January 2002

Boundary Changes

Tuesday, January 29, 2002

Journalists like politicians are often the last to receive any praise. Far from fishing for compliments as a former journalist now working as a politician my comments are an opportunity to praise two local Moray reporters who have been awarded top awards for their outstanding work.

At the recent Highland Press Awards in Nairn the Northern Scot’s sports reporter Chris Saunderson was highly commended in the Sports Reporter of the Year category, while fellow Northern Scot journalist Fiona McPherson was Highly Commended in the Local Newspaper Reporter of the Year class. It is a tribute to both of them and the Northern Scot’s excellent coverage that the prizes keep on coming in. I look forward to further awards next year.

Parliamentary interest has recently been dominated by new constituency proposals by the Boundary Commission. Unlike other parts of Scotland we in Moray have been spared turf wars and the erosion of the area’s historic integrity. In fact what is being proposed is that the areas of the local government district currently outside the parliamentary constituency will be reunited. This means that Keith and its surrounding areas will return to Moray after being moved into Gordon a number of years ago. All feedback I have received from people in the area has been positive and I would welcome any readers’ thoughts on the matter.

It is not often that MP’s are deliberately made to act strangely, although many people probably think they do that of their own accord anyway. Last week I was taken through an RAF training program to deal with altitude sickness. Hypoxia as it is known can happen in extreme circumstances to anybody flying at high altitude. As I will be spending considerable time with the RAF on the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme colleagues and I had to go through a course, which simulated what can go wrong if proper precautions aren’t taken. After less than three minutes exposure to hypoxic conditions in a hyperbaric chamber we were reduced to complete figures of fun, unable to do the simplest tasks. Although it was a very amusing and safe simulation it emphasised a serious point: that our flying personnel can face serious dangers. As I survived the test I can now go on to take part fully in the scheme, which will be very informative and exciting.

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Moray Post Office issues raised in House of Commons

Monday, January 28, 2002

Press Release from Angus Robertson MP

Moray Post Office issues raised in House of Commons

Scottish National Party Member of the Westminster Parliament for Moray, Mr Angus Robertson, has further raised the issue of the threat to Post Offices in Moray in the House of Commons. In a debate on the future of the Post Office Mr Robertson questioned the Minister on government proposals that could result in the closure of many Post Offices in Moray.

Commenting Mr Robertson said:

“ The issue of potential Post Office closures in Moray is one that I have raised repeatedly since my election last year. I have spoken with several local postmasters and postmistresses, all of whom have expressed their considerable concerns about government proposals to change the way that benefits are paid to claimants.

“ I asked the Minister to explain what action the government was taking to address the potential loss of business to Post Offices when Automated Credit Transfer (ACT) is introduced for benefit payments next year. Regrettably her reply was not very reassuring and she was only able to repeat the claims the government has previously made that the ‘Universal Bank’ system being introduced will broaden the Post Office’s services and replace the business lost from benefit transactions.

“ This claim is simplistic in the extreme and I do not believe that there is anywhere near enough evidence to suggest that the ‘Universal Bank’ system will prevent Post Office closures.

“ In its rush to introduce ACT the government has completely failed to understand and recognise the vital social and community role that a Post Office plays. This was summed up by a Moray constituent who asked in a recent letter ‘Does the government not realise that the weekly visit to the Post Office is a lifeline for many pensioners.’ The same constituent went on to point out that the staff can check up on the well-being of regular customers who do not appear at their usual time. ‘Can a bank computer do that’. That is the question that the Minister needs to address.”

Contact: Graham Leadbitter, Parliamentary Assistant – Tel: 01343 551111

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SCOTTISH AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING

Wednesday, January 23, 2002

Press Release from Angus Robertson MP

“SCOTTISH SIX BACK ON AGENDA”

Commenting on the meeting of the Scottish Affairs Select Committee in the House of Commons yesterday [Wednesday] – during which senior BBC managers gave evidence, including BBC Scotland Controller John McCormick and Head of News & Current Affairs Blair Jenkins, and said that they were looking into the issue of a Scottish-produced main evening news bulletin, to coincide with the end of the first Scottish Parliament term, the SNP Member of the Westminster Parliament for Moray Mr Angus Robertson said:

“ The issue of a ‘Scottish Six’ main evening news bulletin – produced in Scotland and mixing an appropriate blend of Scottish, UK and international stories – is firmly back on the agenda.

“ It is absurd that in post-devolution Scotland, viewers in Moray and the rest of Scotland are still subject to London-based stories about English health and education issues – which are very often misleading for a Scots audience – while Scottish health and education are generally ignored by the BBC’s main six o’clock bulletin.

“ The overwhelming majority of Scots, as well as the BBC in Scotland, want a ‘Scottish Six’. The SNP will be fighting hard for the ‘Scottish Six’, and today’s statement by BBC management is an important step in achieving it.”

“ The people of Moray & Scotland need to know about the issues that affect them and it is very difficult to do so when you are not informed that the news item you are watching only repeatedly apply only to England and Wales. People cannot be expected to sit with a ‘ready reckoner’ and try to figure out which issue in the news is devolved and which is not.”

“ Nobody is opposed to finding out what is happening in England and Wales but for the main news bulletin to be dominated by such issues every night is wholly inappropriate. It is also very important that people in Scotland have an understanding of how decisions in Europe and further afield affect our country and what our relationship is with other countries. This is not happening effectively at the present and the situation must change to address this problem.”

Contact: Graham Leadbitter, Parliamentary Assistant – Tel: 01343 551111

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Moray MP heads for Berlin

Tuesday, January 22, 2002

Press Release from Angus Robertson MP

“Opportunity to promote Scotland’s interests” – Robertson

The Scottish National Party Member of the Westminster Parliament for Moray, Mr Angus Robertson, heads for Berlin today at the invitation of the British Embassy in Germany. Mr Robertson will be speaking at a conference debating the future of the European Union. The conference comes prior to the enlargement of the EU when a number of small and medium sized independent countries will gain full representation in the Union ahead of Scotland.

Commenting on issue Mr Robertson said:

“ The European Union is seen by some as a bureaucratic monster that interferes with the running of Scotland and the UK but this is far from the truth. The majority of other EU nations do not interpret EU legislation in such an extreme manner as the UK and this has often caused considerable concern in the past.

“ This tendency by successive UK governments to impose strong interpretations of European legislation has led to unnecessary resentment of Europe’s governmental system, as the blame is often wrongly laid at the EU’s door.

“ It is important that this myth is exposed, as it makes sensible and constructive debate on the future of the EU very difficult. The Berlin conference is an important opportunity to find out how other EU countries work and for us to share experiences and improve our understanding of our European cousins.

“ It is also an ideal opportunity for me to highlight Scotland and Moray’s role in the world and to act as an ambassador to encourage others to visit the area. I intend to highlight this in my speech to the conference, which I am sure with our already good international standing will be well received.”


Contact: Graham Leadbitter, Parliamentary Assistant – Tel: 01343 551111

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Moray Parliamentarians Urge Local Organisations to Apply for Grants

Tuesday, January 22, 2002

Press Release from Margaret Ewing MSP
and Angus Robertson MP

Moray Parliamentarians Urge Local Organisations to Apply for Grants

Moray representatives Mrs Margaret Ewing MSP and Mr Angus Robertson MP, today [Wednesday], urged local organisations to apply for B & Q grants. The company will be awarding grants of £5000 worth of materials to community-based organisations throughout Scotland and the UK, such as charity or youth groups.

Scottish National Party MP Mr Angus Robertson said:

“I was contacted by B & Q regarding these awards and I think it is important that local organisations utilise grants like these. The materials could be used for a number of worthy projects in Moray.”

Moray SNP MSP, Mrs Margaret Ewing, added:

“These grants could be used for a number of purposes such as renovating a community centre or after-school club. I would encourage local organisations that could put the available materials to good use to contact the B & Q hotline and request an application form. It is vital to the health of rural communities that opportunities like this are used in a positive way.”

The B & Q hotline is launched on 30th January 2002. The number to call is 0845 300 1001. Alternatively, groups can visit the website: www.diy.com

Closing date for applications is 22nd March 2002.


Contact: Graham Leadbitter, Parliamentary Assistant to Angus Robertson MP
Tel: 01343 551111
Pauline Archibald, Parliamentary Assistant to Margaret Ewing MSP
Tel: 0131 348 5704

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Moray MP’s worry over future for Post Offices

Wednesday, January 16, 2002

Press Release from Angus Robertson MP

“Government proposals continue to cause concern” - Robertson

The Scottish National Party Member of Parliament for Moray, Mr Angus Robertson, has expressed his grave concerns over the future for many Post Offices including those in Moray, many of which could be under threat of closure as a result of current government proposals.

The government’s proposals are aimed at increasing the number of benefits paid to claimants by Automated Credit Transfer (ACT), similar to the way in which many salaries are paid. On the face of it this would seem like a reasonable idea, however the government has failed to give appropriate consideration to the effect that this will have on the Post Office network, which issues approximately two thirds of benefit payments including Pensions, Child Benefit and Disability Benefits ‘over the counter’.

Commenting on the issue Mr Robertson said:

“ The economic outlook for many Post Offices in Moray and Scotland is already very bleak and the government’s ACT proposals could be the final nail in the coffin for many.”

“ The government claims that encouraging people to use ACT instead of cash payments is an important step towards social inclusion, but the reality is that thousands of Post Office workers could lose their jobs as Post Offices throughout Scotland would be forced to close.”

“ Payments to Post Offices for administering benefit transactions form a major portion of their income and the threat of the removal of this vital resource is a huge worry for many postmasters and postmistresses.”

“ Post Offices throughout Scotland have already closed due to a lack of support from central government and the gradual erosion of their income, with significant damage being done to many communities where the Post Office has been a hub of activity and a meeting point for many residents. This is particularly the case in rural areas of Scotland like Moray.”

“ By its actions the government is basically suggesting that the price for social inclusion is major job losses and the fragmentation of Scotland’s communities. This is simply not acceptable and more must be done by the Minister concerned to address this before it becomes too late.”

Contact: Graham Leadbitter, Parliamentary Assistant – Tel: 01343 551111


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Rail Misery Continues

Tuesday, January 15, 2002

Members of the House of Commons have returned to work after the Christmas break with a long list of major issues on the agenda. However the first thoughts of all MPs has not been about politics; instead the tragic death of Chancellor Gordon Brown’s baby daughter Jennifer. We all wish him and his wife Sarah the best at this very sad time.

On the political front at Westminster it has been the sorry state of the railways, which has been the hot topic. There had been some hope for optimism over the future of the railways in advance of the publication of the Strategic Rail Authority’s plan. But beleaguered Scottish rail passengers should ask what the plan has to offer them. The answer is "not much".

For many people the alarm bells started ringing at the end of last year. Then the outgoing chairman of the SRA, Sir Alastair Morton, said there was unlikely to be much investment "north of Watford" because it was unlikely the government’s target of 50 per cent more passenger journeys could be met unless the vast majority of spending was directed towards upgrading lines in the south-east of England.

This week’s plan confirmed these fears. As the plan was being published, the SRA was already attempting to justify this distribution of resources, highlighting that 70 per cent of rail journeys in Britain start or end in London.

This figure is of dubious relevance to Scottish passengers, given that over 95 per cent of rail journeys originating in Scotland also end in Scotland.

As one rail expert said this week passengers will find it difficult to avoid the conclusion that in ten years time, the railways in Scotland will look pretty much like they do today. The government’s plan is a poor deal for Scottish rail passengers and taxpayers.

This is especially true for passengers in Moray specifically and the north of Scotland generally. There are no plans for the improvements in the Inverness to Aberdeen route needed to make a big difference, such as the Orton loop or platform developments at Forres.
There is generally confusion about how the Scottish Parliament can effectively deliver solutions for Scotland when the UK government still controls the purse strings over our taxation. This was illustrated this week when Labour ministers in London blocked £23million worth of attendance allowances for the elderly north of the border.
This is a major reason why the Labour-Liberal Scottish Executive let down our senior citizens this week, with a delay in the implementation of free personal care for the elderly. The delay to the scheme is a serious blow to people who were relying on free personal care being introduced in April.
In Moray my program has been busy, even over the recent break. On Christmas Day I visited Spynie Hospital to see patients and nursing staff, and popped into the Elgin police and fire brigade headquarters.
Since then I have spoken at both the Buckie and Speyside & Aberlour Rotary Clubs and had a full day tour of the Glenlivet Estate. More is coming up on the schedule, especially with the Royal Air Force, both locally and with the Parliamentary Armed Forces Scheme.

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Robertson Blasts Moray 'Rail Bypass'

Monday, January 14, 2002

Press Release from Angus Robertson MP

“Local Westminster MP describes new railway plans as a let down.”

Moray's Westminster MP Angus Robertson of the Scottish National Party (SNP) has criticised government plans to overhaul the railways for 'bypassing Moray'.

The Strategic Rail Authority's (SRA) £33.5billion, 10-year scheme lists among its priorities extra capacity on the Aberdeen to Inverness line, however the construction of the Orton Loop and necessary platform developments at Forres are not scheduled to be undertaken. Additionally it could take between five and 10 years before Moray could see any general improvements to trains and station facilities.

Speaking after the announcement by Transport Secretary Stephen Byers in the House of Commons Moray SNP MP Angus Robertson said:

“ The real test for rail provision in Moray is whether the Inverness to Aberdeen route is improved with the construction of the Orton loop and platform developments at Forres. However the Labour government's rail plans do not include these necessary developments and instead they are by-passing Moray.”

“ While other countries in Europe provide excellent rail services we are left at the end of the queue in the north of Scotland yet again. These railway plans are a massive let-down

“ At a time when people are being encouraged to get out of their cars and on to public transport, it seems that transport-dependent areas such as Moray will receive little benefit.”

“ Instead this is overwhelmingly a plan for rail in London and south of England, and a major missed opportunity for Moray and Scotland. Of the 17 major projects in this plan that are geographically-specific, 15 are located south of the Border, and 11 of these are in London and the south of England.”

“ The reality is that public rail investment under New Labour has been running at half the levels under the Tories in the mid-1990s. Sticking with Tory privatisation and Tory spending plans is why the railways are in such a mess under New Labour.”

“ Both Tory and New Labour governments have failed the rail industry in Scotland and those who depend on it. That is why all rail powers must be transferred from Westminster to the Scottish Parliament, so that we can focus on investment in the Scottish rail network, instead of subsidising projects in London and the south of England.”



Contact: Graham Leadbitter, Parliamentary Assistant – Tel: 01343 551111

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