SNP Call on Labour to Challenge Tories on Austerity

LABOUR SHOULD CHOOSE AUSTERITY DEBATE FOLLOWING QUEEN’S SPEECH
The Scottish National Party has called on Labour to use a House of Commons debate to challenge the Tories on austerity.

Labour will have the opportunity to choose debate topics for each of the five themed Queen’s Speech debates over the next week.

The Tory’s commitment to further welfare cuts comes as new statistics published last week show that around a third of the UK population experienced poverty in at least one year between 2010 and 2013 – higher than the EU average of 25 per cent.

During the General Election campaign, the SNP promoted an end to austerity with modest increases in public spending.

Commenting, SNP Westminster Social Justice spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford said:

“Labour need to show some backbone and use the Queen's Speech to challenge the Tories on their austerity measures.

“We are already well aware of what to expect from the Tory government in this Queen’s speech, with the continuation of the relentless assault on the poor and a further £12bn in cuts to social security – and the SNP will lead the fight against these cuts every step of the way.

“The UK Government’s continued commitment to the savage welfare cuts that are inflicting such hardship on so many people underlines why they can’t be allowed to take decisions on social security on Scotland’s behalf any more. The Scottish Parliament needs full powers over employment and social security to allow us to support and empower people – and SNP MPs will fight to have these powers delivered to Scotland.

“With Labour all over the place and each of their leadership candidates seemingly getting ready to race even further to the right, the SNP is the only real opposition to unfair Tory cuts in the House of Commons – and people in Scotland can be assured that we will stand up for Scotland in Westminster."

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Macduff youngsters welcomed to Westminster

Pupils from Macduff Primary School have enjoyed a first-hand experience of what goes on in the UK Parliament, following last week’s visit to the House of Commons.

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford welcomed the pupils for a look at what happens behind the scenes in the UK Parliament. The youngsters visited Westminster Hall, Central Lobby, and the House of Lords debating chamber.

Speaking after the visit, Eilidh said:
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“It was a pleasure to welcome the pupils to Parliament. I’ve given talks to Macduff’s P6 and 7 classes frequently in recent years, and it’s a great experience for them to come down and see the Westminster Parliament and learn about its quirky traditions. They ask questions worthy of any politician in the Commons debating chamber and there is no doubt a few budding politicians in their ranks.”

A little part of Macduff Primary remained in London following their visit. A flag, designed by pupils at the school, will fly in Parliament square for one week alongside flags designed by schools across the UK to commemorate Westminster’s 750th anniversary. The Macduff Primary design will represent the historic country of Banffshire.

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Whiteford & Allard Welcome Record Fish Landings

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford and North East MSP Christian Allard have welcomed news of record fish landings in Scotland.

The value of fish landed in Scotland increased by 19% to £513m in 2014, according to figures released by the Scottish Government today. The volume of landings has also increased over the last year by 31% to 480,400 tonnes.

Mackerel continues to be the most valuable stock, accounting for £195 million of Scottish landings.

Commenting on the latest Scottish fish landing statistics, Eilidh Whiteford said:

“The fishing industry remains a critical employer in Banff & Buchan and despite all the challenges of the last year, these figures indicate that the Scottish industry is resilient and has a profitable and prosperous future ahead of it.

“Going forward, I am confident that the Scottish Government will continue to press for the best deal for our fishing industry, and do all that it can to promote Scotland’s quality produce to international markets.”

Christian Allard, MSP for North-east Scotland, added:

“As someone who has worked in the fishing for well over 30 years, it is great to see an increase in the value and volume of fish landings in Scotland.

“The amount of fish being caught is definitely back in both size and quantity. It is important that local people are given the option of Scottish fish before imports.

“Recently, I praised supermarket Aldi’s decision to promote Scottish fish in their stores. I hope to see more of this throughout our food retail outlets, as it is clear there is scope for growth in local seafood retail to coincide with the growth in local fish landings.”

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Leadership roles for Whiteford

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has been appointed to two prominent leadership positions in the SNP Group at Westminster.

Dr Whiteford, who was re-elected last week with the largest majority in the history of Banff & Buchan, has been appointed as the SNP Group Secretary and as Spokesperson for Work & Pensions. The appointments came as the SNP Group, which now represents 56 out of 59 Scottish seats, met for the first time in Westminster.

The front bench appointment will see Dr. Whiteford go head-to-head with Iain Duncan Smith on some of the most controversial aspects of the Tory’s welfare reform agenda.

Speaking following her appointment, Dr. Whiteford said:

“I’m delighted to accept this appointment, and continue in the role as the SNP’s spokesperson for Work and Pensions.

“With further Tory cuts looming, it is perhaps more important than ever before that SNP MPs stand up for the most vulnerable and provide an anti-austerity voice in Westminster.”

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