MORAY MP ADOPTED AS SNP ELECTION CANDIDATE
Posted on Wednesday, January 26 2005
"Angus Robertson says it is a real honour"
Moray MP Angus Robertson has been adopted as the SNP candidate for the
forthcoming Westminster election.
Speaking at the event in Spey Bay, Mr Robertson said it was a
tremendous honour to be reselected and formerly presented for the
polls which are expected in less than 100 days on 5th May 2005.
He was proposed by local SNP veteran Tom Howe and seconded by youth
activist Gary Coull.
Angus Robertson has represented Moray at Westminster since 2001, and
repeatedly found to be the 'hardest working' Scottish MP. He has led a
series of high profile campaigns supporting local jobs and industries.
Additionally he secured widespread publicity for Moray by bringing
Scotland's first peace talks to Craigellachie.
Other issues he has campaigned vigorously on included opposing the
introduction of tax strip stamps which would hit the whisky industry,
raising numerous issues of third world debt and poverty, campaigning
against the war in Iraq and currently the problems related to Tax
Credits which are affecting many families in Moray.
Speaking at his adoption meeting Angus Robertson said:
"It is a tremendous honour to be adopted as the SNP candidate for
Moray. Having served the constituency for the last four years I am
keen to continue my work for this fantastic part of Scotland.
"The campaign will contrast the good record of SNP representation
against the also-rans who do not. I have held hundreds of surgeries in
Elgin and throughout Moray. Thousands of constituents have been helped
by my parliamentary office. Views have been sought, listened to and
acted upon.
"In less than 100 days Moray folk will have a straight choice between
a strong local voice and the extremism of the Conservative Party.
Labour in Moray is set for a dive after attacking local jobs and
employers such as the fishing and whisky industries and being set to
close airbases.
"Tony Blair is the least trusted Prime Minister in recent political
history and Labour no longer trusted to represent Scotland.
"As for the rest: Michael Howard scrapes the bottom of the political
barrel looking for votes but can't shake off the fact that he was a
Cabinet Minister in failed Tory governments The Liberals are
pretending to be an opposition in London while they prop up Labour in
Scotland
"We set no limits on SNP progress, the people will determine that.
Scotland is full of new seats electing new MP's. The London parties
will spend much of their central campaign on policies now irrelevant
to Scotland because they are decided in the Sots parliament.
In a message to the meeting, former Moray MP Winnie Ewing said:
"As President of the SNP I am confident that Angus Robertson will be
re-elected to serve this community. My confidence is based on long
political experience which has enabled me to judge Angus as not merely
a devoted constituency servant, but as an internationally minded
outstanding MP.
ENDS
SNP CALLS FOR RETHINK ON EUROPEAN CONSTITUTION
Posted on Wednesday, January 26 2005
DOCUMENT IS NOT RIGHT FOR EUROPE OR SCOTLAND
The Shadow Scottish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Angus Robertson, has today called for a renegotiation of the European Constitution. His remarks come as the Government publish a question and timetable for the proposed referendum on the European Constitution. The SNP campaigned for a referendum on the Constitution.
Angus Robertson MP said:
“The SNP campaigned long and hard for a Referendum on the European Constitution. This is an important document that will change the way Europe is governed forever. It also provides an opportunity to have a vigorous public debate over Europe’s future.
“The European Union is often perceived as being distant from people’s every day lives. It is time for us to make Europe relevant and encourage people to get involved in a debate on how we can make Europe matter and work better for everyone. This Referendum is an ideal way of returning the debate over Scotland’s future relationship with our European partnership to the heart of Scottish political debate.
“However the Constitution as it stands must be renegotiated. The decision to make fisheries an exclusive competence of the EU is unacceptable. The Common Fisheries Policy has been bad for our fishing communities, bad for the environment and bad for our relationship with Europe.
“The European Constitution will define the future direction of Europe, and it is crucial that we ensure that it is right for Scotland and right for Europe. Presently it is not and if there is to be a yes vote in the Referendum, the Constitution as it stands must be re-negotiated as a priority.”
ENDS
Moray's Mass Migration
Posted on Tuesday, January 18 2005
Moray MP Angus Robertson has commented on figures released by the
Scottish Executive that show high annual migration figures for Moray
from the 2001 census. The figures were released in response to a
question from Mr Robertson's SNP colleague Roseanna Cunningham MSP.
The figures are the latest in a series of statistics that show just
how badly rural Scotland fares in the existing Westminster managed
economy.
The Scottish National Party MP has accused the Scottish Executive of
lacking vision for Scotland and doing little or nothing to fight rural
Scotland's corner with The Treasury.
Mr Robertson said:
" The statistics on migration from Moray are the highest in Scotland
with 2.2% of the population leaving in a single year. Some of this
number will undoubtedly be military personnel moving to different
postings but even taking that into account the figure is very high.
" Combined with the disgraceful fact that Moray has the lowest average
weekly wage in Scotland with employees getting an astounding £4206
less than the average Scot in a year, it is no great surprise that
people leave Moray to seek work elsewhere.
" The chancellor's management of the economy is always going to be on
a UK wide basis – no matter what party is in power. All of the
evidence shows that Moray's and Scotland's economies are driven by
significantly different factors and the status quo will never benefit
us.
" What is needed is a Scottish solution to a Scottish problem and we
need a Scottish Executive and Scottish MPs that will fight for that.
Labour and the Liberals have shown that they cannot deliver while the
SNP will always put Scotland first."
Ends.
MORAY MP PRAISES LOCAL TSUNAMI AID EFFORT
Posted on Wednesday, January 12 2005
"Generosity overwhelming"
Local MP Angus Robertson has highlighted the "extraordinary" efforts in Moray to raise relief funds for the devastated communities of South East Asia.
He says that there has been an amazing reaction from people throughout the area to help Tsunami hit countries. Mr Robertson was speaking after visiting the Oxfam shop in Elgin, which has raised more than £3,000 since the natural disaster struck on Boxing Day. He said:
"It is remarkable how much effort has gone into collecting relief aid and material for the devastated communities of South East Asia.
"Collecting cans have been in evidence around Moray and people have been giving generously.
"A big thank you goes out to every donor and collector, whether a charity organisation, individual or business.
"It is a sign of real humanity that there has been such a strong reaction to help people in need on the other side of the world. One big challenge is to remember that there are equally challenging situations in Darfur and elsewhere that we should not forget. Mr Robertson has been involved in a particular project to help fishing communities in South East Asia.
This follows a strong reaction from coastal areas in Scotland, with offers of boats, nets, equipment and training for Tsunami hit countries.
He won a Ministerial assurance at Westminster this week that the UK government would be supporting the fishing aid initiative. The SNP Foreign Affairs spokesman has written to International Development Minister Hillary Benn MP to ensure that offers of help are matched to the need in the affected areas.
In his letter to Minister Benn Mr Robertson said: “Scottish coastal communities have generously offered a host of practical measures and equipment to assist the devastated seaward areas of South East Asia. “These include boats, nets, rope and other gear which could go along way to help rebuild livelihoods in the fisheries sector, which is the second largest industry affected by the Tsunami.
“The European Union Commission says that it has appealed to EU member states for assistance in dealing with these matters. “While I appreciate that there are a great many demands at the present time I would be grateful if you could outline what plans are in hand to make the most of this initiative, which I am certain will be of great benefit to the fishing communities.”
Editors Note:
During Scottish Questions Angus Robertson MP asked:
“The Minister will be aware that past and current EU restrictions have led to the decommissioning and scraping of sea-worthy boats. “Does the UK Government agree that it makes little sense to scrap boats when they've been offered to Tsunami-hit fishing communities in South East Asia.
“Commissioner Borg has said that emergency legislation could be brought before the Council of Ministers in the near future to fund the transfer of vessels and gear will the UK government support that?” Scotland Office Minister Ann McGuire replied:
“I recognise and congratulate the White Fish producers initiative on offering aid to the disaster area in South East Asia and I can give the honourable gentleman every assurance that we will do all that we can to help support that initiative.”
SNP KEEPS UP ASIAN FISHING AID PRESSURE
Posted on Tuesday, January 11 2005
“Government agrees to support measures”
The Scottish National Party (SNP) is reporting progress in domestic aid efforts for South East Asian fishing communities.
There has been a strong reaction from coastal areas in Scotland, with offers of boats, nets, equipment and training for Tsunami hit countries.
Angus Robertson SNP MP for Moray, won a Ministerial assurance at Westminster that the UK government would be supporting the fishing aid initiative.
The SNP Foreign Affairs spokesman has written to International Development Minister Hillary Benn MP to ensure that offers of help are matched to the need in the affected areas.
In his letter to Minister Benn Mr Robertson said:
“Scottish coastal communities have generously offered a host of practical measures and equipment to assist the devastated seaward areas of South East Asia.
“These include boats, nets, rope and other gear which could go along way to help rebuild livelihoods in the fisheries sector, which is the second largest industry affected by the Tsunami.
“The European Union Commission says that it has appealed to EU member states for assistance in dealing with these matters.
“While I appreciate that there are a great many demands at the present time I would be grateful if you could outline what plans are in hand to make the most of this initiative, which I am certain will be of great benefit to the fishing communities.”
Editors Note:
During Scottish Questions Angus Robertson MP asked:
“The Minister will be aware that past and current EU restrictions have led to the decommissioning and scraping of sea-worthy boats.
“Does the UK Government agree that it makes little sense to scrap boats when they've been offered to Tsunami-hit fishing communities in South East Asia.
“Commissioner Borg has said that emergency legislation could be brought before the Council of Ministers in the near future to fund the transfer of vessels and gear will the UK government support that?”
Ann McGuire replied:
“I recognise and congratulate the White Fish producers initiative on offering aid to the disaster area in South East Asia and I can give the honourable gentleman every assurance that we will do all that we can to help support that initiative.”
ENDS.
SNP MEETS AID AGENCIES ABOUT TSUNAMI APPEAL
Posted on Thursday, January 6 2005
SNP Leader Mr Alex Salmond MP, SNP Holyrood Leader Ms Nicola Sturgeon MSP and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mr Angus Robertson MP have today (Thursday) met with representatives of leading international aid organisations to discuss the Scottish contribution to the relief operation and long term reconstruction priorities in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami disaster. Represented at the meeting were Oxfam, SCIAF, Mercy Corps, Red Cross, Christian Aid and Islamic Relief. The meeting discussed a range of ways in which Scotland could play a part in the reconstruction of the countries affected. In particular, the SNP have called for immediate action on three fronts: 1. a commitment by all MSPs and MPs to match the generosity of the Scottish public by making payroll donations in January of at least one day’s wages; 2. a pledge by the Scottish Executive to make a direct financial contribution to the aid effort and to put pressure on the Westminster government to increase its own contribution and its level of international aid in general; 3. the establishment of a dedicated Scottish Executive Unit to co-ordinate and support Scottish input into the long term reconstruction of the region. Commenting, SNP Leader Alex Salmond MP said: “Today’s meeting was extremely instructive and I would like to pay tribute to all of the aid agencies – and their dedicated staff and volunteers – who are working so hard to provide immediate relief to the shattered communities in Asia. “We have heard today a number of good ideas about how Scotland can play its full part in the long term reconstruction of the countries affected by the tsunami. These will be at the forefront of the SNP sponsored debate on this issue in the Scottish Parliament next week. “However, there are three steps that I believe should be taken now. “The first two involve financial assistance – payroll donations by all MSPs and MPs to match the generosity of the public and a direct financial contribution by the Scottish government. “The third relates to long term reconstruction. There are many ways in which Scotland can help in that task. For example, our fishing industry has the resources and the expertise to help rebuild the fishing industries that many of the affected countries rely on so heavily. “But these efforts and initiatives must be properly channelled and co-ordinated if they are to be fully effective. “That is why I am proposing the establishment of a dedicated Scottish Executive Unit to provide support to and co-ordinate the efforts of the many individuals, industries, companies and organisations that have something to offer in helping these stricken countries get back on their feet.” Speaking later Ms Sturgeon said: “The Scottish people have been extremely generous and have donated millions of pounds to the appeal and both the Westminster and Scottish Governments must follow in their footsteps. “This is why the SNP has been calling on Scottish MPs and MSPs to donate one day’s pay to the tsunami appeal so they can show that parliamentarians are doing their bit to help the aid effort. “Thousands of people have been affected by this disaster and every politician must put their money where their mouth is and fully support the appeal.” Mr Robertson added: “We must ensure that money the UK Government has pledged is indeed new money otherwise my concern is that other emergency aid cases such as the appalling situation in Darfur could be overlooked. “The Government must not overlook cases such as these when pursuing support for Asia.”
SNP CALL FOR IMPROVED SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT DISASTER REACTION
Posted on Tuesday, January 4 2005
"PUBLIC GENEROSITY SHOULD BE MATCHED BY GOVERNMENT ACTION"
The SNP is today (Tuesday) calling for improved government action in
Scotland to assist the Tsunami hit areas of South East Asia.
The call comes as public generosity in Scotland, SCIAF and NGO activity
and business contributions have been way ahead of that of governments.
SNP Foreign Affairs and Defence Spokesman Mr Angus Robertson MP and Shadow
Fisheries Minister Mr Richard Lochhead MSP have said that there has been a
massive public reaction to the horrific developments in South East Asia,
and now it is time for the government in Scotland to improve its efforts.
Commenting, Mr Robertson said:
"People in Scotland have shown that we are all committed to helping the
Tsunami hit areas if South East Asia. Now it is time for government in
Scotland to match the overwhelming reaction of the public and act swiftly
and effectively.
"There are a whole host of options which both the Scottish Executive and
UK governments can take, in both short and long term assistance.
"In terms of immediate reaction financial contributions are essential to
support the efforts of the United Nations and the aid agencies. This is an
area where the Scottish Executive could do more.
"The devastation on the ground and the challenges being faced by the
relief workers means that there needs to be an enhanced response. The
military could play a key role with the deployment of logistics and
engineering units and elements of Scotland's infantry regiments could help
affected communities.
"Government at home needs to look at all of these short term options but
also consider measures which will help people in the disaster region pick
up their lives and rebuild their livelihoods."
Unveiling one immediate initiative to help the seaward countries of the
Tsunami hit area, Mr Lochhead MSP said:
"In the coming months as shattered communities in Asia begin to rebuild
themselves, Scotland has the opportunity to make a valuable and
distinctive contribution to the international aid effort. The SNP pays
tribute to every Scot who has so far donated to the disaster appeal but so
much more needs to be done.
"As one of Europe's leading fishing nations, Scotland is ideally placed to
assist with the long term reconstruction of fishing communities in Asia
wrecked by the tsunami. Fishing was one of the few economic lifelines in
most of the affected communities and the SNP is calling on the Scots
Government to work with aid agencies to identify how we can lend our
expertise to help Asia's devastated fishing communities get back on their
feet. In Sri Lanka and Indonesia, thousands of fishermen have been killed
and their industry's infrastructure including fishing fleets has been
decimated. Scotland can help replace lost and broken equipment as well as
offer appropriate advice and training. It may even be possible to secure
fishing boats that could be donated.
"The SNP has consulted Scotland's fishing industry which is ready and
willing to help the tsunami-hit regions in their hour of need. The Scots
Government must urgently make the necessary arrangements to help
co-ordinate their efforts."
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