Update from Pauline McNeill MSP for Glasgow Kelvin
August 31st, 2009 | by Pauline McNeill MSP |Dear Constituent
A busy time since my last blog started with an extremely busy surgery at Partick Burgh Hall and I also attended the Townhead Health Day in the Constituency.
In Edinburgh, I spoke at the World Week for Peace in Palestine/Israel at St. John’s Church, where I was able to speak about my recent visits to Gaza. I have lodged a motion in Parliament noting President Obama’s recent remarks on the situation in Gaza.
I attended the launch of the Calman Commission Report on Scottish Devolution. I welcome the increased Financial Accountability that the Commission recommends through the introduction of a Scottish Income Tax rate, as well as supporting the introduction of borrowing powers. I had the opportunity to ask the First Minister if he welcomed the Commission’s report. The First Minister has to recognise his responsibility to all of Scotland, not just to those who support the SNP’s Independence agenda. I also closed the Parliamentary Debate on the Commission’s report for Labour.
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Video footage of Pauline at First Minister’s Question Time
I am delighted that Labour has ensured that the Climate Change Bill which was passed by Parliament on 24th June is more effective by securing cross-party support for amendments that push the interim target higher for cutting harmful emissions, secure council tax rebates for greener homes and ensure that new buildings are more energy efficient. It is now up to the Scottish Government to see this through.
At Education Question Time, I asked the Cabinet Secretary whether the Scottish Government was concerned at the recent HESA statistics that show that Scotland has the highest student drop-out rate in the UK. Our proposal for using existing resources to fund a minimum income of £7000 for the poorest students in Scotland would help reduce these rates and is something I will continue to push the Scottish Government for. I am not satisfied with the Government response as they do not appear to have a strategy for tackling drop-out rates.
I also spoke in the Conservative Debate in the Scottish Parliament on whether there should be a UK General Election.
I am afraid that the Conservatives and SNP are attempting to make political gain out of the issue of MP’s allowances, an issue that all political parties need to take responsibility for.
It is correct that the expenses system at Westminster is reformed ahead of the General Election, which of course will be held within a year in any case. That time will also be used to steer the country through this difficult period for the economy. Rather than displaying such self-interest, the time for the debate should have been used to discuss how we can stimulate the Scottish economy and how we can address the situation of those who face repossession, an area in which the Scottish Government has been slow to take the right steps, as well as how we can kick-start the construction industry, which is suffering from the Scottish Government’s broken promises on school buildings and the Scottish Futures Trust.
I am deeply concerned at the news that the Scottish Government’s manifesto pledge to provide children with free access to council swimming pools has been abandoned. The Sports Minister Shona Robison has confirmed that it is instead a matter for individual local authorities. This is a matter of serious concern, especially ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and I am delighted that Glasgow City Council provides year-round free access to council swimming pools for under 16s.
The Music of Black Origin music awards ceremony will take place in Glasgow on 30th September this year. As well as adding to Glasgow’s renowned status as a UNESCO City of Music, the awards will also deliver a substantial boost to the Glasgow economy and I have lodged a motion in Parliament welcoming the awards coming to Glasgow.
I also attended the Andalus Charity Fundraising Dinner, as well as attending Festival Sunday at the West End Festival and the Scottish Minority Ethnic Achievement Awards.
Thanks for stopping by.
Pauline McNeill MSP
for Glasgow Kelvin
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