December 2001

New Year Message

Monday, December 31, 2001

Can I start by wishing you a very happy New Year and hope that you had enjoyable festive season and Hogmanay. In 2002 it is my intention to work here and in the House of Commons as I started in 2001, by trying to be a strong voice for you as constituents, as well as for Moray and Scotland.

It has been tremendous honour to work as your representative since the election in June 2001 and I am looking forward to my second year as your MP.

During 2002 there will be continuing challenges from international terrorism. My Scottish National Party colleagues and I will give our support to measures tackling terrorism, but not those which are indiscriminate against civilians or which diminish fundamental legal rights. I believe we can do more to help the poorest in our society and assist others in the developing world. That is why I oppose the squeeze on increased public spending in Scotland by the Labour government and the effective privatisation of public services. It is also why I have called for the UK to pay its fair share in international development aid.

When we go on holiday during 2002 we’ll notice that we have been left on the sidelines while most of Europe has a new currency: the Euro. We now have the advantage of seeing how much we are overcharged in the UK compared with other EU countries. However, I am concerned that our large and small exporting companies in Scotland are now at a disadvantage.

These are some, but not all of the issues that we will face in 2002 and I will try to do my best to work as hard as I can for you. Please get in touch if you have and suggestions or issues that you want to raise. I wish you a successful, enjoyable and peaceful new year.

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Elgin MP calls for return of Elgin Marbles

Tuesday, December 25, 2001

Press Release from Angus Robertson MP

The Scottish National Party Member of the Westminster Parliament for Moray, Mr Angus Robertson, has called for the return of the famous Elgin Marbles to the Greek authorities in Athens. The Marbles, which were originally removed from Athens in 1799 by the then British Ambassador Lord Elgin, are currently on show at the British Museum.

The SNP MP for Moray commented:

“ I am fully supportive of the Greek Authorities efforts to have these important artifacts returned to them from the British Museum and I am sure if the situation were reversed that there would be outrage from people in Scotland and the UK if another country held on to such important and valuable historical items that belonged here. As Moray’s MP I am also concerned that Elgin and the surrounding should not be associated with the retention of key cultural objects from other countries against their will.”

“ The Greek authorities are investing £29 Million pounds in a new museum at the site where they originally stood and there will be an empty gallery awaiting the return of the Marbles. It is a disgrace that the UK authorities insist on holding on to these sculptures and I hope that there will be a change of heart in the New Year.”

“ With the Athens Olympics taking place in 2004 the UK would look very foolish indeed to dozens of countries and millions of people worldwide if the marbles remained exiled in the British Museum. This stubbornness and pigheaded behaviour must end now.”

“ I will be adding my support to the House of Commons motion calling for the return of the Marbles, which has gained many signatures in a short space of time.”

Contact: Graham Leadbitter, Parliamentary Assistant – Tel: 01343 551111
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Parliamentary Review of 2001

Tuesday, December 18, 2001

As the year comes to a close it’s good to look back at 2001 and reflect on our work as Moray’s parliamentarians in Edinburgh and Westminster. Of course things changed in the House of Commons with Angus taking over from Margaret as the areas MP. It is the first time that a Moray SNP MP does not have the surname Ewing, but he has already settled in and has been rated as one of Scotland’s hardest working MP’s. Margaret has continued her work in the Scottish Parliament, with the added responsibility of a key place on one of the Justice Committees.

Both of us have dealt with literally thousands of constituency cases, and can report many successes for ordinary people throughout Moray. Probably the most high profile case of the year concerned a farming family from near Birnie who were threatened with Sheriff Officers by their bank. After Angus intervened, the bank backed off, a compromise has been worked out and the McLeod’s are able to look to a continued future in farming. It is great to see that a difference can be made, helping people get on with their lives. We have both held surgeries the length and breadth of Moray, giving you the chance to speak to us about any problems or suggestions you might have.

Earlier in the year Margaret spent a lot of time working for Moray’s fishing communities to secure a much needed tie-up scheme. Fishermen from Buckie, Hopeman and elsewhere lobbied MSP’s like Margaret to get their support. Readers will remember that in a historic vote in the Scottish Parliament, MSP’s voted for the scheme, which was backed by the SNP. Unfortunately a week later the Labour Party and their Liberal Democrat helpers held a second vote to overturn the result. No wonder many voters wonder sometimes about the political process.

The terrorist attacks on the US and the campaign against Osama bin Ladin have been dominating the media and political agenda. The SNP has been working closely with the churches and aid organisations to make the most of humanitarian support for ordinary innocent Afghans. We will continue to support armed efforts against terrorists like Bin Ladin but are keen to make sure that the military and diplomatic campaign maintains moral force.

Looking forward to the New Year, Angus has been accepted on the prestigious Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme. Only six MP’s have been selected to take part in the training programme with the Royal Air Force at home and abroad. As a strong advocate for our service-personnel he is looking forward to the experience.

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SNP MP supports call for increase in International Aid

Tuesday, December 18, 2001

Press Release from Angus Robertson MP

“We must contribute our fair share of development money” - Robertson

The SNP Member of Parliament for Moray, Mr Angus Robertson, has expressed his support for calls that the UK must urgently meet its aim to spend 0.7% of GNP on International Development. The 0.7% figure is the figure that 22 of the world’s richest countries agreed with the United Nations but which is yet to be met. The concerns expressed by Mr Robertson, his SNP colleagues and many other MPs are supported by respected aid organisations such as CAFOD, Christian Aid, OXFAM, UNICEF UK & Save the Children, many of whom have active members in Moray.

Commenting on the issue Mr Robertson, who is also the Shadow Scottish Minister for Foreign Affairs, said:

“ It is vital that Scotland and the United Kingdom meet their moral obligations to the countries of the world where poverty and violence is rife. In the 21st Century it is outrageous that nearly half the world’s population live on less than £1.39 per day.

“ Since my election I have been contacted by many constituents in Moray who have expressed their concerns about issues such as Third World Debt and the plight of people in countries such as Bangladesh, The Sudan & Sierra Leone. Organisations like CAFOD, OXFAM, Christian Aid & Amnesty International have very active members in the Moray area and I am very grateful to them for their efforts to highlight these issues.

“ The Government currently contribute only 0.31% of Gross National Product, despite a promise over 30 years ago to contribute 0.7%. The SNP believes that in an Independent Scotland we could increase our International Development contribution to a full 1% of GNP, more than triple the amount per head of population currently available for this purpose. We take our inspiration from our small independent neighbouring countries like Denmark & The Netherlands who fulfil their obligations unlike the UK”

“ The Prime Minister has spoken of Africa as being a ‘scar on the conscience of the world’. It is simply not enough to spout rhetoric in this manner and what we need now is action and not just New Labour spin.”


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

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Robertson deplores Post Office redundancies

Wednesday, December 12, 2001

Press Release from Angus Robertson MP

Following the announcement that Consignia, the former Post Office, plan to axe 30,000 jobs – including potentially thousands in Scotland – as part of a cost-cutting exercise, the Scottish National Party’s Westminster Member of Parliament for Moray, Mr Angus Robertson, has expressed his disgust at the way in which the company is being managed and, in particular, the way in which the current crisis is being handled. The announcement came only days after Mr Robertson and his Scottish Parliamentary colleague, Mrs Margaret Ewing, met with local postmasters to discuss, amongst other things, their concerns over the running of Consignia at a UK national level.

Commenting Mr Robertson said:

“ The Scottish National Party deplore these redundancies, which were announced in the most callous manner to a House of Commons Committee instead of directly to the staff and their representatives. What Consignia is proposing would consign thousands of workers to the dole throughout Scotland.

“ My SNP colleagues and I will be demanding assurances that there will be no compulsory redundancies, and guarantees on the quality of service, particularly in areas such as Moray, where I have already received complaints over reductions in service.

“ These job losses will damage the Post Office across Scotland, and all the people who depend upon it. They will particularly jeopardise the future of Post Offices that serve our rural areas, and undermine these already fragile communities.”

“ Over recent years we have seen in areas such as Moray many small communities struggling and this is another body blow that they can well do without. These communities want to help themselves but life would be much easier for them if there were some sympathy for their case from large companies such as Consignia.

“ I sincerely hope that the company will give further consider to the consequences of any redundancies in Scotland where the Postal Service provides a vital link for many.”


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

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Moray MP speaks to local Trades Union Council

Saturday, December 8, 2001

Press Release from Angus Robertson MP

“Local communication and representation is a vital part of the job” - Robertson The Westminster Member of Parliament for Moray, Mr Angus Robertson, emphasised the importance of strong local ties for MPs when he spoke to the Moray Trades Council on Friday.
 
Commenting after the meeting the Scottish National Party MP said:
 
“ I am very grateful to the Moray Trades Union Council for offering me the opportunity to speak to them and I hope that they found the occasion as helpful as I have. The Trades Union Council performs a very important role in scrutinising and lobbying on important issues and I was pleased to be able to contribute to that. There is a good relationship between the Trades Council and my SNP colleague Margaret Ewing MSP and following Friday’s meeting I will be working with Margaret to maintain this important local link.  
“ The Trades Union Council has contacted me on various occasions already to raise issues of current concern such as RAF Fire Service privatisation, which I have been able to raise in parliament. Since my election in June I have been very pleased with the level of contact from local organisations and I have done all I can to raise their concerns with the appropriate authorities. I would also encourage any other individual or organisation in Moray that feels such assistance would be useful to contact my constituency office in Elgin and I will be happy to respond.  
“ In the run up to Christmas it is easy to forget that there remain many matters of concern that must be dealt with and in this regard I will be holding my final surgeries of the year on Saturday 15th December. These will take place in Lhanbryde, Buckie, Cullen, Dufftown and Rothes. Anyone wishing to make an appointment for a surgery in these locations should contact my constituency office on 01343 551111.”


Contact:

Graham Leadbitter, Parliamentary Assistant– Tel: 01343 551111


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MP and Moray Kids Praise Local Sponsors

Saturday, December 8, 2001

Press Release from Angus Robertson MP
 
“Letter of thanks after Downing Street Visit”Moray Scottish National Party MP Angus Robertson and three local primary school children have praised local businesses for sponsoring a recent visit to Downing Street. No government funding was provided for the kids travel costs and five local firms made the trip to London possible by making funds available. The children have signed a letter of thanks, which has been sent to: Gleaner Oils, J Gordon Williamson Ltd, Lawnshall Services, Lloyds TSB Scotland and Walkers.
 
During the two-day visit to London Gail Paterson (11 - New Elgin Primary) Eleaner Risdal (12 - Aberlour House) and Calum Thain (11 – St Peters Primary, Buckie) met Prime Minister Tony Blair his wife Cherie Booth and their baby son Leo at 10 Downing Street. They also had a tour of the House of Commons and saw the stage spectacular ‘Starlight Express’ in the West End. 
Commenting after the event Mr Robertson said:
 
“ It was a great pleasure to accompany the three children and I hope that they found the experience as exciting as I have. I am only sad that only three children from Moray could be invited. Hopefully the opportunity may arise again at some point in the future.  
“ I would also like to place on record my thanks to the companies who were able to sponsor the trip, which could not otherwise have taken place. These companies were Lawnshall Services Ltd in Cullen, Gleaner Fuels in Elgin, Lloyds TSB Scotland, J. Gordon Williamson of Elgin and Walkers of Aberlour.  
“ While I am unable to invite others to Downing Street, I will be happy to meet any constituents visiting London and show them round Westminster and anyone wishing to do so should contact my constituency office on 01343 551111.”

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



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Robertson calls for improved benefits system for deaf people

Monday, December 3, 2001

Press Release from Angus Robertson MP

“Current benefits system is hopelessly inadequate for those in need” - Robertson
Moray Westminster Member of Parliament, Mr Angus Robertson, has called on the government to act to improve the benefits system for deaf people. His call comes after a recent report was published by The Royal National Institute for the Deaf, which showed that the system discriminated against deaf people and in particular the severely and profoundly deaf.
 
The Scottish National Party MP has tabled a motion calling on the House of Commons to recognise the difficulties faced by deaf people when trying to claim Disability Living Allowance and calls on the government to carry out research into the problems and take appropriate action. Mr Robertson has also tabled a series of Parliamentary Questions to try to ascertain the full extent of what is clearly a widespread problem.
 
Commenting Mr Robertson said:
 
“ When I read the summary of the report I was very concerned at the level of difficulty faced by deaf people when trying to claim DLA and I was shocked that possibly as many as 130,000 people may be affected.  
“ The difficulties faced by deaf people include lack of communication assistance, with more than 75% of deaf applicants having difficulty communicating with a DLA doctor. Communication is particularly difficult for the profoundly deaf, whose first language is not English, and who understandably have greater difficulty with lengthy and complex forms to fill in.  
“ The most worrying aspect is that, because of a lack of understanding within the Benefits Agency of the needs of deaf people, a much higher percentage of deaf applicants are awarded DLA on appeal, which suggests significant failings in the initial assessments leading to stress and financial worry for the applicants.  
“ In an effort to put the spotlight on this important issue I have tabled a series of Parliamentary Questions and an Early Day Motion, which I hope will be supported across the political boundaries. It is vital that we offer appropriate assistance to deaf people, as with all sections of society, to enable them to receive the support that they require and that they are entitled to.”


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

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