SNP CERVICAL CANCER PROGRAMME WORKING BUT NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENY 
 
Local MSP Colin Beattie has encouraged residents to get the HPV vaccine to help fight cervical cancer. 
 
In Scotland, HPV vaccination is routinely offered to pupils in S1 (around age 12) and re-offered in subsequent years (S2-S4) - with figures showing an around 79.8% coverage rate in Midlothian by the end of S4.
 
A study in 2024 showed no cervical cancer cases have been detected in fully vaccinated women following HPV immunisation at age 12-13 since the programme started in Scotland in 2008.
 
However, Scotland wide figures have shown a decline in the overall rate of vaccination over the last ten years - down from 93.3% in 2015/16, to 82.9% in 2024/25 - showing that progress is not linear.
 
Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: 
 
"The HPV vaccine is really important and Scotland has high rates of vaccination, but these figures show we cannot be complacent about that progress. 

“The SNP Scottish Government started this successful programme and, while we know no cervical cancer cases have been detected in women fully vaccinated at 12-13, we need vaccination rates to remain high.  
 
"It's for that reason that I would encourage everyone here in Midlothian who is eligible for the HPV vaccine to get it and continue the fight against cervical cancer and other forms of cancer that stem from HPV.”
 
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SNP MSP COLIN BEATTIE: SCOTLAND LEADING THE WAY IN PROVISION OF PUBLIC CHARGE POINTS
 
Local SNP MSP Colin Beattie has said that Scotland continues to lead the way in the provision of public electric vehicle (EV) charging points as new figures showed there are over 12,672 across the country, including 222 in Midlothian.  
 
In 2024, Scotland reached its target of installing more than 6,000 public EV charge points, two years ahead of the 2026 target. 
 
Scotland continues to have the highest number of public charging devices per head of population of any UK nation.
 
The SNP Government is committed to making sustainable travel accessible to everyone.
 
SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: 
 
“I welcome the news that there are now 222 public electric vehicle charging points working in Midlothian. 
 
“On the back of scrapping peak rail fares on Scotland’s trains, this is further evidence of the SNP Government’s commitment to making sustainable travel accessible for everyone in Scotland.
 
“I will continue to work with local businesses and private charge point providers to secure more investment here so that we can maintain this progress and deliver more public charge points here in Midlothian.
 
"By fast-tracking EV infrastructure, we’re paving the way for a more environmentally friendly Scotland."
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ENDS

SNP BACKING YOUNG PEOPLE TO FIND EMPLOYMENT 
 
Local SNP MSP Colin Beattie has encouraged young people starting a new job this summer to check if they can get support with costs.
 
It comes after figures revealed that 60 people in Midlothian have benefitted from the Job Start Payment since it was introduced by the SNP Scottish Government.
 
The latest statistics show that young people in Midlothian have received £19,603 in support to help with the practical costs of starting a new job such as clothes, travel, tools or childcare.
 
The payment, which is delivered by Social Security Scotland, of over £330 is available to people who have been out of work and receiving certain benefits for at least six months and does not need to be paid back.
 
Care leavers can apply for the payment between the ages of 16 and 25 and need to be out of work and receiving a qualifying benefit on the day of the job offer.  
 
Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
“We need to do all we can to get young people out of unemployment and moving our economy moving forward - that’s exactly what this support does.
 
“The cost of essentials has soared under the UK Labour Government and starting a new job can be particularly expensive - that’s why the Job Start Payment, introduced by the SNP, is so important in removing those financial barriers and giving our young people a hand up into work. 
 
“60 young people in Midlothian have benefitted from the payment which can help with the cost of work clothes, travel, tools, childcare or lunches. It all adds up and it’s absolutely right we do what we can to boost our workforce. 
 
“The SNP will always be on the side of Scotland’s young people - opportunity should not be restricted to those with the ability to pay and that’s why Scotland remains the only part of the UK where students don’t need to pay to study at university and bus travel is free for under-22s.
 
“I would encourage young people in Midlothian who are starting a new job this summer to check if they are eligible to receive the Job Start Payment.”
 
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