LABOUR SPIN IS NO GUARANTEE OF SFA's INDEPENDENCE

Commenting on a claim by Labour of "reassurance" from FIFA that a UK football team at the next Olympics would not affect the independence of the Scottish national squad, SNP MSP Stuart McMillan, a member of the Scottish Parliament's football team, pointed out that if that were the case then why did the SFA want nothing to do with the project.

Mr McMillan also highlighted comments by FIFA President Sepp Blatter where he said that such a team would put the position of the independent UK associations into question.

On 9th March 2008 Sepp Blatter said:

"If you start to put together a combined team for the Olympic Games, the question will automatically come up that there are four different associations so how can they play in one team.

"If this is the case then why the hell do they have four associations and four votes and their own vice-presidency?

"This will put into question all the privileges that the British associations have been given by the Congress in 1946."

Commenting Mr McMillan said:

"Football is Scotland's national sport and the people of Scotland take great pride in supporting their national team. Labour may say it is okay to have a single UK team but the people who should really be listened to are the SFA and the Tartan Army."

"This is not a guarantee that the independence of the SFA and the other three national associations in the UK will not be threatened by a single UK football Olympic team. It is not in the gift of officials but all members of FIFA who could take away the SFA's independence.

"As the remarks of Sepp Blatter make clear the very creation of such a team would only add weight to the arguments of those who seek to take away that independence. He has acknowledged that it would raise questions amongst other FIFA members who would ask why Scotland should have its own independent representation in world football.

"All the national supporters' associations in the UK oppose this plan and a majority of the football associations want nothing to do with it.

"Maybe Labour thinks they can pull the wool over people's eyes by suggesting Sepp Blatter has some absolute power to protect the independence of the UK national associations.

"However, as Mr Blatter's comments in March show, a GB football Olympic side would undermine and jeopardise the Scotland national team's existence."

Notes

1. Sepp Blatter 's comments from 9th March 2008 can be read at the following links:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/football/7286011.stm
http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/scotland/Don39t-back-British-team-says.3858830.jp



2. A report showing the opposition of the SFA, Irish FA and Welsh Association is available here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7068231.stm



3. A joint press release by the Association of Tartan Army clubs (ATAC - Scotland), the Football Supporters Federation of England, the Football Supporters Federation Cymru and the Amalgamation of Official NI Fans Clubs opposing a single team is available here:
http://www.tartanarmyclubs.com/press_olympics.htm

McMillan Highlights Council's lack of support for Free School Meals

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today voiced his concerns that Inverclyde Council appears to be indicating they cannot implement the free school meals policy for primary school pupils in P1-3 in Inverclyde. This is on the back of a recent submission by Inverclyde Council to the Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee in the Scottish Parliament.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am very disappointed to hear the statement by Inverclyde Council to the Education Committee that they feel they do not have the resources to implement the free school meals policy for pupils in P1-3.

"I do appreciate that Inverclyde Council provides free school meals for 29% of the pupils, nevertheless this leaves 61% of pupils without. The health record of Inverclyde is not ranked amongst the best in Scotland and I believe implementing the free school meals policy would better educate the pupils on healthy eating habits and provide them with a nutritious and healthy meal.

"In the 1970s Finland had an appalling health record and they introduced the policy of free school meals. Now Finland's health statistics far outweigh that of Scotland's.

"The funding mechanism has already been provided by the Scottish Government through the Concordat agreement. Therefore, it appears to me that Inverclyde Council is trying to pick a fight with the Scottish Government over the free school meals policy.

"I never thought Inverclyde Council would attempt to remove the food from the mouths of children, however this written submission seems to indicate this is the case."

McMillan Welcomes Cloch Road Decision

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the news that the Planning Appeal: Cloch Road, Gourock has been dismissed by the Reporter and that planning permission has been refused.

Mr McMillan was due to give evidence at the proceedings but was unable as it fell on a Parliamentary day and he had to be available to vote in Edinburgh. However, Mr McMillan did submit a statement of case which detailed his objections to the proposals.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased to hear the news that the planning appeal has been dismissed by the Reporter.

"I was able to submit a statement which argued that the appeal should be rejected due to in part the scale of the development. There would have been a negative visual impact and more importantly the increased traffic due to the proposal going forward would have exacerbated the road problems at Cloch Road, particularly at peak times.

"Alongside this, there has been a lack of development in Gourock for many years. I believe other development in Gourock is more urgently required as Gourock has been the forgotten town in Inverclyde for regeneration."

McMillan Highlights Growing Concern for Post Office Card Account

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) is demanding that the Government come clean on their plans for the Post Office Card Account.

As part of a nationwide campaign in support of the Post Office Card Account Mr. McMillan received numerous completed postcards stating their support for the card accounts from Post Office customers in Inverclyde.

There is huge concern among Postmasters and Customers that the loss of the Card Account could lead to 700 further closures in Scotland in addition to the recent round of closures.

It has recently been reported that the Government has decided to transfer the contract to PayPoint rather than stick with the Post Office but that they will not make an announcement yet.

Mr. McMillan said;

"The Post Office Card Account campaign has been well supported by constituents within Inverclyde.

"The fact that many residents have supported the campaign is a clear vote of confidence in local Post Offices, yet the Westminster Government seems intent on undermining the vital community service that the Post Office provides.

"The key point is that the Post Office is not just a business, it is a service at the heart of the community and the Government has to stop trying to squeeze it until it breaks.
"This constant undermining has to stop and a coherent policy of support for our Post Offices put in place".

Notes:

· The UK Government is currently tendering for provision of the service
currently offered by Post Office Card account.

· The UK Government was initially due to announce the results of the
tender over the summer, this was then delayed until October - it has still to be announced.
· George Thomson, Secretary of the Federation of Subpostmasters (Mail on Sunday)

"It makes no sense for the Prime Minister to say he wants to help small business through the financial recession that is about to engulf the country and at the same time take away a contract that helps 12,000
Post Offices survive".

McMillan Congratulates Inverclyde Talking Newspaper

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating Inverclyde Talking Newspaper on their 30th anniversary next April.

Mr. McMillan also recently handed over a £100 cheque to the organisation following an interview he took part in.

Mr. McMillan said;

"The hard work and dedication of the team deserves to be recognised. Many of the members have been involved since day one and have contributed to enriching the lives of the visually impaired community in Inverclyde for a long time.

"I was delighted to hand over the cheque for the interview I undertook with IPSOS MORI in Parliament to the Talking Newspaper. The commitment and enthusiasm from the people I met when handing over the cheque struck a chord with me.

"I hope the Talking Newspaper goes on for a lot longer and enjoys their 30th anniversary celebrations next year".

· Text of Stuart McMillan MSP’s motion:

Short Title: 30 Years of Inverclyde Talking Newspaper

S3M-02838 Stuart McMillan (West of Scotland) (SNP): That the Parliament
congratulates Inverclyde Talking Newspaper on its 30 year anniversary in April 2009; notes that the talking newspaper has helped hundreds of people in Inverclyde with reading difficulties due to visual impairments; also notes the dedication of the Inverclyde Talking Newspaper team, which includes volunteers, to their many customers, and further notes that the Association of Scottish Talking Newspapers provides development of new talking newspapers, providing training and guidance.

MSP Welcomes Free Guided Tours of Scottish Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the news that from September 2009 guided tours are to be provided free of charge to visitors at the Scottish Parliament. By taking away this cost the Parliament will remove the only remaining regular aspect of public engagement which is not currently free of charge to visitors.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has decided to remove the barrier of cost for members of the public to visit and tour the Scottish Parliament building. This is after all the people's Parliament and it is only right that everyone has access.

"I know from experience that when I give tours of the Parliament to members of the public they are duly grateful and welcome the opportunity to witness first hand the building. Removing this cost further highlights the aims of the Scottish Parliament to be open and accessible to all members of the public and will enhance the transparency between voter and elected members of Parliament.

"I hope many more people will take the opportunity to visit the Parliament and see the architecture for themselves. I encourage constituents to contact the Parliament on 0131 348 5000; Textphone: 0131 558 7676. I would also be delighted for constituents to contact my office on 0141 889 9519 and I will try and arrange to meet them during their visit."

Notes:

The contact for members of the media is:

Natalie Walker: 0131 348 6245 RNID TypeTalk calls welcome
Email: Natalie.walker@scottish.parliament.uk

McMillan Welcomes Cashback for Community Funding

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the news that organisation in Inverclyde are to receive cashback for community funding from the Scottish Government. The organisations which are to benefit from this funding are Inverclyde Council CLD, Inverclyde Council CLD Partnership, Arts Education Team, Inverclyde and 32nd Greenock and District Scout Group.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I am delighted to hear that numerous organisation in Inverclyde are to receive funding from the Scottish Government's Cashback for Communities scheme.

" The Cashback for Communities scheme allows the money to be invested in youth projects which will give our young people a purpose and direction in their lives.

"I am sure the money will be welcomed by all the organisation and it will play an important role in giving our young people more opportunities and of course something enjoyable for them to do."

NOTES:

1. The Justice Secretary announced in February a new #3 million grant scheme for youth projects to be funded from the proceeds of crime.

2. This strand of the Scottish Government's CashBack for Communities scheme will provide funding for projects which support young people involved, or at risk from violence, alcohol, drugs or antisocial behaviour as well as support for initiatives such as youth drop-in services and residential, environmental and outdoor activities.

3. For the benefit of local news editors, details of the successful projects in the first round of bidding can be found at: www.scotland.gov.uk/cashbackyouthlinkround1

4. If you want further details on the projects, please contact YouthLink Scotland on 0131-313-2488.

5. YouthLink Scotland will be running a second round application process to allow those organisations who did not have enough time to submit applications to round one the opportunity to do so. The deadline for the second round of applications has been agreed as Friday 29 August 2008. Application forms and guidance notes are available on YouthLink website. YouthLink Scotland will organise local surgeries for youth work organisations in each of the six Assessment Panel Areas throughout Scotland prior to the closing date for round two.

6. Applicants who have not secured an award in round one are strongly advised to attend one of the surgeries where advice and assistance will be available.

7. Only three local authority areas have exhausted their allocation of funding in round one, these being, Argyll & Bute, East Lothian and North Lanarkshire (distributing #295,000 between the three areas). Youth work organisations in these areas will not be eligible to apply in round two.