MP lends Support to Buchan Farmers at Supermarket Protest

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford lent her support to local farmers in Peterhead yesterday during an NFU day of activity to convince retailers and processors of the need for dairy farmers to receive a fair milk price. 

The Peterhead protest, which took place at the town’s Farmfoods and Iceland stores follows up dairy farmer action in Dumfries and Inverness where farmers have met with consumers outside Asda, Morrisons, Iceland, Farm Foods and Lidl stores.   

Banff and Buchan MP, Eilidh Whiteford, who visited the farmers outside Iceland, said:

“Dairy farmers are under immense pressure. I attended the NFU rally on this issue in London recently. NFUS President Nigel Miller spoke at the event and said ‘the tyranny of discretionary pricing must end’ - and I agree with him. Retailers and processors need to radically change the way they work with their suppliers.

“When you factor in food, shelter, vets’ bills, and administration costs to look after the cows, it is not cheap to produce milk.  Costs are being pushed down the supply chain, and farmers are being forced to sell their milk below the cost of production.  The situation we have at the moment is not sustainable, that is why I feel it is important to be supporting the farmers today.”

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Whiteford Elected as Vice-Chair of All-Party Farming Group

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has been elected as Vice-Chairperson of the newly-formed All Party Parliamentary Group on Pigs and Poultry at its inaugural meeting in the House of Commons.

The SNP MP is also her party’s spokesperson on agriculture in the Westminster Parliament and led a campaign last year to persuade the major supermarkets to stock only products made with eggs which comply with EU welfare directives so that local egg producers compete on a level playing field with foreign imports.

The formation of the new all-party group means that the pig and poultry sectors are set to have their profiles raised in the UK Parliament.  Tiverton & Honiton MP Neil Parish was elected as Chairperson.

Commenting, Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

“Given the importance of both of these sectors to the farming industry in Banff & Buchan and indeed across the North-east, I am very pleased to have been elected as one of the All Party Group’s new officer-bearers.

“Both sectors have their issues at the moment and I hope that the formation of this group can act as a ‘fast-track’ to get views and concerns across to London-based Ministers who, in spite of devolution, still have the lead for the time being in dealing with Europe.

“With the summer show season upon us, I look forward to getting around the local shows meeting farmers to discuss the issues.”

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Welsh Labour Government Backs Votes at 16

BUT WHERE DO SCOTTISH LABOUR STAND?
Scottish Labour have been challenged to say whether they support votes for 16 and 17 year-olds in the referendum over Scotland’s constitutional future – after the Welsh Labour government confirmed that it is in favour of lowering the voting age to 16 in all elections and referendums.

Although the Welsh Assembly has no powers to change the law, Labour Finance Minister Jane Hutt AM told the Senedd: “16 and 17-year-olds are deemed old enough to pay taxes, leave school, marry and join the armed forces, alongside a wide range of other responsibilities. Therefore, the Welsh Government supports the lowering of the voting age to 16.” (ref: http://www.assemblywales.org/" - 4th July 2012 4pm)

In Scotland, Labour MSPs and MPs, including Shadow Scotland Secretary Margaret Curran, have given their support to the Votes at 16 campaign, but the party have been silent on the franchise for the Autumn 2014 independence referendum.

Calling for clarity, SNP Westminster equality spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

“With the only Labour politicians actually in government in the UK arguing for votes at 16, Johann Lamont needs to end the uncertainty around her position, and say whether Labour supports votes for 16 and 17 years-olds in the independence referendum.

“The SNP supports votes at 16 in all elections and where we have the power over Health Board Elections and even elections to the Crofting Commission we have ensured that young people have a say. 16 and 17-year-olds in Scotland must be able to have their say over Scotland’s constitutional future.

“With organisations representing thousands of young people calling for a vote in this referendum the anti-independence parties must reconsider their position.

“Labour MPs like their deputy leader Anas Sarwar backed votes at 16 in the AV referendum but want to withhold that right from young Scots in the independence referendum. Labour must explain why they are determined to stand in the way of young scots rights to a say over their future.

“Young people of this age are already on the electoral roll and they play a part in our society. It is only fair that they have their say.”

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MP Hears of Concerns for Local Jobs Over New UK Gaming Tax

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford heard at first hand today local concerns over the UK Government’s planned new gaming tax.

The MP met with Robert Syme, Manager of Gala Bingo in Peterhead to discuss the potential effect of the UK Government’s planned introduction of Machine Games Duty on the viability of local bingo halls.  Whilst there, Dr Whiteford took up the offer to call one of that afternoon's bingo games.

Speaking in Peterhead, Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

“I was pleased for the opportunity to meet with the manager of the Gala Bingo in Peterhead to discuss the UK Government’s plans to introduce a tax on gaming machines.

“I have been left in no doubt at the enormous impact that this hefty tax will have on the viability of bingo halls and betting shops the length and breadth of the country.

“With the UK Government planning to set the inaugural rate of this tax at 20%, the profit margins of these high street shops will be squeezed to breaking point.  These facilities create jobs in the local area, ensure economic activity in vibrant town centres and in some cases, are important social networks for the community.  It is quite clear that this new tax will threaten the future of these stores.

“In tough economic times, the UK Government ought to be supporting businesses to create jobs and growth, rather than threatening their survival.”

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