very aware that organ donation can only occur as a result of tragic circumstances, but I also know that many donor families gain comfort from the fact that their loved one went on to save several lives.

“National Transplant Week offers an opportunity to raise awareness of donation and also to encourage more people to register as donors. It is a very simple process to sign up and can be done by post, text, phone or even online. I would encourage everyone to sign up.

NOTES:

http://www.organdonationscotland.org/register-now

McMillan welcomes Climate Challenge Fund Event for Inverclyde

"This is an excellent idea and will hopefully see local groups benefitting from this fund”, said Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP – West of Scotland) responding to news that a specific event to promote the Climate Challenge Fund will take place in Inverclyde on the 4th July.


The Climate Challenge Fund was launched in June 2008 and has made 563 awards to a value of over £46.9million to community groups across Scotland. However, despite 408 different community groups receiving funding for projects aimed at reducing emissions and creating a sustainable legacy within communities, to date, not one award has been made to groups from Inverclyde.

To resolve this issue, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change asked his officials and the fund administrators to develop specific marketing and promotion for Inverclyde. This will result in an event on Wednesday 4th July at Port Glasgow Town Hall running from 9:30am to 12:30pm. This will be a free event, open to all community groups to attend and learn how CCF grants could help fund their community projects to reduce their carbon footprint. Previously funded projects have included energy efficiency improvements in community halls, energy efficiency advice, lower carbon transport and reducing, reusing and recycling projects.

Stuart McMillan MSP added:

“This is an excellent move by the Minister, who on finding there was no Climate Challenge Fund awards to Inverclyde groups, organised this special event.

“This funding event will highlight the opportunities available from the Climate Challenge Fund and how it could be used to boost local groups in Inverclyde.

“I would encourage all local groups to come along to the event and think about applying to this fund.”


For further information please see:

http://ccf.keepscotlandbeautiful.org

£10.3 million of CCF funding is available from the Scottish Government per year until March 2015. Grants of up to £150,000 are available per project with Development grants of £750 to support disadvantaged communities, ethnic minority communities and young people developing their application

Visit to James Watt Dock Marina, Greenock

Visit to James Watt Dock Marina, Greenock, to highlight the new Wi-Fi system installed by Inverclyde Telecoms.

£20 million drive for business innovation & growth

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP – West of Scotland) has welcomed a new £20 million Business Innovation & Growth programme to help drive forward economic recovery.


The programme, deploying £20 million from Scotland’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) allocation, will leverage a further £30 million from public- and third-sector partners to deliver projects supporting economic growth across the country.

The funding was unveiled by First Minister Alex Salmond at the eleventh National Economic Forum, being attended by more than 150 delegates from business, trade unions, government, the wider public sector and the Third sector, including Sir Ian Wood who was addressing the event in his role as chair of the independent Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce.

The new programme will fund projects, to be operational by the autumn, which demonstrate an impact on job creation by investing in business competitiveness, innovation and improving the employment opportunities of people living in deprived and fragile communities.

It follows the unveiling last week of details of a £88 million youth employment and business growth package to help create new jobs and up to 10,000 employment opportunities for young people. Last week also saw Office for National Statistics figures highlighting that Scotland continues to outperform the UK on all three labour market indicators (employment, unemployment and inactivity rates) both for the whole population and among young people.

The First Minister said:

“Sustainable economic growth remains this Government’s priority. By working with public and third sector partners, together with unions and business, as we do through the National Economic Forum, we can deliver on our ambition to support and mobilise talented individuals and thriving communities across the country.

“We are using all the levers and resources currently available to us to create jobs, support investment and drive down unemployment, including youth unemployment.

Stuart McMillan MSP added:

“The Scottish Government is delivering opportunities for all of Scotland’s young people, to help tackle youth unemployment – down by a quarter since we appointed Europe’s first dedicated Minister for Youth Employment – and to ensure that no-one is left behind as we make encouraging, though fragile steps towards economic recovery and prosperity.

“And through the choices the Scottish Government has made, and through their stewardship of ERDF funds in Scotland, they are maximising the impact of the public sector and third sector drive for economic growth to ensure that no part of Scotland is left behind.

“This programme can help fuel businesses as the engine of the economy to drive economic growth and create the jobs that Scotland needs.”

Today also sees the publication of a Scottish Enterprise report on Regional Selective Assistance which shows that RSA funding awarded over the last year will be supporting or creating more than 4,700 jobs, with an increased proportion (82 per cent) of offers accepted going to small or medium-sized enterprises operating in Scotland.

Scotland now has one of the lowest levels of youth joblessness in the European Union, with only five EU countries now having a lower youth unemployment rate than Scotland.

NOTES:

Applications for Business Innovation & Growth programme funding are open to public- and third-sector sector bodies until July 9th, with projects likely to commence in the autumn. See further information, including application requirements, at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/support/17404

The National Economic Forum provides an opportunity for new initiatives and partnerships to flourish as a form of broad-based social and economic partnership for Scotland. The Forum allows the Government to draw from the widest pool of opinion - and to allow good ideas to flow to those directly advising the First Minister and the Government. The Forum is as an important aspect of working towards the Scottish Government's strategy to achieve transformational change and higher sustainable economic growth throughout Scotland.

See further information here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Economy/national-economic-forum

Last week’s ONS figures showed Scotland’s employment rate now higher, and its unemployment rate now lower, than in any of the other three nations of the UK. The Scottish youth unemployment rate fell by 6.1 percentage points over the last year to reach of 15.2 per cent (compared to the UK rate of 19.5 per cent), while Scotland’s youth employment rate rose four percentage points over the year to 57.1 per cent - significantly higher than the UK rate of 49.7 per cent.

Scottish Enterprise report on Regional Selective Assistance (http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/~/media/SE/Resources/Documents/PQR/RSA%20Reports/2012-2013-Annual-Summary.pdf)

Crime in Scotland continues to fall as clear up rate reaches all-time high

"People are feeling safer in their communities and – despite the relentless scaremongering from opposition parties – record police numbers underline how decisions for Scotland are best made by those elected by the people of Scotland, rather than leaving matters in the hands of Westminster politicians”, said Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP – West of Scotland) responding to new figures showing that recorded crime in Scotland is now at its lowest level since 1974.

The number of crimes has fallen by 13%, a drop of just over 41,000 in 2012-13 to 273,053. Statistics published today also show the crime of handling offensive weapons is down 29% on last year and 66% since 2006/07.

Commenting on the figures, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:

“Today’s statistics show that Scotland’s communities are becoming safer places to live, with recorded crime falling for the sixth year in a row to its lowest level for 39 years.

“It is particularly encouraging to see violent crime dropping by 21% last year and crimes of handling an offensive weapon down by 60 % since 2006-07. However, make no mistake, there will be no let-up in our efforts backed by record numbers of police officers – over 1,000 extra since 2007 – who are keeping communities safe and clearing up crimes more efficiently than ever before.

Stuart McMillan MSP added:

“We are continuing to work tirelessly to reduce knife crime and violence in Scotland, and believe education and prevention are key to tackling the root causes of violence. That’s why the Scottish Government is investing in the No Knives, Better Lives initiative – now in 11 areas across Scotland, including Inverclyde, - and why they work with other key partners like the Violence Reduction Unit and Medics Against Violence. Together, we are working hard to change attitudes to violence and knife crime – making it clear that it is never acceptable.

“The Scottish Government is also taking a robust approach to enforcement –sentences for carrying a knife in Scotland are the toughest in the UK and our prosecutors are taking a zero tolerance approach. Today’s figures show these united efforts to tackle knife crime are beginning to pay off, but there will be no complacency.

“While today’s overall statistics are encouraging, it is concerning to see that the number of sexual offences recorded by police have increased by five per cent. This may be down to increased reporting but the public should be assured that the Scottish Government, police and prosecutors take the investigation and prosecution of these traumatic crimes extremely seriously and are taking action to address them.”

The statistical publication is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2013/06/recorded-crime-in-scotland18062013

McMillan welcomes fall in unemployment

“These figures mark another significant rise in employment, with an increase of 47,000 people in work across Scotland”, said Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP – West of Scotland).

Scotland is outperforming the UK on all three labour market indicators of employment, unemployment and inactivity rates for both the headline statistics for the population as a whole and the statistics for young people according to the figures published by the Office for National Statistics today.

The statistics show that the headline employment level rose by 47,000 in the three month period February to April 2013. This is an increase of 1.1 percentage points to 72.2 per cent, compared to the UK employment rate which fell by 0.1 percentage points to 71.5 per cent.

The figures now show falling unemployment for the seventh consecutive monthly release. Over the three months February to April 2013, the level of unemployment fell by 6,000. The rate fell by 0.3 percentage points to 7.1 per cent, whilst the UK unemployment rate remained static at 7.8 per cent over the same period.

The employment rate is now higher in Scotland than in any of the four nations of the UK, whilst the unemployment rate in Scotland is lower than in any of the four nations of the UK.

Scotland’s youth labour market continued its strong performance of recent months, with the unemployment rate falling by 6.1 percentage points over the year to February to April 2013. The Scottish youth unemployment rate of 15.2 per cent is lower than the UK rate of 19.5 per cent. The Scottish youth employment rate increased by 4.0 percentage points over the year to 57.1 per cent, significantly higher than the UK rate of 49.7 per cent.

Youth unemployment in Scotland has fallen from 25.4 per cent when Angela Constance was appointed as Minister for Youth Employment in December 2011. Scotland now has one of the lowest levels of youth joblessness in the European Union, with only five EU countries now having a lower youth unemployment rate than Scotland.

These figures coincide with the publication of public sector employment statistics by the Scottish Government which show a 1.4 percentage point fall in public sector employment and an increase of 60,600 people working in the private sector.

Welcoming the labour market figures, Stuart McMillan said:

“Particularly welcome is the continuing fall in youth unemployment, which has fallen by 6.1 percentage points over the year, and which has dropped dramatically since the Scottish Government appointed a Youth Employment Minister.

“The Westminster government’s continued pursuit of austerity is the biggest risk to Scotland’s economic recovery. Without the tools of independence to do the job properly, Scotland risks having all the progress we have made undone.

“The Chancellor has the opportunity at the Spending Review this month to change his plans, and recognise that the key route to deficit reduction is economic growth and the key to economic growth is investment not austerity.

“With the full fiscal and economic powers of independence the Scottish Government could do yet more to strengthen our economy and create jobs."

NOTES

The Scottish Government uses Labour Force Survey (LFS) data published by ONS to measure youth unemployment and employment. This is the most timely source of data on young people’s performance in the labour market and is the main source used for reporting at the UK level. The Annual Population Survey (which combines results from the LFS and the English, Welsh and Scottish LFS boosts) provides more reliable annual estimates but is not available on such a timely basis.

http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/taxonomy/index.html?nscl=Labour+Market

The full National Statistics – Quarterly Public Sector Employment in Scotland Q1 2013 can be accessed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/01046

McMillan Welcomes Funding to Heat Homes in Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Thursday) welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that householders in every local authority in Scotland are to benefit from almost £50 million of funding which will make their homes warmer, more environmentally friendly and easier and cheaper to heat.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess announced today (June 13) that Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS) funding has been allocated to all Scottish local authorities.

The investment, targeted at fuel poor households, will be used for the installation of energy efficiency measures such as solid wall, cavity and loft insulation. The funding is expected to help lever around £125 million of investment from major utility companies to deliver the projects.

Mr McMillan said:

“This funding announcement from Scottish Government has again demonstrated its commitment and determination to help householders stay warm and reduce their energy bills.

“Here in Inverclyde we will see over £1 million invested to target fuel poverty and to ensure all households in that area receive an offer to have the energy efficiency of their home improved.

“This investment is a welcomed boost for Inverclyde and I look forward to learning more about how the fund will target fuel poverty, generate work and support jobs.”

Scottish Government release

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2013/06/HEEPSfunding13062013

McMillan welcomes funding to create new youth jobs

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP – West of Scotland) has welcomed the new funding led by the Scottish Government to support youth employment and small business growth.

Almost £90 million is to be invested in helping Scotland’s young people into work and supporting small business growth, as part of record funding bringing together cash from the Scottish Government, local councils, Cosla, the European Commission and employers.

Up to 10,000 young people Scotland-wide are expected to be supported into work – particularly in small businesses – thanks to the £87.85 million total investment package. An additional 3,000 jobs are expected to be created in small business around the country for workers of all ages.

In all, the investment package is comprised of two different funding streams:

•The £50 million Youth Employment Scotland Fund, made up of £25 million from the Scottish Government and European Social Fund, matched by £25 million worth of in-kind support from employers and local councils

•The £37.85 million SME Growth Programme to support businesses to grow and create employment opportunities for people of all ages – including young people, made up of £15.1 million cash from the European Regional Development Fund matched by £22.75 million worth of support from Scottish Enterprise and Business Gateway.

Stuart McMillan, who previously raised the issue of employment – including youth employment, in the West of Scotland with the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, in the Scottish Parliament, said:

“Since the SNP appointed a Minister for Youth Employment in December 2011, youth unemployment has fallen from 25.4 per cent to 15.2 per cent. Now Scotland has one of the lowest youth unemployment rates in Europe. However, there is not a shred of complacency in our approach.

“We know that Scottish progress is threatened by Westminster austerity and Chancellor Osborne’s failure to back economic growth. Therefore, this substantial announcement illustrates our determination for further success in a drive against youth unemployment.

“This announcement of a further £88 million investment represents an enormous contribution to furthering that cause. Up to 10,000 young people will get real jobs thanks to this money – 10,000 young people getting the chance to build themselves real futures with real careers. That’s in addition to a further 3,000 jobs for people of all ages working in Scotland’s small business sector.

“These two programmes will help more small and medium sized businesses recruit young people and build capacity for economic growth. The total investment available is unprecedented in its ambition and will make sure employers have the right help in place to take on more young staff and grow their business."

NOTES:

Stuart McMillan (West Scotland) (SNP):

18. To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on increasing employment opportunities in the west of Scotland. (S4O-02032)

The Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth (John Swinney): The Scottish Government is committed to supporting sustainable economic growth and promoting job creation throughout Scotland, including in the west of Scotland. We are investing in infrastructure and working with a range of organisations to maintain a competitive business environment. Since 2007, businesses across the west of Scotland have accepted regional selective assistance offers of £46 million that are expected to create and safeguard more than 5,000 jobs.

Stuart McMillan: Last week’s announcement that Scotland’s unemployment figures have fallen below 200,000 for the first time since 2009 is a welcome sign that the Scottish Government’s policies are playing their part in helping to deal with the tough economic conditions.

Will the cabinet secretary inform me of any discussions that have taken place between the Scottish Government and local authorities in the West Scotland region that have been focused on reducing unemployment rates even further? Will he outline any action points that were agreed and say what progress has been made on them?

John Swinney: We regularly meet local authorities to discuss a range of topics, not least of which is the condition of the economy and the objectives of reducing unemployment rates and improving economic conditions.

A specific area of consideration has been the £25 million youth employment Scotland initiative, which will in the coming year make up to 10,000 job opportunities available to young people. The initiative will be administered by local authorities; the Scottish Government has in recent months held talks with local authorities throughout Scotland regarding its development. I am delighted that all West Scotland authorities have submitted bids; an announcement will be made shortly in that regard.

MCMILLAN HOSTS PARLIAMENTARY RECEPTION ON TRANFORMING THE LIVES OF OLDER PEOPLE

Stuart McMillan, MSP for West Scotland, hosted a reception in the Scottish Parliament on Transforming the Lives of Older People, during Dementia Awareness Week, attended by a number of key groups and individuals interested in the area.

Stuart McMillan MSP said:

“I was delighted to sponsor this event and was very pleased with the level of discussion that took place with a number of key players in the area, such as the Joint Improvement Team (JIT), NHS 24, Alzheimer Scotland and The ALLIANCE.

“Older people are not a burden yet they are often unfairly portrayed as such in the media and popular culture. As in many other areas these unfounded stereotypes can adversely affect the way some people are treated, and therefore must be challenged everywhere they are found.

“It is a sign of a successful nation that more of us are living longer than before and Scotland's population is continuing to age. Over the next twenty years the number of people who are over sixty will increase by 50% so changes have to be made to ensure that services are provided to the high standard that we value in Scotland.

“An aging population means that more of us will experience dementia, but with proper care there is no reason why we cannot live independently, in our own homes for longer. I am optimistic that with the Scottish Government’s Programme of Change in place Scotland can lead the way in service provision and enable people to enjoy the happy and productive retirements they deserve.”

Notes:

Picture is of Stuart McMillan MSP, Dr Margaret Whoriskey, of the JIT, and Irene Oldfather, of The ALLIANCE.

Link to the Scottish Government’s Reshaping Care for Older People – A Programme for Change 2011 – 2021:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0039/00398295.pdf

Link to JIT website:

http://www.jitscotland.org.uk/action-areas/reshaping-care-for-older-people/

McMillan Welcomes Funding to Tackle Sectarianism

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Monday) welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that projects aimed at tackling sectarianism in Scotland’s communities will benefit from more than £3million of funding.

A total of 18 organisations, including Inverclyde Community Development Trust who are to receive £119,188, will receive funding following advice from the Advisory Group on Tackling Sectarianism in Scotland. The group, which was established in August 2012 to inform policy on sectarianism, has now had its work extended until September.

The Scottish Government has also established a Small Grants Fund to distribute £350,000 over the next two years to small scale and one-off projects in areas across Scotland.

Mr McMillan said:

“This fund underlines the Scottish Government’s continued pledge to create a Scotland of equal opportunities for all – a country where everyone has the chance to fulfil their potential regardless of their religion, race, age gender or creed.

“Spreading the message that there is no place for sectarianism in a modern Scotland in our communities is part of a long-term strategy to deliver that fundamental culture shift within Scottish society to help make this a more tolerant country.

“Therefore, I am pleased to learn that Inverclyde Community Development Trust is one of the organisations to receive funding to tackle sectarianism.”

McMillan Hosts OYTS event at Scottish Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP & Ambassador for Ocean Youth Trust Scotland (OYTS), who are based in Greenock, has hosted an event in the Scottish Parliament for the organisation which was attended by the Minister for Children and Early Years, Aileen Campbell MSP.

The event was an opportunity for OYTS to thank the Scottish Government and Youthlink Scotland for their support though the National Voluntary Organisations Support Fund.

The young volunteers in attendance demonstrated how the funding has benefitted them and helped them deliver youth work at sea as peer volunteers. The organisation also highlighted to the Minister for Children and Early Years how the youth work and volunteers deliver the National Outcomes.

Mr McMillan said:

"I am delighted, in my role as an Ambassador for Ocean Youth Trust Scotland (OYTS) to welcome them back to the Scottish Parliament.

“The organisation has a tremendous story to tell and I was pleased they had the opportunity to meet the Minister for Children & Early Years, Aileen Campbell MSP, and to inform her of their positive work.

“Adventure under sail, the motto of OYTS, is very appropriate and I know from speaking to the young people in attendance that they thoroughly enjoyed their time at sea and the confidence it has brought them.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the organisation as they deliver more opportunities for our young people.”

Nick Fleming, Chief Executive of OYTS added;

“I would like to thank Stuart McMillan MSP for hosting the event at the Scottish Parliament and giving some of our young leaders the opportunity to tell the Minister about the many ways they have benefited from Adventure Under Sail.

“It was great to be able to thank the Minister for the support we have received from the Scottish Government. We are delighted to hear that the Minister has pledged additional funding towards developing our partnership with The Princes Trust to support disadvantaged young people into jobs and training.

“We are proud to be Scotland’s National Sail Training Charity, delivering national outcomes on behalf of the Scottish Government.”

Stuart McMillan MSP with Minister for Children & Young People, Aileen Campbell MSP, Chief Executive of OYTS, Nick Fleming & Becky Couch



McMillan Welcomes the SNP Delivering More Police

The latest police numbers show that the SNP's policy of recruiting additional police officers is paying off for everyone in the West of Scotland.

The newly published figures show that as of 31 March, there were 8,449 Full Time Equivalent police officers serving in the Strathclyde area, an increase of 8% on the 7,822 that were in place in the first quarter of 2007.

Across Scotland, the SNP have delivered 1,261 additional police officers, a national increase of 7.8%.

In a speech last year, Labour leader Johann Lamont distanced herself from supporting the additional police officers delivered by the SNP, stating “we need to be honest that the target of 1,000 additional “bobbies on the beat” is not the best use of police resources.”

Commenting, Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP – West of Scotland) said:

“The number of police officers in the Strathclyde area has gone up by 8%.

“There is no substitute for bobbies on the beat and that is what we have delivered, with police numbers in Strathclyde having increased by more than the national average.

“Not a single one of those additional police officers would be there, protecting our communities, if Labour had their way. And all the opposition parties voted against the Scottish Government Budget which is delivering the resources to maintain these police numbers.

“Unlike Labour, I have no hesitation in supporting the additional police officers who are doing such an incredible job in the West of Scotland.

Notes: The newly published police statistics can be viewed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2013/06/POLICE-OFFICER-QUARTERLY-STRENGTH-STATISTICS-04062

McMillan Welcomes 15 Year High for Inward Investment

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP – West of Scotland) welcomed the 2013 Ernst & Young Attractiveness Survey on foreign direct investment (FDI), which finds that in relation to the possibility of independence there is “no sign of investors being deterred from coming to Scotland; if anything, the reverse appears to be true.”

Ernst & Young also report that the number of inward investment projects in Scotland is the highest for 15 years - a 49% increase on the previous year - and that Scotland is ranked number one for inward investment projects outside London, up from number two in last year's report.

Mr McMillan said that senior figures in the No campaign parties – including the Chancellor George Osborne - have consistently asserted that the referendum and prospect of an independent Scotland are deterring inward investment in Scotland. He challenged the Chairman of the No campaign, Alistair Darling, to apologise for this scaremongering and pledge never to repeat such baseless claims during the rest of the campaign.

Mr McMillan said:

“This is an exceptional performance - and all credit is due to Scottish Development International, the Scottish Government, and everyone who has worked hard to give Scotland a sustained and leading role in securing inward investment in an extremely tough global environment.

“Thanks to this excellent work, we have a 15-year high in inward investment projects, and extraordinary progress even on last year’s impressive figures.

“And yet throughout this entire period we have had senior politicians from the No campaign parties asserting, without a shred of evidence, that inward investment is being deterred.

“We now have the evidence and the reality – to quote from this report there is ‘no sign of investors being deterred from coming to Scotland; if anything, the reverse appears to be true.’

"We clearly can't believe a word the No campaign says about inward investment - which will lead many more people in Scotland to conclude that we can't believe a word they say about anything.

“My challenge to Alistair Darling as Chairman of the No campaign is simple and direct – apologise for the scaremongering, which has now been shown to be demonstrably untrue, and pledge never to let it be repeated by anyone on behalf of the No campaign."


Notes

A Scottish Council Development and Industry report, published on 28 May, said in relation to independence: “It was difficult to discern tangible evidence that the debate itself was causing investment to be halted or deferred.” (page 21)

The No campaign have continually asserted that investment is being deterred – without producing any evidence or a single example to support their claims:

"I think the instability and the uncertainty that hangs over the Scottish economy (is) because of Alex Salmond raising the prospects of independence…

"I think that uncertainty is damaging investment in Scotland – and there are major businesses around the world who have asked me as chancellor in the last year 'tell us what is going on in Scotland - we're worried about making an investment in that country'.”

George Osborne, BBC's Politics Show Scotland, 13 November 2011
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-15708376

"If Alex Salmond wants a referendum on independence, why do we wait until 2014? This is very damaging for Scotland because all the time businesses are asking 'Is Scotland going to stay part of the UK? Are they going to stay together? Should I invest'?"

David Cameron, 9th January 2012

"Certainly, the feedback he has had and the Chancellor has had from business suggests that this uncertainty around Scotland's place in the Union is having an effect.

 
"It affects their decisions to invest, it affects their decisions on how they plan for the future. There's a lot of uncertainty anyway at the present time and this is clearly adding to it.”

David Cameron’s spokesman, 9th January 2012

"With too long a period, we will just increase the uncertainty about Scotland's future, which will affect jobs, it will affect investment plans.”

Michael Moore, 25th January 2012

"… continuing constitutional uncertainty is damaging business in Scotland.”

Ruth Davidson, 16th January 2012

“...the growing uncertainty the delay over the referendum is creating."

Johann Lamont, Holyrood Magazine, 24th February 2012

"...the extended uncertainty the SNP want is in itself damaging Scotland.”

Danny Alexander, 2nd March 2012

McMillan Welcomes Dementia Awareness Week

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP – West of Scotland) has welcomed Dementia Awareness Week run by Alzheimer Scotland, which runs from the 3rd to the 9th of June 2013. This annual event helps the organisation concentrate its efforts and reach people across the country with a wide range of activities, events, presentations and a national conference.

This follows on from the recent announcement by the Scottish Government of a second three year National Dementia Strategy to improve standards of care for people with dementia.

As part of the strategy an action plan will be put in place to ensure people with dementia are treated with dignity and respect during all hospital stays. The hospital action plan will prevent people with dementia going into hospital unnecessarily, ensure they get better care when in hospital and are helped to get home as quickly as possible once they are ready to leave. Other areas of the strategy include continuing to upskill the dementia workforce and improving community services to offer better and earlier support, so people with dementia can live well in their own home for longer.

During Dementia Awareness Week, Stuart McMillan MSP will also be hosting a parliamentary event with the Joint Improvement Team [1], to allow MSPs to hear more about the JIT’s work with national and local partners to improve the quality of lives of older people and their carers across Scotland.

Stuart McMillan MSP said:

“I would like to commend Alzheimer Scotland on its continued work to raise awareness of the condition and on providing excellent services and vital support for the 85,000 people across Scotland with dementia and their carers. An excellent example of this is the Day Care Centre in Nicol Street, Greenock who recently secured top marks during a visit from the Care Inspectorate. They play an important part in the life of not just their clients but also the clients’ families.

“We’ve already seen huge progress since dementia was made a national priority in 2007. Currently 64% of Scots are getting a diagnosis, significantly better than other parts of the UK. Everyone diagnosed from 1 April this year is entitled to a named support worker to help them and their families understand the illness, manage its symptoms and plan for future care, described as a “world leading” commitment by Alzheimer Scotland.

“The new three year National Dementia Strategy, will further improve diagnosis rates, transform the quality of post-diagnostic support and take forward a national action plan on improving care for people with dementia in hospitals.

Notes:

[1] The Joint Improvement Team (JIT) was established in late 2004 to work directly with local health and social care partnerships across Scotland to design, develop and deliver personal services for those requiring support and assistance to optimise their independence and happiness.

McMillan Welcomes Re-launch of Greenock Asbestos Group

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP and Honorary Member of Clydeside Action on Asbestos has welcomed the re-launch of the Greenock Asbestos Group which is to meet on Friday 7th June at 12noon in the Morton Supporters Club.

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.

Mr McMillan said:

“I am pleased that the Greenock Asbestos Group is, once again, having regular meetings as this is an opportunity for sufferers of asbestos related conditions to come together in solidarity and friendship.

“I have worked alongside Clydeside Action on Asbestos for a number of years and fully support their campaign to provide justice for those who have suffered with asbestos related conditions.

“Therefore, I am delighted to be able to attend the group’s meeting this Friday and chat to those in attendance and continue to support their fight for compensation and ultimately justice.”

Phyllis Craig, Senior Welfare Rights Officer, Clydeside Action on Asbestos added;

“It is important that the people of Inverclyde with an asbestos condition can meet and support one another. I know that from speaking to the members of the Greenock support group just how much it means to them to talk to others in the same situation as themselves.

“We are hoping to invite along guest speakers from the medical and legal profession to answer any questions our members may have.

“Should you be diagnosed with an asbestos condition please contact Clydeside Action on Asbestos on 0141 552 8852.”

Mr William Piggott, who has been diagnosed with an asbestos related condition, stated;

“The support group has been a great source of help to me. It has given me the chance to speak about my condition and my concerns with people who understand how I feel.

“Having the group has taken away a lot of my worries, and given me access to a lot of information about benefits and compensation. I am extremely glad that the support group is running in Inverclyde.”

McMillan Warns of Labour’s Plans for More Austerity and More Cuts from Westminster

Following reports of the speech by Shadow Chancellor and Labour MP Ed Balls in which he said that parts of the country with lower housing costs could face lower welfare caps under a Labour government at Westminster, Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP – West of Scotland), commented:

"This is an extraordinary step for Labour to take - and confirms that the only way to safeguard the welfare state in Scotland is by voting Yes next September.

Already, a majority of people in Scotland believe that welfare and pensions policy should be decided by Holyrood not Westminster - and developments like this show why having control in Scotland is essential.

"Scotland has paid more tax per head than the UK average in every one of the last 30 years - and the official figures show that Scotland subsidises the rest of the UK, not the other way round - yet Labour are now talking about having lower welfare payments in Scotland than the south of England. Johann Lamont and the Labour MPs at Westminster she is nominally in charge of have a great deal of explaining to do.

“Inverclyde is already facing benefit cuts of £33million in benefit payments every year under the current Westminster proposals, this figure will only rise if Labour get their way.

“Ed Balls has now made it clear that if Labour was ever re-elected at Westminster they would adopt the Tory mantra of cuts, cuts and more cuts. His language could not be clearer and his attack on the universality of pensions by cutting winter fuel payments shows us that a Westminster government of whatever hue really does mean sticking with Tory cuts. The only way to escape this Westminster austerity is with a Yes vote in 2014."

Notes:

YouGov/SNP poll (Fieldwork: 20th-22nd March 2013)

Sample size: 1105 Scottish adults

Which government do you think would be best at deciding welfare and pensions policy for Scotland?
The UK government - 34

The Scottish government - 53

Don't know - 13