Sunday, August 31, 2003
Saturday, August 30, 2003
Friday, August 29, 2003
SSP moves to put convention on independence into action
SSP moves to put convention on independence into action
Alan McCombes, national policy co-ordinator of the SSP, has produced a 5000-word policy document - to be debated on Sunday at the SSP's national council - outlining the socialists' proposed strategy for hastening independence. Mr McCombes argues the most obvious vehicle is a convention based on the Scottish constitutional convention of the 1990s which heralded devolution.
It would be encouraged by the fact there are more MSPs in favour of it now than before the May 1 elections, despite the SNP's disappointing showing.
The Holyrood results produced three parties open to independence - the Greens are also well disposed - and a clutch of minority MSPs including Dennis Canavan and Margo MacDonald who support breaking the Union.
Tommy Sheridan, the SSP leader, and Mr McAllion will address a meeting of those pushing the convention idea on the fringe of the SNP conference next month.
Mr McCombes' move will give that meeting new impetus if, as expected, the SSP endorses his paper. It argues one reason the SNP suffered in the elections was a shift by voters away from the "grey mainstream" towards more anti-establishment forces.
Alan McCombes, national policy co-ordinator of the SSP, has produced a 5000-word policy document - to be debated on Sunday at the SSP's national council - outlining the socialists' proposed strategy for hastening independence. Mr McCombes argues the most obvious vehicle is a convention based on the Scottish constitutional convention of the 1990s which heralded devolution.
It would be encouraged by the fact there are more MSPs in favour of it now than before the May 1 elections, despite the SNP's disappointing showing.
The Holyrood results produced three parties open to independence - the Greens are also well disposed - and a clutch of minority MSPs including Dennis Canavan and Margo MacDonald who support breaking the Union.
Tommy Sheridan, the SSP leader, and Mr McAllion will address a meeting of those pushing the convention idea on the fringe of the SNP conference next month.
Mr McCombes' move will give that meeting new impetus if, as expected, the SSP endorses his paper. It argues one reason the SNP suffered in the elections was a shift by voters away from the "grey mainstream" towards more anti-establishment forces.
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Freed Sheridan remains defiant
Mr Sheridan rejected criticisms from opponents of placing an additional burden on the criminal justice system and of wasting taxpayers' money.
He said: "I think it is the height of hypocrisy for anyone to accuse me of wasting taxpayers money when I am in there in protest at the waste of taxpayers' money.
"The biggest waste of taxpayers' money is the £1.5bn a year that we spend on the maintenance of weapons of mass destruction in Faslane."
Mr Sheridan rejected criticisms from opponents of placing an additional burden on the criminal justice system and of wasting taxpayers' money.
He said: "I think it is the height of hypocrisy for anyone to accuse me of wasting taxpayers money when I am in there in protest at the waste of taxpayers' money.
"The biggest waste of taxpayers' money is the £1.5bn a year that we spend on the maintenance of weapons of mass destruction in Faslane."
Wales
ic Wales - Splitting headache for Plaid Cymru - but it could work
: "In Scotland, the Scottish Socialist Party is attracting those who see socialism and the national question as intrinsically linked; proportional representation offering the bonus of fairer representation in the Scottish Parliament too.
Those coalescing around John Marek's alliance seek a similar way forward in Wales. This is unlikely to happen unless the left in Wales, inside and outside the mainstream parties, is prepared to acknowledge and act upon the complexities of the national question in its modern manifestation.
"
: "In Scotland, the Scottish Socialist Party is attracting those who see socialism and the national question as intrinsically linked; proportional representation offering the bonus of fairer representation in the Scottish Parliament too.
Those coalescing around John Marek's alliance seek a similar way forward in Wales. This is unlikely to happen unless the left in Wales, inside and outside the mainstream parties, is prepared to acknowledge and act upon the complexities of the national question in its modern manifestation.
"
Thursday, August 28, 2003
THEY KEEP THE NUKES AND JAIL PEACE LOVERS
The Mirror August 27, 2003, Wednesday
Tommy Sheridan MSP
THIS week's column is brought to you from the infamous Bar-L. I'm serving a seven-day sentence in Glasgow's Barlinnie Jail for refusing to pay a pounds 200 fine. That was my punishment for joining a peaceful protest against the inhumanity of nuclear weapons. These are the most destructive weapons ever created by man. If I disarmed someone on the rampage with a machine gun in a town centre I'd be awarded a medal for bravery. Yet the nuclear submarines protected by the razor wire at Faslane carry bombs capable of wiping out all human, animal and plant life.
During the Iraq war, we heard military experts endlessly drone on about so-called "smart bombs". These were bombs that supposedly could be guided around corners and up narrow alleyways. Certainly, these bombs sound like they have more brains than the President of the USA, who gives the impression he could hardly find his way around the Oval Office. Yet countless thousands of Iraqi civilians perished.
I don't know how many were killed by smart bombs and how many were killed by the cluster bombs and the depleted uranium shells that are deliberately designed to spread death far and wide. But who knows what would have been the death toll if the Trident submarines which were sent out to the Gulf had been used.
Iraq today would almost certainly be uninhabitable for generations to come. Even the International Court of Justice has declared the Faslane nuclear arsenal illegal. That's because they are indiscriminate weapons of mass destruction capable of wiping out entire continents. I've been attacked by Tory politicians for costing the taxpayer money by going to jail.
Funnily enough, these are the same politicians who are always calling for more jails to be built and more people to be locked up.
And they're the same politicians who've already squandered pounds 30billion of taxpayers' money on Trident. Neither I nor any other peace campaigner relishes the thought of a jail sentence. Not everyone is in a position to refuse to pay their fine and go to jail.
BUT sometimes dramatic action is needed to turn the spotlight on the monster lurking on our own doorstep. Imagine the outcry if a nuclear arsenal capable of destroying the planet was stationed on the Hudson River on the outskirts of New York, or at the mouth of the Thames.
In the dangerously unstable world that George Bush and Tony Blair have created, the west of Scotland must now be a serious target for a terrorist revenge attack. But for the people who run the Western military machine from their bunkers in Washington and London, the natives of Caledonia are almost as expendable as the people of Iraq. It's time for the people of Scotland to say no way. In an independent, socialist, nuclear-free Scotland we would find plenty of other uses for the £1.5 billion a year it costs to maintain the nuclear submarines at Faslane.
HIGHER pensions, for a start. New hospitals and decent public services. What about better pay for ordinary workers? Sure, closing Faslane as a nuclear submarine base will lead to a loss of jobs. So did the decision to stop public hangings. Gallows manufacturers everywhere went out of business. But, with the money saved on scrapping nuclear weapons, the 5000 workers at Faslane could continue to be paid the same salaries while retraining. Economists have calculated that the amount of money spent to sustain 5,000 jobs at Faslane could create 30,000 socially-useful jobs. What a mixed-up world we inhabit.
Tony Blair and George Bush kill thousands and maim hundreds of thousands to get rid of fictitious weapons of mass destruction. Then some peace campaigners sit down on the road to get rid of real weapons of mass destruction. But who is it who goes to jail? As Tony Blair's political heroine, Margaret Thatcher, once pointed out, "It's a funny old world."
Tommy Sheridan MSP
THIS week's column is brought to you from the infamous Bar-L. I'm serving a seven-day sentence in Glasgow's Barlinnie Jail for refusing to pay a pounds 200 fine. That was my punishment for joining a peaceful protest against the inhumanity of nuclear weapons. These are the most destructive weapons ever created by man. If I disarmed someone on the rampage with a machine gun in a town centre I'd be awarded a medal for bravery. Yet the nuclear submarines protected by the razor wire at Faslane carry bombs capable of wiping out all human, animal and plant life.
During the Iraq war, we heard military experts endlessly drone on about so-called "smart bombs". These were bombs that supposedly could be guided around corners and up narrow alleyways. Certainly, these bombs sound like they have more brains than the President of the USA, who gives the impression he could hardly find his way around the Oval Office. Yet countless thousands of Iraqi civilians perished.
I don't know how many were killed by smart bombs and how many were killed by the cluster bombs and the depleted uranium shells that are deliberately designed to spread death far and wide. But who knows what would have been the death toll if the Trident submarines which were sent out to the Gulf had been used.
Iraq today would almost certainly be uninhabitable for generations to come. Even the International Court of Justice has declared the Faslane nuclear arsenal illegal. That's because they are indiscriminate weapons of mass destruction capable of wiping out entire continents. I've been attacked by Tory politicians for costing the taxpayer money by going to jail.
Funnily enough, these are the same politicians who are always calling for more jails to be built and more people to be locked up.
And they're the same politicians who've already squandered pounds 30billion of taxpayers' money on Trident. Neither I nor any other peace campaigner relishes the thought of a jail sentence. Not everyone is in a position to refuse to pay their fine and go to jail.
BUT sometimes dramatic action is needed to turn the spotlight on the monster lurking on our own doorstep. Imagine the outcry if a nuclear arsenal capable of destroying the planet was stationed on the Hudson River on the outskirts of New York, or at the mouth of the Thames.
In the dangerously unstable world that George Bush and Tony Blair have created, the west of Scotland must now be a serious target for a terrorist revenge attack. But for the people who run the Western military machine from their bunkers in Washington and London, the natives of Caledonia are almost as expendable as the people of Iraq. It's time for the people of Scotland to say no way. In an independent, socialist, nuclear-free Scotland we would find plenty of other uses for the £1.5 billion a year it costs to maintain the nuclear submarines at Faslane.
HIGHER pensions, for a start. New hospitals and decent public services. What about better pay for ordinary workers? Sure, closing Faslane as a nuclear submarine base will lead to a loss of jobs. So did the decision to stop public hangings. Gallows manufacturers everywhere went out of business. But, with the money saved on scrapping nuclear weapons, the 5000 workers at Faslane could continue to be paid the same salaries while retraining. Economists have calculated that the amount of money spent to sustain 5,000 jobs at Faslane could create 30,000 socially-useful jobs. What a mixed-up world we inhabit.
Tony Blair and George Bush kill thousands and maim hundreds of thousands to get rid of fictitious weapons of mass destruction. Then some peace campaigners sit down on the road to get rid of real weapons of mass destruction. But who is it who goes to jail? As Tony Blair's political heroine, Margaret Thatcher, once pointed out, "It's a funny old world."
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Tommy Sheridan Jailed
Solidarity messages can be sent to:
Tommy Sheridan MSP
HMP Barlinnie
81 Lee Avenue
Riddrie
Glasgow
G33 2QX
The Herald: Sheridan trip to the cells a family affair
Daily Record: YOUR USUAL ROOM MR SHERIDAN ?
The Scotsman: Call for new law as unpaid fines total over £1.4m
Tommy Sheridan MSP
HMP Barlinnie
81 Lee Avenue
Riddrie
Glasgow
G33 2QX
The Herald: Sheridan trip to the cells a family affair
Daily Record: YOUR USUAL ROOM MR SHERIDAN ?
The Scotsman: Call for new law as unpaid fines total over £1.4m
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
Birth of baby renews calls for asylum seeker to stay in Glasgow
: "THE Scottish wife of an Algerian asylum seeker has given birth to his daughter, leading to new calls that he should be allowed to remain in Glasgow.
Karen Serir, 31, was three months' pregnant when her case was highlighted after their arrest in February during a dawn anti-terrorist raid by armed police.
Ali Serir, 28, was detained for four months despite never being charged, and released only after campaigns led by Aamer Anwar, his solicitor, and Tommy Sheridan, the Scottish Socialist party leader." The Herald
: "THE Scottish wife of an Algerian asylum seeker has given birth to his daughter, leading to new calls that he should be allowed to remain in Glasgow.
Karen Serir, 31, was three months' pregnant when her case was highlighted after their arrest in February during a dawn anti-terrorist raid by armed police.
Ali Serir, 28, was detained for four months despite never being charged, and released only after campaigns led by Aamer Anwar, his solicitor, and Tommy Sheridan, the Scottish Socialist party leader." The Herald
ic Wales - Socialist leader jailed for failing to pay protest fine
: "Welsh Assembly member Dr John Marek last night offered his support to Mr Sheridan.
The independent AM for Wrexham is planning to launch a Welsh sister party to the SSP and earlier this month invited Mr Sheridan to the Principality to speak at a meeting.
Dr Marek said, 'I have the utmost respect for Tommy Sheridan. He has put his principles behind his rhetoric.
'We delude ourselves into thinking that we are more secure having nuclear weapons, but they should be scrapped and the billions of pounds used for improving our health and education services instead.'"
: "Welsh Assembly member Dr John Marek last night offered his support to Mr Sheridan.
The independent AM for Wrexham is planning to launch a Welsh sister party to the SSP and earlier this month invited Mr Sheridan to the Principality to speak at a meeting.
Dr Marek said, 'I have the utmost respect for Tommy Sheridan. He has put his principles behind his rhetoric.
'We delude ourselves into thinking that we are more secure having nuclear weapons, but they should be scrapped and the billions of pounds used for improving our health and education services instead.'"
Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | Scottish party leader jailed
: "Sheridan, dressed in jeans and tracksuit top, was then led from the dock at Glasgow district court to begin his sentence at Barlinnie prison.
As he left, his mother, Alice, shouted, 'Keep walking in the light son,' while his father-in-law raised his fist in a socialist salute from the public gallery. "
: "Sheridan, dressed in jeans and tracksuit top, was then led from the dock at Glasgow district court to begin his sentence at Barlinnie prison.
As he left, his mother, Alice, shouted, 'Keep walking in the light son,' while his father-in-law raised his fist in a socialist salute from the public gallery. "
Monday, August 25, 2003
Telegraph | Scottish Socialist leader jailed for week
The leader of the Scottish Socialist Party has been jailed for seven days after refusing to pay a fine for his role in an anti-Trident protest.
The leader of the Scottish Socialist Party has been jailed for seven days after refusing to pay a fine for his role in an anti-Trident protest.
The Scotsman - Top Stories- Socialist leader ready to go to jail over non-payment of fine
Ahead of his incarceration, Sheridan said: "I refuse to recognise that opposition to the inhumanity of nuclear weapons is a crime.
"The real crime against humanity is the existence of nuclear weapons and it’s the duty of all socialists and those who want to contribute to a more peaceful society to do what they can peacefully to oppose nuclear weapons." The Scotsman
Ahead of his incarceration, Sheridan said: "I refuse to recognise that opposition to the inhumanity of nuclear weapons is a crime.
"The real crime against humanity is the existence of nuclear weapons and it’s the duty of all socialists and those who want to contribute to a more peaceful society to do what they can peacefully to oppose nuclear weapons." The Scotsman
Tommy Sheridan Jailed for Opposing Nuclear Weapons
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Sheridan jailed after protest
Speaking outside the court, his 65-year-old mother said: "I have utter contempt for the verdict and I am very proud of what Tommy has done.
"What enrages me is that people like Tommy are campaigning for peace and the individuals who make these weapons of mass destruction are rolling in money.
"It costs £5,000 million a year to keep Trident going. Imagine how many hospitals, houses and homes for the elderly we could build with that money." BBC
Speaking outside the court, his 65-year-old mother said: "I have utter contempt for the verdict and I am very proud of what Tommy has done.
"What enrages me is that people like Tommy are campaigning for peace and the individuals who make these weapons of mass destruction are rolling in money.
"It costs £5,000 million a year to keep Trident going. Imagine how many hospitals, houses and homes for the elderly we could build with that money." BBC
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Dungavel
Dungavel detainee: immigration said they’d deport me … without my baby
Scottish Socialist Party MP Rosie Kane said: “The imprisonment of the Ikolo family is staggering. It is indescribably cruel and nothing but child abuse. To lock up a woman simply because she is from another country is just racist.”
Kane also attacked the Executive for failing to take on Westminster over the detention of children. Immigration is a power reserved to the Home Office, and Executive ministers have refused to speak out . “By failing to speak out the Executive is encouraging racism,” Kane said.
Scottish Socialist Party MP Rosie Kane said: “The imprisonment of the Ikolo family is staggering. It is indescribably cruel and nothing but child abuse. To lock up a woman simply because she is from another country is just racist.”
Kane also attacked the Executive for failing to take on Westminster over the detention of children. Immigration is a power reserved to the Home Office, and Executive ministers have refused to speak out . “By failing to speak out the Executive is encouraging racism,” Kane said.
Friday, August 22, 2003
HUNDREDS OPPOSE TORRY WASTE PLANT PLANS Aberdeen Evening Express
New delay as Holyroodheads for £400m bill
Glasgow MSP Tommy Sheridan, leader of the Scottish Socialist Party, slammed the open-ended contract that had allowed costs to escalate. He said: "If an ordinary worker made a mistake of such magnitude, he or she would be summarily sacked. The same fate should be applied to our so-called leading politicians." Glasgow Evening Times
New delay as Holyroodheads for £400m bill
Glasgow MSP Tommy Sheridan, leader of the Scottish Socialist Party, slammed the open-ended contract that had allowed costs to escalate. He said: "If an ordinary worker made a mistake of such magnitude, he or she would be summarily sacked. The same fate should be applied to our so-called leading politicians." Glasgow Evening Times
Thursday, August 21, 2003
TOMMY SHERIDAN: WE NEED TO BE IN CHARGE OF OUR OWN LIVES
Tommy Sheridan Mirror Column August 20, 2003, Wednesday
I CAN'T understand why we let someone else rule our land - sang The Proclaimers back in 1980s. That was during the high tide of Thatcherism. Across Scotland, the Iron Lady had been running amok. Factories were shut down like matchboxes. Thriving communities were turned into ghost towns.
And there was nothing we could do to stop her. Time and time again, the Tories were crushed in Scotland at the polls. But time and time again they were returned to power at Westminster. On the surface, things look different today. Scotland and England seem to be singing from the same political hymn sheet. On both sides of the Border, New Labour is in the driving seat. We even have our own little parliament in Edinburgh. But, as the French say, "the more things change, the more they remain the same".
Recently we were dragged into a war that the people of Scotland did not want. But we had no power to stop it. Next week, I'll be going to jail for protesting against nuclear weapons that the people of Scotland do not want. But we have no power to get rid of them. Last week, people in Scotland were outraged at the incarceration of little children in a Scottish jail. But we were powerless to stop it happening. More tha 70 per cent of Scottish pensioners live on the breadline. But we have no power to increase pensions.
Poverty is rampant across Scotland, mainly because of the shamefully low minimum wage. But we have no power over private sector pay. In the days before devolution, every decision which affected health, education, transport, the environment or local government in Scotland was taken behind closed doors by a single Government minister who was hand-picked by Downing Street. Now, at least, we have a bit of transparency. There is open debate and discussion. Decisions are scrutinised by the media and the public.
The MSPs who take these decisions are accountable to the electorate. So why should we fear extending democracy to all areas of government? Why shouldn't the people of Scotland have the right to decide whether we want Europe's biggest nuclear arsenal is sited just 20 miles from Glasgow city centre?
Why shouldn't we be allowed to decide whether our young men and women are sent to fight wars in distant countries for the glory of politicians in Washington and London? WHY shouldn't we have the right to scrap anti-trade union laws introduced by a Tory Prime Minister who regarded working men and women as the enemy within?
Why should we lock up little children in detention centres because a London politician orders us to do so? Why shouldn't we have the right to create a more equal society, where our wealth is shared out fairly?
I don't understand why people have a problem with independence. I certainly can't be accused of being a narrow, parochial nationalist. In the last month or so, I've spoken at meetings in England and Wales. I've met with Colombian trade unionists and Venezuelan socialists to offer solidarity. I've protested at Israel's treatment of the Palestinians and at Turkey's treatment of the Kurds.
I want to see a world without war and without hunger, a world where the wealth of the planet is shared by the people of the planet. But we have to start somewhere. If we can't change our own country, we'll never change the world.
That's why I'm a socialist internationalist who supports Scottish independence.
I CAN'T understand why we let someone else rule our land - sang The Proclaimers back in 1980s. That was during the high tide of Thatcherism. Across Scotland, the Iron Lady had been running amok. Factories were shut down like matchboxes. Thriving communities were turned into ghost towns.
And there was nothing we could do to stop her. Time and time again, the Tories were crushed in Scotland at the polls. But time and time again they were returned to power at Westminster. On the surface, things look different today. Scotland and England seem to be singing from the same political hymn sheet. On both sides of the Border, New Labour is in the driving seat. We even have our own little parliament in Edinburgh. But, as the French say, "the more things change, the more they remain the same".
Recently we were dragged into a war that the people of Scotland did not want. But we had no power to stop it. Next week, I'll be going to jail for protesting against nuclear weapons that the people of Scotland do not want. But we have no power to get rid of them. Last week, people in Scotland were outraged at the incarceration of little children in a Scottish jail. But we were powerless to stop it happening. More tha 70 per cent of Scottish pensioners live on the breadline. But we have no power to increase pensions.
Poverty is rampant across Scotland, mainly because of the shamefully low minimum wage. But we have no power over private sector pay. In the days before devolution, every decision which affected health, education, transport, the environment or local government in Scotland was taken behind closed doors by a single Government minister who was hand-picked by Downing Street. Now, at least, we have a bit of transparency. There is open debate and discussion. Decisions are scrutinised by the media and the public.
The MSPs who take these decisions are accountable to the electorate. So why should we fear extending democracy to all areas of government? Why shouldn't the people of Scotland have the right to decide whether we want Europe's biggest nuclear arsenal is sited just 20 miles from Glasgow city centre?
Why shouldn't we be allowed to decide whether our young men and women are sent to fight wars in distant countries for the glory of politicians in Washington and London? WHY shouldn't we have the right to scrap anti-trade union laws introduced by a Tory Prime Minister who regarded working men and women as the enemy within?
Why should we lock up little children in detention centres because a London politician orders us to do so? Why shouldn't we have the right to create a more equal society, where our wealth is shared out fairly?
I don't understand why people have a problem with independence. I certainly can't be accused of being a narrow, parochial nationalist. In the last month or so, I've spoken at meetings in England and Wales. I've met with Colombian trade unionists and Venezuelan socialists to offer solidarity. I've protested at Israel's treatment of the Palestinians and at Turkey's treatment of the Kurds.
I want to see a world without war and without hunger, a world where the wealth of the planet is shared by the people of the planet. But we have to start somewhere. If we can't change our own country, we'll never change the world.
That's why I'm a socialist internationalist who supports Scottish independence.
Vlaams Blok Visit
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Compromise over far-right visit
"However, the Scottish Socialist Party said the invitation should be withdrawn and promised to 'peacefully obstruct' the visit.
'The leadership of all other parliamentary groups have said they will not meet Vlaams Blok,' said the party.
'They are, however, willing for the visit to go ahead. We believe this is a shameless compromise.'
Earlier this week, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: 'Our advice to the Scottish Parliament is not to have any meetings with Vlaams Blok because of its far-right political persuasion.' "
"However, the Scottish Socialist Party said the invitation should be withdrawn and promised to 'peacefully obstruct' the visit.
'The leadership of all other parliamentary groups have said they will not meet Vlaams Blok,' said the party.
'They are, however, willing for the visit to go ahead. We believe this is a shameless compromise.'
Earlier this week, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: 'Our advice to the Scottish Parliament is not to have any meetings with Vlaams Blok because of its far-right political persuasion.' "
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
SSP GROUP WILL OPPOSE VISIT OF BELGIAN FAR RIGHT TO SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
SSP Press Release
The Scottish Socialist Party group in the Scottish Parliament today said that they would oppose the visit of the Belgian far right group Vlaams Blok to the Scottish Parliament.
The SSP lodged a motion on Monday 18th August opposing the visit and today’s meeting of the SSP group re-affirmed opposition to the visit and decided that the group would make every effort to publicly obstruct the visit if it proceeds.
The leadership of all other parliamentary groups have said they will not meet Vlaams Blok. They are, however, willing for the visit to go ahead.
We believe this is a shameless compromise.
The SSP group is demanding that the invitation should be withdrawn and has pledged to peacefully obstruct the visit.
Tommy Sheridan said today;
“Vlaams Blok is well known as a far right racist, sexist and indeed fascist organisation and it brings shame on the Scottish Parliament that it should provide a platform to known fascists”.
The SSP has today written to the STUC proposing a campaign to oppose this visit.
The Scottish Socialist Party group in the Scottish Parliament today said that they would oppose the visit of the Belgian far right group Vlaams Blok to the Scottish Parliament.
The SSP lodged a motion on Monday 18th August opposing the visit and today’s meeting of the SSP group re-affirmed opposition to the visit and decided that the group would make every effort to publicly obstruct the visit if it proceeds.
The leadership of all other parliamentary groups have said they will not meet Vlaams Blok. They are, however, willing for the visit to go ahead.
We believe this is a shameless compromise.
The SSP group is demanding that the invitation should be withdrawn and has pledged to peacefully obstruct the visit.
Tommy Sheridan said today;
“Vlaams Blok is well known as a far right racist, sexist and indeed fascist organisation and it brings shame on the Scottish Parliament that it should provide a platform to known fascists”.
The SSP has today written to the STUC proposing a campaign to oppose this visit.
Tommy To Be Jailed On Sunday
sundaymail - TOMMY ON WAY BACK TO PRISON
TOMMY ON WAY BACK TO PRISON
SCOTTISH Socialist leader Tommy Sheridan will go to jail for the fourth time next week - claiming he's the victim of a political plot.
He'll start a two-week sentence on Sunday in Barlinnie for refusing to pay a £200 fine for blockading Faslane nuclear sub base.The offence took place last February but he wasn't told when and where he would serve his sentence till last week.
Last night he said: "This smacks of political interference. The Crown Office must have known it wouldn't look good for Labour to make a martyr before the May election."
TOMMY ON WAY BACK TO PRISON
SCOTTISH Socialist leader Tommy Sheridan will go to jail for the fourth time next week - claiming he's the victim of a political plot.
He'll start a two-week sentence on Sunday in Barlinnie for refusing to pay a £200 fine for blockading Faslane nuclear sub base.The offence took place last February but he wasn't told when and where he would serve his sentence till last week.
Last night he said: "This smacks of political interference. The Crown Office must have known it wouldn't look good for Labour to make a martyr before the May election."
Monday, August 18, 2003
Sunday, August 17, 2003
Edinburgh Festival
Sunday Herald: Edinburgh Festival
However, while supporters revel in the festival’s success, which they say has led Edinburgh to become a hothouse for the arts and a meeting place for international authors and thinkers, some critics are asking whether it has become too big. Colin Fox, a Scottish Socialist MSP, has questioned whether it has become too commercial and whether it is leaving the ordinary people of Edinburgh behind. He has accused the festival bosses of running “nothing more than a tourist attraction” with no cultural benefit to the working people of the city, and has called for the festival to expand into the outskirts of the city to give a boost to the poorest in the community.
Edinburgh People's Festival
However, while supporters revel in the festival’s success, which they say has led Edinburgh to become a hothouse for the arts and a meeting place for international authors and thinkers, some critics are asking whether it has become too big. Colin Fox, a Scottish Socialist MSP, has questioned whether it has become too commercial and whether it is leaving the ordinary people of Edinburgh behind. He has accused the festival bosses of running “nothing more than a tourist attraction” with no cultural benefit to the working people of the city, and has called for the festival to expand into the outskirts of the city to give a boost to the poorest in the community.
Edinburgh People's Festival
Friday, August 15, 2003
Dungavel Report
Ministers stay silent on Dungavel reports
HOLYROOD ministers continued yesterday to avoid answering questions about young people detained in a controversial immigration holding facility in Lanarkshire.
Following the release of two damning reports by prisons and education inspectors into Dungavel immigration removal centre, The Herald again asked the first minister, his cabinet and the Scottish secretary, for their views on the issue...
Rosie Kane, Scottish Socialist MSP, said: "Now we can see why the Ay family was deported to Germany without any kind of documentation and without the German authorities being informed, the Home Office knew that under no circumstances could the Ay children still be held in Dungavel when this report was released.
"The Ay family paid the price for the catalogue of human rights abuses that are documented in this report, they had to be disappeared or the position of the Home Office and the very existence of Dungavel would become untenable." The Herald
Detention of refugee children 'must end'
Ms Blears said the government would consider the report carefully.
But the Scottish Socialist MSP Rosie Kane said the government must act immediately.
"The call has to be for all children in there and their families to be released," she said. "Let's hope from this we can start treating people humanely throughout the country." The Guardian
Asylum centres 'not for children' BBC
HOLYROOD ministers continued yesterday to avoid answering questions about young people detained in a controversial immigration holding facility in Lanarkshire.
Following the release of two damning reports by prisons and education inspectors into Dungavel immigration removal centre, The Herald again asked the first minister, his cabinet and the Scottish secretary, for their views on the issue...
Rosie Kane, Scottish Socialist MSP, said: "Now we can see why the Ay family was deported to Germany without any kind of documentation and without the German authorities being informed, the Home Office knew that under no circumstances could the Ay children still be held in Dungavel when this report was released.
"The Ay family paid the price for the catalogue of human rights abuses that are documented in this report, they had to be disappeared or the position of the Home Office and the very existence of Dungavel would become untenable." The Herald
Detention of refugee children 'must end'
Ms Blears said the government would consider the report carefully.
But the Scottish Socialist MSP Rosie Kane said the government must act immediately.
"The call has to be for all children in there and their families to be released," she said. "Let's hope from this we can start treating people humanely throughout the country." The Guardian
Asylum centres 'not for children' BBC
People's Festival Debate
Fringe chief rejects elitism charge
"You have to find ways to persuade whole communities that they are welcome here in the centre," said the promoter Richard Demarco.
"The Festival cannot go on ignoring the fact that a vast number of Edinburgh’s citizenry live so far from the centre, that emotionally, intellectually and geographically they may as well be in Glasgow."
Mr Demarco was supported by the actor Tam Dean Burn and the writer Kevin Williamson. "The Fringe is highly successful festival, it isn’t going to go away, but it needs to open up," said Dean Burn.
"This isn’t an argument about elitism, but about access."
Williamson said that many people from Edinburgh’s housing estates felt uneasy about attending unfamiliar venues such as the Traverse Theatre or the Usher Hall, and more should be done to make the most of community venues.
They were speaking at a People’s Festival debate, organised by the Scottish Socialist MSP, Colin Fox. The People’s Festival has been established to take arts events to housing schemes far from the big city-centre venues. The Scotsman
Edinburgh People's Festival
"You have to find ways to persuade whole communities that they are welcome here in the centre," said the promoter Richard Demarco.
"The Festival cannot go on ignoring the fact that a vast number of Edinburgh’s citizenry live so far from the centre, that emotionally, intellectually and geographically they may as well be in Glasgow."
Mr Demarco was supported by the actor Tam Dean Burn and the writer Kevin Williamson. "The Fringe is highly successful festival, it isn’t going to go away, but it needs to open up," said Dean Burn.
"This isn’t an argument about elitism, but about access."
Williamson said that many people from Edinburgh’s housing estates felt uneasy about attending unfamiliar venues such as the Traverse Theatre or the Usher Hall, and more should be done to make the most of community venues.
They were speaking at a People’s Festival debate, organised by the Scottish Socialist MSP, Colin Fox. The People’s Festival has been established to take arts events to housing schemes far from the big city-centre venues. The Scotsman
Edinburgh People's Festival
Monday, August 11, 2003
Welsh Socialists Conference
Marek's 'no spin' party plan Wales on Sunday
New Welsh Socialist dawn? The Western Mail
Marek unveils newly formed socialist party icNorthWales
New Welsh Socialist dawn? The Western Mail
Marek unveils newly formed socialist party icNorthWales
Cheap Thrills at Festival BBC (Edinburgh People's Festival)
Rosie's Tears for Asylum Children Evening Times
Rosie's Tears for Asylum Children Evening Times
Saturday, August 09, 2003
SSP speak at Welsh left conference
Rebel AM plans new party BBC
Marek under attack as he gathers the left
Dr John Marek, the deselected Labour AM for Wrexham who won re-election as an independent, is hosting a "summer gathering" in his constituency that will be addressed by Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan.
Dr Marek said an increasing number of people realised that Labour was now a right-of-centre party and were ready to see the establishment of a new left-wing party in Wales that drew on socialist traditions. The Western Mail
Marek under attack as he gathers the left
Dr John Marek, the deselected Labour AM for Wrexham who won re-election as an independent, is hosting a "summer gathering" in his constituency that will be addressed by Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan.
Dr Marek said an increasing number of people realised that Labour was now a right-of-centre party and were ready to see the establishment of a new left-wing party in Wales that drew on socialist traditions. The Western Mail
Friday, August 08, 2003
Shut Down Dungavel Now!
Download this leaflet as an Acrobat PDF file
For More information please contact your local SSP branch or see the STUC website
Ay Family Deportation
Family begin fight to stay within the EU
Rosie Kane, the Scottish Socialist Party MSP, last night returned from Berlin, where she had spent two days attempting to garner support for the Ays.
At a press conference at Edinburgh Airport, she criticised Jack McConnell, the First Minister, for not preventing the deportation of the family, even though immigration issues are a Westminster matter.
Ms Kane said: "Questions have to be asked of the First Minister.
"I should never have had to make this journey - the First Minister should have got off his backside and fought for these vulnerable children."
The MSP said the family were now "safe and secure" in Germany and were free to move around as they wish. The Scotsman
Rosie Kane, the Scottish Socialist Party MSP, last night returned from Berlin, where she had spent two days attempting to garner support for the Ays.
At a press conference at Edinburgh Airport, she criticised Jack McConnell, the First Minister, for not preventing the deportation of the family, even though immigration issues are a Westminster matter.
Ms Kane said: "Questions have to be asked of the First Minister.
"I should never have had to make this journey - the First Minister should have got off his backside and fought for these vulnerable children."
The MSP said the family were now "safe and secure" in Germany and were free to move around as they wish. The Scotsman
Thursday, August 07, 2003
Deported family launch new appeal
Rosie Kane, the Scottish Socialist Party MSP who has travelled to Berlin in an attempt to garner political support for the Ays said that the fight to return the family to the UK continues despite the Home Office’s insistence that it has no jurisdiction over their case under international law. Ms Kane said yesterday: "I’m here trying to cut through the red tape and get their story into the public eye. They are safe and well, but we want to get them back to the UK and want to try and get the German government to send them back." The Scotsman
'Control freak' Swinney apes New Labour spin, claims challenger
While accepting that, to date, the Scottish public have been largely unconvinced of the arguments for independence, Dr Wilson claims that the tide is now turning, citing the growth of other parties such as the Greens and the Scottish Socialist Party. Both support separation from the UK.
"What the current leadership is heading towards is trying to get into power by abandoning their principles so we would have nothing to deliver, very much like the New Labour government," he contends. The Scotsman
Rosie Kane, the Scottish Socialist Party MSP who has travelled to Berlin in an attempt to garner political support for the Ays said that the fight to return the family to the UK continues despite the Home Office’s insistence that it has no jurisdiction over their case under international law. Ms Kane said yesterday: "I’m here trying to cut through the red tape and get their story into the public eye. They are safe and well, but we want to get them back to the UK and want to try and get the German government to send them back." The Scotsman
'Control freak' Swinney apes New Labour spin, claims challenger
While accepting that, to date, the Scottish public have been largely unconvinced of the arguments for independence, Dr Wilson claims that the tide is now turning, citing the growth of other parties such as the Greens and the Scottish Socialist Party. Both support separation from the UK.
"What the current leadership is heading towards is trying to get into power by abandoning their principles so we would have nothing to deliver, very much like the New Labour government," he contends. The Scotsman
Wednesday, August 06, 2003
'We are astonished and shocked you have detained a family for one year'
Anger as Ay children put on plane and deported to Germany
Jutta Graf, an assistant to Josef Winkler MP, the German Green party speaker on immigration issues, said she would also urge the government to grant exceptional leave for the family to remain in the country on medical grounds.
She had earlier met Rosie Kane, the Scottish socialist MSP. Later, Ms Kane said she was urging a Scottish Executive minister to fly to Germany to support the campaign.
She said: "It is completely unacceptable that ministers should wash their hands of this matter and stand back and watch a group of traumatised children forced onto a plane to be deported to Germany.
"Jack McConnell or one of his deputies would be of enormous assistance to the Ay family in Germany, helping to get their status resolved and removing the threat to send them on to Turkey."
She said that some German politicians had expressed their disbelief that the family had been kept behind bars in Scotland. The Herald
Daily Telegraph: Deported Kurd family will fight to return
Family to continue fight for asylum
Rosie Kane, the Scottish Socialist Party MSP, flew to Berlin yesterday, in an attempt to garner support among German socialists and green politicians. She hopes to meet with German officials to plead with them not to return the family to Turkey. The Scotsman
Ay family to appeal from abroad
Kurd family deported as final appeal fails
Tuesday, August 05, 2003
Asylum girl’s last appeal is in vain
‘I thought Britain was a country where they looked after children. But it’s not’
Rosie Kane, the Scottish Socialist MSP, said she would be travelling to Germany this morning to highlight the family's plight.
"The Home Office may think they're clever telling us these children are no longer in Scottish jurisdiction, but these children are still in the minds of the Scottish people. People here are appalled by the way the Home Office is currently trying to sneak them away like cargo to another country ... It is a clandestine cloak-and-dagger activity to hide the pain of young people who need counselling and support." The Herald
Asylum girl’s last appeal is in vain The Herald
McConnell forced to look other way over immigration The Herald
Shaming of Scotland
Ay family are failed by politicians' moral cowardice
Right up to the eve of departure, the silence remained as shameful as it was deafening. The best that can be said for the Scottish Executive is that it has been consistent throughout an affair that has blackened Scotland and its government. Not one word of protest or support on behalf of Yurdugal Ay and her four children, due to be deported from Britain today, has been uttered by ministers at Holyrood. They have stuck to the line concocted a year ago, when Mrs Ay and her children were taken to Dungavel detention centre in Lanarkshire to await the outcome of a protracted legal process to determine whether they would be granted asylum in this country. The mantra was repeated last night: this was a matter for the Home Office. If politicians had concerns about the case, it was the job of MPs, not MSPs, to raise them, as immigration was a reserved matter. Not all MSPs have been as supine as Holyrood ministers. Sandra White, the SNP MSP, said the treatment meted out to the Ays was a violation of human rights. Rosie Kane, the SSP MSP, accused the government of traumatising the children; emotive language, but difficult to challenge. The Herald
Kurdish teenager's last plea for asylum The Scotsman
Asylum children are deported BBC News Online
‘I thought Britain was a country where they looked after children. But it’s not’
Rosie Kane, the Scottish Socialist MSP, said she would be travelling to Germany this morning to highlight the family's plight.
"The Home Office may think they're clever telling us these children are no longer in Scottish jurisdiction, but these children are still in the minds of the Scottish people. People here are appalled by the way the Home Office is currently trying to sneak them away like cargo to another country ... It is a clandestine cloak-and-dagger activity to hide the pain of young people who need counselling and support." The Herald
Asylum girl’s last appeal is in vain The Herald
McConnell forced to look other way over immigration The Herald
Shaming of Scotland
Ay family are failed by politicians' moral cowardice
Right up to the eve of departure, the silence remained as shameful as it was deafening. The best that can be said for the Scottish Executive is that it has been consistent throughout an affair that has blackened Scotland and its government. Not one word of protest or support on behalf of Yurdugal Ay and her four children, due to be deported from Britain today, has been uttered by ministers at Holyrood. They have stuck to the line concocted a year ago, when Mrs Ay and her children were taken to Dungavel detention centre in Lanarkshire to await the outcome of a protracted legal process to determine whether they would be granted asylum in this country. The mantra was repeated last night: this was a matter for the Home Office. If politicians had concerns about the case, it was the job of MPs, not MSPs, to raise them, as immigration was a reserved matter. Not all MSPs have been as supine as Holyrood ministers. Sandra White, the SNP MSP, said the treatment meted out to the Ays was a violation of human rights. Rosie Kane, the SSP MSP, accused the government of traumatising the children; emotive language, but difficult to challenge. The Herald
Kurdish teenager's last plea for asylum The Scotsman
Asylum children are deported BBC News Online
MEMBER OF SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT ON MERCY MISSION TO AID REFUGEE FAMILY
ROSIE KANE MSP TO TAKE AY FAMILY CASE TO THE GERMAN GOVERNMENT IN BERLIN
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane will tomorrow morning jet out to Berlin to confront the German government over the case of the Ay family whose deportation from the UK is imminent.
The case of the Ay family has come to symbolise the cold cruelty of the Blair government towards those fleeing persecution from around the world.
Yurdurgal Ay and her children were snatched from their home in Gravesend on Wednesday July 17th 2002 and had been held in Dungavel Removal Centre in Scotland until Friday 1st August.
From Germany they are likely to be sent back to Turkey, which their mother fled 15 years ago in the face of persecution. The children, aged between seven and 14, have never set foot in Turkey. Their father, who was deported by British authorities a year ago, has not been heard of since.
Speaking on the eve of her mission to Germany, Rosie said; "The case of the Ay family is a disgrace and casts shame on every heartless Home Office official and the Blair government ministers who set policy.
"We've got to throw aside the asylum laws, throw aside international boundaries to rescue these children.
"The Ay family have had to face psychological torture from the UK government; today I am truly ashamed to be British".
In Germany Rosie will be seeking meetings with the Schroder government and asking them to show some humanity in contrast to the callous cruelty of the Blair government.
She will also be linking up with German socialists, Greens and human rights campaigners to pile pressure on the German government to prevent the family being sent to Turkey.
Rosie said; "The Ay family need a stay of execution. Literally. Their lives are now in the hands of Schroder's government. "I'll be asking my German colleagues to join with me in demanding the family are at least given a breathing space in order to allow further negotiations to take place about their return to Britain. "We will not allow the Ay family to be disappeared by the brutal British government."
ROSIE KANE MSP TO TAKE AY FAMILY CASE TO THE GERMAN GOVERNMENT IN BERLIN
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane will tomorrow morning jet out to Berlin to confront the German government over the case of the Ay family whose deportation from the UK is imminent.
The case of the Ay family has come to symbolise the cold cruelty of the Blair government towards those fleeing persecution from around the world.
Yurdurgal Ay and her children were snatched from their home in Gravesend on Wednesday July 17th 2002 and had been held in Dungavel Removal Centre in Scotland until Friday 1st August.
From Germany they are likely to be sent back to Turkey, which their mother fled 15 years ago in the face of persecution. The children, aged between seven and 14, have never set foot in Turkey. Their father, who was deported by British authorities a year ago, has not been heard of since.
Speaking on the eve of her mission to Germany, Rosie said; "The case of the Ay family is a disgrace and casts shame on every heartless Home Office official and the Blair government ministers who set policy.
"We've got to throw aside the asylum laws, throw aside international boundaries to rescue these children.
"The Ay family have had to face psychological torture from the UK government; today I am truly ashamed to be British".
In Germany Rosie will be seeking meetings with the Schroder government and asking them to show some humanity in contrast to the callous cruelty of the Blair government.
She will also be linking up with German socialists, Greens and human rights campaigners to pile pressure on the German government to prevent the family being sent to Turkey.
Rosie said; "The Ay family need a stay of execution. Literally. Their lives are now in the hands of Schroder's government. "I'll be asking my German colleagues to join with me in demanding the family are at least given a breathing space in order to allow further negotiations to take place about their return to Britain. "We will not allow the Ay family to be disappeared by the brutal British government."
Monday, August 04, 2003
SSP up two points in Herald poll
"This means that Tommy Sheridan's Socialists (up two points) and the Greens (up one) are still moving ahead, although their findings fall within the margin of error.
The strong showing of the SSP, Greens, and Independents did more damage in May to the SNP than to Labour, which also lost six seats as minority candidates and parties broke through with 17 MSPs. Their combined second vote tally in the poll is 22%." The Herald
Herald Editorial
"The Baghdad factor, which exerted a major influence on the Scottish elections campaign until British troops went into battle in Iraq and the war appeared won, is again demonstrating its potential to dominate domestic Scottish politics. It is not only the SNP that has made a gain at Labour's expense. The poll shows that 22% of Scots would cast their second vote for a minority party (the Scottish Greens or the Scottish Socialists) or an independent candidate. Added to the SNP vote, that bloc would account for 49% of the electorate. But neither is that necessarily good news for Mr Swinney. His strategy for sensibly managing Scotland to independence by its nature rejects the protest and radical politics espoused by the others." The Herald
"This means that Tommy Sheridan's Socialists (up two points) and the Greens (up one) are still moving ahead, although their findings fall within the margin of error.
The strong showing of the SSP, Greens, and Independents did more damage in May to the SNP than to Labour, which also lost six seats as minority candidates and parties broke through with 17 MSPs. Their combined second vote tally in the poll is 22%." The Herald
Herald Editorial
"The Baghdad factor, which exerted a major influence on the Scottish elections campaign until British troops went into battle in Iraq and the war appeared won, is again demonstrating its potential to dominate domestic Scottish politics. It is not only the SNP that has made a gain at Labour's expense. The poll shows that 22% of Scots would cast their second vote for a minority party (the Scottish Greens or the Scottish Socialists) or an independent candidate. Added to the SNP vote, that bloc would account for 49% of the electorate. But neither is that necessarily good news for Mr Swinney. His strategy for sensibly managing Scotland to independence by its nature rejects the protest and radical politics espoused by the others." The Herald
Sunday, August 03, 2003
Body Politic
She smoke-bombed Glasgow City Council, got arrested at Faslane, climbed trees to stop the M77, snubbed the Queen and wore jeans to the Scottish parliament. Now she’s going to talk about vaginas. Vicky Allan meets SSP MSP Rosie Kane, the embodiment of ‘combat-trooserness’ and mistress of the stooshie Sunday Herald
Are the SNP’s hopes pinned on the best laid plans of mice or men? Sunday Herald
Nationalist Identity Crisis
The SNP under John Swinney is losing ground to other parties in its bid to break central belt voters’ loyalty to Labour. The Scottish Socialist Party, meanwhile, seems to be striking a radical Clydeside chord even beyond its natural base among the poor, articulating a regionalist voice similar to the SNP’s appeal in the northeast Sunday Herald
Reds plot fall of Welsh Labour
THE socialists who provided a huge election upset in Scotland are coming to Wales next week on a mission to undermine Welsh Labour.
Still on a high from the Scottish Parliament election in May, when his Scottish Socialist Party won six seats, leader Tommy Sheridan will be addressing what could prove to be a watershed conference organised by Wrexham AM John Marek.
Dr Marek, the National Assembly's Deputy Presiding Officer, was deselected by Labour after 20 years as an MP and AM but retained his seat as an independent, depriving Welsh Labour of a majority.
Now there are plans by Dr Marek and others to form a Welsh equivalent of the SSP. The Western Mail
She smoke-bombed Glasgow City Council, got arrested at Faslane, climbed trees to stop the M77, snubbed the Queen and wore jeans to the Scottish parliament. Now she’s going to talk about vaginas. Vicky Allan meets SSP MSP Rosie Kane, the embodiment of ‘combat-trooserness’ and mistress of the stooshie Sunday Herald
Are the SNP’s hopes pinned on the best laid plans of mice or men? Sunday Herald
Nationalist Identity Crisis
The SNP under John Swinney is losing ground to other parties in its bid to break central belt voters’ loyalty to Labour. The Scottish Socialist Party, meanwhile, seems to be striking a radical Clydeside chord even beyond its natural base among the poor, articulating a regionalist voice similar to the SNP’s appeal in the northeast Sunday Herald
Reds plot fall of Welsh Labour
THE socialists who provided a huge election upset in Scotland are coming to Wales next week on a mission to undermine Welsh Labour.
Still on a high from the Scottish Parliament election in May, when his Scottish Socialist Party won six seats, leader Tommy Sheridan will be addressing what could prove to be a watershed conference organised by Wrexham AM John Marek.
Dr Marek, the National Assembly's Deputy Presiding Officer, was deselected by Labour after 20 years as an MP and AM but retained his seat as an independent, depriving Welsh Labour of a majority.
Now there are plans by Dr Marek and others to form a Welsh equivalent of the SSP. The Western Mail
Friday, August 01, 2003
URGENT: Ay Family
Yurdurgal Ay and her children were snatched from their home in Gravesend on Wednesday July 17th 2002 and have been held in Dungavel Removal Centre in Scotland ever since.
The family's lawyer lodged an application seeking asylum on behalf of the children this morning but about 1.30 p.m. today (01/08/03) we heard that the family has already been removed from Dungavel to be taken to Oakington detention centre near Cambridge prior to being flown back to Germany on Tuesday in a 142-seater plane which has already been chartered for that specific purpose.
Quite simply this is an absolute disgrace and signals a change in policy in the Labour government's already inhumane immigration policy. It means that the government is now prepared to deport asylum-seeking children before their application has been properly heard and processed. The four Ay children who are aged between 7 and 14 years of age, have been here for four years, have attended school and made friends here and have been imprisoned in Dungavel for the last 13 months, but no clemency is to be shown. I am therefore asking you to fax an urgent letter of protest today to:
Beverly Hughes MP Minister for Immigration Home Office 50 Queen Anne's Gate LONDON SW1H 9AT Fax: 0207 2733965.
Thank you for your help.
Yours in solidarity
ROSIE KANE MSP
Scottish Parliament
Tel: 0131 348 5632
Yurdurgal Ay and her children were snatched from their home in Gravesend on Wednesday July 17th 2002 and have been held in Dungavel Removal Centre in Scotland ever since.
The family's lawyer lodged an application seeking asylum on behalf of the children this morning but about 1.30 p.m. today (01/08/03) we heard that the family has already been removed from Dungavel to be taken to Oakington detention centre near Cambridge prior to being flown back to Germany on Tuesday in a 142-seater plane which has already been chartered for that specific purpose.
Quite simply this is an absolute disgrace and signals a change in policy in the Labour government's already inhumane immigration policy. It means that the government is now prepared to deport asylum-seeking children before their application has been properly heard and processed. The four Ay children who are aged between 7 and 14 years of age, have been here for four years, have attended school and made friends here and have been imprisoned in Dungavel for the last 13 months, but no clemency is to be shown. I am therefore asking you to fax an urgent letter of protest today to:
Beverly Hughes MP Minister for Immigration Home Office 50 Queen Anne's Gate LONDON SW1H 9AT Fax: 0207 2733965.
Thank you for your help.
Yours in solidarity
ROSIE KANE MSP
Scottish Parliament
Tel: 0131 348 5632
Inquiry call over NHS hours
Scottish Socialist Party health spokeswoman Carolyn Leckie said she agreed with the principle of midwife-led care.
"However, the introduction of midwife-only units as a replacement for maternity hospitals with all the back-up that they have is inadequate.
"That masks the real agenda, which is to reduce services.
"Instead of taking advantage of a falling birth rate to increase the midwife/client ratio they are going to continue with inadequate staffing levels which are driving midwives to distraction and impacting on the quality of care for women." BBC News
Findlay tops legal aid table with £267,000
The top earners' table, SLAB's annual report revealed yesterday, again includes Gordon Jackson QC, the defence counsel who, despite his workload as MSP for Glasgow Govan, has retained his sixth position with a figure of £163,000.
Last night, the Scottish Socialist Party described the payments to lawyers and advocates as "obscene", singling out Mr Jackson for criticism.
Colin Fox, list MSP for the Lothians, said: "Perhaps he should think of giving his salary as an MSP to a charity for the people of Govan. He certainly doesn't need it to live and I think he should no longer claim it." The Herald
MacDonald seeks 'new ideas' after devolution
However, Ms MacDonald claimed the arrival of the devolved parliament and the fact that there were now other parties who supported independence, had changed that.
She said: "It is not just the goalposts which have been moved, the size and shape of the ball has changed, the number of players in the team and even the game itself." The Herald
Festivals reject elitism charge The Scotsman
Scottish Socialist Party health spokeswoman Carolyn Leckie said she agreed with the principle of midwife-led care.
"However, the introduction of midwife-only units as a replacement for maternity hospitals with all the back-up that they have is inadequate.
"That masks the real agenda, which is to reduce services.
"Instead of taking advantage of a falling birth rate to increase the midwife/client ratio they are going to continue with inadequate staffing levels which are driving midwives to distraction and impacting on the quality of care for women." BBC News
Findlay tops legal aid table with £267,000
The top earners' table, SLAB's annual report revealed yesterday, again includes Gordon Jackson QC, the defence counsel who, despite his workload as MSP for Glasgow Govan, has retained his sixth position with a figure of £163,000.
Last night, the Scottish Socialist Party described the payments to lawyers and advocates as "obscene", singling out Mr Jackson for criticism.
Colin Fox, list MSP for the Lothians, said: "Perhaps he should think of giving his salary as an MSP to a charity for the people of Govan. He certainly doesn't need it to live and I think he should no longer claim it." The Herald
MacDonald seeks 'new ideas' after devolution
However, Ms MacDonald claimed the arrival of the devolved parliament and the fact that there were now other parties who supported independence, had changed that.
She said: "It is not just the goalposts which have been moved, the size and shape of the ball has changed, the number of players in the team and even the game itself." The Herald
Festivals reject elitism charge The Scotsman
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