GOVERNMENT'S INSANE MERRY GO ROUND OF PUBLIC MONEY
Posted on Monday, January 8 2007
Moray MP Angus Robertson has expressed concern at the move by the Department of Work and Pensions to transfer its bulk mail business from Royal Mail to UK Mail. The SNP had previously raised concerns about the amount of mail all government departments were sending by private carriers. Figures obtained in a Parliamentary Question showed that the DWP spent £7.9 million on private mail last year. The contract won by UK Mail is worth £12 million annually.Commenting the SNP's Mr Robertson said:"This is yet another spin on the insane merry go round of public money where one department undermines the Royal Mail to cut its budget whilst another has to pump money into the service."Even more worrying it is reported that all Government departments are being urged by the Cabinet Office to put mail deliveries out to tender."There is absolutely no joined up thinking on the future of Royal Mail from this Government. If they continue to undermine it in this way it will clearly imperil the whole future of the universal service obligation and result in a far inferior service, especially in rural areas of Scotland like Moray where many traditional services are already under threat."It's time this Government got its act together and gave consistent support to our essential mail service."ENDS
MORAY SNP PRIORITISES ROAD SAFETY
Posted on Monday, January 8 2007
“Issue set to headline Council and MSP campaign”Moray Scottish National Party (SNP) has decided to give top political billing to road safety in the wake of shocking new statistics across the region.SNP local council and Scottish Parliament candidates are set to campaign for safer roads and enhanced cooperation with the police and other public agencies. The decision was taken at weekend SNP meetings where prospective councillors, Moray MSP Richard Lochhead and MP Angus Robertson endorsed the high priority safety agenda.It comes after figures were released by Grampian Police confirming 62 deaths across the region during 2006 which is an increase of nine on 2005. The deaths are calculated as having cost the local economy £80 million.The total calculated by the police takes into account the cost of emergency services attending an incident, insurance payouts and the victims’ estimated loss of earnings.Road safety issues are heavily influenced by local council policy and the Scottish Executive which has responsibility for national transport policy. With the SNP expected to do well in the Scottish Parliament elections and make significant gains in Moray Council, the road safety campaign could be implemented within months.SNP Moray Council Group Leader Councillor Pearl Paul said:“Road safety is a top priority for Moray folk in the wake of numerous recent fatalities and injuries. There are many things that could be done to improve the situation which is why the SNP is making this a headline issue.“We are committed to bring together Moray Council, all the emergency services, the NHS and procurator fiscal service to look at all of the issues.“SNP Councillors in Moray will work for this major new initiative to raise the standards of road safety provision and coordination.Moray MSP Richard Lochhead who has been in contact with the families of local accident victims is backing police efforts to improve road safety:“Grampian police are absolutely right to want better coordination with councils and the other agencies which is why the SNP is committed to making this a reality.“Over recent months I have been lobbied by people throughout Moray about road safety and transport issues. The public is right to expect political representatives to do their utmost which is why I am welcoming this joined up approach by the SNP at a local, national and UK level.With just over 100 days until polling day in local council and Scottish Parliament elections on 3rd May 2007, local MP Angus Robertson says that this is a good opportunity to secure a consensus on the importance of road safety. Mr Robertson, who is the National Campaign Director for the SNP says that there is an opportunity for all political parties to join the road safety initiative:“Clearly the public wants road safety to be a major priority issue in Moray and elsewhere around the country. I am glad that the SNP is reflecting that priority and making a serious commitment to address the issue. Hopefully the other parties will follow the SNP and pledge their support for enhanced safety provision and coordination. It’s time for a new initiative and help reduce deaths and causalities on our roads.ENDS
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