YOUR SCOTLAND, YOUR VOICE

First Minister Alex Salmond today published the Scottish Government's White Paper - Your Scotland, Your Voice - which paves the way for the people of Scotland to be given the right to choose their constitutional future in a referendum.

Scottish Ministers believe that independence delivers a new 21st century partnership of equals between Scotland and England - including giving the Scottish Government and Parliament the responsibilities needed to fight recession, support jobs, and maximise the opportunities that will come with recovery.

As well as setting out the case for independence in more depth and detail than ever before, the White Paper also examines the other constitutional options open to Scotland: the status quo, the proposals of the Calman Commission on Scottish Devolution, and maximum devolution including fiscal autonomy.

Mr Salmond said:

"Following a decade of devolution and the reconvening of the Scottish Parliament, there is now a clear and consistent demand for further constitutional progress for Scotland and extending the powers of the Parliament.

"The vast majority of people want to expand the responsibilities of the Parliament, so that we have more powers to do more for Scotland - the economic and financial clout to fight recession and support recovery, the right to speak up for Scotland in Europe, and the ability to remove Trident nuclear weapons from our soil.

"The National Conversation has spearheaded that process, and engaged all those who want to move Scotland forward - both in terms of more responsibilities, and a complete extension of powers with independence. It culminates in this White Paper, paving the way for a Referendum Bill early next year to give voice to the democratic demand of Scotland.

"The debate in Scottish politics is no longer between change or no change - it's about the kind of change we seek, and the right of the people to choose their future in a free and fair referendum.

"The White Paper examines the options open to Scotland: no more powers under the status quo, a few more powers with Calman, a lot more powers through maximum devolution, and the complete extension of the powers of the Scottish Parliament with independence - the policy of the Scottish Government. This historic document sets out the case for Scottish independence with unprecedented depth and clarity.

"Popular opinion in Scotland has moved far beyond the status quo. And Calman has also been shown to fall behind the needs of the people - with the UK Government refusing to make any progress on important issues such as air weapons this side of the election, and substantial doubt as to what if anything will happen afterwards.

"This White Paper charts the route to progress for Scotland - and we are calling on people of all parties and none who want real and substantive additions to the powers of the Parliament to rally to the referendum campaign. That is why we are open to including the option of such powers on the referendum ballot paper, alongside independence.

"It's time for the people to have their say on Scotland's future."

Constitution Minister Michael Russell said:

"The National Conversation has been the most extensive engagement with the people of Scotland on the future of our nation. Today's White Paper is a broad and detailed assessment of where Scotland stands today and the options for our nation's future.

"The people of Scotland have expressed their hopes, views and aspirations through the National Conversation. Their voice must be heard in a referendum, and no politician should seek to stand in their way."

To download your copy of the White Paper click here

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STEVENSON & WHITEFORD WELCOME REVIEW OF SHOW AND GALA REGULATIONS

GRAMPIAN POLICE TO LOOK AGAIN AT REQUIREMENTS

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson and SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford have welcomed the commitment from Grampian Police that they will be reviewing the requirements placed on local shows and galas.

The SNP candidate and MSP met with Grampian Police Area Commander for Aberdeenshire Superintendent Mark McLaren where the issue was raised. Stewart Stevenson described the meeting as "extremely positive" and welcomed the recognition by the police that changes in the approach taken were necessary.

Speaking after the meeting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

"This was an extremely positive meeting and I was very pleased that there was recognition on the part of the police that the burden placed on local events by licensing conditions was in need of review.

"Indeed, some progress has already been made in this regard and I was delighted to learn that the police have already met with licensing board members and officials to review and reduce the number of conditions which they will be seeking in future."

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford commented:

"There is no doubt in my mind that the strain being placed on volunteers by excessive demands and regulations may threaten the viability of our local shows and galas as more and more volunteers simply walk away.

"I am therefore delighted that lessons are being learned from this summer and I am hopeful that the volunteers who give up so much of their time to organise their local shows and galas will see a tangible reduction in the number of requirements placed upon them in future."

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WHITEFORD CONDEMNS FUEL POLICY THAT DAMAGES NORTH-EAST

LABOUR’S FUEL TAX HINDERS RECOVERY

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford has highlighted figures showing that the costs of diesel with tax in the UK makes it the most expensive in Europe and warned that the UK Labour Government must take account of how its road fuel taxes are affecting the transport industry and the costs of goods in terms of economic recovery.

The impact disproportionately affects the North-east and other areas of rural Scotland, where it adds significantly to the cost of exporting and importing goods.

The latest figures from the European Commission’s Directorate General Energy and Transport – published last week - show that diesel in the UK is the most expensive in Europe at 1.23 Euros a litre. This compares with an EU average on 1.06 Euros a litre.

However when tax is excluded the price of diesel in the UK drops dramatically and is the second lowest in Europe at 0.44 Euros a litre. Only Bulgaria is lower at 0.42 Euros a litre.

The SNP candidate is concerned that the high price of diesel is damaging economic recovery in Banff & Buchan and the many rural industries, including the agricultural sector that have to use diesel powered vehicles on a daily basis.

Commenting on the impact of Labour's fuel tax policy the SNP's Eilidh Whiteford said:

“The Treasury’s tax take on diesel is modern day highway robbery. It is a national scandal that, in an oil rich country like Scotland, we are paying more than 30p a litre more than motorists in Romania and Bulgaria.

“Key sectors like the haulage industry are reeling from forecourt costs, and Alistair Darling must use his Pre-Budget report next month to bring down the cost of fuel. Another factor that cannot be ignored is how these costs impact on the costs of goods in the stores for ordinary households.

"Economic recovery is being slowed by the cost of transporting goods and raw materials and is making the North-east and Scotland as a whole less competitive in critical global markets.

"Here in Banff & Buchan we have high quality food and drink manufacturers that have to compete with companies elsewhere who can get their goods to market much more cheaply. The result is slower recovery, fewer jobs and less money coming into the local economy.

"Our vital haulage industry and the many producers in Banff & Buchan need all the support they can get and that is simply not happening with this oppressive fuel tax regime."

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WHITEFORD & WATSON WELCOME MACDUFF REGENERATION CASH BOOST

JOY AS BANFFSHIRE PORT NETS £¼ MILLION FOR IMPROVEMENTS

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford and Troup councillor Bob Watson have expressed their delight at the announcement that Macduff has been successful in bidding for funding from the SNP Government's Town Centre Regeneration Fund.

A grant programme to provide funds for improvements to public areas and shop fronts was put forward under the auspices of Aberdeenshire Council and Minister for Housing & Communities Alex Neil MSP confirmed today that Macduff's bid had been successful.

Today's announcement comes just weeks after Finance Secretary John Swinney announced that funding of over £168,000 for the Moray Street Insulation Project in Macduff as part of the Scottish Government's first Energy Efficiency Design Awards which is aimed at helping to cut bills for people living in fuel poverty and reduce emissions.

Local SNP councillor Bob Watson said:

"I'm delighted that Macduff is set to benefit from this latest round of Scottish Government regeneration funding. The town centre has suffered in recent years, but this cash will help support new local initiatives and make some much-needed improvements.

"I am glad the SNP Government has recognised the importance of the town centre to the wider community, and is providing the support needed to move things forward."

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford, who lives in the town, added:

"This announcement is great news for Macduff. It will be a welcome boost to everyone who has been working hard locally to secure investment in the town, and get new projects off the ground."

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson concluded:

"Macduff has had its share of problems in recent times but the town still has great potential. The commitment shown to Macduff by the SNP Government firstly through the Moray Street Insulation Project and now with the town's successful bid for funding from the Regeneration Fund gives us a real opportunity to move Macduff forward.

"I'm delighted that it is the SNP Government which is doing so."

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