May 2002

Cheap flights from Moray?

Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Nowadays it seems that we live in an age of information overload. There are hundreds of television channels and radio stations galore. Advertising surrounds us constantly and there often seem to be more pieces of unsolicited mail delivered by the post office than letters.

That is why we are truly blessed in Moray to have a local newspaper in the Northern Scot that combines up to the minute unbiased news from the area with key information about what is up and coming.

Many parts of Scotland would certainly love to have a quality weekly paper like the Scot and this has recently been recognised by the industry with the awarding of the top ‘BT Scotland newspaper of the Week’ award. As if that was not enough, this has just been trumped with the additional victory in the UK category making the Northern Scot the best weekly newspaper in Britain. Can I congratulate everybody at the Northern Scot from the editorial and photo staff, advertising and sales departments as well as the hundreds of retail outlets that sell the newspaper.

On the political front it may have taken months of negative publicity, but controversial UK Labour government minister Stephen Byers has finally decided to resign. The Transport Secretary had come in for harsh and sustained criticism since the Jo Moore e-mail fiasco. Ms Moore, the minister's spin-doctor, sent an email on September 11 last year to colleagues suggesting that it was a “good day to bury bad news”. Ms Moore finally resigned, but only after Martin Sixsmith, the head of communications in Mr Byers's department, became embroiled in the row. I think that most people will be right in thinking that Stephen Byers’ behaviour – right from defending Jo Moore after her appalling e-mail, through his serial misleading of MPs and the public – is the result of New Labour’s obsession with spin. It was right for him to resign, although it should have happened months ago.

An issue that is hard to spin ones way out of concerns genetic trials in Scotland. The SNP wants an immediate moratorium on GM trials especially after the publication of a report from the EU’s European Environment Agency (EEA) that brands trials of genetically modified Oilseed Rape as “high risk.”

All of Scotland’s GM trials are of oilseed rape but the EEA report highlights the crop as a high risk for hybridisation with wild plants and cites evidence of cross-pollination up to 4 km from the GM fields. As a result of the reports findings, Belgium last month banned all GM oilseed rape trials.

Agriculture Minister Ross Finnie of the Liberal Democrats has repeatedly pledged that he will halt GM trials if credible evidence of a danger is presented to him. He now has a copy of this European Environment Agency report that clearly shows, in its words, that these trials are a ‘high risk.’

Perhaps we will now get some clarity about where the Lib Dem’s stand on the issue. Their policy is to oppose GM trials in public, but in government their minister supports them. Talk about looking both ways at the same time!

Meanwhile the issue of affordable regular flights to and from the north of Scotland rumbles on. The authority which runs Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports has just announced that it is lowering its landing charges. That is to be welcomed, but unfortunately there seems little headway at Inverness airport. There has been a huge row between the management at Inverness, which is an agency of the Scottish Executive, and the successful low-cost carrier Ryanair.

That is why I have been calling for a full investigation into possibly using RAF bases like RAF Kinloss for commercial flights. While we need to ensure that the RAF can get on with its job we also have to secure more regular flights into the north of Scotland at a cheaper price. If it can happen elsewhere, then why not here?

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Moray MP Quizzes Government on Commercial Flights to Local RAF Bases

Thursday, May 23, 2002

Moray Member of Parliament Angus Robertson has tabled a series of parliamentary questions to the UK government about commercial flights to local RAF bases following reports that Ryanair might consider opening routes to the airfields.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) MP whose constituency contains RAF Kinloss and RAF Lossiemouth has also written to Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary to establish whether the low-cost carrier would use the bases if flights were not possible to Inverness airport.

Mr Robertson who is the SNP’s Defence spokesman at Westminster has stressed that the first priority for the bases has to be their continued military functions, but that all options need to be fully explored to help the north of Scotland secure enhanced flight connections.

Speaking at Westminster Mr Robertson said:

“The north of Scotland desperately needs better transport links and enhanced flight connections which would boost for the region’s economy and tourism industry.

“The Moray area that I represent contains RAF Kinloss and RAF Lossiemouth which are reportedly among bases included in a feasibility study carried out by RAF Strike Command into the commercial potential of bases.

"Inverness airport authorities have recently failed to reach an agreement that would allow Europe’s most successful low-cost carrier Ryanair to open up direct routes which I think is a great shame. If no deal is possible at Inverness airport and the military operations of the Moray bases are not disrupted it is essential that the option of flights to Moray be fully explored.

“That is why I have a tabled a series of questions to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) so that we can establish the feasibility of routes to the north of Scotland using RAF Kinloss or RAF Lossiemouth.

“It is clear that RAF Kinloss in particular would be attractive to commercial airlines as it is rarely closed due to bad weather. Capable of handling Nimrod surveillance aircraft, it has long runways and the best landing and take-off equipment in the North. The base also regularly accommodates rerouted Inverness aircraft and post office flights.

“I have also written to Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary to find out whether the low-cost carrier would use the bases if flights were not possible to Inverness airport.

“Ryanair is Europe Largest Low Fares Airline, operating 76 low fare routes to 13 countries throughout Europe and this year will carry over 12 million passengers. It would be a massive boost to the north of Scotland to be a part of the Ryanair route network and every effort needs to be made to make this possible.

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Robertson backs call for improved Customs presence

Friday, May 17, 2002

Following the publication today [Thursday] of a House of Commons Committee report on the effectiveness of HM Customs and Excise services in Scotland the SNP MP for Moray, Mr Angus Robertson, has backed calls for significant increases in manpower and coastal patrols.

The report, which was prepared by the Scottish Affairs Select Committee, recognises the unique geographical problems that Customs officials face in trying to cover the thousands of miles of Scottish coastline, much of which is in remote areas of the Highlands and also includes large expanses such as the Moray Firth where Mr Robertson has discussed the issue with concerned constituents.

While giving appropriate recognition to the valuable role that Customs officials currently play and the efficient and effective use that the service makes of their resources, the report concludes that the service has been under funded by the Labour government and calls upon the Treasury to allocate more funds to allow more effective control of Scotland’s sea borders.

Commenting on the report the Scottish National Party MP said:

“ This is an issue that I have discussed at length with many constituents and I am pleased that the Committee have not pulled any punches in their report.

“ The Customs service provides invaluable protection against illegal imports and is particularly vital in the fight against drugs. Without the prevention efforts of the service there would be an unacceptable level of pressure on our police forces and crime levels would undoubtedly increase.

“ It is therefore highly concerning that the government has undervalued this service over the years and it is essential that finances are put in place to allow the service to expand its coastal protection role and thereby increase detection of the drugs trade before illegal killer substances such as Heroin reach our streets.

“ It is a small price to pay to save many youngsters from the often irreparable damage that drugs can cause and I believe that the cost would be repaid with fewer pressures on other public services.

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Government U-Turn on Police Pay & Conditions

Thursday, May 16, 2002

Following today’s admission by the Home Secretary that he made mistakes with the way in which the police pay and conditions review was conducted Moray Westminster MP Angus Robertson has praised the police for conducting an effective campaign on the issues that the review had raised.

Mr Blunkett told hundreds of officers at a Police Federation conference: “I think I have made mistakes.” Mr Blunkett faced tough criticism from officers at the conference who say morale in the police service has hit new lows.

An unprecedented 10,000 officers from throughout the UK had previously lobbied parliament, demonstrating the huge level of concern and frustration felt by officers.

Commenting the Scottish National Party MP said:

“ The Home Secretary’s admission of error today is almost unprecedented and is the result of a very strong lobby from both the police Federation and many politicians at Westminster and elsewhere.

“ I had many representations from constituents on the issue and my SNP colleagues and I raised the matter on several occasions in the House of Commons in the last few weeks.

“ The anger and frustration felt by police officers from Moray was clear when the local Federation rejected the Minister’s proposals with a 97% vote and subsequently participated in the mass lobby of parliament, which saw 10,000 off duty officers travelling to Westminster to make their point.

“ The Home Secretary today apologised to the officers of England and Wales and I hope he will also apologise directly to the Scottish Federation for the botched job that he put his name to. We must now hope that he will bring forward a much more considered proposal that does not reduce the benefits of the thousands of officers carrying out a crucial and difficult role.”

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Economic Powers Needed

Sunday, May 12, 2002

When Bill Clinton was elected he said that the success of society is based on “the economy stupid”. I think that most people would agree with that and wish substantial improvements to our public services. Most folks I meet also agree that we need our economy and personal incomes to grow which will help pay for that. Crucially it is also necessary to have the democratic powers to make the right decisions that will deliver those priorities.

Sadly, recent developments have proved that this is not the case in Scotland. To give some examples why not start with the recent resignation of Wendy Alexander. As the minister responsible for enterprise she threw in the towel after her colleagues reportedly didn’t take the economy seriously.

We have since learned that Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace turned down the job as Ms Alexander’s replacement. The Lib Dem leader apparently prefers to continue with the privatisation of prisons rather than try and get the economy on the track. Instead we now have a Labour minister with no business experience, who was third choice for his original job becoming second choice for one of the most important posts in the country. It hardly fills you with confidence.

Just as Iain Gray got his feet under the table, news emerged that the number of businesses going into liquidation in Scotland has gone up by 40%(forty percent) since the start of the year. That was accompanied by the announcement of two substantial factory closures.

As companies go to the wall and people loose their livelihoods the general figures on economic performance are grim reading. The UK’s trade deficit has widened meaning that our national wealth grew by only 0.1% since the start of the year. The news for our small and medium sized businesses is even worse. In fact the private sector is in recession. Meanwhile the UK government has just transferred key civil service jobs from the north of Scotland to London.

This all comes as a new report analyses the main constant in the Scottish economy namely the emigration of people. In 60 years time the population of Scotland will have dropped from over 5 million to 3.8 million, with more than half the population over the age of 50.

None of these developments are the symptoms of success. Over the last century this country has dropped from 1st place in the league table of wealth per head and now stands at number 19. In the last few decades we have been overtaken by every single small independent nation in northern Europe and many others besides. You have to ask yourself: how is it that neighbouring countries the same size as Scotland seem to be doing so much better? This was the question posed and answered by the Chief Executive of ‘Business for Scotland’ Jim Mather when he recently co-hosted the first in a series of business meeting with me in Elgin.

He suggested that the key to future success is to identify and change the biggest single problem facing the country, namely our lack of economic and political control. If we can’t alter the fundamentals of the Scottish economy, namely the levels of taxation and all major expenditure then it is impossible to make the country more competitive and successful. This was the point made recently by Sir Tom Farmer of Kwikfit who believes that just like every normal person, Scotland needs to take full control of its own future.

This is not possible with the current powers of the Scottish Parliament. The Labour/Lib Dem government in Edinburgh has even less financial options than the newly proposed regional assemblies in England and consequently spends a lot of times talking about the symptoms of failure rather than delivering effective solutions. No wonder many voters are cynical about politics and politicians. I’d rather see decisions exercised closer to home, which will allow people to enjoy a fairer and more successful society like our neighbours, wouldn’t you?

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Robertson Leads Debate on Scotch Whisky Industry

Wednesday, May 8, 2002

"Key Scottish industry deserves better from Government" - Robertson

The Scottish National Party member of the Westminster Parliament Angus Robertson today (Tuesday) led a debate on the Scotch whisky industry in the House of Commons.

The Moray MP whose constituency contains more than 50% of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries including those in the key Speyside producing region pressed the UK government to treat the industry better by ending discriminatory duty, seeking appropriate minimum EU duty rates and curbing excessive red tape.

The debate was called shortly after Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown confirmed in the budget that higher levels of duty on whisky will remain, continuing discrimination against one of Scotland's key exports.

Not one single Labour or Liberal Democrat MP from the north of Scotland attended the debate.

Speaking during the debate Mr Robertson said:

" The whisky industry in Moray is vital, owing to the considerable direct and indirect employment in constituency, from the stillmen, coopers, peat-cutters, farmers, hauliers, tour guides, managers and office staff. Moray is home to world-renowned bottlers, retail outlets and experts like Gordon & McPhail, the Whisky shop in Dufftown and the celebrated writer Malcolm Greenwood. For those who would like to learn more I would commend the new course being offered by Moray College.

" It is impossible to accurately measure the importance of the whisky industry to local business and tourism, which are immense. Only yesterday the highly successful Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival came to an end. I was delighted to be able to join hundreds of locals and tourists at the beginning of the festival at the 'Coothie Doo Two' ceilidh in Craigellachie last Friday. It was a fantastic event featuring a flyover by Flight Lieutenants Colin McGregor and Andi McColl of the Tornado GR4 display team based at RAF Lossiemouth in their specially named fast jet 'Spirit of Speyside'.

" It is a great example of the local partnership between the whisky industry and charitable and community causes. In this case monies are being raised for the Children's Hospice Association of Scotland, Rachel House. I am sure members on all sides of the house will wish the appeal all the best.

" The importance of the Whisky industry is significant throughout Scotland and not just in Moray. It is the second largest export industry in Scotland and the fifth largest in the UK. The industry directly employs more than 11,000 people in Scotland, and a further 30,000 people are employed in related sectors.

" Scotch Whisky is one of the UK's top five export earners, generating more than £2 billion a year from sales in 200 markets. The industry uses around 25% of Scotland's barley crop and 70% of all Scottish grain is used in grain distilleries.

" The industry supports 1 in every 54 Scottish jobs, accounts for 5% of all manufacturing jobs and spends £1 billion a year, buying goods and services from local suppliers

" In 1999 the Fraser of Allander Institute produced a report for Allied Domecq which identified that the Scotch Whisky industry is:

* Twice as important as computer-related manufacturing
* A third bigger than the oil and gas industries
* 12% greater than banking, insurance and finance
* 30% greater than mechanical engineering
* A third larger than the chemical industry.

" All of these statistics underline the key importance of the Scotch whisky industry and stress the need for government to provide the optimal conditions for it to flourish.

" Over the years commentators have established that the taxation regime at home and abroad is one of the most significant factors determining whether whisky is selling as much as possible.

" The Scotch whisky industry is vital to the Scottish economy and the UK Treasury. The taxation imposed on whisky by successive UK governments has disadvantaged Scotch in the home market, where whisky is taxed at higher levels than wine or beer. This discrimination has allowed other countries to seek to justify their own discriminatory tax regimes by reference to those in the UK.

" The UK Government will be aware of a joint document by the Scottish Executive and the Scotch Whisky Association, aptly if perhaps optimistically entitled "A Toast to the Future: working together for Scotch whisky. The Scottish Executive supports the industry's case for a review of the tax regime in the UK with the aim of achieving a fair outcome for the Scotch whisky industry. Will the Minister indicate whether the Westminster Government will accede to this moderate demand, or is it opposing the Labour-Liberal Scottish Executive?

" I welcome the Government's u-turn on a tax stamp system which would have constituted a barrier to trade, would have been inefficient and ineffective as a means of combating fraud and illicit trade. It would have caused many practical and technical problems in respect of, for example, labelling and storage and would have imposed substantial costs on the industry.

" It is high time that all powers relating to the regulation and taxation of the whisky industry be transferred to the Scottish Parliament so it is not left to the whim of successive Westminster governments who do little to help it.”

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North East SNP MPs welcome ‘Cod War’ visit

Monday, May 6, 2002

“DTI decision to hold surgery is not before time” – Salmond
“Important opportunity for ‘Cod War’ victims to explain their cases” - Robertson

North East’s SNP MPs have today [Tuesday] welcomed the decision by DTI officials to hold a surgery in the region on the issue of ‘Cod War Compensation’. Officials had held a similar surgery in Aberdeen but had failed to inform Banff & Buchan MP Alex Salmond and Moray MP Angus Robertson. This effectively denied many affected constituents the opportunity to air their concerns directly with the officials who are processing their claims.

Commenting on the news Alex Salmond MP said:

“ This decision by the DTI to send officials back to the North East is not before time and will hopefully help some of my constituents with their claims for compensation. The decision by the DTI to hold a surgery in Aberdeen and not inform others further North was nothing short of a snub and I am pleased that SNP pressure has rectified this matter.

“ A large number of those affected by the ‘Cod War’ live in communities far away from Aberdeen and my colleague Angus Robertson and I will be writing to them inviting them to discuss their ongoing cases at the proposed surgery.

Moray SNP MP Angus Robertson continued:

“ Over the last few months I have dealt with numerous cases from constituents who were very badly affected by the Cod War and have, as yet, not found a successful resolution to their cases. The SNP has raised ‘Cod War’ compensation issues repeatedly in Westminster and directly through correspondence with the Minister and we have finally now got an opportunity for claimants to meet face-to-face with the officals who are dealing with their claims.

“ I believe it is vital for the DTI’s officials to have a better understanding of the concerns of constituents in the North East, as there has been, to date, problems getting corroborating evidence for claims. The DTI clearly have access to better resources than my constituents and I hope that this is an issue they will give more consideration to during their visit, thereby providing more assistance in obtaining documents that could help verify claims."

Full details of the surgery with DTI officials will be announced in the near future.

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ROBERTSON MARCHES AGAINST LE PEN IN PARIS

Monday, May 6, 2002

"PEOPLE OF FRANCE MUST TURN OUT ON SUNDAY"


Speaking from Paris, where he is taking part in the anti-Le Pen,
pro-democracy May Day rally today [Wednesday], the Scottish National Party's
Shadow Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mr Angus Robertson MP said:

"I am proud to be part of the 100,000 people marching in Paris - and over
half-a-million throughout France - for democracy and against the fascism of
Le Pen.

"The issue of the French presidential election isn't just a matter for
France - defeating racism, intolerance and isolationism is important for the
whole of Europe, and indeed the wider world.

"I hope that the people of France show their revulsion for Le Pen by turning
out to vote on Sunday, and overwhelmingly endorsing the universal values
first proclaimed by the French Republic: 'Liberty, Egality, Fraternity'."
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MORAY MP WELCOMES COMMONS REPORT ON POST OFFICE

Sunday, May 5, 2002

"GOVERNMENT MUST STOP THESE PROPOSALS"

The Scottish National Party MP for Moray, Mr Angus Robertson, has welcomed the report from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee on Postcomm's proposals for privatisation of the Post Office. Mr Robertson said:

“The effects of Postcomm's proposals for the Post Office would be a disaster for Scotland, especially for rural areas like Moray. They would undoubtedly put at risk the universal service obligation and universal tariff, which ensure that mail is delivered to all addresses at the same price. If these go then prices would rise in rural areas. This allied to closure of sub post offices would mean the destruction of our postal service.

“The Public Accounts committee have raised serious questions about the proposals and the speed at which Postcomm is trying to implement them. The Government must take on board these points and take urgent action to stop these proposals before it is too late.

“In considering the future of the Post Office, profitability and competition cannot be the only yardsticks – we must accept that the postal service also serves an invaluable social function.”

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