SNP SET FOR POST-ELECTION REFORM
Posted on Wednesday, June 27 2007
ROBERTSON PLANS TO BUILD ON ELECTION SUCCESS The Scottish National Party (SNP) is set to build on its election success after winning power in the Scottish Parliament. Newly elected Business Convenor Angus Robertson MP says he plans to continue the professional momentum of the campaign to keep the party in the driving seat of Scottish politics. The Westminster SNP leader and Moray MP was confirmed to the powerful post at the weekend SNP National Council and will see him chair the key decision making forums of the party and oversee the operational matters of the SNP. Mr Robertson says he plans to build on the historic election success: “The SNP has become the leading party in Scotland by harnessing the best policies, modern campaigning techniques and commitment of our members and voters. “In the months ahead I will work with SNP colleagues to complete the professional transition to natural party of government. “We have a tremendous opportunity to show through the work and success of the SNP government, parliamentarians and councillors that Scotland should continue its progress to independence. “I will work hard to maintain our organisational and campaigning improvements, including the essential work of SNP Headquarters, fundraising and the cutting edge Activate IT system. “The grassroots of the SNP remains its strength and I will work closely with the members, branches and constituency associations to build on the historic electoral success of the SNP. Nominating Mr Robertson for the post, Alex Salmond said: "Angus' leadership of the Scottish election campaign took our party to a historic victory last month, and so I am delighted that he will be able to carry on his tremendous work in this vital role. He has many challenges ahead in ensuring that our Party builds on the success that he delivered, but I'm sure that he will be equal to that task. BACKGROUND The role of Business Convener is a key one within the SNP, as it carries with it responsibilities to chair the key decision making bodies of the Party, including the National Executive Committee and National Conference. The Business Convener also oversees the operational matters of the Party including membership and campaign co-ordination. ENDS
Parliamentary Report confirms SNP Olympics concerns
Posted on Tuesday, June 26 2007
"Moray organisations may get thin end of the wedge" - Angus Robertson MP Angus Robertson, SNP MP for Moray, has expressed serious concerns following the publication of a parliamentray report that suggests the London Olympics may be set to give Scottish projects and other organisations outside the South East significant funding problems. The report by the House of Commons Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee has supported concerns previously raised by the Scottish National Party that important lottery funding could be diverted to the London Olympics at the expense of other important activities. The committee's comments are specifically about cultural heritage, however the concerns raised about funding being diverted to the Olympics reflect concerns in the voluntary and sporting sectors where it is widely felt that the main beneficiaries will be projects in London and the South East while projects elsewhere will struggle to attract lottery support. Amongst the committee's comments it is stated that there was concern in the cultural sector that "resources would be diverted away from an already under-funded sector just at the time when investment was most needed". On this issue the committee questioned "the balance between the funding...for elite athletes to gain more medals, and the damage to our museum infrastructure". Similar concerns were raised in January by the umbrella body for Scottish charities, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), which said of Scottish charities: "These organisations are working with many of the most vulnerable in society and we seriously question why the most vulnerable in society should, in effect, pay for increased costs in holding the Olympics." At the time Mr Robertson suggested that for the charity sector alone in Moray the lost funding could amount to around a million pounds, however when you add in cultural and sports funding the figure could become even more substantial. Commenting Mr Robertson said: " The concerns that my SNP colleagues and I have raised about diversion of funds for the olympics are supported by reports like this. " Nobody objects to London hosting the olympics but it cannot be at the expense of important charitable, heritage and sporting projects elsewhere in the UK. " The government has yet to provide an assurance that this will not be the case and I will continue to push this issue until such assurances are given. " Another concern is that private organisations currently supporting charitable organisations will be asked to support the Olympics which may further reduce important funding streams. " I am very worried that Moray organisations may get thin end of the wedge when it comes to future grants."Ends.
Parliamentary Motion Commends Moray's Telford Celebrations
Posted on Tuesday, June 26 2007
Moray Scottish National Party MP Angus Robertson has today [Tuesday] tabled an Early Day Motion in parliament that recognises the celebrated engineering feats of Scots born Thomas Telford, including the world famous Craigellachie Bridge. Mr Robertson's motion goes on to commend Moray's Telford Celebrations which will be taking place throughout the summer and welcomes the establishment of a Moray Telford Trail.The celebrations have come about this year as 2007 is the 250th anniversary of Thomas Telford's birth. The celebration also coincides with the Highland 2007 culture events and the Telford celebrations are part funded by Highland 2007.In addition Moray Council have provided significant funding and many individuals have put a great deal of effort in organising the many and varied events.Commenting the SNP's Angus Robertson said:" The Telford Celebrations are a fantastic showcase for Moray and are set to attract a very significant number of tourists who will, I have no doubt, be singing Moray's praises." The work of Thomas Telford can be seen in numerous locations throughout Moray including the renowned Craigellachie Bridge and the harbours in Burghead and Cullen." The funding provided by the various partners in the project is fantastic and provides the resources to really set the scene for the Moray Telford Trail." The motion I have tabled in Westminster will provide further publicity for the celebrations and I will be working to ensure that it receives widespread support from MPs the length and breadth of the UK."Note: EDM - Thomas Telford and Moray's Telford Celebrations That this House recognises the celebrated work of Scots born engineer Thomas Telford, notes that 2007 represents the 250th anniversary of his birth, further notes Telford's astonishing contribution to engineering including the design of over 1,000 bridges, amongst them the world renowned 'Craigellachie Bridge'; furthermore this house welcomes the significant investment by various funding partners in Moray's Telford celebration and the creation of a Telford trail in Moray where numerous Telford engineering feats remain in daily use. ENDS.
MORAY MP PRAISES SERGEANT AT ARMS FROM FORRES
Posted on Monday, June 25 2007
Westminster SNP leader and Moray MP Angus Robertson has praised the work of House of Commons Sergeant at Arms Peter Grant Peterkin. The former Army Major General from Forres has worked as the chief administrator at Westminster since 2001, and is set to complete his duties by the end of the year.Angus Robertson MP said:“I have the highest respect for Peter Grant Peterkin who has worked tirelessly as the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Commons.“The day to day running and development of parliament depends on the Sergeant at Arms and his department, and I have been really impressed with the professional way Peter has gone about his work.“Despite spending much time in London, Peter’s heart has always been in Moray where he still lives near Forres. “I wish both Peter and his wife Jo every success in the future”.ENDS
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