NEW FIGURES SHOW LOWER TAXES AND BILLS IN SCOTLAND UNDER THE SNP  
 
As energy bills skyrocket and Labour's tax on jobs comes into force, local SNP MSP Colin Beattie has highlighted the action the SNP Scottish Government is taking to keep bills as low as possible and help people with the cost of living in Midlothian North and Musselburgh.   
  
The majority of Scots pay less income tax than they would if they lived in England, thanks to the progressive tax system put in place by the SNP Scottish Government.  
 
Thanks to choices made by the SNP, Scots enjoy the highest levels of public services in the UK - with free tuition, free prescriptions, free eye tests, free bus passes for the under 22s and over 60s, among many other additional services.   
 
New figures have also shown that Scottish council tax bills will remain lower on average than in England in 2025/26 – with the average Scottish Band D property paying £737 a year less than their English counterparts.   
  
Water bills are also on average £113 a year lower in Scotland than they are in England, thanks to Scottish Water remaining in public ownership. 
  
Local MSP Colin Beattie has warned that Labour’s record in Government has shown they cannot be trusted to keep their promises – and only the SNP will fight to protect Scottish taxpayers and help them with the cost of living.  
  
Commenting, local MSP Colin Beattie said:   
  
“Labour promised to cut energy bills by £300, but instead they have rocketed by nearly £300 since they came to power.  
 
“Rising bills across the UK are tough for everyone – but SNP action in Scotland is ensuring that a majority of Scots pay less income tax, lower average council tax, and lower water bills than they would if they lived in England.   
  
“Scots receive a higher level of better performing public services - free tuition fees, free prescriptions, and free bus travel for under-22s and over 60s. With lower bills than elsewhere than in the UK, the SNP is protecting Scots’ pockets during a cost-of-living crisis.  
  
“Labour’s disastrous record across the UK speaks for itself – with broken promise after broken promise.  
  
“Only the SNP can be trusted to continue to protect Scottish taxpayers and help people in Midlothian North and Musselburgh with the cost of living.”  

​ENDS

First Step Community Project are still under a real threat of closure. Without additional funding of under £100,000, they will be forced to close the doors in June this year.

Increased costs and an annual rental rate of £27,000 to East Lothian Council has placed the future of First Step at risk. Negotiations with East Lothian Council are ongoing, and I hope a positive decision can be made to ensure First Step can continue to provide their vital service.

Over the last 2 weeks I have been contacted by a huge number of constituents sharing their stories of the positive impact First Step have had on their lives, and on so many others. The correspondence continues to come in every day and the support that has been shown to the service is immense. This leaves no doubt in my mind that the project must be protected.

Additional funding streams are being investigated, as are ways of maximising income and reducing costs. All possible avenues are being explored and I know the community are behind First Step all the way. Following my recent call with staff and board members, the possibility of raising fees was discussed. Should this become necessary, the increase could be £14.50 per child per day. This would equate to over £200 per month in extra fees for families. Times are hard, and working families who pay for childcare will be badly impacted by any increase in costs, which may result in some no longer being able to afford to place their child with First Step. No one wants to see this happen, not least First Step themselves. Even with any such increase, there would still be a shortfall in their income meaning further measures would be required.

What can we do? We can raise awareness by talking to friends, neighbours and colleagues. Write to your local elected representatives. Offer your time to First Step to support a clothes sale or other fundraising initiative. Offer your expertise and join the board. The harsh reality is that if nothing changes, and the additional funding cannot be secured, First Step will be forced to close their doors. 
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ENDS

Colin Beattie MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh has today called for a unilateral ceasefire in Gaza to move towards peace in the region.
 
SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
“This devastating conflict in Gaza must end and my heart goes out to all those who have lost their lives. The international community must work together to ensure this does not happen again. Lasting peace must be the common goal.
 
“Israel must withdraw their military and permit humanitarian supplies to reach the people of Gaza without interference.
 
“A Palestinian State should be recognised, and a permanent negotiated settlement must be guaranteed by the surrounding states and international powers must be as soon as possible.
 
“A ceasefire is essential to creating space for dialogue between all parties.
 
“I call on the UK Government to take a clear stand in support of an immediate ceasefire and to work with international partners to move towards de-escalation and peace.”

ENDS

Colin Beattie MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh has today criticised UK Government for its glaring double standards in stepping in to nationalise British Steel while refusing to take similar action to secure the future of the Grangemouth oil refinery.

SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:

“We are living through a time of global uncertainty when energy security has never been more important, yet the UK Government appears to be sitting on its hands while the future of Scotland’s only oil refinery hangs in the balance.

“If Westminster can intervene to nationalise British Steel, then why not Grangemouth? Nationalisation is the best way forward for British Steel and the workers at Scunthorpe, the principle is the same for Grangemouth. It is vital in securing our national security, the economy and jobs.

“The loss of this site would not only result in the loss of jobs but could also permanently deplete the skilled workforce needed for a fair transition to a greener economy. Without them, the just transition becomes a lot more difficult to achieve.

“It would also be a devastating blow to the local community and the wider region. We cannot let these communities pay for UK Government inaction.

“I am calling on the UK Government to work constructively with the Scottish Government to explore every viable option to keep Grangemouth operational. Doing so will ensure our national energy security.”
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ENDS

ONLY THE SNP IS FIGHTING SCOTLAND'S CORNER
 
The SNP Government is “focused on delivering for Midlothian North and Musselburgh and building a more resilient Scotland,” Colin Beattie MSP has said following the First Minister’s speech in Bute House this morning.
 
Announcing that his next Programme for Government will take place on 6th May 2025, one year before the Scottish parliamentary elections, First Minister John Swinney said his government is focused on the priorities of the Scottish people and will do everything it can to fix the challenges Scotland faces.
 
Amid increasingly turbulent economic headwinds, the First Minister is to convene a meeting of businesses and Trade Unions this week to map out our response to emerging economic realities and has called on the UK government to change course to reflect this global instability.
 
Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said:
 
“Families across Midlothian North and Musselburgh will understandably be anxious about the future after the events of recent weeks.
 
“That’s why the First Minister is bringing forward the SNP’s programme for government to ensure we deliver for the people of Midlothian North and Musselburgh.
 
“We are focusing on Scotland’s priorities – eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, improving public services and tackling climate change – so that we can tackle head-on the challenges that face us.
 
“However, this must happen in tandem with Labour UK government action. We must see a reversal of Brexit, reversal of Labour’s National Insurance hike and the immediate nationalisation of Grangemouth.
 
“The SNP is fighting Scotland's corner; serious about a fairer, wealthier future for everyone in Midlothian North and Musselburgh. It’s time for the Labour government to step up and match that action.”
 
ENDS

Colin Beattie MSP has confirmed that he has secured Nominations from both his constituency branches to be accepted as a candidate for selection in the contest to become the SNP prospective parliamentary candidate in the coming Holyrood Elections.

Colin stated “I am delighted to put myself forward again to seek to represent the residents of Midlothian North. In every parliamentary election for Midlothian North & Musselburgh I have increased both my majority and my share of the vote. I am confident I can do so again in 2026 if members give me this opportunity. My very extensive network of contacts throughout business and the communities enables me to use my experience to the benefit of all particularly when we are seeing so many experienced parliamentarians leaving Holyrood.”

Colin has been the MSP for Midlothian North & Musselburgh since 2011. Prior to that he was for five years the Councillor for Midlothian Ward 6, (Newtongrange, Gorebridge, and the Moorfoots).
He has never sought to be a Government Minister but focussed on his constituency work where he feels he is most needed.

When asked about the recently concluded police investigation Operation Branchform he advised “I am relieved it is over and that I am completely cleared of any suspicion. It has been an unnecessarily stressful two years for me and my family, with almost daily media attention, which we would not wish to endure again. Our thanks to the kindness and support from so very many residents.”

I know our local members will carefully consider the options when choosing their parliamentary candidate for 2026.
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ENDS

14,520,670 PRESCRIPTIONS DISPENSED BY NHS LOTHIAN LAST YEAR - SAVING HOUSEHOLDS AN AVERAGE OF OVER £400

On the 14th anniversary of prescription charges being scrapped by the SNP Scottish Government, Colin Beattie MSP has highlighted that the policy saves the average household in Scotland over £400 a year.
Latest figures from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) show that over 113 million prescriptions, including 14,520,670 by NHS Lothian, were dispensed in Scotland in 2023/24 – meaning that on average people in Scotland received 20.8 prescriptions.

This means that based on the £9.90 charge currently in place in England, the average household in Scotland saved £436.72 in 2023/24 because of the policy.

In one of his first acts as Scottish Tory leader, Russell Findlay outlined his plans to re-introduce charges if he ever came to power – a move which would cost each person £206 per year on average.

A report by Trussell Trust last year showed that in England, 68% of working households receiving Universal Credit have gone without essentials such as prescription medication due to the costs involved.

SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
“The SNP is proud to have abolished prescription charges in Scotland, ensuring that everyone in Midlothian North & Musselburgh has access to the medication they require based on their needs rather than the ability to pay.

“The SNP believe that healthcare should be free at the point of use for everyone. The prescription charges, which Russell Findlay plans to re-introduce, were nothing more than a tax on ill health.

“In the face of soaring energy bills, despite Labour’s promise to bring them down, people in Midlothian North & Musselburgh are still living through a cost-of-living crisis - making it more important than ever that they can access the medical treatment they need without worrying about the cost.

”With Labour continuing to hint at an increased level of private healthcare involvement in the NHS, only the SNP can be trusted to put the people of Midlothian North & Musselburgh first and protect them from having to pay for their vital medication.”
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ENDS

 
East Lothian Council funding cuts put vital community project, First Step at risk of permanent closure 
 
Almost 30 local children's nursery places and 15 jobs will be lost without essential funding.
 
The future of First Step Community Project is under threat after East Lothian Council has cut over 60% of its funding. The community project, which has supported the local community for 35 years, provides crucial services to families in Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig including childcare, parental support groups, counselling and a much-needed food pantry and clothing bank. 
 
First Step Community Project has learned that their funding from East Lothian Council’s “One Council” has been drastically reduced for the upcoming year, following a previous cut in 2024. The significantly reduced funding also comes with restrictive stipulations, meaning the funding cannot be cover any core costs such as rent, electricity or existing staff salaries. This is not sustainable, and without immediate and direct actions, a lifeline that a huge number of local families rely upon will be unable to run. 
 
 Colin Beattie MSP for Midlothian North & Musselburgh, commented, “I have long been an admirer of the fantastic work First Step Community Project do in my constituency, and I am devastated to learn that their future is now under threat. The positive impact they make on everyone who uses their services is unsurmountable and they would leave a huge gap in available support for some of the most vulnerable families in East Lothian should they be forced to close. 
 
"I will do all I can to add my weight to their campaign and urge the community to get behind them too.”
 
First Step Community Project Chair, Rachel Wales said, "First Step really is a pillar of our community here in Musselburgh and the surrounding areas, with so many families relying on the work our community project does not only to care for their children but ultimately the entire family.
 
"I became chair to give back to an organisation that has been a life line to me. The thought of losing such an important resource is truly devastating and will undoubtedly negatively impact so many in our community. First Step has supported and championed local families for over 35 years, and I am confident that with the appropriate funds allocated to our project, we will continue to support families for a further 35 years and hopefully longer."
 
A petition urging East Lothian Council to reconsider First Step's allocated funding has been started and can be found at https://chng.it/2rXTWTpSy9 
 
There is to be an Emergency General meeting on Thursday 3 April at Musselburgh East Community Centre, Haddington Road, Musselburgh, EH21 8JJ. This will be a drop-in format between 5:30 and 7:30 pm. Please come along to learn what you can do to save First Step. Together, we can fight for the future of this vital community project.
 
Every voice matters. Every action counts. Let’s stand together and ensure First Step Community Project continues to be there for those who need it most.
 
 ENDS