MORAY MP MEETS EU FISHERIES PRESIDENT Moray SNP MP Angus Robertson has just returned from a top level visit to The SNP delegation also included Westminster Group leader Alex Salmond MP and European Fisheries spokesman Ian Hudghton MEP. Mr Robertson and his colleagues pressed for: Speaking after the meetings Mr Robertson said: "Coastal communities like Buckie and elsewhere in Moray still depend heavily on the fishing industry. That is why I went to "We proposed specific changes to the agreement that could make all the difference to the future of the fishing industry. Irish minister Dermot Ahern, who is chairing the EU Fisheries Council of Ministers listened carefully to us and asked that we provide more information. There was some progress in the meeting with the Commission where top official John Farnell clearly indicated that the new deal is not set in stone. "We forcefully pressed for changes that would see more of the haddock grounds opened to our fleet and a greater proportion of quota made available before any ban in other areas takes effect. Together with the elimination of other anomalies, these changes could make a real difference to the industry. "Our message was listened to by the Commission and we have stressed to them the importance of reaching an urgent conclusion to the review that is currently under way. Only with this set of fundamental changes to the deal will any possibility remain of a future for the Scottish fishing industry. Speaking after the meetings SNP leader John Swinney said: "Fishing is important to areas like Moray which is why local MP Angus Robertson and I went to "Sadly the EU deal struck in December was deeply damaging to "One thing is already crystal clear. Nothing is more effective than ENDS BLACK WATCH SENT INTO BATTLE WITHOUT PROPER EQUIPMENT "HOON SHOULD RESIGN AS DEFENCE SECRETARY" Commenting on the story in the Scotsman today [Friday] regarding the commanding officer of the Black Watch, Lieutenant Colonel James Cowan, and Regimental Sergeant Major, brian Cooper - revealing that Black Watch troops were sent into battle in Iraq with no protective equipment against a chemical or biological attack - the Scottish National Party's Defence Spokesperson Ms Angus Robertson MP said: "It is unforgivable that Scottish troops were sent into battle without proper protective equipment. "Equipment shortage was already a major issue of concern, and the revelations about the Black Watch are turning it into a government scandal. "The Government's entire case for war was that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction - and yet they sent Black Watch soldiers into a war zone with no protection against a chemical and biological attack. "Either the Government knew that Iraq had no such weapons - in which case they definitely lied about the reasons for war - or they did think that Saddam had biological and chemical weapons and sent Scottish troops into battle with no protection. "Either scenario is shameful - and the SNP will be pressing the Government hard on the matter. If the Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon cannot ensure that Scots troops are issued with proper protective equipment, then he should not be the Defence Secretary for a day longer." Ms Annabelle Ewing MP - in whose Perth constituency the Black Watch regimental headquarters is based - said: "I am appalled that troops from the Black Watch were sent into battle without proper protective equipment. Yet again, the 'poor bloody infantry' have been let down by the politicians in charge. "Geoff Hoon should already have resigned for failing in the Ministry of Defence's duty of care to the young men and women in their service. And he should certainly resign over his failure to equip the Black Watch properly. "But the reality is that the Government are probably saving up Geoff Hoon's resignation for the Hutton Report publication next week, when he will probably be the fall guy. "Along with my SNP colleagues, I will be raising this matter in the House of Commons, and holding Ministers to account for treating Black Watch troops in this disgraceful way." MP heads for fishing talks with EC “Essential that fishing fight continues” - Robertson Moray’s Westminster representative Earlier in the week the SNP leader John Swinney MSP had re-affirmed the SNP’s commitment to “ The deal negotiated by the “ Scottish boats are facing draconian restrictions on their ability to fish in traditional Scottish waters - but foreign boats face no such barriers. That is an outrage that must be changed.” Local MP “ It is vital that “ The representation from both Scottish and “ The deal that Scottish & UK Ministers trumpeted as a success is widely regarded in the industry as an unmanageable disaster. Ross Finnie belatedly came to the conclusion that it would be necessary to turn to Ends. MP URGES GOVERNMENT TO ASSIST SERVICE BUSINESSES Moray MP Angus Robertson is backing calls from the Disability Rights Commission and CBI who are urging the UK Government to introduce a specific tax allowance to assist businesses facing a significant one-off cost of improving their existing premises when the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 comes into force next October. " I am very concerned that currently up to 70 percent of disabled people find it difficult to use everyday services because of poor access and building design. The implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act this year is a welcome step towards addressing this problem as it requires the UK service sector to make reasonable adjustments to their premises in order to offer disabled customers better access. Ends. Contact: Graham Leadbitter, Parliamentary Assistant – Tel: 01343 551111 ROBERTSON ASKS EMPLOYERS- “ARE YOU PREPARING FOR EMPLOYER SUPPORTED CHILDCARE?” Moray SNP MP, Mr Angus Robertson, has highlighted the new scheme for Employer Supported Childcare which will be introduced from April 2005. There will be new tax and National Insurance breaks for Employer Supported Childcare of up to £50 a week per employee. The aim is to help employees meet the cost of childcare. Mr Robertson said of the scheme: “ Employers will be able to contract directly for childcare with a nursery, childminder network or after-school club on behalf of their employees and the first £50 a week will be free from tax and National Insurance. “ Alternatively, employers can provide childcare vouchers to employees free of tax and National Insurance up to £50 a week, which can be used for registered childcare or approved home childcare. “ If an employer provides a place to the children of staff in a nursery or crèche that is funded and managed by them, as now, the full benefit to the employee will remain free from tax and National Insurance. “ If employers are considering setting up a childcare scheme, information on the current tax and National Insurance rules is available at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/pdfs/ir115.pdf and information on salary sacrifice at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/specialist/salary_sacrifice.pdf. “ Employers have an important role to play in helping their staff to find affordable, quality childcare, however it is hoped that in return for investing in childcare costs on behalf of employees, businesses will benefit from increased staff retention, improved staff morale and less absenteeism.” Ends. Contact: Graham Leadbitter, Parliamentary Assistant – Tel: 01343 551111 |