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KIRSTY MCNEILL MP MUST APOLOGISE TO VOTERS FOR EMPTY PROMISES OF ‘CHANGE’
An SNP MSP has said that the cuts coming under this Labour government will be devastating for public services in Midlothian North & Musselburgh following the Prime Minister’s speech laying the groundwork for harsh austerity measures. The SNP and independent think tanks alike repeatedly warned Labour that they would be forced to make spending cuts, but they chose to dismiss and deride those warnings, with Anas Sarwar saying “read my lips” as he promised there would be no austerity under Labour. This is not new: Labour in opposition backed many of the worst Tory policies, including Brexit, attacks on the welfare state and over a decade of public spending cuts. They then ran an election campaign on the promise of ‘change’ which we now know was just another empty slogan. Commenting SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “In wake of the mess left by the Tories, Labour promises of ‘change’ will now ring hollow in the ears of people across Midlothian North & Musselburgh. “This is a watershed moment in UK politics, and by building on the work of 14 years of Tory governments the Labour Party are choosing to continue the work of harming the UK economy and public services. Kirst McNeill must apologise for letting down the voters who trusted them. “They were elected on the promise of change, but as the SNP warned these cuts will have a profound impact on public services across Midlothian North & Musselburgh – their dishonesty showing disregard for Scotland’s priorities. “The SNP are committed to a better alternative: delivering on the priorities of the people of Midlothian North & Musselburgh, standing up for public services across Scotland and rejecting the programme of austerity measures announced today.” ENDS
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SNP MSP for Midlothian North & Musselburgh, Colin Beattie, has welcomed new guidance from the Scottish Government which empowers head teachers to take action over mobile phone use in their schools.
The guidance from the SNP Government makes clear that head teachers have the power to take action on mobile phone use, including a full ban, if necessary, to improve behaviours in their schools. Significant evidence has shown that mobile phone use in classrooms in addition to impacting behaviours is also detrimental to learning - as almost a third of 15-year-olds in Scotland reported being distracted using digital devices in most or every maths class and around a quarter reported being distracted by others using digital devices. Launching the new guidance, Cabinet Secretary for Education Jenny Gilruth said "This new guidance empowers head teachers to take the steps they see fit for their school to limit the use of mobile phones and I would encourage teachers to take all the steps they feel necessary to combat these issues." Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: "The use of mobile phones in schools has undoubtedly had an impact on both pupils' behaviour and their ability to learn - that is why the SNP Government has taken action. "Headteachers across Midlothian North & Musselburgh will be empowered to take the necessary action for their school, including a full ban on mobile phones, to ensure that pupils have the best possible educational experience. "The SNP is committed to making Scotland the best place for young people to grow up and gain an education - and this guidance will ensure that pupils in Midlothian North & Musselburgh are able to learn in a safe and inclusive environment." ENDS SNP URGE PENSIONERS TO CHECK PENSION CREDIT ELIGIBILITY
The Labour UK government’s decision to means test the Winter Fuel Payment without any consultation will result in many pensioners across Midlothian North & Musselburgh left unable to access the equivalent support in Scotland. The austerity driven decision by the Labour Party directly resulted in an estimated £160m of funding being wiped from the Scottish Government's budget – undermining the devolution settlement and leaving no choice but to replicate the policy in Scotland. When the same measure was considered by the Tories last year, the Labour Party strongly opposed it saying “pensioners mustn’t be forced to bear the brunt of Tory economic failure” – yet now they are the ones imposing it on people in Scotland. The UK already has one of the worst pension rates in North West Europe, lagging behind countries such as France and Spain and providing just enough for pensioners to break even when the cost of living is accounted for. SNP MSP Colin Beattie is strongly encouraging people to check whether they are eligible for pension credits in order to ensure that they still have access to the Winter Fuel Payment. Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “The decision by the Labour UK government to means test the Winter Fuel Payment ensures that pensioners in Midlothian North & Musselburgh will face the brunt of Westminster economic chaos. “This decision, made in Westminster, has resulted in the Scottish Government’s budget being cut by an estimated £160m – as Labour picks up where the Tories left by driving a coach and horse through the devolution settlement. “I am strongly encouraging pensioners in Midlothian North & Musselburgh to check if they are eligible for pension credit to ensure that if they are they will still receive the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment that they are entitled to.” ENDS Kirsty McNeil MP and Chris Murray MP Challenged over planned cuts
Colin Beattie MSP has criticised the new Labour government’s “return to austerity” following the announcement of a cut to the Winter Fuel Payment, challenging Kirsty McNeil MP and Chris Murray MP to stand up for pensioners. Announcing a fresh round of austerity, Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that the Winter Fuel Payment will no longer be available to all those over the pension age, reducing the number of people eligible from 11.4 million to 1.5 million. Despite previously boasting that Labour was responsible for introducing the payment, Anas Sarwar is now backing this cut, with his deputy Jackie Baillie saying in 2018 that she would “always fight to ensure this payment is protected.” Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “Midlothian North and Musselburgh’s pensioners have for too long suffered under Westminster governments that break promises, and that looks set to continue under this Labour government. “The SNP repeatedly warned of cuts like this, but it is no less disappointing to see Labour enact them as they attempt to stick to Tory fiscal rules. “The question now is: where do Labour’s priorities really lie? “Kirsty McNeil and Chris Murray must call on this Westminster government to change tact and reverse their plans for most austerity, or pensioners across my constituency will pay the price of their betrayal.” ENDS |
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