SNP Deputy Leadership

"The SNP have two excellent candidates for Deputy Leader of the party.

"I am supporting Keith Brown MSP for Deputy Leader of the SNP. I am supporting Keith for a number of reasons.

"Firstly, at this time, I believe its important the Deputy Leader is in the Scottish Parliament.

"Secondly, I believe its important our party can reach out to every community. Having our two leaders, who represent vastly differing communities, will I believe continue the progress that has been made on this front.

"Finally, I believe Keith has been an outstanding Government Minister and, I know he will continue this reputation as Deputy Leader."

McMillan “delighted” at Ferguson Ferry Contract

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan has spoke of his delight at the announcement that Ferguson shipyard has won its first ferry building contract since being rescued from closure.

Clyde Blowers Capital - owned by Scottish businessman Jim McColl - bought the yard earlier this month after it went into administration.

It has now secured a £12m contract from the SNP Scottish Government to build a third hybrid ferry for CalMac.

It is understood more details of the deal will be released later this week

The yard has previously built two other hybrid ferries - the MV Hallaig and MV Lochinvar - for CalMac.

Commenting Mr McMillan said:

“I am delighted that the Ferguson Yard has secured this contract. This is fantastic news for the area.

“This contract will boost the local economy, while also helping safeguard the future of shipbuilding on the lower Clyde.

“After what was a testing few weeks for the workforce, this contract will be welcome news to everyone in Inverclyde, and in particular those who are seeking employment in the area.”



Link to BBC story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-29408021

McMillan Supports Cancer Coffee Morning Campaign

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has added his support to Macmillan Cancer Support’s coffee morning and urged people across the west of Scotland to visit a coffee morning over the next week.

It's Macmillan's biggest fundraising event, where they ask people across the UK to hold a coffee morning and raise money for people living with cancer. In 2013, 154,000 people signed up, raising a record £20 million

Stuart McMillan MSP showing his support for Macmillan Cancer Support’s coffee morning at the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh

Mr McMillan said;

“Macmillan’s coffee mornings are a great fun way to help raise much needed funds to support cancer care.  

“I urge everyone to go along to their nearest event and join in for such a worthy cause”

For more information please visit www.coffee.macmillan.org.uk 

MSP Launches Open Door Surgery

Stuart McMillan MSP has today launched a new open door surgery at his Greenock Parliamentary office.

In addition to his regional wide surgery programme, the Inverclyde based MSP will hold an open door surgery on the second Monday of every month between 11am and 1pm.

Any constituent who wishes to raise an issue with Mr McMillan personally is invited to pop in see him during this time. His office is based at 4 Argyle Street, Greenock.

Any constituent who is housebound or has mobility issues is encouraged to call ahead on 01475 720 930 and alternative arrangements can be made to meet with Mr McMillan.



Commenting the SNP MSP said:



“While my office door is always open to any constituent who requires my assistance, it is also very important that I make myself personally available to those who wish to meet with me directly.

“Some constituents are not always able to make one of my regional surgeries and therefore I hope this additional open door surgery can help with that.

“As a Member of the Scottish Parliament I am here to help and offer advice.

“So whether it is by email, phone, letter or by visiting my surgeries or office, please do not hesitate to contact me with any issues I may be able to assist with or indeed represent.”

McMillan Comments on Flying Phantom News

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the news that Clydeport have pleaded guilty to a series of health and safety breaches in-relation to the capsizing of the Flying Phantom vessel.

A Marine Accident Investigation Branch found that the crew on the Flying Phantom had been unable to disconnect the tow line linking it to the larger cargo vessel quickly enough to prevent sinking.

Mr. McMillan said:

“I welcome this development in the investigation into the tragic circumstances surrounding the capsizing of the Flying Phantom vessel.

“My thoughts go out to the families who lost loved ones and I hope the news that the port operate have admitted health and safety breaches is of some comfort to those who have been affected.”

Comments on Referendum Result

Stuart McMillan MSP was back at his desk today in his Greenock Parliamentary office, working hard to represent his constituents. However, he did take some time to analyse the last few days.



Reflecting on the referendum result, the SNP MSP said:



"With the referendum over it is back to the day job, which is to represent my constituents and help them in any way I can.

"We also have a job to do in holding the Westminster elite and more importantly the Labour Party to account and make sure they deliver more powers in the very short timetable they promised.

"In the last few days the membership of the SNP has increased dramatically and is continuing to do so every minute. We now have over 35,000 members in Scotland, larger than any other party.

"We also have an abundance of political talent waiting to take over the leadership when our First Minister Alex Salmond stands down in November.

"This is in stark contrast to the Labour Party, especially in Scotland, who have no leadership and absolutely no emerging talent ready to step up to the mantle.

"Historic Labour voters feel let down by them and are coming to the SNP in their thousands. This is no different here in Inverclyde.

"Although the Inverclyde local authority area voted No by less than 1%, the Greenock and Inverclyde Parliamentary constituency backed independence.

"This must be deeply worrying for New Labour in Scotland and also in Inverclyde.

"The people of Inverclyde feel let down by Labour and Westminster, the result here in Inverclyde proves that.”

McMillan Highlights RBS Confirmation that “No Intention” to Move Operations or Jobs

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has highlighted a letter from the Chief Executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) that the bank has no intention of moving operations or jobs from Scotland following a Yes vote in next week’s referendum.

Mr. McMillan said:

“The confirmation from the chief executive of RBS that they have no plans to move operations or jobs from Scotland following a Yes vote is a very welcome.  It brings a measure of much-needed common sense to the debate.

“It is clear from the chief executive’s letter to staff that the bank is totally committed to a long-term future in Scotland.”

Below is the full text of the letter from RBS chief executive Ross McEwan to staff:

Dear colleagues

We have today made a statement to the market (see below), providing information on our contingency planning in the event of a Yes vote in next week's referendum on Scottish independence. As you will have seen over the last twenty four hours, other Scottish headquartered financial institutions have made public statements about their intentions. This served to fuel media speculation about our own plans, and in those circumstances, it became necessary for us to update the market on aspects of our contingency planning. 

It is my view as Chief Executive that any decision to move our registered headquarters should have no impact on everyday banking services used by our customers in Scotland and the rest of the British Isles. This is a technical procedure regarding the location of our registered head office. It is not an intention to move operations or jobs.

Our current business in Scotland, including the personal and business bank, IT and operations, human resources and many other functions, are here because of the skills and knowledge of our people, and the sound business environment. So far, I see no reason why this would change should we implement our contingency plans.

It is always my aim to ensure we inform our staff about such issues at the earliest opportunity. I know many of you will have already heard about this first in the media. My apologies for that, on this occasion this was unavoidable.

Over the next week, and beyond, we will continue to update you whenever appropriate. 

Ross McEwan 

Chief Executive

MCCOLL HIGHLIGHTS OPPORTUNITIES OF YES FOR INDUSTRY

The SNP has today welcomed the commitment of businessman Jim McColl to the Ferguson shipyard – after ambitious plans to increase the workforce by 50 per cent by next year were revealed in today’s Daily Record.

The owner of Clyde Blowers said he had “no doubt” about the future potential of the yard and has said that there is an “abundance of work” which could be undertaken by Ferguson – and said that Scotland’s shipbuilding industry could flourish after a Yes vote.

Mr McColl also said that a Yes vote would give Scotland the levers of power to support the industry – and allow us to rebalance the economy away from “London-centric activities”.

Commenting, West Scotland SNP MSP Stuart McMillan said:

“Jim McColl’s commitment to the Ferguson shipyard and plans to expand the workforce are fantastic news for the local community – boosting the local economy and safeguarding the future of a landmark employer on the Clyde.

That Jim McColl also recognises the incredible opportunities of independence to rebalance our economy is very welcome – for too long a Westminster establishment obsessed with London and the south east has held back the Scottish economy.

“Mr McColl is also right to say that the opportunities of Yes to allow us to take action to support shipbuilding in Scotland – and our economy as a whole.  

“While successive Westminster government’s have decimated Scotland’s industries,  after a Yes vote we can invest in our industries and reindustrialise Scotland – creating new and better jobs and delivering more opportunities for our young people.

“A Yes vote is our one opportunity to support and invest in our industries – and make our economy work for people in Scotland, rather than London and the south east of England.  We should grab it with both hands.”

The story is reported in today’s Daily Record: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/yes-scotland-takeover-rescued-shipyards-4167449

McMillan Highlights Potential Oil Boom for Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has highlighted how Inverclyde could benefit from a potential oil boom if the country takes the decision to vote yes in the upcoming referendum and remove trident nuclear weapons from the Clyde and begin oil exploration on the river Clyde. 

Only yesterday, oilandgaspeople.com indicated that Scotland could be sitting on more than double the amount of oil and gas reserves currently predicted.  The investigation undertaken by the world’s largest oil and gas industry jobs board, and independent North Sea oil and gas industry experts highlighted how untapped reserves of oil and gas could be underestimated by 100%. The West Coast alone could provide oil and gas for at least 100 years with an estimated value of more than £1 trillion. 

Mr. McMillan said:

“It’s quite clear that oil and gas exploration of the river Clyde would allow Inverclyde to boom and benefit from Scotland’s natural resources.

"The amount of jobs that would be created in Inverclyde as the knock on effect of a oil boom off the west of Scotland would be considerable.  We only have to look to Aberdeen to see how every hotel and restaurant is booked out every night. Every shop space is filled, and planning applications for new facilities are through the roof.

“However, this windfall for the area has been prevented, for generations, as no exploration or drilling has been allowed due to area being a dumping ground for weapons of mass destruction. 

“The private papers of the UK Government which became public indicated that the then defence Secretary, Michael Heseltine, stopped any further drilling because of the Polaris and now Trident nuclear submarines.

“Scotland must rid itself of nuclear weapons and allow us to tap into the potential oil and gas reserves which will be a tremendous benefit for the people of Inverclyde and Scotland as a whole. 

“A Yes vote opens up the opportunity for Inverclyde to become the Aberdeen of the West of Scotland. A Yes vote is a vote for jobs and huge investment in Inverclyde. A no vote keeps weapons of mass destruction on the Clyde and no oil boom for Inverclyde.”

; 

Oilandgaspeople release - http://www.oilandgaspeople.com/news/1039/scottish-west-coast-untapped-oil-and-gas-reserves-worth-trillions/ 

McMillan Looking Forward to Referendum Debate

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West Scotland) has today (Tuesday) spoke of how he is looking forward to debating the referendum with Duncan McNeil MSP.

The MSP’s will take part in a live radio debate for Inverclyde Radio on Wednesday 3rd September at 8pm.  Questions from the electorate should be sent by e-mail to studio@inverclyderadio.com to reach the studio by 7.30pm on the 3rd September 2014.

You can hear the programme via a computer, tablet and smartphone App (such as TuneIn) and internet enabled radio. The website with listening links is www.inverclyderadio.scot or www.inverclyderadio.com 

Speaking in advance of the debate Mr McMillan said:

“I am very much looking forward to debating with Duncan and answering questions from members of the public on Scotland’s future.

“This is the most important political decision the people of Scotland will have ever made and it’s vital they know the facts.

“Therefore, I look forward to setting out the positive case for Scotland becoming an independent country.”