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