PROJECT FEAR LACKS CHRISTMAS CHEER

The SNP is today calling on the No campaign to take inspiration from the spirit of Christmas by ditching Project Fear and raising the bar of its campaign message.

From a series of ridiculous scare stories that the anti-independence campaign have concocted in 2013, the most ridiculous are:

• Leader of the Scottish Tories Ruth Davidson claiming that viewers in an independent Scotland might not be able to watch Dr Who
• The claim that people in an independent Scotland would face mobile roaming charges, despite the fact that the EU moved to abolish roaming earlier in the day
• Andy Burnham, the UK Shadow Secretary of State for Health, has a fear of independence that is opposed to independence based on his claim that people will be forced to drive on the right as soon as the pass the border from England into an independent Scotland.
• The MOD threatens to annex Faslane naval base and the UK’s Trident nuclear weapons of mass destruction in the event of a Yes vote. Only for number 10 Downing Street to embarrassingly deny the claim hours later.
• Michael Moore warned of “nightmare” implications of Scotland NOT remaining part of the Common Travel Area, at the same time the UK government was making plans to deepen the Common Travel Area with Ireland by enabling business travellers and tourists from fast-growing Asian economies to travel on common visas between the two islands to boost their economies
• The UK Government's "pound for independence" gaffe saw the Treasury say independence would cost just £1 each for the period 1999-2011 – backfiring on claims that an independent Scotland would be worse off

With less than nine months to go until the referendum - and the Scottish Government’s plan for independence published and in the public domain - Stuart McMillan MSP says that 2014 presents the perfect time for a fresh start for the No campaign.

He said:

"The No campaign's self-styled Project Fear really isn’t in the spirit of Christmas – no wonder people are just switching off from it as people move from No to don’t know and don’t know to Yes. 

“As Alistair Darling comes under fire from both the Tories and Labour he has to start the year afresh by presenting a positive vision of the future for Scotland.

“The contrast could not be clearer – Scotland’s Future, the blueprint for an independent Scotland is characterised by attainable ambition and hope.

“The No camp will say anything to talk Scotland down, because they are incapable of saying anything good about Scotland – but in this New Year it is up to Mr Darling and No camp to offer something better that the relentless negativity they have served up so far – if they can!” 


Scotland’s Future Page 3: “A vote for independence will be the clearest possible declaration of confidence in ourselves and our nation. Independence will release a period of energy, effort and ambition which has the power to realise our hopes and expectations and transform our country” http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/11/9348/downloads#res439021

COST OF INDEPENDENCE: £1

January: The UK Government's "pound for independence" gaffe saw the Treasury say independence would cost just £1 each for the period 1999-2011 – backfiring on claims that an independent Scotland would be worse off.

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/scottish-independence-blog/2013/jan/08/danny-alexander-pound-for-scotland

DR WHO

November: Leader of the Scottish Tories Ruth Davidson claimed that viewers in an independent Scotland might not be able to watch Dr Who. This is despite the fact that the same week the 50th anniversary episode of Dr Who was being broadcast in over 75 countries around the world. 

http://www.scotsman.com/what-s-on/tv-radio/scottish-independence-dr-who-claim-dismissed-1-3197634 

ROAMING CHARGES/POSTAL SERVICES 

June: The “Scotland analysis” paper “Business and microeconomic framework” claimed that people in Scotland would face roaming charges, despite the fact that the EU moved to abolish roaming earlier in the day. It also tried to whip up fears over the future of postal services, despite the fact that the UK government had been lambasted by key figures for their privatisation agenda. Jackson Carlaw tweeted in relation to these scares that “Some of the arguments against #indy are becoming a bit silly #indyref” 

http://news.stv.tv/politics/231401-independence-mobile-charges-claim-a-bit-silly-says-jackson-carlaw/

BORDER CHECKS

July: While Michael Moore warned of “nightmare” implications of Scotland remaining part of the Common Travel Area, the UK government was making plans to deepen the CTA with Ireland by enabling business travellers and tourists from fast-growing Asian economies to travel on common visas between the two islands to boost their economies. Tory MP 
Richard Bacon rubbished warnings about border checks. On BBC’s Sunday Politics East programme, Richard Bacon MP said: 

"One of the people in the clip said, 'travel is going to get more difficult', I mean pull the other one, is it suddenly going to get more difficult to get on a train? Are we seriously thinking that if Scotland becomes independent there will be passport checks on the border?

"There are of plenty parts of Europe where there are no passport checks, when you go from France to Germany, or from Luxembourg to Belgium, and I see no reason why that [border controls] should necessarily happen within this Island."

http://newsnetscotland.com/index.php/scottish-news/8287-border-control-claim-rubbished-by-tory-mp

MOD WILL ANNEX TRIDENT (BUT NUMBER 10 SAYS NO) 

The UK government plans to designate the Faslane base that houses Trident nuclear deterrent as sovereign United Kingdom territory if Scotland’s votes Yes…. But less than 24 
hours later number 10 denies any knowledge of the move. Number 10 claims the move is not "credible or sensible"

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/jul/10/mod-trident-scotland-independence

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-to-annex-trident-base-in-independent-scotland-not-credible-says-no-10-8701485.html

ANDY BURNHAM DRIVES ON THE RIGHT 

In an insightful interview with Mandy Rhodes in Holyrood Magazine, Andy Burnham reveals his greatest fears about Scottish independence: 

“I would feel really genuinely sad if Scotland votes for independence, not just for our own self-interest and in the extra difficulty we would face getting a Labour government in England but I also don’t want to drive up the M6 and get my passport out or have to drive on the right when I want to drive on the left…”

http://www.holyrood.com/2013/09/northern-soul/

McMillan Highlights the Dangers of Payday Loans

Stuart McMillan MSP has highlighted the huge financial and emotional impact that payday loans can have, particularly as families struggle to deal with the aftermath of Christmas. Last week Mr McMillan’s colleague and Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing called on the UK Government to bring forward plans to introduce a cap on the cost of payday loans. Mr Ewing said the cap must be in place by April 2014 in order to end the misery that unconstrained interest charges are piling on many people across Scotland.

The Citizens Advice Bureaux in Scotland are dealing with over 100 cases involving payday loans every week, and last month the CAB published a new report on ‘Payday Loans: A Mayday Call’ which concludes with a series of recommendations to help mitigate the worst impacts of irresponsible payday lenders.



Stuart McMillan MSP said:

“In the weeks and months that follow Christmas, money in many households will be tight and some will feel they have nowhere else to turn other than Payday loan companies.

“Payday loans are dangerous and these companies are effectively legal loan sharks that prey on and take advantage of vulnerable people who are desperate for money and feel they have nowhere else to turn.

“Credit unions are a safe alternative to Payday loan companies and help those out who are in debt to them. They can help reduce debt payments and offer lower interest rates.

“The Scottish Government has made clear that with the powers of independence we would act immediately to bring pay day lending under control. I urge the UK Government to act and to act now.”



Link to CAB publication - Payday Loans: A Mayday Call report

http://www.cas.org.uk/publications/mayday-payday

NO CAMPAIGN TOO NEGATIVE - LEAKED DOCUMENT

The SNP said that the No campaign could change the wrapping but not the content of its Project Fear campaign, as a leaked campaign strategy proposal, reported in the Sunday Sun, warned it was too negative.

Despite trying to distance themselves from the leak, a spokesperson for the campaign admitted that they might adopt some of it.

The revelations are the latest in a series of recent blunders from the campaign, including:

**Senior Tory sources briefing against Alistair Darling, branding him ‘comatose’ and suggesting that Michael Gove or Jeremy Hunt should be leading their campaign.

**More embarrassing revelations about donors, with the latest publication showing that trades unions are staying away from the No campaign, which remains heavily backed by Tory donors.

**A internal split detailed in today’s Sunday Post over whether or not housing benefit should be devolved, enabling Scotland to scrap the Bedroom Tax - seriously undermining claims that the No campaign parties will be able to agree on devolution of further powers in the event of a No vote.

A series of recent polls have shown that the Yes campaign is closing the gap, with voters becoming increasingly aware - as the No campaign themselves evidently are - that a No vote means no change.

Commenting, SNP MSP Stuart McMillan - a member of the Referendum Bill Committee - said:

“The No campaign can change the wrapping but not the content of what they call their Project Fear campaign. The fact that they are clearly contemplating a relaunch is a sign they must be worried.

“Only the Yes side in this debate are offering a positive vision for Scotland’s future - and as today’s leaked document shows, even the No campaign are well aware of this.

“As we move into the year of the referendum, more and more people are becoming convinced of the case for Yes - and we are confident that this will turn into an historic Yes vote next September.”

For leaked documents, see page 2 of today’s Sun on Sunday

No campaign admits a no vote is against Scotland’s interests: http://www.yesscotland.net/news/no-campaign-admits-no-vote-vote-against-scotlands-interests  

‘Useless’ Darling branded ‘comatose’: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2517880/Useless-Alistair-Darling-lose-fight-Scottish-independence-Tories-warn-panicked-ministers-turn-Gordon-Brown.html 

Trade union leaders say No campaign “risks being tarnished” by donors: http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/dec/16/better-together-donor-list-scottish-independence 

Poll shows Yes campaign is closing gap in race for votes: http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/poll-shows-yes-campaign-is-closing-gap-in-race-for-votes.22992382 

MSP Visits Greenock Delivery Office

Stuart McMillan MSP has visited Royal Mail’s Greenock delivery office to pass on Christmas wishes and encouragement to the postmen and women at their busiest time of year.

Mr McMillan was shown round the office by local Delivery Office Manager, Alan Drysdale, and was introduced to the postmen and women who are working hard sorting and delivering all cards and parcels in the Greenock area in the run-up to Christmas.

Stuart McMillan MSP said:

“It was great to meet the dedicated, hard-working Royal Mail postmen and women at Greenock delivery office and to see first-hand just how much effort they put into delivering for people at this time of year.

“Postmen and women do such an important job at this time of year. I would like to thank them for their efforts and wish them all the best over the busy festive period.”

Alan Drysdale, Royal Mail Delivery Office Manager at Greenock, said:

“Christmas is the busiest time of year for Royal Mail. Our people pull out all the stops throughout the year to ensure mail is delivered quickly, but even more so over the busy festive period. We are grateful that Stuart McMillan MSP came along to see the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.”

“Our people do a fantastic job at this time of year to ensure that friends and families stay in touch through their Christmas greetings and gifts. We’d like to remind our customers to post early so that friends and family have longer to enjoy their Christmas greetings!”


The recommended last posting dates for mail are:

• Friday 20 December for 1st Class items

• Wednesday 18 December for 2nd Class items

• Monday 23 December for Special Delivery items


Customers can also help Royal Mail ensure that all their letters, cards and parcels are delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible by taking a few easy steps:
• Use a 1st Class stamp! – Post 1st Class for just 60p and have your Christmas card delivered the next day – anywhere in the UK.

• Post early! – Avoid disappointment by posting your cards and parcels early. The last posting dates this Christmas are: December 18 for 2nd Class mail; December 20 for 1st Class mail; December 23 for Special Delivery.

• Use a postcode! – A clearly addressed card or parcel, with a postcode, and return address on the back of the envelope, will ensure quick and efficient delivery.

• Use Special Delivery!– For valuable packages and parcels guarantee delivery with Royal Mail’s Special Delivery, which means your gift is tracked, traced and insured against loss.

• For more information about Christmas with Royal Mail visit: www.royalmail.com or call 08457 740 740.

McMillan Welcomes Increase in Inverclyde School Leavers Going into Positive Destinations

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP West Scotland) has today welcomed figures released by Skills Development Scotland that show the proportion of school leavers from Inverclyde in a positive initial destination increase by 0.1% to reach 94.9% in October 2013.

This compares to last year’s figure of 94.8% and the 2011/2012 figure for those young people in positive destinations approximately nine months after leaving school, which stood at 94.8%.

With the proportion of school leavers in a positive initial destination across Scotland at 91.4%, Inverclyde’s figure sits at 3.5% higher than the national average.

The figures have been produced by Skills Development Scotland and will inform work to support those who haven’t yet found employment of a place in training, college or university.

Mr McMillan said:

“For the number of school leavers in Inverclyde going into positive destinations to increase this year is fantastic news and is overwhelmingly welcomed.

“With almost 95% of Inverclyde’s youth securing opportunities after school, be it employment, training or education, there is a lot to feel positive about in terms of the future of our children and grand children.

“The SNP Scottish Government is committed to supporting our young people into employment by funding a wide range of initiatives including 25,000 modern apprenticeships every year, and the Opportunities for All initiative, guaranteeing all 16-19 year olds an employment or training opportunity, all in spite of cuts made by the Tory led UK Government. 

“Scottish education is good, but we want it to be even better. Under Curriculum for Excellence, there is evidence of high standards of achievement in primary schools and I am sure we will further progress in years to come.”

DEMAND FOR LABOUR APOLOGY AS STATISTICS SHOW ALMOST 550,000 SCOTS HELPED WITH COUNCIL TAX

Statistics showing the vast number of people who have been protected by the Scottish Government and COSLA from Westminster’s scrapping of Council Tax Benefit should force an apology from Labour for their wrongheaded opposition to helping Scotland’s poorest, an SNP MSP has said today.

The newly published figures show that as of September 2013, there were 547,860 Council Tax Reduction recipients across Scotland, receiving assistance of on average £12.81 a week. Around 38% - or 209,890 – Council Tax Reduction recipients were over the age of 65.

Last month Labour voted against the measures in the Scottish Parliament’s Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee, in a move that would have halted the package of support.

Commenting, SNP MSP Stuart McMillan who sits on the Local Government and Regeneration Committee said:

“When the Westminster Government scrapped Council Tax Benefit, they pulled the rug from underneath hundreds of thousands of people in Scotland who relied upon it to pay their bills.

“That is why the SNP Government and COSLA stepped in to take action and put in place a support package to help protect people in Scotland.

“Today’s figures show that almost 550,000 people are benefitting from this, and should drive it firmly home to Labour that this policy should be above their political game playing.

“Labour’s decision to gang up with the Tories in trying to sabotage the support that is being given was appalling.

“With these statistics making it abundantly clear just how many of Scotland’s least well off people are being helped, will Labour admit they got it wrong and apologise for their actions last month?

“Of course with full responsibility for tax and welfare decisions in Scotland, we would be able to put in place a system that reflects Scotland’s needs and priorities instead of having to pick up the pieces of Westminster’s cuts – something that only a Yes vote next year will secure.”

-Ends-

Notes:

The newly published statistics on Council Tax Reduction recipients can be viewed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0044/00440632.pdf

Background on how Council Tax Reduction works can be viewed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/local-government/17999/counciltax/CTR

McMillan Encourages Constituents to Support RNIB’s Used Stamp appeal

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP and Convenor of the Cross Party Group on Visual Impairment has urged his constituent’s to support the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)'s Christmas Used Stamp Appeal. 

Used stamp donations are an important income stream for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). Any donated stamps you donate will be sold on to stamp dealers who buy them in the hope that there might be a rare or valuable one amongst the kilos that they buy from a wholesaler. 

All the money raised from the appeal goes towards funding the RNIB's core services of advice, support and information to people with sight loss. 

Mr McMillan said: 

“I would encourage constituents to support the RNIB campaign and send their used stamps to the organisation. 

“All the money raised from the appeal will go towards funding the RNIB's core services of advice, support and information to people with sight loss. 

“The organisation undertake a tremendous job in supporting people with sight loss and I hope they receive many stamp donations which will in-turn assist their continued work.” 

Please send your used stamps to RNIB, PO Box 6198, Leighton Buzzard, England, LU7 9XT. 

Make sure you leave at least half a centimetre of envelope around the stamp to prevent damage. 

To find out more about the RNIB visit www.rnib.org.uk  

McMillan Urges University Applicants not to miss Deadline

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP West Scotland) has today urged students who are applying to attend University next summer to ensure they do not miss the January deadline for applications.

Applications for the majority of courses should arrive at UCAS by Wednesday 15 January at 6pm.

Applications must be made at http://www.ucas.com

Mr McMillan said:

“Although the deadline for applications may still seem a bit away, it would be easy to get caught up in the Christmas period and forget.

“It would be very unfortunate for anyone to miss out on their number one choice, not to mention wasting years of hard work, because they simply missed the deadline.

“I therefore would urge any student who is planning on applying to attend University next year to ensure they do not miss January’s deadline.”

McMillan Welcomes Age Scotland’s 2014 ‘Hot Tips’ Calendar

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has welcomed the launch of Age Scotland’s 2014 ‘Hot Tips’ Calendar.  The calendar, funded by the Scottish Government, includes features from our partner organisations, Housing Options Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland, Care & Repair Scotland and Alliance Scotland.

Each month, the calendar looks at issues to help older people get prepared for winter.  This year, more than 75,000 copies have been produced.

Mr McMillan said:

“Age Scotland’s ‘Hot Tips’ calendar is an fantastic resource for older people and I would encourage my constituents to obtain their free copy.  

“With winters becoming increasingly severe in Scotland, it’s important that people prepare for what can happen, and Age Scotland’s Hot Tips contain everything you need to know.

“Copies of the calendar are available through my office, by calling 0141 889 9519, and they can also be found in your local Age Scotland retail shop, where available, as well as from your local library or GP surgery.”

The Hot Tips Guide for Keeping Warm, Healthy and Safe in Winter is an information tool for older people.  It forms a compendium of useful information about how older people might prepare for and get through the winter months, with details of who to contact for advice on health, income and benefits, heating and energy efficiency measures to help to reduce fuel bills.

Reference for statistics & information

Pensioner households and single pensioner households remain the most vulnerable to fuel poverty.  Over half (56 per cent) of single pensioners were fuel poor in October 2011.  Pensioner households accounted for over half (55 per cent)of the fuel poor in total (377,000).

Older people who need advice on staying warm and well this winter can call Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90 or contact their local council to see what help is being provided. 

Embarrassment for No Campaign as ASDA Boss demolishes Supermarket Scare Story

The No campaign has been left facing embarrassment today after an article by the boss of ASDA demolished claims that a Yes vote would see supermarkets hike up prices.

Writing in the Herald today (Thursday) ASDA Chief Executive Andy Clarke stated “I am not saying prices have to rise in an independent Scotland. I am saying that politicians of all sides need to work with business if they want to reduce the cost of doing business and in turn the cost of living.”

Meanwhile the Huffington Post reports that Morrisons have said it was “wrong” to suggest they are planning to increase food prices, stating “if an independent Scotland increased or decreased regulation or taxes we'd have to take a second look at our pricing. Clearly that could work for or against Scottish customers depending on the direction of travel.”

Tesco previously distanced themselves from the claims when they first appeared.

Scotland’s Future sets out plans for lower corporation tax and a fuel duty regulator in an independent Scotland, lowering the cost of doing business in an independent Scotland.

Anti-independence politicians had been quick to hype up the claims, with Margaret Curran claiming "the cost of doing the weekly shop in Scotland is cheaper as part of the UK and would be more expensive with independence."

Commenting, SNP MSP Stuart McMillan said:

“Once again the No campaign has been left facing embarrassment after jumping in with both feet and not a second’s thought.

“With supermarket bosses stressing that independence does not mean price rises, the anti-independence campaign has been left looking ridiculous in their hyperbolic reaction this week.

“Supermarkets are highly competitive and to suggest that they would hand their competitors such an easy advantage by imposing price rises is patently nonsense.

“What matters are the decisions that an independent Scotland makes and a Yes vote next year means that these will always reflect the needs and priorities of people living here.

“A Yes vote next year will give us the tools we need to make Scotland one of the most attractive places for companies to do business in Europe – benefitting businesses and the consumers they serve.

“Taking responsibility for tax and spending decisions in an independent Scotland will give us the tools we need to make Scotland a fairer, more prosperous country that achieves more for people than has ever been possible under the Westminster system.”


Notes:
Andy Clarke’s article can be viewed at http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/columnists/agenda-the-large-retail-levy-just-does-not-add-up-for-our-customers-or-for-us.22918258
The comments by a Morrisons spokesperson can be viewed at http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/11/scotland-supermarkets-morrisons_n_4424751.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003
The measures to support business growth set out in Scotland’s Future can be viewed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/11/9348/7

McMillan Welcomes Increase in Visitors to Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) today submitted a motion to Parliament welcoming the recent Visitor Attraction Barometer survey by the Moffat Centre, showing visitor numbers in Inverclyde has grown by 65%

The survey which examines visitor numbers to top attractions, shows that in September 2013 there were 19,515 visitors, compared with 11,817 visitors in September 2012. 

Mr McMillan said;

“I welcome this report that shows visitor attraction numbers have increased in Inverclyde. 

“As someone who lives in Inverclyde, I already know that Inverclyde has some fantastic local attractions, and I am therefore delighted that the number of people coming to enjoy these attractions is increasing.

“Any increase in visitor numbers to the area is of great benefit to the economy and should be welcomed.

“I am indeed pleased to be able to lodge this motion in Parliament.”

Motion Number: S4M-08583

Lodged By: Stuart McMillan

Date Lodged: 11/12/2013

Title: Visitor Attraction Numbers Increase in Inverclyde

Motion Text: 

That the Parliament welcomes the recent national Visitor Attraction Barometer survey by the Moffat Centre, showing that visitor numbers to top attractions in Inverclyde have grown by 65%; notes that the survey examines visitor numbers to attractions and compares them with those of the previous year; understands that, in September 2013, there were 19,515 visitors compared with 11,817 visitors in September 2012, and welcomes the additional revenue that any increase in visitors brings to the Inverclyde economy.

MSPs ‘PAWS FOR THOUGHT’ THIS CHRISTMAS TO MARK 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF ICONIC DOGS TRUST SLOGAN

On Thursday 5th December, Members of the Scottish Parliament attended an event in Holyrood organised by Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, to raise awareness of its annual Christmas campaign.

The event, sponsored by Kenneth Gibson MSP, celebrated the 35th anniversary of the iconic Dogs Trust slogan; “A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas”. The phrase was coined in 1978 by the charity’s CEO, Clarissa Baldwin OBE, in a bid to highlight the issue of dogs being given as Christmas gifts and later abandoned when the novelty wears off. 

MSPs were given the opportunity to take a festive Dogs Trust sleigh ride and meet a large number of furry friends. These pooches, however, were all stuffed toys – the only suitable kind of dog to give as a gift! Attendees also learned more about the charity’s annual campaign, which encourages people to pause and think carefully before taking on a dog, especially during the festive season. 

Stuart McMillan MSP for West Scotland said: 

“I am delighted to support Dogs Trust and help the charity mark the 35th anniversary of its famous slogan, which is as important now as it ever has been. 

“A dog is a lifetime commitment and should never be bought on impulse as if it were a new television or a pair of shoes. This message is particularly poignant during the festive season, when people are buying all sorts of gifts on a whim without necessarily considering the consequences. 

“I would urge anyone thinking of buying a dog or puppy as a Christmas present to ‘paws’ before doing so, and remember that a dog is for life, not just for Christmas.” 

Laura Vallance, Head of Public Affairs at Dogs Trust said: 

“We are delighted that so many MSPs are supporting us once again in raising awareness for our annual Christmas campaign. Although our iconic slogan is known throughout Scotland, we still see dogs and puppies all too frequently purchased as inappropriate Christmas gifts. 

“It is clear that our message is as poignant now as it was in 1978, which is why it so encouraging to see MSPs get behind our message that a dog really is for life”. 

Every year since 1978, Dogs Trust has campaigned to highlight the problems surrounding dogs being given as gifts at Christmas. The charity aims to curb this problem by educating people about responsible dog ownership and about the potential risks of buying pets on an impulse, be it in pet shops, directly through breeders, or online. 

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and cares for over 16,000 abandoned and unwanted dogs a year through its nationwide network of 18 rehoming centres, including Glasgow and West Calder. For more information about Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk 

McMillan meets Local Businessman to hear Concerns over Inverclyde Fuel Prices

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP- West Scotland) on Friday (29th November) met with businessman John Keogh to hear his concerns over the prices of fuel in Inverclyde.

John Keogh of Inverclyde Telecom has previously raised the issue of the increased cost of filling up in Inverclyde with various politicians, including Mr McMillan. At the meeting Mr McMillan and Mr Keogh discussed what effects higher fuel prices in Inverclyde may be having on Inverclyde based businesses.

Last month Mr McMillan launched a fuel consultation to asks residents for their views on the cost of petrol and diesel in Inverclyde, while also asking for information on where residents regularly buy fuel. Survey letters were distributed to over 10,000 residents across Inverclyde and responses are still being received.

So far from the responses received, 28% of drivers in Inverclyde regularly buy their fuel from out with the area.

Full results will be announced once all responses have been received.

Stuart McMillan said:

“It is evidently clear that people in Inverclyde are paying more at the pumps as compared to neighbouring areas.

“However, what is now also becoming apparent is that a large number of Inverclyde’s motorists are now filling up out with Inverclyde which can have a detrimental effect on the Inverclyde economy and jobs.

“The possible impact of this, and of the higher prices in general, on Inverclyde businesses is something that concerns me.”

McMillan Pays Tribute to Nelson Mandela

Following the passing tonight (December 5th) of former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP West Scotland) has paid tribute to an 'outstanding human being'.

Mr McMillan said:

"I am extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelson Mandela.

"The humanity and humility he showed after being released from prison should be a lesson for all of us, including politicians.

"I still remember the joyous scenes on the day he was released from prison. It was a powerful moment then and continues to be so.

"That period in time helped foster my interest in politics. The struggle against apartheid was a struggle worth fighting for. Apartheid divided South Africa, but the fight against it was worldwide. 

"Inverclyde and the West of Scotland has had numerous links with South Africa over the years, and while we mourn the loss of one of the world's most respected leaders, it is right that we celebrate these links, his life and his legacy.

"Nelson Mandela was an outstanding human being, and will be sadly missed worldwide."

McMillan backs MSP ‘Mo Bros’ in fight against prostate cancer

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has backed Prostate Cancer UK and Movember in their mission to change the face of men’s health by expressing their support for MSPs who grew a moustache for the month formerly know as November.

Members of the Scottish Parliament from across the political spectrum united at an event in Holyrood to celebrate the closing stages of this year’s Movember campaign and show their support for the moustache growing endeavours of MSPs Liam McArthur and Dennis Robertson.

Movember sees Mo Bros grow moustaches – with the support of the women in their lives – to raise funds and awareness for men’s health. In the UK this year over a quarter of a million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas have signed up to Movember, raising over £13.4 million by 3 December – with money continuing to flood in.

Mr McMillan said:

“I’m proud to support Prostate Cancer UK and Movember to create a movement to tackle the issues surrounding men’s health and bring them directly to the corridors of power.

“Prostate cancer alone kills one man every hour in the UK, and we urgently need to tackle this head on and make some noise around the condition.

“Just by growing a moustache thousands of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas across the country have raised millions of pounds, and untold amounts of awareness, in the fight against the disease.”

Mikis Euripides, Director of Policy and Strategy at Prostate Cancer UK said:

“It’s great that MSPs have joined me and thousands of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas across the UK in support of Movember and Prostate Cancer UK.

“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is set to be the most common cancer overall by 2030.

“Despite this we are decades behind where we need to be in terms of research, treatment and support. Working together, Movember and Prostate Cancer UK are helping to redress this balance by putting men’s health firmly in the spotlight.”

About Prostate Cancer UK:

Prostate Cancer UK fights to help more men survive prostate cancer and enjoy a better quality of life. We support men and provide vital information. We find answers by funding research into causes and treatments. And we lead change, raising the profile of the disease and improving care. We believe that men deserve better.

If you have concerns about prostate cancer please call Prostate Cancer UK's confidential Helpline on 0800 074 8383 or visit www.prostatecanceruk.org. The helpline is free to landlines, staffed by specialist nurses, and open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday with late opening until 8pm on Wednesdays.
To donate to Movember please visit Movember.com

McMillan Welcomes Further Support for blind and partially sighted people

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has won praise for carrying out a far-reaching review of how to make its services more accessible to blind and partially sighted people.

Following consultations with the Glasgow-based sight loss society Visibility, the health board has pledged to ensure all patients receive information in formats such as audio and braille within a set time of requesting it.

Other moves to be implemented include piloting a volunteer ‘meet and greet’ service for patients with sight loss, particularly for those attending eye clinic appointments; enhancing the availability of the existing patient support service at Gartnavel General Hospital and New Victoria Hospital, and reviewing the additional support that voluntary organisations can provide.

West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan, chair of the Scottish Parliament's cross-party group on visual impairment, commended the move, saying;

"This is a very welcome development and shows the best of the public and voluntary sectors working together to improve the accessibility of services.  

“I commend NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for the engagement they have done, and the important steps they have taken to improve access for blind and partially sighted people."

Previously, focus groups conducted by the health board with visually impaired people had highlighted concerns that included a lack of awareness of their particular needs and a lack of patient information in accessible formats.

Fiona Sandford, chief executive of Visibility, said: 

"Accessing NHS information can be a significant challenge for many blind and partially sighted people. We were delighted to ask to collaborate with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to develop guidelines for staff and new signage policy for hospitals.  The application of the guidelines will make a massive difference to blind and partially sighted people attending hospitals and clinics. 

"Blind and partially sighted people were consulted and engaged in drawing up these guidelines and we are confident this will have a positive impact."

Anne Taylor from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde: 

“There are around 20,000 people with a visual impairment using health and care services in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and it is important that they have the best possible experience of and access to this support.

“We are committed to improving our services. As a result, the health board - in partnership with Visibility and RNIB Scotland - has developed best practice guidelines for all our staff. People with sensory impairment have also been consulted in the development of these.  The guidelines will help improve communication for patients, visitors, carers and others with sensory impairment. They outline what needs to be addressed to meet the needs of visually impaired people and promote safe, effective practice.”

McMillan Highlights Scot Govt Response on Flood Funding

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Wednesday) highlighted a response from the Scottish Government which indicates that Inverclyde Council could have been preparing application for flood protection schemes since 2011 as compared to the one month they claimed they were given.

The letter received by Mr McMillan, from the Minister for Environment, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, is in response to the article which appeared in the Greenock Telegraph dated 2nd November when Inverclyde Council indicated they have been given a mere 4 weeks to apply for funding for schemes from the Scottish Government. Mr McMillan has been campaigning for improved flood prevention measures in Inverclyde since his election in 2007 subsequently wrote to the Scottish Government seeking clarification on the claims from Inverclyde Council.

Mr McMillan said: 

“It seems quite clear, from the response I received from the Scottish Government, that Inverclyde Council would have been well aware of the new process to apply for funding which was introduced in 2011. 

“I note the Minister wishes to robustly challenge the arguments made by Inverclyde Council and it look s like either there has been an error within the Council procedures or they are trying to pick an unnecessary fight with the Government.

“I hope the council take the issue of flood protection and flood prevention within Inverclyde as a serious matter and will make the necessary arrangements to submit applications within plenty of time in future as flooding has been a problem in Inverclyde for decades with little done to address it.” 

SNP Group Leader, Cllr Chris McEleny added;

“Flooding causes frustration to many people in Inverclyde, whether it be traders who end up losing takings because of it, commuters who are late to work or stuck in traffic because of it trying to get home.  

“Its an issue that's not going away without proper investment. The time for that investment is now, it's already long overdue. 

“Therefore, I'm a bit confused as to why the council said there were barriers in the form of time constraints in applying for extra money from the Scottish Government that evidently didn't exist. I'll be raising this with the chief executive of the council at my next meeting with him this week.”