FREE MAPS FOR 11 YEAR OLDS WELCOMED
Posted on Wednesday, October 17 2007
Moray Parliamentarians Angus Robertson MP and Richard Lochhead MSP have urged schools in Moray to take up an offer of free maps for Primary 7 pupils. All schools are entitled to benefit from the Ordnance Survey's 'Free Maps for 11-year-olds' scheme by registering online and stating how many maps are needed.The Free maps for 11-year-olds scheme aims to provide all children, irrespective of home or school circumstances, with a map of their own at a stage in their school career when it is most likely to be of best use. By providing an additional map for teachers for every 25 pupil maps the scheme also aims to improve school map resources.Each year of the scheme has seen over 700 000 maps distributed to pupils via their schools. By the end of 2007 this will amount to over 4.5 million maps.Commenting on the scheme the SNP's Angus Robertson said:" This is a fabulous opportunity for children to learn a little more about maps and obtain skills which will stay with them for the rest of their lives. They can also learn a great deal more about their local area. Maps in the home are often owned by an adult and research has shown that children who have free access to maps of their own develop significantly better map skills"."Some schools have already registered for the offer, but there are many more maps available for those who have not yet done so. Registering is free and easy, so no-one need miss out."Moray's MSP Richard Lochhead said:" The free maps for 11 year olds scheme offers youngsters a chance to learn skills that they might not otherwise have a chance to do. In a rural constituency like Moray map reading is particularly useful in understanding local geography and the how the different communities in the region connect together." Developing map reading skills in youngsters can also act as an encouragement to get involved in outdoor activities such as walking and orienteering."For more information on the Free Maps for 11-year-olds scheme, visit freemaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/freemapsfor11yearoldsEnds.
MP WELCOMES SUPPORT FOR COVENANT MOTION
Posted on Tuesday, October 16 2007
Moray SNP MP Angus Robertson has today [Tuesday] welcomed the growing cross-party support for an Early Day Motion he has tabled in the House of Commons.The motion recognises the Royal British Legion's Honour the Covenant Campaign and calls on the government to bring forward policy that meets that aims of the legion's campaign.The aims include having appropriate compensation for armed forces personnel who are injured in the line of duty, full support for families of personnel who are injured or lose their lives and the availability of appropriate mental health care for personnel and their families.These aims are all part of what is known as the Military Covenant but which campaigners believe the government is failing on.Commenting on the support for the campaign the SNP's Angus Robertson said:" I am delighted that a large number of MPs have supported this motion is a fairly short time. In only a few days 49 MPs have signed the motion representing six different party groups in the House of Commons, including all of the larger parties." In addition I, along with many others, have written to the Minister asking that he take steps to ensure that government armed forces policy fully supports the aims of the Legion's Honour the Covenant Campaign." The work that members of the armed forces do is vital and at a time when significant numbers of personnel are risking serious injury or even death in the line of duty it is essential that appropriate support and care is available to personnel and their families." I would urge constituents to check out the Legion's campaign online at www.britishlegion.org.uk and lend whatever support they can."Notes for Editors:The Early Day Motion reads as follows -EDM 2033 - ROYAL BRITISH LEGION'S HONOUR THE COVENANT CAMPAIGN That this House supports the aims of the Royal British Legion's Honour The Covenant campaign; recognises the commitment and sacrifices made by armed forces personnel and their families; and calls upon the Government to provide a just compensation scheme which recognises that commitment and sacrifice, to make a greater effort to support the physical and mental health of service people and their families and to provide better support for bereaved service families.ENDS.
UK GOVERNMENT CANNOT RE-WRITE HISTORY
Posted on Tuesday, October 16 2007
Speaking at Scottish Questions in the House of Commons today (Tuesday) SNP Westminster Leader, Angus Robertson MP, has called on the Secretary of State for Scotland to add his weight to the mounting pressure on DEFRA to honour its responsibilities and bring forward welfare and compensation payments for crisis hit Scottish farmers and crofters.Mr Robertson has also responded to comments made by the Secretary of State for Scotland that " at no point was I ever aware that an offer [of compensation] was made and withdrawn".Mr Robertson said:"The UK Government can re-write speeches, but they cannot re-write history. It is extremely strange that Browne believes this never happened. We know from the original draft of Hilary Benn's statement that the Treasury did agree to fund an aid package for Scotland and Wales. We also know the detail of that commitment, and that discussions were held between Hilary Benn with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to agree a package. "The only thing we don't know is why the UK Government have backtracked on their responsibilities and abandoned farmers at a time of national crisis. Following the 2001 crisis, DEFRA were responsible for an animal welfare scheme, and there is no reason why they cannot do the same now. "The Scottish Secretary should stand up for Scottish farmers, accept his responsibilities and stop attempting to turn reality on its head." ENDS
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