SCOTLAND MEETS 6,000 PUBLIC EV CHARGER TARGET TWO YEARS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
Local MSP Colin Beattie has welcomed the news that there are now 463 public electric vehicle charging points available in Midlothian & East Lothian. The number comes following confirmation last year that Scotland has reached its target of installing more than 6,000 public EV charge points, two years ahead of the 2026 target. Scotland also has the highest number of public charging devices per head of population of any UK nation – with 113 per 100,000 people in Scotland, 111 in England, 100 in Wales, and 36 in Northern Ireland – with the UK average being 110. Local MSP Colin Beattie has said that these figures are clear evidence of the SNP Scottish Government’s commitment to making sustainable travel a reality for everyone in Midlothian & East Lothian, and across Scotland. Commenting, local MSP Colin Beattie said: “I welcome the news that there are now 463 public electric vehicle charging points working in Midlothian & East Lothian. "By fast-tracking Electric Vehicle infrastructure, the SNP Government is paving the way for a net-zero Scotland – the target of more than 6,000 public EV charge points has been met two years ahead of schedule - also have the highest number of Electric Vehicle charging points per head of any UK nation - “We now need to create more charging points here in Midlothian & East Lothian. I will work with local businesses and private charge point providers to secure more investment here so that we do not lose out. “These charging points will help us build economic growth and improve the environment in Midlothian & East Lothian.” ENDS
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COLIN BEATTIE MSP: ONLY THE SNP CAN BE TRUSTED TO KEEP FREE TUITION IN SCOTLAND
SNP MSP Colin Beattie has called out Labour’s “hypocrisy on stilts” and said that free tuition fees for students in Midlothian North & Musselburgh are only safe under the SNP. Labour’s leader in Scotland, Anas Sarwar claimed yesterday that Labour would maintain the SNP’s policy of free tuition fees if it were elected at Holyrood. The claim comes despite the fact that it was Sarwar’s Labour Party which first introduced fees back in 1998, imposed back-door fees in Scotland through the graduate endowment, and then subsequently voted against the abolition of the tax by the SNP in 2008. Tuition fees in England have risen to £9,535 since Labour came to power last year whilst fees have also risen in Labour-run Wales. Meanwhile Sarwar’s own finance spokesperson Michael Marra hinted last year that the party would examine models to reintroduce some form of charges in Scotland. Record numbers of students from our most deprived areas in Scotland are going to university due to the SNP’s continued support for free tuition. SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “This is hypocrisy on stilts from Labour. History has shown that his Labour party cannot be trusted on tuition fees. Whether in Scotland, England or Wales - fees have gone up under Labour governments. “It increasingly looks like Anas Sarwar will say anything - and adopt SNP policies - in his desperate attempt to get into power. But why should voters trust him on tuition fees after broken promises on winter fuel payments, compensation for WASPI women and the future of Grangemouth? “Under the SNP, we have record numbers of Scottish students securing places at our universities, and recent figures showed a rise in students from our most disadvantaged communities. “This progress has only been made possible because the SNP abolished Labour's tuition fees and we will never let them be reimposed on students from Midlothian North & Musselburgh." ENDS SNP SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT'S £6 MILLION BOOST FOR SERVICES PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES
Services providing support for families across Scotland, including in Midlothian North and Musselburgh are set to receive an additional £6 million funding in this year's Scottish Budget, First Minister John Swinney has announced. The announcement comes on the fifth anniversary of the Scottish Government’s ‘The Promise’ to care experienced young people, which committed them to creating a Scotland where all care experienced young people will grow up loved, safe, and respected. The £6 million additional funding will be made available to Children's Services Planning Partnership’s (CSPP) - a partnership between organisations that work together to improve outcomes for children and young people. The funding for CSPP’s will increase by £6 million in the next financial year – with children and young people in Midlothian North and Musselburgh set to benefit. Commenting, local MSP Colin Beattie said: “I welcome this additional funding for children in Midlothian North and Musselburgh as part of a £6 million increase across Scotland. “The Promise is a meaningful start in improving the lives of care experienced young people in Midlothian North and Musselburgh, and the SNP’s commitment to the Promise remains as strong today as it was in 2020. "I look forward to seeing the full detail of how this funding will translate into real tangible improvement on the ground for our young people here in here in Midlothian North and Musselburgh. ENDS Local MSP Colin Beattie has welcomed official statistics showing the number of Police Officers in Scotland increased to over 16,500 by the end of 2024, saying that the SNP is making a positive difference to policing in Midlothian North and Musselburgh and across Scotland.
The figures released by Scotland's Chief Statistician show that the number of full-time equivalent officers increased to 16,508 by the end of 2024. The SNP has a strong record on improving policing and making communities safer since coming to power – with recorded crime down by 40% since 2006-7. Under the SNP Scottish Government, Scotland has more Police Officers per head than England, at 30 and 24 full-time equivalent Officers per 10,000 people, respectively. The SNP is committed to continuing this strong commitment to public safety and safer communities, by allocating an additional £57 million resource funding for the police in the draft Scottish Budget for 25-26. Commenting, local MSP Colin Beattie said: “I welcome these statistics, which show that the number of Police Officers in Scotland was higher at the end of last year than it was at the same time the year before – this will have a positive impact here in Midlothian North and Musselburgh. “The SNP has a proud record on improving policing and making our communities safer - recorded crime is down by 40% since the SNP came to power, we have the highest number of police officers anywhere in the UK. “But we won’t stop there – people in Midlothian North and Musselburgh deserve to know that police services are improving – which is why we’ve allocated an additional £57 million in additional resource funding for Police Scotland in the 2025-26 Scottish Budget." ENDS Colin Beattie MSP has challenged Anas Sarwar to clarify “which of Farage’s backward and damaging ideas” he is open to after the leader of Labour in Scotland refused to rule out relying on votes for Reform MSPs after the 2026 Holyrood election.
This follows a Scottish Parliament poll which showed they could win as many as 9 MSPs in 2026, with Reform UK now ahead of the Labour Party in recent polls. Their policies include privatisation of the NHS, backing Brexit, tax cuts for the wealthy and abolishing devolution. While Mr Sarwar appears open to such ideas, he has refused to back the SNP’s Budget which provides record funding for our NHS, scraps the two-child cap and reverses Labour’s Winter Fuel Payment cut. Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP: “People across Midlothian North and Musselburgh will rightly be alarmed that Anas Sarwar is so desperate for power that he’s willing to leave the door open to Nigel Farage. “Farage's values are a threat to Midlothian North and Musselburgh and it’s crucial we fight their toxic agenda rather than accepting it. Mr Sarwar should now tell us what 'good ideas' he thinks Nigel Farage has for Scotland. “Rest assured the SNP under John Swinney’s leadership will always stand up for Scotland’s values and Midlothian North and Musselburgh’s priorities, fighting Nigel Farage's agenda every step of the way.” ENDS Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North & Musselburgh, has today hailed the landmark announcement by Creative Scotland, which will see a record number of cultural organisations across Midlothian North & Musselburgh receive stable, multi-year funding—thanks to a significant budget commitment from the Scottish Government.
With over £200 million being provided to 251 organisations over the next three years, this represents the largest ever funding commitment for Scotland’s cultural sector. Additionally, 13 more organisations will benefit from a £3.2 million Development Fund, allowing them to transition into the Multi-Year Funding portfolio in 2026/27. An additional 141 organisations will receive multi-year support, ensuring greater stability and sustainability for Scotland’s vibrant creative industries. Existing regularly funded organisations will also receive an average funding uplift of 34% in 2025/26, increasing to 54% in 2026/27—delivering the security needed for them to thrive and continue making an impact. This investment includes £470,000 multi-year funding by 2028 for the Brunton Theatre Trust. The Brunton has been the beating heart of Musselburgh for 50 years, and this investment will help ensure Musselburgh continues to have access to the arts in the future. Colin Beattie MSP welcomed Scottish Government’s commitment to the arts, highlighting that this funding not only reinforces Scotland’s status as a global cultural leader but also delivers real economic benefits by supporting jobs, freelancers, and creative workers across Midlothian North & Musselburgh. Colin Beattie MSP said: “This is a momentous moment for Scotland’s cultural sector. Thanks to the Scottish Government’s historic investment, more organisations than ever before will receive long-term, stable funding—ensuring that culture remains at the heart of our national identity. “In Midlothian North & Musselburgh we value our culture sector, and this investment strengthens our commitment to supporting the artists, performers, and organisations that enrich our lives and communities. “This funding boost will not only sustain existing institutions but also support new voices and emerging talent from all over Midlothian North & Musselburgh.” ENDS NEW REPORT: CHILD POVERTY TO DECLINE IN SCOTLAND BUT RISE IN REST OF UK
Scotland is set to be the only part of the UK to see a decline in child poverty rates thanks to Scotland-only social security policies introduced by the SNP Scottish Government, a report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has shown. The publication predicts that Scotland’s child poverty rate will fall from 23.7% to 21.8% by January 2029, thanks to policies like the Scottish Child Payment, and scrapping the two-child benefit cap. While child poverty is likely to increase elsewhere in the UK, the report states that measures taken in Scotland will drive a divergence between the Scottish and UK figures. Local SNP MSP Colin Beattie has welcomed the report, which shows the difference that Scottish Government policies like the Scottish Child Payment are making to the lives of children here in Midlothian North & Musselburgh. Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: "This report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation highlights the real benefit that SNP policies like the Scottish Child Payment are having on children in Scotland, including here in Midlothian North & Musselburgh. “To see child poverty rates in Scotland drop while they look set to rise across the rest of the UK, shows the tangible difference that progressive, evidence-led policy interventions can make to the lives of our young people. “The SNP Scottish Government has made eradicating child poverty its number one priority. Whilst there is still much work to be done, it is encouraging that the action we are taking is bringing us closer to achieving this, and that our policies are making a tangible difference to children's lives here in Midlothian North & Musselburgh.” ENDS SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN CAPACITY AND EASIER ACCESS TO GP APPOINTMENTS
First Minister John Swinney's plan to improve the NHS, will ensure lower waiting times and easier access to GP appointments for people in Midlothian North & Musselburgh Colin Beattie has said. The plan outlined by the First Minister follows the SNP Scottish Government announcing record funding for the NHS in its budget last month – with funding for health and social care increased to £21 billion, with £2,113.00 for frontline services delivered by NHS Lothian. The First Minister announced plans to 150,000 more appointments and procedures, as well as a £10.5 million increase in funding for GPs and a pledge to invest a greater proportion of new NHS funding to primary and community care. A new app will also be created for the NHS in Scotland under the plans, which the First Minister described as the “digital front door” to the health service. Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “The plans outlined by First Minister John Swinney will make a real difference to people in Midlothian North & Musselburgh - ensuring that people get the care they require in good time by making it easier to get a GP appointment and cutting waiting times. “The NHS plays a vital role in all our lives and is there when we and our families need it. I know many people in Midlothian North & Musselburgh have been calling for exactly this type of leadership to drive improvement in our NHS. We have listened and we have taken action - that is what you get with a John Swinney Government. “Improving patient's experience of our NHS is vitally important to the SNP Government, which is why we have announced record funding for the health and care frontline services of £21 billion in the Scottish Budget. “Whilst the UK Labour Government has hit the NHS and care services with increases in National Insurance Contributions and continues to hint at increased privatisation in the NHS, the SNP is backing the NHS with record funding and a clear path for modernisation and renewal - and that is a mission I know that people in Midlothian North & Musselburgh will all be able to get behind." ENDS Colin Beattie MSP visited the Musselburgh Primary Care Centre in East Lothian to hear first-hand about the positive impact direct access to the Care When it Counts (CWIC) service is having for patients in East Lothian.
The CWIC Service’s clinical team provide same day primary care appointment services, offering assessments, diagnoses, and treatment for a range of non-recurring acute illnesses. Following an initial assessment over the telephone, patients may be offered a follow up appointment at the Musselburgh Primary Care Centre, or an onward referral to a specialist team if required. SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: "The health of our country is one of the Scottish Governments main priorities and I am all too aware of the issues constituents are facing when booking an appointment with a GP. "Piloting direct access to services like CWIC are key in helping relieve the pressures that GPs face and ensuring that patients are seen by a medical professional. "Being assessed by the correct expert is key, and this is why the CWIC service can provide swift access to a range of multi-disciplinary clinicians and is proving to be a great success with patients. "Registered patients of Inveresk, Riverside, Tranent and The Harbours have access to the CWIC service. The CWIC direct access telephone line is available Monday to Friday 8:30am to 10:30am on 0300 790 6292. “The CWIC service and our wider health service would not be what it is without the hard work of the staff. "Whilst the CWIC service will not single handedly reduce the pressure on GP Practices, it is a welcomed step in the right direction. I would like to thank all the staff at CWIC for their hard work and commitment to patient care, and for accommodating me and showing me the positive impact, the service is having." ENDS SNP MSP Colin Beattie has encouraged all eligible people in [LOCAL AREA] to make sure that they get their winter flu jag to protect them against serious illness.
Scotland had the highest uptake of flu vaccines amongst people over 65 in the UK last winter, with research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) showing that 79.8% of people over 65 in Scotland received their winter flu vaccine. This was a higher percentage than in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Latest figures show that so far this winter 53.2% % of eligible adults in NHS Lothian have received their flu and Covid-19 vaccines. People have until 31st March to receive their jags but are being encouraged to book an appointment as soon as possible to protect them against serious illness this winter. Other eligible groups for the double dose flu and Covid-19 vaccination include pregnant women, people with certain health conditions and frontline health workers. Those entitled to the flu-only vaccination include primary and secondary school pupils, unpaid carers and the homeless. SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “Getting vaccinated gives you the best possible protection against flu viruses which are circulating this winter. The flu vaccine offers strong protection, while the Covid-19 booster reduces the severity of illness and boosts protection. “The vaccines will reduce your risk of needing to go to hospital with serious illness and help to protect those around you from catching flu and getting ill. “It is hugely encouraging that Scotland had the highest uptake of vaccines in the UK last winter and I encourage everyone in Midlothian North & Musselburgh, who hasn’t already done so this winter, to check if they are eligible. “Getting vaccinated is not only the best way to protect yourself and your family from serious illness this winter, but it will also help to reduce the pressure on the NHS over the busy winter period.” ENDS |
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