YES Vote Can End Pensions Con

SNP Welfare spokesperson Eilidh Whiteford today said a YES vote could end the “pensions con” that UK Government and Labour politicians are trying to play on people in Scotland.

As Westminster's Scottish Affairs Committee today (Monday) attempts to whip up fears over pensions, the SNP has called on the Westminster parties to stop treating people like fools and publish their plans for the future of the state pension.

Criticising the games being played by the no campaign around pension policy Dr Whiteford said:

“Pensioners have worked all their lives and made their contribution and we should ensure they receive decent pensions.

“Scotland has paid more in taxes in each and every one of the last 30 years than the rest of the UK, much of it through the efforts of those who are now pensioners and with independence we will ensure pensioners get the support they are rightly entitled to.

“The UK and Scottish Governments have guaranteed that pensions will continue to be paid whatever the result of the referendum and the Scottish Government has confirmed pensions will be set at a minimum of £160 a week in 2016-17. The UK Government and the Labour party have failed to tell pensioners what they intend to pay or confirm they will ensure pensions keep pace with the cost of living.

"Instead of trying to pull the wool over people’s eyes Labour and the UK Government should set out their position on the future of the state pension.

"Scotland is one of the wealthiest nations on earth, wealthier per head than the UK, Japan and France yet for too many people, including too many of our pensioners, it doesn’t feel that way.

"Scotland’s vast wealth and resources means we are more able to afford pensions as part of our economy and as a share of our revenues, and with independence we will be able to grow our economy, boost the number of working age people and increase revenues guaranteeing our older people the dignity they deserve in retirement."

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UK Tax Regime "Damaging Oil and Gas Industry"

The Scottish National Party has condemned the UK Government for making changes to the oil and gas fiscal regime which could damage both the industry and the taxpayer.

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford said the UK Government’s decision to introduce new bareboat chartering tax arrangements for leasing oil and gas rigs in the North Sea is likely to damage exploration activity as it could push up costs and reduce the availability of rigs.

The Scottish Government has repeatedly called on Westminster to reverse the changes, arguing the UK government are undermining exploration activity and could ultimately reduce the revenue that companies contribute to public finances. The proposed legislation has been entered as an amendment to the 2014 Finance Bill and it will replace a long-standing global arrangement for negotiated fiscal agreements between offshore drilling rig owners and HMRC.

Commenting, Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

“Westminster’s volatile tax regime is damaging the oil and gas industry.

“The measures proposed in the new legislation entirely remodel the economics of the UK Continental Shelf, effectively putting up the rent whilst driving down international competitiveness and scrapping any credibility that the UK is open for business.

“Stability and predictability are essential if we are to realise the North Sea’s full potential. That is why the Scottish Government appointed an Independent Expert Commission on Oil and Gas in September 2013, who will report shortly and will make specific proposals in relation to the North Sea fiscal regime with a view to providing long term stability and predictability for the industry.”

Aberdeenshire West MSP and Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Energy, Economy and Tourism Committee, Dennis Robertson, added:

“The Westminster Government has, once again, demonstrated their ability to go ahead with a damaging tax change in the Oil & Gas Industry.

“Despite their commitment to engage and consult with the Industry after the disastrous tax hike in 2011, clearly lessons have not been learnt and this shows a degree of contempt for the Industry. Voting Yes and giving Scotland full powers will help protect the Industry from further tax raids.”

Taf Powell, speaking on behalf of the International Association of Drilling Contractors, commented:

"With new exploration wells at an exceptionally low number in the UK, the drilling contractors would have much preferred to have engaged with the UK Government on initiatives for stimulating activity rather than have additional tax burdens imposed. These new measures move the UK from a middle ranking tax environment, comparable to the USA and Europe to the unstable high end of global tax regimes. We are concerned that the massive investments by drilling contractors in new and upgraded rigs will now be directed to more fiscally stable regions."

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Buchan Baton Relay Praised by MP & MSP

Local MP Eilidh Whiteford and MSP Stewart Stevenson have praised the organisers of Sunday’s events in Buchan to mark the Commonwealth Games baton Relay coming to the area.

Eilidh and Stewart along with local councillors were present at Balmoor Stadium for the arrival of the Baton and the parade of community groups.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“This was a spectacular and very colourful event and I’m delighted for the various youth groups and other participants that their very special contribution to a historic day for Buchan was witnessed by such a large crowd.

“My congratulations go to the organisers for what must have been a huge undertaking to bring the event together.”

Eilidh Whiteford MP with
the Baton bearers

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford said:

“It’s been a great day for Peterhead and it’s such an important day for Scotland with the Commonwealth Games on the horizon.

“We had the whole town turning out - we had dancers, we had brownies and guides, we had the sea cadets, the Rotary Club and the Theatre Modo group.

“We were able to show what the town is about as we welcomed the baton bearers through.”

Earlier in the afternoon, Eilidh also attended the Peterhead JogScotland Running Festival and presented some of the prizewinners with their medals. She said:

“Stephen Bruce and the whole team at Peterhead JogScotland put in a tremendous effort to bring this event to Catto Park. There was a huge turnout for the event and it’s really excellent to see so many people either participating in sport or turning out to support those who are.”

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North East to be at Forefront of Second Energy Boom

Whiteford comments on renewables potential on anniversary of climate change legislation
Dr Eilidh Whiteford has welcomed the fifth anniversary of Scotland’s world-leading climate change legislation.

June 25 marked five years since the Scottish Government’s commitment to leading the world in renewable energy. Since 2009, massive progress has been made towards building a Scotland self-sufficient in renewable energy – from 20.2% of Scottish energy consumption in 2007 to 46.5% in 2013. The Scottish Government’s objective is for the equivalent of 100% of Scotland’s energy consumption to come from renewable sources by 2020.

Dr Whiteford said:

“The Scottish Government’s commitment really is world-leading, and sets a shining example on what can be achieved with political will. By encouraging renewables development, and investing in green technologies, Scotland has cultivated an international reputation as an engineering hub for renewables. In future, when other nations seek renewable solutions to their energy problems, it will be to Scottish companies that many turn for the expertise.

"The jobs and income from this industry will benefit everyone - particularly in ​the North-east where the bulk of this industry is located. We are very much on the cusp of a second energy boom for the north east. However, this time around, we have the opportunity to ensure that this boom will benefit everyone in Scotland, rather than being used as a cash cow by successive Westminster Governments - as has happened with our fossil fuel resources.

“By building our renewables industry we place ourselves at the forefront of a rapidly developing world market, which will only become more important. Energy security will represent one of the major challenges of the 21st century, and as fossil fuels become harder and more expensive to obtain, governments around the world will seek renewable solutions. As well as exporting expertise, Scotland hosts around 25% of the European Union’s total renewables capacity, and as the nations of Europe move away from fossil fuels, we are in a uniquely advantageous position to meet the continent’s demand for clean, sustainable energy."

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