November 2002
MORAY MP SUPPORTS FIRE DISPUTE MOTION
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Moray MP Angus Robertson has added his support to a Motion in the House of Commons today [Tuesday] on the current fire dispute, accusing the Government of provoking the strike and endangering public safety.
The motion was tabled shortly before the resignation of the minister responsible for the fire service in Scotland after claims he described striking firefighters as "fascist bastards".
Deputy Justice Minister Richard Simpson was summoned to talks with First Minister Jack McConnell after which it was announced that he had quit.
Speaking at the House of Commons Moray’s SNP MP Angus Robertson said:
"Unlike the Labour Party I am committed to support a non-confrontational approach to resolving the fire dispute.
“That is why I am supporting the House of Commons motion, which recognises that the employers and the firefighters came to an agreement, covering both pay and modernisation – as Ministers urged them to do. Sadly the New Labour Government shredded it and has undermined trust with offensive language and a confrontational approach.
"I’m glad that pressure from the SNP and the media revealed the truth and Richard Simpson was forced to resign.
"Unfortunately Jack McConnell was willing to back a man who used deeply offensive language to describe men and women who risk their lives everyday on our behalf. Only at the last minute did he change his mind and the minister resigned.
Continued/
The Motion supported by Angus Robertson MP reads as follows:
THE FIRE DISPUTE AND GOVERNMENT CONDUCT
That this House affirms that the fundamental role of government is ensuring the security and welfare of the people; believes that the New Labour Government is guilty of a dereliction of its basic responsibilities in provoking
the fire dispute by destroying the agreement arrived at by the employers and Fire Brigades Union on Friday 22 November, thus exacerbating the crisis and endangering people’s lives, including those service personnel who are providing emergency cover; notes that an integral part of the agreement that New Labour prevented was that both employers and the FBU were “irrevocably committed” to modernisation, and that a three-staged 16 per cent salary increase over two years was to be dependent on improved practices; and calls on the Government to facilitate rather than impede an end to the dispute and a fair settlement which recognises the dedication and skilled professionalism of firefighters and fire control staff.
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SNP HIGHLIGHT FISHING CRISIS DEBATE
Monday, November 25, 2002
Moray MP Angus Robertson has warned about the threat to the local fishing industry if EU Commission plans go ahead to cut fishing effort. Speaking in a House of Commons debate on the Common Fisheries Policy the Scottish National Party MP highlighted potential job losses in Moray. In an exchange with Banff and Buchan MP Alex Salmond he said:
“ Will my hon. Friend confirm that those statistics show that Moray's fishing communities figure largely? A representative of the processing sector in Buckie wrote to me this morning saying:
"For prawns, all the land based jobs are completely reliant on our Scottish fishery . . . and there are no other feasible import supplies available; thus the processing industry would collapse."
That is indeed a dire warning. Does my hon. Friend agree that we need more than just assurances from the Government—that we need delivery to prevent any such collapse?”
Mr. Salmond: “My hon. Friend is right about the Moray fishing communities, which feature heavily on the list, as do my constituents…”
NOTE: According to the “Scottish Economic Report” published by the Scottish Executive in June 2002, more than 20% of the local employment in Buckie and Keith is in the Fisheries Sector. Elgin and Forres are also listed as having a measurable fisheries employment percentage.
Speaking after the fishing debate in the House of Commons Angus Robertson MP said:
“ Fishing directly employs a significant number of people in Moray and whole communities are largely dependant on the industry for their viability.
“ The UK government and the Scottish Executive need to get their act together and fight for the interests of the fishing industry. Unfortunately Scotland is not represented in Brussels as a normal independent country so we have to rely on London Labour politicians who don’t think fishing is a major priority.
“ Labour doesn’t seem to realise is that the impact of Commission plans could create massive job losses and impoverish whole communities.”
Speaking in the fishing debate in the House of Commons [Thursday], Scottish National Party Westminster leader Mr Alex Salmond MP said:
“ The scientific figures show that the haddock stock – the spawning biomass, which is the most important thing – is at its highest since 1971; the saithe spawning stock biomass is the highest since 1976; whiting the largest since 1991; and prawn stocks are also extremely robust. Even the cod has increased by 27 per cent compared to last year’s total.
“ Yet the substantial conservation measures undertaken by the Scottish fishing fleet have not been included in the European Commission’s proposals.
“ The proposal to close the entire fishery is an unbelievable, lunatic recommendation from the European Commission, and any serious analysis of the science will come to exactly the same conclusion.
“ The fishing industry must at last be treated as a serious political priority.
“ We must have from the Minister two absolute assurances:
“ First, that fishing will not be traded away in European negotiations as it has been under both Tory and Labour governments over the last 30 years.
“ And second, that the Prime Minister will start to become involved in this topic.
“ It is not acceptable that Tony Blair is prepared to bang the phones on behalf of George W. Bush, but not for the fishing communities.
“ Fishing must be given the priority it deserves, and every level of government must make sure that it is given a viable future, not a sell out.”
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SNP HIGHLIGHT FISHING CRISIS DEBATE
Thursday, November 21, 2002
Moray MP Angus Robertson has warned about the threat to the local fishing industry if EU Commission plans go ahead to cut fishing effort. Speaking in a House of Commons debate on the Common Fisheries Policy the Scottish National Party MP highlighted potential job losses in Moray. In an exchange with Banff and Buchan MP Alex Salmond he said:
“Will my hon. Friend confirm that those statistics show that Moray's fishing communities figure largely? A representative of the processing sector in Buckie wrote to me this morning saying:
"For prawns, all the land based jobs are completely reliant on our Scottish fishery . . . and there are no other feasible import supplies available; thus the processing industry would collapse."
That is indeed a dire warning. Does my hon. Friend agree that we need more than just assurances from the Government—that we need delivery to prevent any such collapse?
Mr. Salmond: My hon. Friend is right about the Moray fishing communities, which feature heavily on the list, as do my constituents…”
NOTE: According to the “Scottish Economic Report” published by the Scottish Executive in June 2002, more than 20% of the local employment in Buckie and Keith is in the Fisheries Sector. Elgin and Forres are also listed as having a measurable fisheries employment percentage.
Speaking after the fishing debate in the House of Commons Angus Robertson MP said:
“Fishing directly employs a significant number of people in Moray and whole communities are largely dependant on the industry for their viability.
The UK government and the Scottish Executive need to get their act together and fight for the interests of the fishing industry. Unfortunately Scotland is not represented in Brussels as a normal independent country so we have to rely on London Labour politicians who don’t think fishing is a major priority.
Labour doesn’t seem to realise is that the impact of Commission plans could create massive job losses and impoverish whole communities.
Speaking in the fishing debate in the House of Commons [Thursday], Scottish National Party Westminster leader Mr Alex Salmond MP said:
“The scientific figures show that the haddock stock – the spawning biomass, which is the most important thing – is at its highest since 1971; the saithe spawning stock biomass is the highest since 1976; whiting the largest since 1991; and prawn stocks are also extremely robust. Even the cod has increased by 27 per cent compared to last year’s total.
“Yet the substantial conservation measures undertaken by the Scottish fishing fleet have not been included in the European Commission’s proposals.
“The proposal to close the entire fishery is an unbelievable, lunatic recommendation from the European Commission, and any serious analysis of the science will come to exactly the same conclusion.
“The fishing industry must at last be treated as a serious political priority.
“We must have from the Minister two absolute assurances:
“First, that fishing will not be traded away in European negotiations as it has been under both Tory and Labour governments over the last 30 years.
“And second, that the Prime Minister will start to become involved in this topic.
“It is not acceptable that Tony Blair is prepared to bang the phones on behalf of George W. Bush, but not for the fishing communities.
“Fishing must be given the priority it deserves, and every level of government must make sure that it is given a viable future, not a sell out.”
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ROBERTSON QUESTIONS BLAIR OVER MORAY FLOODS
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Moray MP Mr Angus Robertson today [Wednesday] questioned Tony Blair in the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions on Westminster government assistance for the areas of Moray affected by the weekend floods – and called on Tony Blair to visit to see the devastation for himself. Mr Robertson’s question was as follows:
“Over the weekend large parts of Moray were devastated by floods, seriously affecting parts of Elgin, Rothes and Forres in what was the third flood in five years. This is a double whammy for the constituency, as coastal communities brace themselves for massive cuts in fishing, which together with the floods will cause untold misery and job losses.
“Can the Prime Minister outline what the Westminster government will do to assist, how long this will take to happen, and whether he will visit Moray as a matter of urgency to see the devastation at first hand?”
In response, the Prime Minister said that Moray Council could apply for assistance to the Scottish Executive under the Bellwin Scheme, that people with no safety net can apply to the Department of Work & Pensions for emergency relief under the Social Fund, and that Customs & Excise will work with business over VAT demands and other problems.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Robertson said:
“I am grateful to the Prime Minister for outlining the help that will be offered, but disappointed that he did not refer to my request that he visit Moray to see the damage first hand. This is an extremely serious issue, and the people of Moray need to know that government at the very top in both Edinburgh and Westminster are doing everything possible to assist.”
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EWING AND ROBERTSON TO RAISE FLOODING CONCERNS IN BOTH PARLIAMENTS
Monday, November 18, 2002
Commenting on the flooding in the North East of Scotland SNP MSP for Moray Ms
Margaret Ewing said that she intends to lodge an emergency question in the Scottish Parliament this week highlighting the concerns expressed to her by victims of the flooding. SNP MP for Moray Mr Angus Roberston will also raise the matter with the Prime Minister during Prime Minister's questions next week.
Ms Ewing said:
" Having my home in Moray flooded in 1997 I know the misery that flooding can bring to people as not only is it carpets and floors that are ruined but also possessions some of which may have sentimental value.
" I intend to lodge an emergency question in the Scottish Parliament this week asking the Scottish Executive to ensure that emergency relief is provided for victims of the flooding and calling on them to develop a long-term strategy to tackle this growing problem.
Mr Robertson added:
" Over the weekend I have been speaking to many people who have been affected by this flooding and they have informed me that it is the worst that the area has seen for the last 30 years.
" Next week during Prime Minister's Questions I will be raising the concerns of my constituents with the Prime Minister as many of the issues concerning the flooding such as insurance are reserved matters for the UK Government."
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Moray Flooding – MP visits affected areas
Monday, November 18, 2002
Moray MP Mr Angus Robertson has visited areas affected by the weekend’s flooding in the area. In the morning he visited Rothes and, along with local SNP Councillor Pearl Paul, spoke with residents who have seen their homes and positions severely damaged by the floods. Mr Robertson also spoke with members of the emergency services, council employees and volunteers who are all working on the massive clean up operation.
The SNP MP later visited areas of Elgin hit by the torrent of water over the weekend and met with senior Council officials and the Environment Minister from the Scottish Executive who had come to assess the impact of the weekend’s events.
Commenting Mr Robertson said:
“ These floods have been an absolute tragedy for the residents and businesses affected by the floods. As well as the obvious damage many have lost treasured possessions and family heirlooms that cannot be replaced.
“ While insurance will cover the physical cost, it is clearly going to be much longer before many Moray folk can fully recover from the shock and distress of these events.
“ Travelling around the constituency I have witnessed an incredible community spirit and resilience amongst those affected. Despite their own grim circumstances many have taken the time to pay tribute to the efforts made by all the emergency services, council workers and volunteers who have worked so hard beside the residents to deal with the emergency and to provide food and board for those forced out of their homes.”
“ What must now happen is a quick response from the government in providing assistance. The scale of the problems that now need to be resolved must not be underestimated and hard cash is what is required to repair the damage. As one constituent commented to the Minister during his visit, the government seems to have a blank cheque for a war in Iraq but emergency situations at home must be given priority.”
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Moray MP Meets Local Fire-fighters Ahead of Strike
Wednesday, November 13, 2002
Moray MP Angus Robertson has visited Elgin Fire Station on the eve of the first national fire strike in 25 years to speak with fire-fighters and control-room staff.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) member of the Westminster parliament has decided to stay in the constituency during the start of the dispute rather than go to London to hear the Queen’s speech.
Mr Robertson, who recently met with Moray fire-fighters at the Elgin Fire station together with Margaret Ewing MSP says he is concerned about the strike action and called on the government to find a resolution based on fair pay for the emergency service staff.
Speaking at Elgin Fire Station Mr Robertson said:
"The Government have been part of the problem in causing this dispute, and it is high time that they accepted their responsibility in getting it resolved now.
"Both the Government and the fire-fighters should show goodwill by settling this dispute before the public are harmed. Public safety is paramount. In the light of this, the SNP support a continued moratorium on strike action by fire fighters and renewed Government action to resolve this dispute.
“I know that fire fighters would far rather not go on strike and it is because the Labour government has mishandled the pay issue that the fire fighters feel that their only option is to strike.
“All of our thoughts need to be with the military personnel who are providing emergency cover during the dispute. In Moray that will be by the RAF and Territorial Army and I wish them well during the testing times ahead.
“Together with my SNP colleagues I have re-tabled a House of Commons motion calling on ‘the Government to take charge of the situation on a fair and impartial basis’.
Cont/
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EDITORS NOTE:
This is the Early Day Motion re-tabled by the SNP/Plaid Cymru Group:
FIREFIGHTERS’ PAY
That this House affirms that the fundamental role of government is ensuring the security and welfare of the people; believes that to this end industrial action by fire-fighters must be avoided, and that this can be achieved if the Government takes charge of the situation on a fair and impartial basis; believes that the Government’s conduct to date has worked to exacerbate rather than resolve the crisis, including unhelpful interference in pay negotiations between the employers and the Fire Brigades Union, and the offensive language deployed by the Prime Minister and other Ministers; notes that the formula used to determine fire-fighters’ pay since 1977 is outmoded and has resulted in salary levels falling from above to below average earnings; and calls on the Government to broker real negotiations and a genuine independent pay review which carries the confidence of both sides in the dispute, and to make a clear commitment to fund in full the recommendations of such a review, in recognition of the dedication and skilled professionalism of fire-fighters and fire control staff.
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SNP CALLS FOR FISHERMEN TO HAVE SAY OVER INDUSTRY'S FUTURE
Tuesday, November 12, 2002
The Scottish National Party has called for an end to "decisions by remote control" following the summit organised by the North East Fisheries Partnership at Aberdeenshire Council headquarters. The summit was attended industry representatives and the Scottish Executive. Shadow Fisheries Minister Richard Lochhead MSP represented the SNP.
Each job offshore can equate to four onshore and Moray’s already low-wage economy could be devastated by a fisheries closure. Many constituents have been in contact with Margaret Ewing and Angus Robertson, including representatives of the industry and other community groups, such as Portknockie Community Council. The common feeling is simply one of grave concern.
SNP Member of the Scots’ Parliament for Moray Margaret Ewing commented:
" Franz Fischler has announced that his opening shot in the forthcoming fisheries negotiations will be the avoidance of a blanket closure of Scotland's fishing grounds but that alternative severe measures aimed at safeguarding cod stocks are on the cards. However, as was made very clear at the meeting in Aberdeen the European Commission must be prevented from imposing any drastic measures and instead allow the success of technical conservation measures and the decommissioning scheme already in place to be assessed.
" There was also unanimity from across the sectors that Scotland is always being asked to bear the brunt of the Commission's measures whilst other countries get off lightly such as those that prosecute industrial fisheries.”
Mrs Ewing’s Moray SNP colleague Angus Robertson MP continued:
" It is clear that the fishing industry is willing to consider additional technical conservation measures but it would be plain crazy to have those dictated from above and to a political deadline in December. It is time to end the remote control of our fishing communities from Brussels. Any new recovery plans must be worked up by the Scottish fishing industry in partnership with the Government once the current science has been updated and completed.
" In the crucial weeks ahead the Scottish Executive has to stand up to Europe and stand up for Scotland's fishing communities. Aside from this, the SNP has contacted Franz Fischler direct to demand a meeting. Given the European Commission's appalling track record in terms of fisheries management, Franz Fischler must not be allowed to set the agenda or tell Scotland what to do."
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‘MORAY PARLIAMENTARIANS MEET WITH MORAY DEAF COMMUNITY’
Wednesday, November 6, 2002
Margaret Ewing MSP and Angus Robertson MP for Moray have taken part in a ‘Question Time’ session with members of the Moray Deaf Community.
Speaking after the event which took place on Saturday 2nd of November, Mrs Ewing said,
“This has been a very informative experience for both myself and Angus, finding out first hand the wide range of issues affecting the deaf community in this area.
“The discussion was lively and the questions posed were challenging. The issues ranged from education, the provision of audiology services in the area and the lack of British Sign Language interpreters.
“I have been tabled a number of parliamentary questions on the points raised and will keep on pushing until service provision across health, education and local services are improved in Moray.
Mr Robertson added;
“It is essential that members of our deaf community are included within our society and although many issues are devolved to Holyrood the official recognition of BSL is a reserved matter and one which I aim to raise at the earliest opportunity.
“More people use BSL than the number of Welsh and Gaelic speakers put together yet BSL enjoys none of the funding or recognition of the other two languages.
“I will also pursue the issue of subtitling and signed programmes as part of the Communications Bill currently working its way through the House of Commons.
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Moray MP calls for rethink on BB Guns
Monday, November 4, 2002
Angus Robertson, MP for Moray, has thrown down the gauntlet with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry amid growing concerns surrounding the availability of plastic pellet air pistols, otherwise known as BB Guns, to children as young as 14.
Brought to Mr Robertson’s attention by concerned parents of local children, and featuring heavily in both local and national press, Mr Robertson felt it essential to query those responsible for their supply.
In a letter to the Minister Mr Robertson expressed his concern about the ease of accessibility that youngsters have to such hazardous weapons, not to mention the potential effects that such a close association with handguns may have to children as they mature into adulthood.
Mr Robertson urged Ms Hewitt to ensure that these guns, which are sold as toys, be withdrawn from the market place.
Commenting Mr Robertson said:
“We must ensure that the near fatal injuries reported in the national press serve as a warning to legistators. Correction to an obvious flaw is called for, I have made the opinions of many held in Moray known to the Secretary of State for Trade & Industry”.
“It is shocking that children as young as 14 can legally purchase and openly use what potentially is a lethal weapon. Already reports of injury and near misses have been brought to my attention from concerned parents in Moray. Our youngsters must be protected from slack legislation which compromises public safety”.
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Moray MP Questions Pension Interview Disgrace
Monday, November 4, 2002
It has recently been revealed that benefits claimants, including pensioners, who wish to continue receiving over the counter cash payments may be required to complete a lengthy form and attend an interview to get their pensions and other benefits.
Scottish National Party MP for Moray, Mr Angus Robertson, has demanded answers from the Minister on the situation with a series of Parliamentary Questions.
The issue relates to government proposals to change the way in which pensions and benefits are paid. The government want more people to have their benefits paid directly into their bank accounts instead of over the counter as a cash payments.
The SNP and others have expressed serious concerns that the removal of what is a major revenue stream for post offices, especially those in rural locations, could result in widespread closures and the undermining of communities in rural Scotland.
Commenting Mr Robertson said:
“ It is estimated that around 3 million pensioners in the UK do not have bank accounts at the present time. If benefits claimants, including pensioners, wish to continue having their benefit paid over the counter it has been proposed that they should fill out a lengthy form and attend an interview.
“ This is frankly ridiculous. Pension and benefits claimants have already completed claim forms and should not have to go through this ridiculous rigmarole to receive their benefits they way they already do.
“ If elderly people need to be interviewed to receive their pension entitlement will this happen close to their home and if not will they receive traveling expenses. These are questions that the government needs to address instead of discouraging pensioners from claiming what they are entitled to, often after a lifetime of contributions to the benefits system.”
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High Moray unemployment revealed as wages hit rock bottom
Friday, November 1, 2002
Following worrying revelations this week that show Moray having high unemployment and the lowest average wage in the UK, Moray MP Mr Angus Robertson has criticised Labour for their continuing London-centric policies that have resulted in Scotland being in recession at the current time.
A report published on Wednesday by Sheffield Hallam University shows that while the government’s statistics for Moray show an unemployment rate of 3.4%, the actual underlying rate is 8.6%, more than two and a half times the government’s figures.
In a further worrying development the governments own Office for National Statistics have this week produced figures showing that Moray has the lowest average wage in the entire UK.
The Scottish National Party MP commented:
“ While the government tries to talk up the economy and put a gloss on the situation the reality for many Scots in Moray and elsewhere is either no employment or a very low wage.
“ Many people visiting Moray perceive the area to be wealthy with a thriving economy but when you scratch below the surface the truth is much more disturbing.
“ Moray, and Scotland as a whole, lacks manufacturing industry and skilled labour jobs, both of which can pay well. Instead we have seen an erosion of traditional industry sectors and a move to a low wage service economy.
“ Labour may wish us to believe that they are the party of the people but they are in fact the party of poverty and decline. For Scotland to release its potential we must have control over our own economy and not be tied to policies that benefit only London and the South East of England.”
NOTES:
The average wage information comes from the Office for National Statistics comes from their Regional Trends information published this week. The statistics show that the average wage in Moray is £346.10 per week compared with a UK average of £464.75.
The Unemployment figures come from labour market research by the Sheffield Hallam University.
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