Ferguson's: Preferred bidder announced

Further to the news that Clyde Blowers are the preferred bidder for Ferguson Shipbuilder, Mr McMillan commented;

"I’m pleased to learn the news that Clyde Blowers are the preferred bidder for Ferguson Shipbuilders.

“This has been a difficult time for the workforce and the community as a whole.

“I welcome the efforts and speed of all those involved to find a preferred bidder for the yard and commend the Scottish Government, and other partners for acting to assist the workforce.

“I now look forward to Fergusons having a long and prosperous future building more ships in Port Glasgow”.

Visit to British Heart Foundation store in Greenock

Stuart McMillan MSP recently visiting the British Heart Foundation store in Greenock.

Comments from Stuart McMillan MSP to Councillor Vaughan Jones voting Yes

Commenting on the announcement that Inverclyde Councillor Vaughan Jones will be voting Yes, Mr McMillan said;

“I welcome the news that another Labour councillor has come out in support of Scotland becoming an independent country.

“Her decision to vote Yes shows that this is not about the SNP or Alex Salmond. This is about Scotland’s future.

“I’ve known Vaughan for a number of years, in my role as an MSP, and when she worked for Alzheimer Scotland in Greenock and I’m sure people will take notice of her views on the referendum.   

“On a daily basis more and more people are turning to Yes and realising we’re better off with Scotland’s Future in Scotland’s hands.

“On September 18th the people of Inverclyde will make their decision, just like Cllr Vaughan Jones, based on what they believe is best for their children and grandchildren, not based on what political party they support.”

Reaction to First Minister’s visit to Ferguson Shipbuilders

Speaking afterwards the First Minister's visit to Ferguson Shipbuilders, Mr McMillan said;

“I welcome the news that the First Minister has met with the workforce and offered them reassurances that all steps are being taken to find a positive future for Ferguson Shipbuilders.

“This has been a difficult time for the workforce and the community and its vital a future is secured for the yard.

“The swift actions of the Scottish Government to move in quickly to support the workforce has been of great importance and the reports of potential bidders appear to offer a new future for the yard.

“I hope there is positive news of a buyer soon who will ensure that shipbuilding continues on the lower Clyde.”

Scottish Government news release - http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/First-Minister-s-visit-to-Fergusons-Shipyard-Ltd-103d.aspx 

McMillan Supports Cancer Charity Campaign

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has pledged to support Prostate Cancer UK in its drive to eradicate the injustices faced by men with, and at risk of, prostate cancer in Scotland.

Despite being the most common male cancer, men continue to face a number of injustices surrounding awareness, treatments and support, geography, age, and ethnicity. 

The ‘Men United v Prostate Cancer - Five Inequalities, Five Solutions’  document comes as part of the second wave of the charity’s Men United campaign, which uses the language of sport to engage men in the battle against the disease. Key calls to action include: the incorporation of prostate cancer in the Detect Cancer Early initiative (1), the introduction of at least one specialist centre for robot-assisted prostate surgery in Scotland (2) and the development of a National Cancer Patient Experience Survey for Scotland (3). 

Mr McMillan met men and women whose lives have been directly or indirectly touched by prostate cancer at an event at Holyrood to hear at first hand about the inequalities men continue to face, and to show his support for Prostate Cancer UK’s calls.

Speaking afterwards, Mr McMillan said;

“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is predicted to be the most common cancer overall by 2030. Despite this men and their families continue to face difficulties relating to awareness of risk factors, treatments and support, geography, age, and ethnicity. 

“I want to ensure that all men in Scotland have the information, treatment options and support they need to tackle this terrible disease regardless of their age, ethnicity or post code – and am delighted to team up with Prostate Cancer UK to work towards this outcome together.”

McMillan Raises Ferguson’s Shipyard Issue in Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West Scotland) has today (Tuesday) asked the Finance Secretary, John Swinney MSP, what support the Scottish Government can provide to diversify the yard for prospective buyers.

Mr McMillan was speaking during a Parliamentary statement by the Finance Secretary on the future of Ferguson Shipbuilders.

Mr McMillan said:

“The news that Ferguson Shipbuilders was to close was a shock to us all and our thoughts have been with the workforce at this difficult time.

“The process to find a suitable buyer for the yard is now well underway and the taskforce, which I attended, met yesterday to take things forward.

“Therefore, I asked the Scottish Government what support it can provide to diversify the yard as it’s vital we find a new buyer as soon as possible and ensure the workforce have a future.”

McMillan Welcomes Strategy to address Marine Litter

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) and Convenor of the Cross Party Group on Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government of plans to tackle marine litter.

Costing Scotland £16.8 million every year, marine litter impacts on our environment, wildlife, industry and tourism. A Marine Litter Strategy for Scotland details the scale of the problem and almost 40 new actions to minimise coastal and marine litter.

Mr. McMillan said:

“I’m pleased the Scottish Government is taking further action to ensure our marine environment remains litter free and accessible.

“We are all aware of the issues of dropping plastics and cans on our beaches and the problems this can cause for our marine wildlife.

“Therefore, I hope this strategy will act as a catalyst to ensure litter no longer impacts on our seas and coastlines.”

To read the Marine Litter Strategy in full http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/09/4891 

MSP COMMENTS ON FERGUSON SHIPBUILDERS RECEIVERSHIP

Responding to the announcement that Ferguson Shipbuilders, the last shipbuilders on the Lower Clyde has gone into receivership, MSP for West of Scotland Stuart McMillan said:

“This is terrible news for Ferguson Shipbuilders and all the workers who face an uncertain future.

“As someone who was brought up in Port Glasgow and is fully aware of what shipbuilding means to the area I am devastated for all those involved.

“I was hoping the order for two hybrid ferries, from the Scottish Government, was going to be a springboard for more opportunities for the yard.

"I have been in contact with John Swinney and the Scottish Government to ask for their support and I know they will do everything possible to help keep Ferguson's working and I also intend to raise the matter in the Scottish Parliament next week.” 

-Ends-

McMillan Highlights Funding Support for Flood Hit Councils

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Tuesday) highlighted that Scottish Government ministers will consider emergency financial assistance for local authorities to help deal with the costs of flood damage.

The Scottish Government has made the decision to activate the Bellwin Scheme following representations from Moray Council. The scheme provides special financial assistance to local authorities who have been faced with an undue financial burden as a result of recent flooding.

The Scottish Government will consider all eligible expenditure under the terms of the Bellwin Scheme when formal claims have been received from the Councils.

Mr. McMillan said:

“We are fully aware that Scotland is prone to heavy downpours of rainfall and this leads to unexpected flooding throughout the country.

“The Scottish Government continue to recognise the issue of flooding and that local authorities require assistance in dealing with the issue.

“Therefore, this announcement that emergency financial assistance to help deal with the costs of flood damage is to be welcomed and I hope West Dunbartonshire Council will contact the Scottish Government for support, when required.” 

Scottish Government release - http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Support-for-flood-hit-Councils-fa2.aspx

McMillan Highlights Foodbanks Funding

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Monday) highlighted how funding of £518,000 has been allocated to 17 local authority areas to tackle food poverty.

Of those local authorities, Inverclyde through Inverclyde Foodbank is to receive funding up to £10,000.

The Scottish Government’s Emergency Food Fund (EFF) is part of a £1 million investment in food aid, with £500,000 already committed to charity FareShare which redistributes surplus food from retailers to charities supporting their local communities.

Mr. McMillan said:

“It’s a sad indictment on society today that so many people are relying on foodbanks to feed them and their families, especially in a rich country like Scotland.

“However, not enough people in Scotland are currently benefiting from such wealth, rather they are relying on foodbanks as a way of making ends meet.

“As the Deputy First Minister indicated, welfare reform, benefit delays, benefit sanctions and falling incomes are all having a detrimental impact on the people of Scotland.

“Therefore, only with the gains of independence can we take control over issues such as welfare and ensure the most vulnerable citizens in our society are not forgotten and we can truly begin to eradicate foodbanks and ultimately tackle poverty.”

Scottish Government release - http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Help-for-those-in-food-poverty-f9b.aspx

McMillan Speaks in Trident Debate

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West Scotland) has today (Wednesday) spoke in a Scottish Parliament debate on the future of Trident nuclear weapons in Scotland.

The Scottish Government motion called on MSP’s to support the speediest safe withdrawal of nuclear weapons from Scotland, while believing that the predicted cost of around £4 billion a year in the mid-2020s for Trident renewal is totally unjustifiable. 

Speaking during the debate Mr McMillan said:

“I disagree with the renewal of the Trident programme. I believe the money for the nuclear programme can be better invested in other policy areas, whether that is other defence related areas, health, education, the environment or any other matter.

“Independence offers us that same opportunity to take responsibility to rid ourselves of Trident and thus save our economy billions of wasted expenditure. It’s estimated that by mid 2020s, Trident renewal will cost the UK £4bn per annum.

“The economic case for nuclear weapons doesn’t stack up and indeed actually hampers job creation and investment.

“Within an independent Scotland, Faslane will have a future as it will become Scotland’s main conventional navy base and will also be home to the HQ for the navy and Joint Forces HQ for all of Scotland’s armed forces.

“However, Scotland will be a country free from weapons of mass-destruction, something a range of public opinion polls and Civic Scotland, through the STUC, Scotland’s Churches, the Scottish Parliament and the majority of Scottish MPs agree must happen.”

MSP Visits REACH for Autism Alongside Minister for Public Health

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Wednesday) visited REACH for Autism, in Greenock, alongside the Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson MSP to allow the Minister to learn more about the Inverclyde project from parents who’s children suffer with autism.

The Minister for Public Health was taking up an engagement at REACH for Autism after Mr McMillan wrote to the Scottish Government and invited the Minister to attend.

Reach for Autism aims to break down the barriers surrounding autism, and to help young people Reach their full potential.  They provide much needed support, services & opportunities for children, adults and families living with autism.

Stuart McMillan MSP with Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson MSP, Cllr Math Campbell-Sturgess, Vicki McCarthy founder of REACH for Autism, Gerry McCarthy Director for REACH and staff members 

Speaking after his visit Mr McMillan said: 

“I was delighted the Minister for Public Health was able to visit REACH for Autism, on my request, and see first hand the excellent work they undertake in assisting children who suffer with autism and supporting their parents.

“I have visited the premises in Greenock on numerous occasions and I continue to be struck by how important such a service is to both the children and their parents in dealing with autism.

“I hope REACH for Autism continues to go from strength to strength and I wish Vicki every success in the upcoming RBS - Finding Scotland's Real Heroes competition where she has been nominated for Community entrepreneur of the year.”

For more information on the RBS - Finding Scotland's Real Heroes please visit -

http://www.rbs.co.uk/global/real-heroes.ashx

http://shows.stv.tv/real-heroes/nominees/271061-how-to-nominate-in-rbs-finding-scotlands-real-heroes