REMOVAL OF MOBILITY ALLOWANCE BRANDED CRUELEST CUT

SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP has branded Tory Government plans to remove the mobility component of disability living allowance (DLA) from people living in residential care as the Coalition’s ‘cruelest cut’ after speaking out in a debate on the issue in parliament this morning.

Parliamentary questions by Dr Whiteford have revealed that the cut will impact on approximately 60,000 people living in residential care, including an estimated 8,000 users of the Motability Car Scheme.

Dr Whiteford said:

“Removal of the mobility component from people in residential care is one of the cruelest cuts by the Tory Government and will in some cases leave disabled people totally housebound.

“We are talking about a lifeline payment which gives people, including children at residential special schools, some independence.

“Few residential facilities provide free transport, and the component is often used by disabled people to pay for a taxi to essential hospital appointments, to go shopping, or even just to meet friends and take part in activities in their community.

“Removing this allowance is a hammer blow to people’s independence as well as their pockets. It will effectively mean some people can no longer get out and about and will be confined to their residential care home.

“Nobody doubts that welfare reform is necessary, but this cut by the Tories and Liberal Democrats is totally unfair and will impact on the lives of the most vulnerable in society.”

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LOCAL MP LIGHTS UP PETERHEAD

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford performed the switching on of Peterhead’s Christmas Lights this afternoon.

The MP was invited by the ‘Light Up Peterhead’ Committee to perform the switching-on by the town Christmas tree at Drummers Corner. After the switch-on, the Peterhead Salvation Army Band marched to the town’s Muckle Kirk where Dr Whiteford switched on the tree lights there before joining the carol service in the kirk.

Commenting, Dr Whiteford said:

“The Light Up Peterhead Committee have done a fantastic job this year and everyone agreed that the Christmas tree in Drummers Corner looks particularly magnificent.

“The Committee have done a lot of work on behalf of the town over the past twelve months and deserve our gratitude, as do the many local organisations, individuals and businesses who have contributed to the cost of the displays.

“The town centre is looking very festive and I hope that it will help to attract more shoppers into the town and give a boost to local businesses in the run up to Christmas.”

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WHITEFORD SECURES COMMONS TIME FOR DEBATE ON FISHERIES

Banff & Buchan MP and SNP Westminster Fisheries Spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford has secured time in the House of Commons for a debate on fisheries after meeting with the Backbench Business Committee, who agreed to the MP’s request to allocate time for a debate.

The move by Dr Whiteford was necessary after it emerged that no Government time was to be made available for a fisheries debate, unlike in previous years.

Dr Whiteford, along with MPs Andrew George (Lib Dem: St Ives), Margaret Ritchie (SDLP: South Down), Dr Sarah Woolaston (Con: Totnes) and Therese Coffey (Con: Suffolk Coastal), took the case for a Fisheries Debate to the Backbench Business Committee and persuaded Members that time be made available, and will now be held on Thursday 2 December in Westminster Hall, contrary to some incorrect reports that a debate had already been secured for December 9th.

Commenting, Dr Whiteford said:

“I am delighted that the Backbench Business Committee has been persuaded of the importance of allowing time to debate the future of an industry that is of huge importance to our coastal communities and the wider Scottish economy.

“Fisheries is subject to one of the highest degrees of political management of any industry and it is therefore vital that MPs representing fishing communities have the opportunity to put forward their views to the Minister ahead of the Fisheries Council.

“This situation simply underlines why we need effective Scottish representation at Europe’s top table. I have been in discussions with Scottish fishing representatives in advance of the debate and I will endeavour to make the case for the Scottish fishing industry on Thursday.”

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TURBULENCE FOR TORIES OVER ‘BREEDING’ COMMENTS

SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP has condemned remarks by Tory peer Howard Flight suggesting that welfare changes will encourage "breeding" among poor people.

Dr Whiteford said:

“Howard Flight’s comments are not only offensive and unacceptable they are also a troubling insight into the attitude of Tories on welfare issues. Howard Flight is no stranger to controversy so perhaps it says more about David Cameron’s judgement that he has nominated him for elevation to the House of Lords. Frankly, the prime minister should now reconsider his nomination. The Tories are still totally out of touch which is why the people of Scotland continually reject them at the polls.”

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