UK spending lowest proportion of its wealth on supporting children than at any time since 1977

Research showing that Britain is spending a lower proportion of its wealth on supporting children than at any time since 1977 has been condemned as a demonstration of Westminster’s failure to act on child poverty.

Research by the House of Commons Library has revealed that the proportion of GDP spent on child benefit has fallen to 0.6 per cent – the lowest level it has reached at any time since 1977.

The Child Poverty Action Group has previously estimated that up to 100,000 more children in Scotland risk being pushed into poverty by 2020.

Commenting, SNP Work and Pensions Spokesperson and Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford said:

“The fact that the UK is spending less of its wealth on child benefit than at any time since 1977 is an appalling indictment of the lack of importance the Westminster Government attaches to reducing child poverty.

“It shows that there is a complete lack of will amongst the Westminster establishment to tackle the increasing child poverty being driven by their austerity agenda.

“Only a powerful voice for Scotland with a strong team of SNP MPs can achieve change, and help deliver progressive policies across the UK. And the Scottish Government must have the opportunity to step in. That is why Scotland needs far greater welfare responsibilities than have thus far been proposed – again, something only a vote for the SNP can secure.”

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Eilidh shows her green fingers with student entrepreneurs

Eilidh joined students from the Fraserburgh campus of North East Scotland College as they took a green approach to demonstrate their effective money management skills. The second year class invested a grant of £200 in a “Mad about Plants” enterprise, creating and selling a wide variety of planters and arrangements in the local community.

Janice Smith, Horticulture lecturer said:

“The Money for Life Challenge is a chance for the students to develop their financial skills and see how money can literally grow! We are hoping to get the message across that it doesn’t cost a lot to grow plants, anyone can do it and that plants contribute to a good healthy environment.”

The students welcomed the support of Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP, who joined the students at Fraserburgh Campus to look at some of the creations on offer. Dr Whiteford commented:

“I was impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit of the students and wish them luck in their bid to win the national competitions that they have entered. This project is really equipping the young people with the skills and qualities that they will need to draw on in working life and I commend them for their hard work.”

The Mad about Plants team have raised over £300 in sales to date and, in true entrepreneurial spirit, this will be ploughed into the next green fingered project on the horizon.

The Money for Life Challenge is a national competition which provides grants for 16 to 24 year olds to run a project to improve money management skills in their communities. The most inspiring and impactful projects progress to the National Finals and the UK Grand Final.

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Dismay at UK Government's rejection of LGBTI rights envoy

The SNP has today voiced disappointment at the UK Government’s rejection of the creation of a special Foreign Office envoy to promote the rights of LGTBI people throughout the world.

Responding to a Parliamentary Question from SNP MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford, Foreign Office minister David Lidington said that the UK Government did not support the creation of such an envoy – and said creating a new post would be “ticking a box”.

Last month, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced her support for an envoy – and said that a team of SNP MPs elected at the General Election would support the creation of such a post "to promote the rights of LGBTI people throughout the word, as an integral part of UK foreign policy".

Commenting on today’s developments, Dr. Whiteford said:

“It is deeply disappointing that Foreign Office Minister David Lidington has rejected proposals for the creation of an LGTBI envoy."

"As the First Minister stated last month, there is cross-party support for an envoy – just as there is support for such a post in the United States – and the SNP is prepared to work across party boundaries to ensure the role is established. For Mr Lidington to refer to the role as a “ticking a box” is extremely insulting."

“Too many LGBTI people in too many countries still face the most extreme forms of prejudice and hate - our voice must be one of those arguing and advocating for equality, tolerance and love."

"That is why a team of SNP MPs elected in May will continue to push the case for the establishment of a special envoy - a diplomatic post within the Foreign Office - to promote the rights of LGBTI people throughout the word, as an integral part of UK foreign policy."

"By voting for a strong team of SNP MPs in May, the people of Scotland can achieve change to deliver policies that are right for this country - and advance the cause of progressive policies across the UK."

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Labour's Murphy makes "redundant" policy plea to voters

The Scottish National Party has blasted Jim Murphy for failing to keep abreast of Scottish welfare policy following a "redundant" policy plea to voters.

Scottish Labour's latest gaffe has seen Jim Murphy claim his party will make social housing tenants £3000 a year better off by abolishing the bedroom tax, forgetting that no one in Scotland has to pay the Bedroom Tax due to measures brought in by the Scottish Government.

It has been reported Jim Murphy will be making the pleas this week at SCVO's Glasgow Gathering.

Commenting, SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

"Jim Murphy's weekend of gaffes has gone from bad to worse.

"Scottish Labour are really desperate if they are trying to appeal to voters by making up redundant policies.

“The Scottish Government has spent £300m mopping up Westminster’s mess on welfare so that Scots are not subjected to the Bedroom Tax- the fact that Jim Murphy seems unaware of this is mind boggling.

“Westminster’s welfare cuts are causing real hardship in communities across Scotland – hitting families with children hardest and pushing another 100,000 children into poverty by 2020.

“While Scottish Labour don't seem to have a clue, a strong team of SNP MPs holding the balance of power after the General Election can ensure Westminster delivers on the Vow of ‘extensive’ welfare powers."

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