In the One to Watch category, the winner was Rosie Kane, the outspoken Glasgow socialist, who was chosen for her sudden impact on the political scene. The Herald
Rosie was also nominated for campaigner of the year. You can read Rosie's weekly column in the Sunday Mail on their website here.
Friday, November 28, 2003
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
SSP Says Save 7:84 Theatre Group
7:84 under threat after funds cut
THE future of 7:84, one of Scotland's best-known theatre groups, was in doubt last night after the Scottish Arts Council withdrew its core funding from 2005.
It stands to lose about £225,000 a year half of its annual income as part of a package of cuts, worth nearly1m, from nine organisations. The list also includes Borderline Theatre, the Crawford Arts Centre in St Andrews, and the Glasgow Jazz Festival...
Lorenzo Mele, 7:84's artistic director, said: "It is a massive blow. We have been given the same grant that we always get, but only for another year.
"We are quite shocked because we are Scotland's leading political theatre company and do incredible outreach work in different communities...
Tommy Sheridan, Scottish Socialist party leader, said the demise of 7:84 would mean the loss of an important voice.
He said: "It is very regrettable. These theatre companies are the lifeblood of performing art, taking art into the community and giving youngsters the chance to develop their confidence and abilities.
"Such stringent cuts are shocking and I will be contacting Frank McAveety (the culture minister) to find out what's going on." The Herald
Reasons to be cheerful
Mele thinks, because "in England there’s no real left alternative to the Labour party; in Scotland we have a stronger left-wing tradition and also left alternatives to the Labour party like the SSP and the Green party. I think there’s this sense things can be pushed further." The Scotsman
THE future of 7:84, one of Scotland's best-known theatre groups, was in doubt last night after the Scottish Arts Council withdrew its core funding from 2005.
It stands to lose about £225,000 a year half of its annual income as part of a package of cuts, worth nearly1m, from nine organisations. The list also includes Borderline Theatre, the Crawford Arts Centre in St Andrews, and the Glasgow Jazz Festival...
Lorenzo Mele, 7:84's artistic director, said: "It is a massive blow. We have been given the same grant that we always get, but only for another year.
"We are quite shocked because we are Scotland's leading political theatre company and do incredible outreach work in different communities...
Tommy Sheridan, Scottish Socialist party leader, said the demise of 7:84 would mean the loss of an important voice.
He said: "It is very regrettable. These theatre companies are the lifeblood of performing art, taking art into the community and giving youngsters the chance to develop their confidence and abilities.
"Such stringent cuts are shocking and I will be contacting Frank McAveety (the culture minister) to find out what's going on." The Herald
Reasons to be cheerful
Mele thinks, because "in England there’s no real left alternative to the Labour party; in Scotland we have a stronger left-wing tradition and also left alternatives to the Labour party like the SSP and the Green party. I think there’s this sense things can be pushed further." The Scotsman
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
SSP Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is
Socialist MSPs dig deep to aid party DONATIONS to the Scottish Socialist party of more than £200 have come entirely from the party's own MSPs, official figures show. Statistics from the Electoral Commission reveal that in the third quarter of this year, the SSP, led by Tommy Sheridan, received £34,876. Colin Fox gave £6500, Rosemary Byrne £6400, Carolyn Leckie £6111, Rosie Kane £6082, Frances Curran £5883 and Mr Sheridan himself £3900. The Herald
Sheridan rounds on SNP own goal The Herald
SCOTLAND: `Bush' thrown out of parliament Green Left Weekly
Sheridan rounds on SNP own goal The Herald
SCOTLAND: `Bush' thrown out of parliament Green Left Weekly
Colin Fox MSP - Spreading the Socialist Message
A very different parliamentarian Green Left Weekly, Australia.
Scottish MP struck by the similarities Otago Daily Times, New Zealand.
Scottish MP struck by the similarities Otago Daily Times, New Zealand.
Friday, November 21, 2003
Holyrood brought to halt by man in a Bush mask
The Herald AN anti-war protester wearing a George W Bush mask and shouting slogans yesterday brought proceedings in the Scottish Parliament briefly to a halt.
The interruption came at the end of a debate on world peace, staged by Scottish Socialist party MSPs to coincide with George W Bush's visit to the UK. They claimed Tony Blair and the US president should be tried for "war crimes" over their actions in Iraq.
Two police officers finally escorted Kevin Williamson, the SSP's drugs spokesman, from the public gallery as he waved a US flag and shouted inaudibly from behind his plastic mask.
George Reid, the presiding officer, had suspended the sitting for three minutes and he later criticised the SSP MPs who had clapped during the demonstration.
Later, Mr Williamson said he had been shouting at those who supported the war: "God bless my fellow war criminals in the Scottish Parliament. God bless my fellow mass murderers. If it wasn't for you, we would never have been able to kill those people in Iraq and Afghanistan."
The police said the man had left in a peaceful manner and no further action would be taken.
The interruption came at the end of a debate on world peace, staged by Scottish Socialist party MSPs to coincide with George W Bush's visit to the UK. They claimed Tony Blair and the US president should be tried for "war crimes" over their actions in Iraq.
Two police officers finally escorted Kevin Williamson, the SSP's drugs spokesman, from the public gallery as he waved a US flag and shouted inaudibly from behind his plastic mask.
George Reid, the presiding officer, had suspended the sitting for three minutes and he later criticised the SSP MPs who had clapped during the demonstration.
Later, Mr Williamson said he had been shouting at those who supported the war: "God bless my fellow war criminals in the Scottish Parliament. God bless my fellow mass murderers. If it wasn't for you, we would never have been able to kill those people in Iraq and Afghanistan."
The police said the man had left in a peaceful manner and no further action would be taken.
Thursday, November 20, 2003
Unwelcome Bush
Pictures of Edinburgh "Unwelcome Bush" Demo
the Herald: Thousands march in protest at visit THOUSANDS of people took to the streets in Scotland's two biggest cities yesterday to protest against George W Bush's visit to Britain...
At St Enoch Square, the crowd shouted and whistled in approval as Tommy Sheridan, leader of the Scottish Socialists, told them it was an insult to UK citizens that the country's leaders had "rolled out the red carpet" to welcome the US president.
Referring to the ancient US Navy ships that are currently in the north-east of England waiting to be dismantled, Mr Sheridan said: "I would like to invite Mr Bush to come as far north as Hartlepool and then we could put him on one of his toxic ships and send him back."
Scots from every walk of life joined the protests yesterday, ranging from babies in prams to pensioners.
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Scotland stages anti-Bush protests
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Scotland stages anti-Bush protests
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane is among those due to address the Edinburgh protest.
She said: "This state visit was organised about a year ago and I wonder if they thought they were going to come to some sort of jubilant victory parade with confetti and the streets lined with people waving Union Jacks.
"Instead they're going to be greeted with the very opposite to that.
"You have to remember the death and destruction that's taken place and continues to take place in the meantime. At best, it's untimely."
She urged people to attend their local demonstration and give Mr Bush "the bum's rush".
The SSP has lodged a motion which will be debated in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday.
It describes the Iraq war as "illegal, immoral and unjustified".
The motion also voices opposition to the visit and accuses Tony Blair of sharing responsibility for the deaths of "thousands of Iraqis and dozens of British service personnel".
Left-wing Labour MSP Elaine Smith has also lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament, describing the timing of Mr Bush's visit as "inappropriate and insensitive".
The Campaign for Socialism has urged anti-war MSPs to back her motion as a public way of expressing their opposition.
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane is among those due to address the Edinburgh protest.
She said: "This state visit was organised about a year ago and I wonder if they thought they were going to come to some sort of jubilant victory parade with confetti and the streets lined with people waving Union Jacks.
"Instead they're going to be greeted with the very opposite to that.
"You have to remember the death and destruction that's taken place and continues to take place in the meantime. At best, it's untimely."
She urged people to attend their local demonstration and give Mr Bush "the bum's rush".
The SSP has lodged a motion which will be debated in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday.
It describes the Iraq war as "illegal, immoral and unjustified".
The motion also voices opposition to the visit and accuses Tony Blair of sharing responsibility for the deaths of "thousands of Iraqis and dozens of British service personnel".
Left-wing Labour MSP Elaine Smith has also lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament, describing the timing of Mr Bush's visit as "inappropriate and insensitive".
The Campaign for Socialism has urged anti-war MSPs to back her motion as a public way of expressing their opposition.
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Anti-War Scots Gear Up For Protest
The Herald: Anti-War Scots Gear Up For Protest A rallying cry for people all over Scotland to protest was issued yesterday by Tommy Sheridan, the Scottish Socialist leader. Appealing directly to the thousands who marched in Glasgow last February in protest against the Iraq war, he said: "We appeal to those citizens to take to the streets again to display their complete disgust that a war criminal will be walking along a blood-soaked red carpet laid by Mr Blair, his partner in war crimes." The MSP also called on the "millions of others" who may have been undecided about the war at the time, but who were now unhappy with the aftermath and the fact that no weapons of mass destruction had been found, to join in this time. He accepted that many Scots would not be able to join in the major demonstrations planned for Glasgow and Edinburgh, but he urged them, wherever they were, to protest against the Bush visit. Mr Sheridan said: "Bush is not welcome in Scotland, he is not welcome in Britain, he is not welcome in any part of the civilised world because it is not civilised to maul and maim innocent men, women and children."
Monday, November 17, 2003
The SSP at the European Social Forum, Paris.
Last week the European Social Forum was held in Paris. It brought together more than 50, 000 participants from all over Europe to discuss, debate and organise. A huge number of topics were discussed around subjects such as globalisation, privatisation and war. The SSP took around 80 members to the forum as part of the delegation from the Scottish Mobilisation for the ESF. MSP's Rosie Kane and Frances Curran both addressed large meetings on immigration rights and the European Constitution, respectively. The event included a demonstration of 100, 000 people through the streets of Paris.
Photos - The SSP at the European Social Forum
Photos - Demonstration in Paris, Saturday 15th November 2003.
Monday, November 10, 2003
SNP: Swinney defends MSPs over failure to pay levy
The Scotsman - Politics - Swinney defends MSPs over failure to pay levy JOHN Swinney, the SNP leader, spoke out to defend his MSPs last night after it emerged that most have failed to pay a £250-a-month levy imposed on them by the party...
Mr Swinney also faced a challenge on policy yesterday from Alex Neil, an MSP who challenged him for the leadership three years ago. Mr Neil warned that Mr Swinney risked wrecking the chances of an independent Scotland "for a lifetime" unless he joined rival parties in a new, pro-independence alliance.
Mr Swinney also faced a challenge on policy yesterday from Alex Neil, an MSP who challenged him for the leadership three years ago. Mr Neil warned that Mr Swinney risked wrecking the chances of an independent Scotland "for a lifetime" unless he joined rival parties in a new, pro-independence alliance.
Sunday, November 09, 2003
Millionairess Ann Gloag Pleads for Public Money for Estate's Upkeep
Sunday Herald: Millionairess Ann Gloag Pleads for Public Money for Estate's Upkeep “It scunners me but it doesn’t surprise me,” said Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane. “People like Ann Gloag are always going to be using these sorts of manoeuvres to try and feather their own nest out of the public purse. People like that just do – shame on the lot of them.
“It’s about time they started paying their way. If she was paying her fair share of council tax it probably shouldn’t be so bad, if she stood in line with the other pensioners.
“I just hope the council are on the ball enough to see through these people. If she can’t take care of the properties, hand them over to the public sector.”
“It’s about time they started paying their way. If she was paying her fair share of council tax it probably shouldn’t be so bad, if she stood in line with the other pensioners.
“I just hope the council are on the ball enough to see through these people. If she can’t take care of the properties, hand them over to the public sector.”
Friday, November 07, 2003
Youth
Scotsman.com News - Opinion - Why talking up youth of today will win votes Scottish Socialist MSP Rosie Kane was ridiculed earlier this year when she called for the term "ned" to be outlawed as degrading and hurtful - but many young people do feel alienated by such language and suspect politicians are too ready to tar them all with the same brush.
Rosie Kane on Question Time
Rosie Kane MSP was on BBC's Question Time last night. You can still see the programme via the Question Time Website here.
Colin Fox MSP, Speaking Tour of New Zealand and Australia
What's a socialist doing in Parliament? Australian speaking tour by Colin Fox, Scottish Socialist Party MSP
MELBOURNE: Socialist Ideas Conference 2003: Resisting the empire. Featuring Scottish Socialist Party MSP (2pm) & Marxist historian Humphrey McQueen. Sat Nov 15, Trades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts. Ph 03 9639 8622.
HOBART: What's a socialist doing in parliament? Public meeting featuring Colin Fox, Scottish Socialist Party parliamentarian. Mon Nov 17, 7pm. Resistance Centre, 225 Murray St, city. Ph Alex 03 6234 6397, 0413 976 638.
BRISBANE: Tuesday 18 Nov 6.30pm Brisbane activist centre. 74b Wickham St, Fortitude Valley. Ph 07 3831 2644
CANBERRA: What's a socialist doing in parliament? Speaking tour with Colin Fox, Scottish Socialist Party MP. Wed Nov 19, 6pm. Studio Rm, Griffin Centre, Bunda St, Civic. $5/$3. Organised by Socialist Alliance. Ph 02 6247 2424, 02 6247 0568.
SYDNEY: Scottish Socialist Party MSP Colin Fox speaks! Socialist Alliance forum. Thurs Nov 20, 6.30pm. Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills. $8/$5. Ph Paul 0410 629 088 or 02 9690 1977.
New Zealand
PALMERSTON NORTH Sunday 23 November, 5pm Te Manawa, Main Street, Palmerston North
DUNEDIN Monday 24th November, 7pm 97 Motel Conference Room 97 Moray Place Dunedin
CHRISTCHURCH Tuesday 25th November Details to be confirmed
AUCKLAND Thursday 27th November Details to be confirmed
WELLINGTON Saturday 29th November Wellington Bridge Club 17 Tinakori Road Thorndon Time to be confirmed
MELBOURNE: Socialist Ideas Conference 2003: Resisting the empire. Featuring Scottish Socialist Party MSP (2pm) & Marxist historian Humphrey McQueen. Sat Nov 15, Trades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts. Ph 03 9639 8622.
HOBART: What's a socialist doing in parliament? Public meeting featuring Colin Fox, Scottish Socialist Party parliamentarian. Mon Nov 17, 7pm. Resistance Centre, 225 Murray St, city. Ph Alex 03 6234 6397, 0413 976 638.
BRISBANE: Tuesday 18 Nov 6.30pm Brisbane activist centre. 74b Wickham St, Fortitude Valley. Ph 07 3831 2644
CANBERRA: What's a socialist doing in parliament? Speaking tour with Colin Fox, Scottish Socialist Party MP. Wed Nov 19, 6pm. Studio Rm, Griffin Centre, Bunda St, Civic. $5/$3. Organised by Socialist Alliance. Ph 02 6247 2424, 02 6247 0568.
SYDNEY: Scottish Socialist Party MSP Colin Fox speaks! Socialist Alliance forum. Thurs Nov 20, 6.30pm. Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills. $8/$5. Ph Paul 0410 629 088 or 02 9690 1977.
New Zealand
PALMERSTON NORTH Sunday 23 November, 5pm Te Manawa, Main Street, Palmerston North
DUNEDIN Monday 24th November, 7pm 97 Motel Conference Room 97 Moray Place Dunedin
CHRISTCHURCH Tuesday 25th November Details to be confirmed
AUCKLAND Thursday 27th November Details to be confirmed
WELLINGTON Saturday 29th November Wellington Bridge Club 17 Tinakori Road Thorndon Time to be confirmed
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
Colin Fox MSP to visit New Zealand and Australia
Alliance New Zealand Read all about Lothians MSP Colin Fox's trip to the left-wing Alliance Party in New Zealand where he will speak on the experience of the SSP, bringing together the left and building the forces of socialism. Colin will also visit the Aoteora Social Forum and attend meetings of socialists in Australia including the conference of the New South Wales region of the Socialist Alliance.
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Firefighters stage wildcat action
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Firefighters stage wildcat action
Firefighters have followed the example of postal workers in launching wildcat strikes, defying undemocratic anti-union laws.
Firefighters have followed the example of postal workers in launching wildcat strikes, defying undemocratic anti-union laws.
Campaigners trying to ease the plight of asylum seekers
The Herald: Campaigners trying to ease the plight of asylum seekers
CAMPAIGNERS looking to ease the plight of asylum seekers and prevent families with children being held at Dungavel immigration centre yesterday met for a summit at the Scottish Parliament.The Scottish Socialist party group booked the main committee room for the meeting attended by immigration groups, church representatives and several families who are currently bailed out of Dungavel and live with supporters.Rosie Kane, the MSP who has one such family living in her home, said the problem was that a small number of activists had become so heavily involved in the plight of the growing numbers of such families that they were being overwhelmed.She said a wider network of volunteers, activists and helpers had to be built up. Yesterday's meeting had been arranged at very short notice and as a result a number of other groups, such as the STUC and several major trade unions, had been unable to attend but said they would be prepared to become involved in the future.Among those present was Graham Blount, the Scottish Churches parliamentary officer, who said: "We were happy to participate because the churches are heavily involved at a general level in this issue and share many of the concerns of others, so we are looking to develop our role."He pointed to the way the churches had backed the Refugee Scotland Project for community-based hostels as an alternative to Dungavel. Mr Blount said the shared view of those at yesterday's meeting was that a broader network of organisations and individuals had to become involved in assisting asylum seekers to share the burden.
CAMPAIGNERS looking to ease the plight of asylum seekers and prevent families with children being held at Dungavel immigration centre yesterday met for a summit at the Scottish Parliament.The Scottish Socialist party group booked the main committee room for the meeting attended by immigration groups, church representatives and several families who are currently bailed out of Dungavel and live with supporters.Rosie Kane, the MSP who has one such family living in her home, said the problem was that a small number of activists had become so heavily involved in the plight of the growing numbers of such families that they were being overwhelmed.She said a wider network of volunteers, activists and helpers had to be built up. Yesterday's meeting had been arranged at very short notice and as a result a number of other groups, such as the STUC and several major trade unions, had been unable to attend but said they would be prepared to become involved in the future.Among those present was Graham Blount, the Scottish Churches parliamentary officer, who said: "We were happy to participate because the churches are heavily involved at a general level in this issue and share many of the concerns of others, so we are looking to develop our role."He pointed to the way the churches had backed the Refugee Scotland Project for community-based hostels as an alternative to Dungavel. Mr Blount said the shared view of those at yesterday's meeting was that a broader network of organisations and individuals had to become involved in assisting asylum seekers to share the burden.
Monday, November 03, 2003
SHERIDAN RAIL BILL BID
sundaymail - SHERIDAN RAIL BILL BID: TOMMY Sheridan will this week launch a Holyrood bill to renationalise Scotlands railways. The Scottish Socialist Party leader will try to convince MSPs on Tuesday that for safety and environmental reasons it is essential a single Scottish rail company be set up.
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