Vigilance Against Terrorism
Posted on Friday, July 6 2007
Vigilance against terrorismUnfortunately but not unexpectedly I find myself having to open my remarks with a comment on the aftermath of a terror attack on Scottish soil. It is obviously unfortunate because no-one can wish for a terror attack against their country but perhaps less obviously it is not unexpected. There will be some who will be surprised at a terror attack in Scotland when we have not experienced such events in recent years, however terrorists do not recognise borders and will have no qualms over attacking anybody if they feel their aims will be progressed. This has been demonstrated previously with attacks in places such as Bali when dozens were killed after a nightclub bombing.Fortunately in this incident no-one lost their life and the perpetrators have been and continue to be brought into custody. It is important at times like these that the public, as well as the security services, remain vigilant at all times. That is not to say we should go around in a state of fear or apprehension but simply that we remain more aware of the world around us as we go about our day to day business. There has been some comment that Scotland may be more of a target because a Scottish MP is now Prime Minister, however that is a distraction that we should avoid. Regardless of political differences one thing that I share with the Prime Minister is that we are both democrats. Regardless of our political differences Gordon Brown is a democratically elected politician and has the democratic right to be Prime Minister. Terrorism is an affront to democracy and the international community must be united against such acts. Change at the topPrior to the recent terrorist attacks we saw Tony Blair step aside and Gordon Brown take over as Prime Minister.Much was said of the standing ovation from outside the House of Commons Chamber but from inside it was something of a different story. As someone involved in the campaign to impeach the Prime Minister for his conduct over Iraq I could not in all conscience applaud his term of office.As another MP commented to me 'Has the chamber gone mad? They're applauding a Prime Minister who has prosecuted a war where over half a million civilians are now thought to have died.' Some would say that vigilance against terrorism and opposing the war in Iraq are opposing principles but that is simply wrong. I have no qualms supporting the security services in protecting our way of life at home and at the same time opposing an illegal war in the Middle East.
MORAY MP WELCOMES FLOOD SCHEME DECISIONS
Posted on Wednesday, July 4 2007
Moray SNP MP Angus Robertson has welcomed the combined news that the Flood Alleviation Scheme for Forres has seen the last objection withdrawn while in the Moray Council a unanimous decision was made to present a Flood Prevention Order to the Scottish Government. The Member of Parliament for Moray said:" I am delighted that the last objection to the scheme has now been dropped." The start of construction is now only a short time away and there will be significant relief for the residents of Forres that we are now significantly closer to having a fully functioning flood alleviation scheme. " I know that a lot of work has been going on behind the scenes to try and ease objectors concerns and the news of the withdrawal of the final objection is testament to that effort." I now very much look forward to seeing the building work start." Speaking about the Elgin Flood Scheme the SNP MP said:" It is 10 years since the Elgin was hit by severe flooding and many have been hit again in subsequent floods. " In recent years many residents an businesses were becoming increasingly concerned at the slow pace of the process and today's decision by Councillors will be very welcome. " We still have a way to go before construction starts but there is now a much brighter light at the end of the tunnel." Ends.
"CITIZENS PENSION REAL WAY FORWARD "
Posted on Tuesday, July 3 2007
Angus Robertson, SNP Member of Parliament for Moray has criticised both the Labour government and the Tory opposition for failing to take seriously the crisis facing pensioners.The Scottish National Party has always opposed means testing for pensioners and believe that a straightforward citizens pension giving a decent quality of life is the best way forward.The present system is often complex with pensioners having to apply for a variety of benefits with help often only available by phone rather than face-to-face in local offices.Commenting on a Westminster debate on the pension issue, Mr Robertson said neither the Tory motion nor the government amendment addressed the real problem:"There is widespread cynicism and distrust over the whole issue of pensions following the collapse of so many private pension funds and the government's staunch refusal to follow the Ombudsman's recommendation that compensation should be paid to the victims." "This totally undermines the government's attempts to promote private pensions, whilst the Tories are obsessed with pinning personal blame on Gordon Brown rather than addressing the root of the problem." "What is required is a move towards a true Citizens Pension that would end means testing, provide a decent income for all pensioners and a solid foundation for private savings."ENDS.
MORAY MP WELCOMES DEBATE ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
Posted on Tuesday, July 3 2007
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has welcomed the invigorated debate on constitutional reform, which has now been joined by new Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Moray MP Angus Robertson, who is also the Westminster SNP Leader, welcomed the statement by Gordon Brown saying he was pleased the Prime Minister was joining the SNP to support reforms in the way the country is governed. Speaking after a statement from the Prime Minister in the House of Commons Mr Robertson said: " I am delighted that the Prime Minister has committed to reforms that will improve democracy, enhance the powers of parliament and bring decision making closer to the citizen. " I regularly receive correspondence from Moray constituents who wish to see constitutional reform, particularly on issues such as giving parliament powers to veto or approve military conflict, in light of concerns over the war in Iraq. " There were measures in the statement that the SNP has consistently campaigned for including a possible reduction of the voting age to 16. " It is noteworthy that the Prime Minister has announced a raft of policy reforms for England which are already happening in Scotland under the new SNP Government including: Strategic Departmental objectives debated in parliamentReview of judicial appointments system Clear separation of the role of law officers from political process Pre-legislative scrutiny Recognising the views of local communities; leading to the retention of local services including hospitals and schools " The Prime Minister has been right to echo calls by First Minister Alex Salmond for a national conversation about the way we are governed and the SNP will work with all parties to pursue the agenda of democratic improvements." ENDS
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