SNP MP COMMENTS ON EU WHISKY VOTE
Posted on Thursday, June 21 2007
Moray MP Angus Robertson has welcomed a vote in the European Parliament that will give added protection to the whisky sector and 'Scotch Whisky' branding.The Scottish National Party MP is Vice Convener of the Westminster All Party Whisky Group and has been a vigorous campaigner on issues affecting the industry." As the MP representing the most significant whisky producing area of Scotland I am delighted that the European Parliament, including SNP MEPs, has voted to give added protection to this vital industry." Just recently Diageo announced proposals to build a new distillery in Moray and this latest decision by the European Parliament is further good news." The industry is extremely significant to Moray and the wider Scottish economy. More still needs to be done however to give whisky producers a level playing field with other drinks companies and the SNP will continue to take these issues forward.Ends.
SURVEY RAISES CONCERNS OVER POSTAL PRICING
Posted on Wednesday, June 20 2007
Commenting today [Wednesday] Moray SNP Angus Robertson expressed concerns over the findings of a survey by the BritishChambers of Commerce which has revealed that 60% of their members had seen an increase in their costs since the introduction of pricing in proportion by Royal Mail.The problem exacerbates the already increased costs for some customers in Moray where carriers often charge 'ISLES' rates for parcels, even though Moray is well and truly part of the mainland.Mr Robertson said that this contrasted sharply with assurances given at the time of introduction of the scheme. He said:"When the scheme was introduced concerns were expressed as to its effect and Royal Mail insisted that 80% of mail would not change in price. The fact that 60% of business has seen a rise in costs shows that the change has had a serious adverse impact on business."Worse still 84% of small and medium sized businesses felt that the new system had not simplified the way in which mail was priced. In effect business has seen a rise not only in costs but in complexity." When businesses in Moray are already shelling out extra because some parcel companies seem to think Moray is an island it is yet another extra charge driving their costs up and reducing competitiveness."Pricing in Proportion and now attempts to introduce zonal pricing hit at the fundamental tenets of a universal service obligation and willseriously impact on businesses throughout Scotland, many of whom rely on Post Office services."Royal Mail urgently needs to revisit this issue. The news that Amazon has ended their contract with Royal Mail demonstrates the necessity for the company to listen to those businesses that remain loyal to them. If they do not they risk losing yet more business to alternative carriers"ENDS
ROBERTSON EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER VISA REPORT
Posted on Wednesday, June 20 2007
"Tourist Visa refusals are damaging to the industry" - Angus Robertson MPSNP MP Angus Robertson has today [Wednesday] expressed concern at the operation of UK Visas in their consideration of tourist applications and the impact that their decisions have on areas like Moray where tourism is a particularly significant sector of the economy.The Member of Parliament for Moray was responding to a report from the Independent Monitor of the visa service which raised concerns about the reasons given for refusing tourist visas.The report stated that: "Lots of people who want to visit the UK are tourists. They have no family or friends here, they have no business contacts, they simply want to visit countries which spend a lot of money trying to attract visitors because visitors are good for the UK economy." However reasons for refusing tourist visas included: "You wish to go to the UK for a holiday. You have never previously undertaken any foreign travel before and I can see little reason for this trip" "I have noted you have taken visas for other countries which are nowhere near the UK. I am, therefore, not satisfied that you have established a credible reason for your visit." "You plan a holiday for no particular purpose other than sightseeing"Another refusal reason was that the applicant didn't have enough knowledge of the English language for tourism purposes.Commenting on the report the Moray MP said:" It will be very concerning to those working in and running tourist establishments, particularly those with significant interest from visitors, that UK Visas are sometimes refusing tourist visa applications for reasons described by the Independent Monitor as 'ridiculous'." In an area like Moray where tourist attractions, such as the distilleries, attract thousands of international visitors every year to spend money on local accommodation, entertainment and shops it will be of concern that tourists are being prevented from visiting for largely spurious reasons." The idea that sightseeing is not a legitimate reason for a tourist visa is quite frankly absurd and if knowledge of the language is an issue then the millions that travel from the UK to Spain each year could be in serious trouble!" I am however glad that the Independent Monitor has discovered these problems and I will be taking the matter up with the Foreign Office to ensure that they are aware of the concerns in areas like Moray where tourism makes a major contribution to the economy."Notes -The report in question can be found at - http://www.fco.gov.uk/Files/kfile/IMReport2006.pdf and the tourism references on p.38.Ends.
MORAY MP BACKS NFU SCOTLAND LOCAL FOOD CAMPAIGN
Posted on Monday, June 18 2007
Moray Scottish National Party MP Angus Robertson has today pledged his support to NFU Scotland's "What's on your plate" campaign.The campaign aims to encourage people to choose Scottish food and drink. The food and farming campaign will highlight not only the quality of Scottish food and drink, but the environmental, animal welfare, health and social benefits of buying Scottish.The new campaign, entitled "What's on your Plate?" encourages people to think about their food and drink choices and the positive impact they can have on the nation. The campaign is particularly important in an area like Moray where we can be rightly proud to be a major contributor to 'Scotland's larder'.Many of Scotland's highest quality products are produced in Moray from famous whisky, shortbread and soup brands to smaller and medium size businesses that produce everything from handmade chocolates to organic cheese and Ostrich meat.Mr Robertson said:" This is an excellent campaign and I congratulate NFU Scotland for taking the initiative. Scotland has fantastic local produce which we must take pride in and promote at every possible opportunity." I want to see people and organisations in Moray and across Scotland enjoying the food that is produced in their area and hope this campaign will succeed in introducing more people to their local produce." Moray has a variety of farmers markets, farm shops and direct sales from the farm gate. I would encourage people in Moray to buy locally whenever they can to support local food producers." The new SNP Government has made clear its commitment to Scotland's farmers, to organic farming and to local food, through the rural development package announced by my Moray colleague Richard Lochhead MSP." Farmers make a significant contribution to our economy and assist in taking care of our countryside. Scottish produce also helps to attract many tourists to more rural areas of Scotland like Moray, where they can try our excellent local restaurants." I would urge people across Scotland to back this campaign and to follow the advice from the NFU Scotland to ask for local produce in the shops, to support local shops, to buy seasonal produce where possible and to visit local farmers markets."ENDSNOTE TO EDITORSThe NFU Scotland campaign and details of what action you can take along with seasonal calendars and details of farmers markets can be found at:www.whatsonyourplate.co.uk
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