The Times
JACK McCONNELL was accused of sexism yesterday after he said that striking female nursery nurses were being manipulated by men on either side of the dispute.
The Scottish Socialist MSP Carolyn Leckie, who has been a vocal supporter of the nursery nurses, accused the First Minister of "outrageous, patronising sexism".
She added: "To suggest that the nursery nurses are still on strike today because of anything other than their own will, determination and the justice of their case is an outrageous insult to these brave and courageous women.
"Yet again Jack McConnell is doing his Pontius Pilate impersonation, washing his hands of any responsibility for this dispute. The fact of the matter is that the First Minister and the Scottish Executive could end this dispute tomorrow morning if they told Cosla to settle."
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Parents set for school closure demo
Edinburgh Evening News
PARENTS and politicians were today set to stage a march in protest against the proposed closure of a city primary school.
Scottish Socialist Party MSP for the Lothians Colin Fox was to join marchers objecting to plans to close Lismore Primary School under council cost-cutting moves.
PARENTS and politicians were today set to stage a march in protest against the proposed closure of a city primary school.
Scottish Socialist Party MSP for the Lothians Colin Fox was to join marchers objecting to plans to close Lismore Primary School under council cost-cutting moves.
SSP European Elections candidate list
The Scottish Socialist Party today announced its list for the
forthcoming European elections on June 10th.
The list is as follows
1) Felicity Garvie
2) Dr Nick McKerrell
3) Hugh Kerr
4) Catriona Grant
5) Lynn Sheridan
6) John Sangster
7) Andrew Rossiter
The voting system used means that the list is regional and
gender balanced.
Topping the list is Felicity Garvie, 49, who is married to
Stuart, a toolmaker by trade.
She has two sons Tommy (19) and Adam (15).
Felicity has worked as Office Manager to Tommy Sheridan for
almost five years.
Prior to that she lived in Cologne, Germany, for almost 20
years and has active in the international socialist movement
for 28 years.
Felicity said;
"It is an honour to be top of the Scottish Socialist Party's
list for the European elections and our aim is to relegate the
Liberal Democrats to 5th place in Scottish politics.
"The Scottish Socialist Party will be launching our distinctive
European election campaign in opposition to the xenophobic,
Union Jack waving Tories but also in opposition to New Labour,
the SNP and Liberal Democrats who prostitute themselves before
the bankers of Frankfurt.
"They support a big business Europe; we support a people's Europe."
Doctor Nick McKerrell is 33 and a lecturer in law at Glasgow
Caledonian University and lecturers union convenor.
He was legal spokesperson for the campaign to save Govanhill pool.
Hugh Kerr was a Labour member of the European Parliament and
former press officer for the Scottish Socialist Party.
Hugh said;
"I gave Felicity my second vote in these elections myself and
believe that she is an excellent candidate for the European elections.
"I will be campaigning hard along with the rest of the SSP to
get Felicity elected to the European Parliament."
[ends]
Report in the Herald
forthcoming European elections on June 10th.
The list is as follows
1) Felicity Garvie
2) Dr Nick McKerrell
3) Hugh Kerr
4) Catriona Grant
5) Lynn Sheridan
6) John Sangster
7) Andrew Rossiter
The voting system used means that the list is regional and
gender balanced.
Topping the list is Felicity Garvie, 49, who is married to
Stuart, a toolmaker by trade.
She has two sons Tommy (19) and Adam (15).
Felicity has worked as Office Manager to Tommy Sheridan for
almost five years.
Prior to that she lived in Cologne, Germany, for almost 20
years and has active in the international socialist movement
for 28 years.
Felicity said;
"It is an honour to be top of the Scottish Socialist Party's
list for the European elections and our aim is to relegate the
Liberal Democrats to 5th place in Scottish politics.
"The Scottish Socialist Party will be launching our distinctive
European election campaign in opposition to the xenophobic,
Union Jack waving Tories but also in opposition to New Labour,
the SNP and Liberal Democrats who prostitute themselves before
the bankers of Frankfurt.
"They support a big business Europe; we support a people's Europe."
Doctor Nick McKerrell is 33 and a lecturer in law at Glasgow
Caledonian University and lecturers union convenor.
He was legal spokesperson for the campaign to save Govanhill pool.
Hugh Kerr was a Labour member of the European Parliament and
former press officer for the Scottish Socialist Party.
Hugh said;
"I gave Felicity my second vote in these elections myself and
believe that she is an excellent candidate for the European elections.
"I will be campaigning hard along with the rest of the SSP to
get Felicity elected to the European Parliament."
[ends]
Report in the Herald
Monday, March 29, 2004
Nursery Nurses Demonstrate at COSLA HQ Edinburgh
Thousands of striking nursery nurses have marched through Edinburgh to the headquarters of COSLA. They called on COSLA to immediately meet their demands for a fair national pay agreement. Singing and chanting they surrounded the COSLA hq to hear speakers from Unison and also Colin Fox MSP who called for the Scottish Parliament to intervene. The demonstration showed the continuing determination and unity of the nursery nurses who had travelled from all over Scotland to attend the demo. The strikers used the skills learned at work to adapt some nursery rhymes adding their own words, one of which related to COSLA chief Pat Watters..."Tommy says sack him, and we're gonna back him!"
Gallery of pictures of the demonstration
SSP Conference Reports
Tommy Sheridan SSP convener addresses conference
The Herald: Scottish Socialists reject move to ban religious schools
THE annual conference of the Scottish Socialist party yesterday rejected calls for a ban on all faith-based schools after a strongly-contested debate in which many delegates fought to uphold the party's support for secular education.
Although the amendment continued the party's commitment to a secular Scotland in the long run, it upheld existing policy of accepting religious schools where these had strong local support.
John Milligan, from the RMT rail union delegation, said the SSP had to back religious schools, which meant primarily Catholic schools in Scotland, if it wanted to win support from the public and grow as a party.
RMT delegate John Milligan addresses conference
"I ask conference to recognise the reality out in the country and stand full square behind the SSP's policy. It's a good policy and worth fighting for," he said.
He was backed by Charlie McCarthy from Anniesland in Glasgow, who said the motions calling for a ban on religious schools were "the most dangerous ones at conference," adding: "If we ban it, we would have to enforce it on people who would be really annoyed by it and we would face a backlash."
The conference backed a motion agreeing that the SSP wanted a secular Scotland but calling for a nationwide debate over the next 12 months to help deliver a detailed policy.
There was also compromise during a contentious debate on prostitution and the tolerance zones being advocated in the bill from independent MSP Margo MacDonald. Angela McCormick, from Maryhill East, urged delegates to back tolerance zones to minimise the risks faced by sex workers.
She said the whole party opposed prostitution but it needed to work "from where we are today and not where we wish to be tomorrow".
The conference also offered condolences to Tommy Sheridan, the party's convener, who missed the second day of the event because of the death of his grandmother.
Sunday, March 28, 2004
Scottish Socialist Party Conference 2004
Michael Crow, STV Political Correspondent
"Tommy Sheridan gave a barnstorming speech which delighted delegates. There were twice as many people here to listen to the Socialist leader speak than there was yesterday in Dundee to listen to the Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy."
"Tommy Sheridan gave a barnstorming speech which delighted delegates. There were twice as many people here to listen to the Socialist leader speak than there was yesterday in Dundee to listen to the Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy."
SSP leader demands resignation
BBC News Online
Scottish Socialist leader Tommy Sheridan has demanded the resignation of Scotland's top councillor over the nursery nurses strike.
In a speech to his party's conference in Edinburgh he branded Pat Watters a "disgrace" for his handling of the dispute.
Mr Watters is president of the local government body Cosla.
The SSP is campaigning for a national settlement but Cosla is negotiating local deals.
Speaking at his party's annual conference in Edinburgh on Saturday, Mr Sheridan said: "We should say today to New Labour's Pat Watters, you are a damn disgrace.
"On the one hand he calls for call for national pay for councillors of £25,000 a year but he's not prepared to support national pay for nursery nurses of £14,000 a year. It's time for Pat Watters to resign."
The comments caused a roar of applause and shouts among the 400 delegates packed into Edinburgh University's George Square Theatre for the two-day annual gathering.
Nursery Nurses Address SSP Conference
COSLA's Rebuttal
BBC News Online: Cosla laughs off resignation call
"Pat Watters is an excellent president of Cosla and his position as president has nothing to do with the SSP or indeed the parliament."
"Pat has a long history in trade union negotiation and not once during this dispute has he had a go at the nursery nurses - only their claim.
Scottish Socialist leader Tommy Sheridan has demanded the resignation of Scotland's top councillor over the nursery nurses strike.
In a speech to his party's conference in Edinburgh he branded Pat Watters a "disgrace" for his handling of the dispute.
Mr Watters is president of the local government body Cosla.
The SSP is campaigning for a national settlement but Cosla is negotiating local deals.
Speaking at his party's annual conference in Edinburgh on Saturday, Mr Sheridan said: "We should say today to New Labour's Pat Watters, you are a damn disgrace.
"On the one hand he calls for call for national pay for councillors of £25,000 a year but he's not prepared to support national pay for nursery nurses of £14,000 a year. It's time for Pat Watters to resign."
The comments caused a roar of applause and shouts among the 400 delegates packed into Edinburgh University's George Square Theatre for the two-day annual gathering.
Nursery Nurses Address SSP Conference
COSLA's Rebuttal
BBC News Online: Cosla laughs off resignation call
"Pat Watters is an excellent president of Cosla and his position as president has nothing to do with the SSP or indeed the parliament."
"Pat has a long history in trade union negotiation and not once during this dispute has he had a go at the nursery nurses - only their claim.
Saturday, March 27, 2004
Sheridan urges COSLA President to Resign
Scottish Television News
At the Scottish Socialist Party conference in Edinburgh, leader Tommy Sheridan has called on the president of the council organisation COSLA to resign for his disgraceful handling of the nursery nurses strike.
Mr Sheridan also told the 400 delegates that the Prime Minister Tony Blair ' was a deceitful liar' over the war in Iraq. Tommy Sheridan gave a passionate show of support for the striking nursery nurses and called for the resignation of the man in charge of the council umbrella organisation COSLA who is refusing to settle the dispute on a national basis.
He stated: "He calls on the one hand for national pay for councillors of £25,000 a year but he is not prepared to support national pay for nursery nurses of even £14,000 a year. It is time for Pat Watters to resign."
Tommy Sheridan also attacked the STUC: "Four weeks of all out strike action. Why has there not been a national demonstration in support of the nursery nurses. That is what we should be saying."
Finally, Mr Sheridan launched an attack on the Prime Minister, Tony Blair on the war on Iraq: "He is a deceitful liar. There is no doubt about that."
And Mr Sheridan, bouyed by the RMT union transferring its affilitation from Labour to the SSP asked other unions to do the same: "The message to the other trade unions brothers and sisters is please consider the warm welcome, the open arms, the solidarity you will get if you join up with this party."
Tommy Sheridan gave a barnstorming speech which delighted delegates. There were twice as many people here to listen to the Socialist leader speak than there was yesterday in Dundee to listen to the Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy.
At the Scottish Socialist Party conference in Edinburgh, leader Tommy Sheridan has called on the president of the council organisation COSLA to resign for his disgraceful handling of the nursery nurses strike.
Mr Sheridan also told the 400 delegates that the Prime Minister Tony Blair ' was a deceitful liar' over the war in Iraq. Tommy Sheridan gave a passionate show of support for the striking nursery nurses and called for the resignation of the man in charge of the council umbrella organisation COSLA who is refusing to settle the dispute on a national basis.
He stated: "He calls on the one hand for national pay for councillors of £25,000 a year but he is not prepared to support national pay for nursery nurses of even £14,000 a year. It is time for Pat Watters to resign."
Tommy Sheridan also attacked the STUC: "Four weeks of all out strike action. Why has there not been a national demonstration in support of the nursery nurses. That is what we should be saying."
Finally, Mr Sheridan launched an attack on the Prime Minister, Tony Blair on the war on Iraq: "He is a deceitful liar. There is no doubt about that."
And Mr Sheridan, bouyed by the RMT union transferring its affilitation from Labour to the SSP asked other unions to do the same: "The message to the other trade unions brothers and sisters is please consider the warm welcome, the open arms, the solidarity you will get if you join up with this party."
Tommy Sheridan gave a barnstorming speech which delighted delegates. There were twice as many people here to listen to the Socialist leader speak than there was yesterday in Dundee to listen to the Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy.
Sheridan pledges to continue fight against poverty
Scottish Television News
Scottish Socialist Leader Tommy Sheridan is making his key note speech at the party's annual conference in Edinburgh.
Mr Sheridan pledged to continue the fight against poverty and the council tax. Delegates include members of the UK's biggest rail union the RMT which recently broke it's links with the Labour party. Supporters also debated the party's European manifesto ahead of the forthcoming elections
Scottish Socialist Leader Tommy Sheridan is making his key note speech at the party's annual conference in Edinburgh.
Mr Sheridan pledged to continue the fight against poverty and the council tax. Delegates include members of the UK's biggest rail union the RMT which recently broke it's links with the Labour party. Supporters also debated the party's European manifesto ahead of the forthcoming elections
Nurses take fight to Jack's doorstep
Daily Record
STRIKING nursery nurses took their battle for better pay to Jack McConnell's doorstep yesterday.
More than 100 staff from North Lanarkshire Council nurseries protested outside the First Minister's constituency office for more than two hours.
McConnell was holding his weekly surgery inside the office in Wishaw as demonstrators brought traffic on the Main Street to a standstill.
Scottish Socialist Party MSP for Central Scotland Carolyn Leckie joined last night's tea-time demonstration.
She said: 'It's encouraging to see so much support this far down the line.
People normally have better things to do on a Friday night so it just shows how determined the girls are.
This strike is unique and certainly the first one I've come across in which both the employers and the Government can say that the case is just.
'No one has said the demands of the nursery nurses are unreasonable, no one has said they are being greedy.
'So why not give them what they're asking for?'
STRIKING nursery nurses took their battle for better pay to Jack McConnell's doorstep yesterday.
More than 100 staff from North Lanarkshire Council nurseries protested outside the First Minister's constituency office for more than two hours.
McConnell was holding his weekly surgery inside the office in Wishaw as demonstrators brought traffic on the Main Street to a standstill.
Scottish Socialist Party MSP for Central Scotland Carolyn Leckie joined last night's tea-time demonstration.
She said: 'It's encouraging to see so much support this far down the line.
People normally have better things to do on a Friday night so it just shows how determined the girls are.
This strike is unique and certainly the first one I've come across in which both the employers and the Government can say that the case is just.
'No one has said the demands of the nursery nurses are unreasonable, no one has said they are being greedy.
'So why not give them what they're asking for?'
Friday, March 26, 2004
Nursery Nurses Strike: SSP Says Sack COSLA Chief
Daily Record: SACK CALL IN NURSERY STRIKE ROW
NURSERY nurses have been sold out by local authority boss Pat Watters and he must resign, an MSP said yesterday.
Scottish Socialist MSP Frances Curran has tabled a no confidence motion in Watters, president of the council's body COSLA.
She said yesterday: 'I have talked to nursery nurses and the overwhelming opinion is Pat Watters has sold them out.
'He has failed in his duty to provide for the under-fives and he should make way now for someone who will.'
Curran's call came as COSLA and the striking nurses' union Unison clashed again in the bitter pay dispute.
Motion to Scottish Parliament
*S2M-1110# Frances Curran: President of COSLA Should Resign—That the Parliament has no confidence in the president of COSLA, Pat Watters, and considers that his refusal to negotiate a national pay and careers structure with the nursery nurses’ union UNISON has provoked a national strike, now in its fourth week; believes that, as the leader of local authorities in Scotland who deliver the age three to five curriculum, Mr Watters has responsibility for ensuring excellent standards in our pre-five sector for both children and staff, and believes that Mr Watters has failed in this responsibility and should tender his resignation.
NURSERY nurses have been sold out by local authority boss Pat Watters and he must resign, an MSP said yesterday.
Scottish Socialist MSP Frances Curran has tabled a no confidence motion in Watters, president of the council's body COSLA.
She said yesterday: 'I have talked to nursery nurses and the overwhelming opinion is Pat Watters has sold them out.
'He has failed in his duty to provide for the under-fives and he should make way now for someone who will.'
Curran's call came as COSLA and the striking nurses' union Unison clashed again in the bitter pay dispute.
Motion to Scottish Parliament
*S2M-1110# Frances Curran: President of COSLA Should Resign—That the Parliament has no confidence in the president of COSLA, Pat Watters, and considers that his refusal to negotiate a national pay and careers structure with the nursery nurses’ union UNISON has provoked a national strike, now in its fourth week; believes that, as the leader of local authorities in Scotland who deliver the age three to five curriculum, Mr Watters has responsibility for ensuring excellent standards in our pre-five sector for both children and staff, and believes that Mr Watters has failed in this responsibility and should tender his resignation.
Thursday, March 25, 2004
PR for local government
BBC: MSPs approve PR election move
The Scottish Parliament has voted in principle for the introduction of proportional representation (PR) for local government...
An amendment in the name of Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan, which called on the parliament to support between three to five councillors per ward, was defeated by 83 votes to 36...
Mr Sheridan said: "Here we have Labour MSPs who are threatening to break the whip in an attempt to keep their local councillor pals in a job and yet they dutifully toed the line when they were told not to vote for a national, just, settlement for the nursery nurses two weeks ago."
The Scottish Parliament has voted in principle for the introduction of proportional representation (PR) for local government...
An amendment in the name of Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan, which called on the parliament to support between three to five councillors per ward, was defeated by 83 votes to 36...
Mr Sheridan said: "Here we have Labour MSPs who are threatening to break the whip in an attempt to keep their local councillor pals in a job and yet they dutifully toed the line when they were told not to vote for a national, just, settlement for the nursery nurses two weeks ago."
SSP lead youth protest
YOUTH HIT BACK IN PROTEST
WISHAW youth took to the streets on Saturday to highlight their campaign for a skateboard facility.
Around 50 young people took part in the protest, organised by the Scottish Socialist Party.
Donnie Nicolson, national youth organiser for the SSP, claimed that recent anti-social behaviour displayed by teenagers in the area stemmed from a chronic lack of youth facilities in Wishaw, coupled with the generally grim employment prospects facing young people.
Donnie said: “It is clear that what is needed is not electronic tags for 12-year-olds and stricter punishments, but real investment in our communities.
“Having had several meetings with local young people, I have learned that there is a strong desire for better facilities, including a skatepark and youth centre but very little enthusiasm from the local authorities when contacted about this.”
WISHAW youth took to the streets on Saturday to highlight their campaign for a skateboard facility.
Around 50 young people took part in the protest, organised by the Scottish Socialist Party.
Donnie Nicolson, national youth organiser for the SSP, claimed that recent anti-social behaviour displayed by teenagers in the area stemmed from a chronic lack of youth facilities in Wishaw, coupled with the generally grim employment prospects facing young people.
Donnie said: “It is clear that what is needed is not electronic tags for 12-year-olds and stricter punishments, but real investment in our communities.
“Having had several meetings with local young people, I have learned that there is a strong desire for better facilities, including a skatepark and youth centre but very little enthusiasm from the local authorities when contacted about this.”
Monday, March 22, 2004
Iraq: No More Lies
BBC: Peace march marks Iraq anniversary
Hundreds of people have joined a peace march in the centre of Glasgow to mark the first anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq.
Police estimated that between 500 and 600 took part in the protest.
The event, organised by the Scottish Coalition for Justice not War, was part of an international day of action.
Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan said there had been a "fantastic" turnout despite the heavy rain.
He said those who opposed the war were "100% right" while UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George W Bush were wrong.
"They have delivered a world that is less secure now than one year ago," he said.
"We are determined, throughout the world, to bring a new peace in place of the destruction and hate that emanates from Bush and Blair.
"This war was not about weapons of mass destruction, this war was not about Saddam Hussein.
"This war was about dividing up the world in the interests of the US and making sure they had another cheap source of oil."
Saturday, March 20, 2004
Jack must act on nursery nurses
Daily Record special: letters from nursery nurses
I WAS one of those who attended the Scottish Parliament demonstration in support of the SSP's motion for a national pay claim.
My colleagues and I travelled the length and breadth of the country to seek assurances and leadership from our political leaders.
An invitation was given to all MSPs to meet informally with us after the motion. Unfortunately, not one Labour MSP attended the gathering.
Why treat Scotland's professionals with such contempt?
I believe Jack McConnell is making a fundamental error in stating that it is a matter for UNISON and our employer, COSLA, to sort it out.
This is an employer that recently branded nursery nurses scandalous and unforgivable.
If McConnell wants to preserve a quality pre-school education, where children are cherished, nurtured and educated, why does he continue to neglect and pour scorn on the workers who implement it?
Trish O'Brien,nursery nurse
I WAS one of those who attended the Scottish Parliament demonstration in support of the SSP's motion for a national pay claim.
My colleagues and I travelled the length and breadth of the country to seek assurances and leadership from our political leaders.
An invitation was given to all MSPs to meet informally with us after the motion. Unfortunately, not one Labour MSP attended the gathering.
Why treat Scotland's professionals with such contempt?
I believe Jack McConnell is making a fundamental error in stating that it is a matter for UNISON and our employer, COSLA, to sort it out.
This is an employer that recently branded nursery nurses scandalous and unforgivable.
If McConnell wants to preserve a quality pre-school education, where children are cherished, nurtured and educated, why does he continue to neglect and pour scorn on the workers who implement it?
Trish O'Brien,nursery nurse
Friday, March 19, 2004
Free healthy school meals bid launched in city
Finnish nutritional author Kaisa Isatola, Shionna Baird MSP,
Tommy Sheridan MSP, Marion Davis, One Plus Scotland, and Sean Scanlon, Scottish Youth Parliament
Dundee Evening Telegraph
A fresh bid to introduce legislation to provide nutritionally-balanced free school meals for every pupil in Scotland was launched in Dundee today, where the city council leads the way in trying to wean children off junk foods, writes James Rougvie.
Although the last Bill foundered two years ago, there is now growing cross-party support for the measure, which would cost £170 million a year to feed Scotland’s 750,000 pupils.
Scottish Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan said that in the two years, since the last attempt at legislation, the health of the nation’s children had worsened and free school meals would be an investment in health.
Thursday, March 18, 2004
McConnell hints at nursery review
BBC News Online
First minister Jack McConnell has hinted at the possibility of a national review of pay and conditions for those who work with pre-school age children.
During question time, Mr McConnell said he would not bow to pressure by Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan and personally intervene in the nursery nurses' strike, which is in its third week.
First minister Jack McConnell has hinted at the possibility of a national review of pay and conditions for those who work with pre-school age children.
During question time, Mr McConnell said he would not bow to pressure by Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan and personally intervene in the nursery nurses' strike, which is in its third week.
New move to give free meals to all Scots pupils
Evening Times
A NEW campaign began today to introduce free school meals for all Scottish pupils.
Tommy Sheridan's Scottish Socialist Party launched a publicity campaign in Glasgow as the party prepared to introduce another Bill calling on the Scottish Parliament to pass legislation making it a right for all pupils to get the free meals.
A NEW campaign began today to introduce free school meals for all Scottish pupils.
Tommy Sheridan's Scottish Socialist Party launched a publicity campaign in Glasgow as the party prepared to introduce another Bill calling on the Scottish Parliament to pass legislation making it a right for all pupils to get the free meals.
Party's new school meals bid
BBC News Online
The Scottish Socialist Party has relaunched a bill to provide free school meals for all.
Similar measures were thrown out in the past, but the party said the legislation would be an investment in the future health of Scottish children.
Critics said there was a greater need for Scottish Executive resources to be targeted elsewhere.
The SSP said all of Scotland's 750,000 children were entitled to a free and nutritious lunch.
Socialist MSP Frances Curran said: "All of the health statistics make it clear that if we do not do something now then the future generations are going to be in very bad health and they will also be dying younger.
"We also think that as an anti-poverty measure it is one of the most important measures we can take."
The Scottish Socialist Party has relaunched a bill to provide free school meals for all.
Similar measures were thrown out in the past, but the party said the legislation would be an investment in the future health of Scottish children.
Critics said there was a greater need for Scottish Executive resources to be targeted elsewhere.
The SSP said all of Scotland's 750,000 children were entitled to a free and nutritious lunch.
Socialist MSP Frances Curran said: "All of the health statistics make it clear that if we do not do something now then the future generations are going to be in very bad health and they will also be dying younger.
"We also think that as an anti-poverty measure it is one of the most important measures we can take."
Solidarity with the Iranian/Kurdish Hunger Strikers
Demonstration - Thursday 18 March 11.30 a.m.
Scottish Parliament
Lawnmarket
Royal Mile
Edinburgh
Scotland
Lobby Jack McConnell at the Scottish Parliament
The protest is scheduled just before First Minister’s Question Time
Blunket’s Shame - End McConnell’s Silence
BBC: Hunger strike protest planned
Supporters of three Kurdish asylum seekers on hunger strike are due to stage protests outside the Scottish parliament and the Home Office...
Friends of the men said they had recently agreed to take more fluids after being bolstered by "widespread support".
Their condition is described as "slightly improved" and "serious but comparatively stable".
Scottish National Party leader John Swinney, Scottish Socialist MSP Carolyn Leckie and general secretary of the STUC Bill Speirs, have all voiced support.
Scottish Parliament
Lawnmarket
Royal Mile
Edinburgh
Scotland
Lobby Jack McConnell at the Scottish Parliament
The protest is scheduled just before First Minister’s Question Time
Blunket’s Shame - End McConnell’s Silence
BBC: Hunger strike protest planned
Supporters of three Kurdish asylum seekers on hunger strike are due to stage protests outside the Scottish parliament and the Home Office...
Friends of the men said they had recently agreed to take more fluids after being bolstered by "widespread support".
Their condition is described as "slightly improved" and "serious but comparatively stable".
Scottish National Party leader John Swinney, Scottish Socialist MSP Carolyn Leckie and general secretary of the STUC Bill Speirs, have all voiced support.
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Welcome to Scotland...
The Guardian: Kurds' plight grips Scotland
Church leaders, campaigners and politicians call on executive to defy Home Office and prevent deportation of three hunger strikers
Carolyn Leckie of the Scottish Socialist party has tried, unsuccessfully, to force Holyrood to address the men's plight. "I am speechless because I cannot come to terms with the barbarity and depravity of it all," she says.
"It is about political cowardice and the executive's unwillingness to stick their neck out on political issues. I think Jack McConnell and the Scottish executive are hiding behind the devolution settlement.
"This is important to the Scottish people. It is about what sort of country we want to live in. What sort of values do we want to impart to our children?"
The Herald: Anger over Extension to Dungavel
THE long-running political row over locking up asylum seekers in Scotland reignited yesterday as the Home Office confirmed it was expanding Dungavel detention centre.
Rosie Kane, the Scottish Socialist MSP who took two asylum seekers from the centre into her home, said: "Dungavel has been damned and damned again. For the Home Office to have the brass neck to expand it is just to spit in the face of all concerned."
Scotsman: Fresh outcry over plans to expand Dungavel centre
Church leaders, campaigners and politicians call on executive to defy Home Office and prevent deportation of three hunger strikers
Carolyn Leckie of the Scottish Socialist party has tried, unsuccessfully, to force Holyrood to address the men's plight. "I am speechless because I cannot come to terms with the barbarity and depravity of it all," she says.
"It is about political cowardice and the executive's unwillingness to stick their neck out on political issues. I think Jack McConnell and the Scottish executive are hiding behind the devolution settlement.
"This is important to the Scottish people. It is about what sort of country we want to live in. What sort of values do we want to impart to our children?"
The Herald: Anger over Extension to Dungavel
THE long-running political row over locking up asylum seekers in Scotland reignited yesterday as the Home Office confirmed it was expanding Dungavel detention centre.
Rosie Kane, the Scottish Socialist MSP who took two asylum seekers from the centre into her home, said: "Dungavel has been damned and damned again. For the Home Office to have the brass neck to expand it is just to spit in the face of all concerned."
Scotsman: Fresh outcry over plans to expand Dungavel centre
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Defend Jailed Protestor
Peter Campbell, a member of the Pollokshaws Road branch of the Scottish Socialist Party, has been remanded in custody for 40 days, over charges relating to protests against the eviction of protestors who had occupied Govanhill swimming pool in Glasgow, which was under threat of closure. Messages of support can be sent to:
Peter Campbell 84820 (this number is important)
HM Prison
Barlinnie
Glasgow G33 3QZ
Peter Campbell 84820 (this number is important)
HM Prison
Barlinnie
Glasgow G33 3QZ
Friday, March 12, 2004
Nursery Nurses Descend on Parliament
Tommy Sheridan (Glasgow) (SSP): It is right and fitting to debate such important issues in the chamber this morning. We have just debated pensioner poverty and the scandal of winter cold-related deaths. We will now debate the council tax and the just case of Scotland's nursery nurses, about which my colleagues Frances Curran and Carolyn Leckie will say more. I simply say that it is a fact of life that the majority of poor pensioners are women. That is because women have been low paid for longer in their lives. Scotland's nursery nurse work force predominantly consists of women. They are fighting the scandal of low pay and deserve 100 per cent support from the people of Scotland.
Carolyn Leckie (Central Scotland) (SSP):
"I appeal to the many people in the chamber who have trade union history and support and to those who shout about pay discrimination and the way in which women are undervalued.
Even if the full claim was won, nursery nurses would still be a full £7,000 a year behind the average male wage. The claim is just. All members know fine well the duty of solidarity.
They know that if there is no national settlement to the dispute while the nursery nurses are all on strike, they will be consigned to low and unequal pay for a very long time?they know what a strike means.
A review is double-speak for defeat. I urge members to vote for substance, not empty calories. I urge them to ask how the nursery nurses would want them to vote. They know what the issue is and they know how they would vote: they would vote for the SSP motion, unamended. We must not let them down. Victory to the nursery nurses!"
Did your MSP vote for the nursery nurses ?
Only 1 Labour MSP, Johann Lamont (Glasgow Pollok), voted in support of the Nursery Nurses.
3 others abstained; Helen Eadie (Dunfermline East), Karen Gillon (Clydesdale) and Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston).
The Full New Labour - Lib Dem coalition vote against the nursery nurses.
The Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 70, Against 44, Abstentions 3
Amendment agreed to.
Carolyn Leckie (Central Scotland) (SSP): Sell-out!
The Presiding Officer: Order. I do not welcome comments during decision time.
The day began with a visit by SSP MSP's to nursery nurses on an Edinburgh picket
"They chanted nursery rhymes for more than two hours. They blew whistles and horns. They banged tambourines.
"This was the biggest and noisiest demonstration of the parliamentary year so far. "
John Knox, BBC Scotland political correspondent
BBC News Online Report, 12/03/04
Frances Curran (West of Scotland) (SSP): I welcome all the nursery nurses who are in the Parliament today and those who are lobbying outside at the moment. [Applause.] We are allowed to clap.
The Deputy Presiding Officer: You are.
Frances Curran: Some of us have no problem with applause from the balconies.
Carolyn Leckie (Central Scotland) (SSP): I welcome all sister members of Unison who are in the public gallery. In particular, I welcome Joan and all the nursery nurses from North Lanarkshire, as well as all the special needs nursery nurses who are present. Like Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, I recognise the special job that they do. That is why they deserve more pay, which should be paid on a national basis. That is the reason why they are on strike.
It is an absolute disgrace that, after 16 years without a review, 10 months of intermittent strike action and two weeks of all-out strike, nursery nurses still do not have decent national pay for a highly skilled, professional, national job.
Carolyn Leckie (Central Scotland) (SSP): Teachers, the police and nurses all have national pay for doing national jobs, albeit in different schools, police stations and hospitals. Councillors even want national pay for themselves. When Pat Watters gave evidence to the Local Government and Transport Committee to demand £25,000 a year for councillors, he was asked whether councillors in Glasgow and Edinburgh perhaps did a different job from councillors in Inverness and elsewhere. "Absolutely not," he said, "we need national pay." If national pay is good enough for Pat Watters, it is good enough for the nursery nurses.
And what about MSPs? We are all on national pay, yet we represent different local employers, who are the voters. If we were to put our pay out to local negotiations in our constituencies, how much would Bill Aitken or Euan Robson receive?
MSP's Block Wage Deal on Nursery's
Daily Record
HUNDREDS of striking nursery nurses lobbied MSPs yesterday but had their hopes of a national pay deal dashed.
Nurses from all over Scotland demonstrated outside the parliament from early in the morning.
But their appeals failed when MSPs voted against a motion calling for a national deal.
About 100 striking nurses cheered and clapped in the public gallery through the debate, called by the Tommy Sheridan-led Scottish Socialist Party.
SSP MSP Carolyn Leckie said: 'It's an absolute disgrace that nursery nurses after 16 years without a review, 10 months on intermittent strike action and two weeks on all-out strike still do not have a decent national pay rate for a highly skilled, professional, national job.'
She argued that since the parliament and Executive had set national standards for nursery nurses, they deserved a pay deal to match.
Thursday, March 11, 2004
'No national deal' for nurseries
BBC News Online
First Minister Jack McConnell has refused to intervene in the long-running nursery nurse pay dispute.
He spoke as striking nurses lobbied MSPs at Holyrood ahead of a parliamentary vote on their pay claim.
West of Scotland MSP Frances Curran led the debate for the SSP.
With about 100 nursery nurses in the public gallery, the mother-of-one told parliament: "I appreciate the time and care, day in and day out, that all of you invest in my son and thousands of children like him."
Ms Curran said the executive had given nursery nurses more duties and responsibilities but no more pay.
"It is a double standard, it is rich and it is utter hypocrisy," she said.
First Minister Jack McConnell has refused to intervene in the long-running nursery nurse pay dispute.
He spoke as striking nurses lobbied MSPs at Holyrood ahead of a parliamentary vote on their pay claim.
West of Scotland MSP Frances Curran led the debate for the SSP.
With about 100 nursery nurses in the public gallery, the mother-of-one told parliament: "I appreciate the time and care, day in and day out, that all of you invest in my son and thousands of children like him."
Ms Curran said the executive had given nursery nurses more duties and responsibilities but no more pay.
"It is a double standard, it is rich and it is utter hypocrisy," she said.
More pressure to axe council tax
BBC News Online
MSPs have been urged to support calls for the abolition of the council tax.
Scottish Socialist Party MSPs, like the Scottish National Party and the Liberal Democrats, want the charge replaced with an income-based alternative.
SSP leader Tommy Sheridan claimed that the most recent opinion poll showed 77% of Scots were in favour of abolishing the charge.
Mr Sheridan led a debate on the tax at Holyrood on Thursday and said MSPs should reflect public opinion.
He urged all parties opposed to the charge to vote with the Socialists.
MSPs have been urged to support calls for the abolition of the council tax.
Scottish Socialist Party MSPs, like the Scottish National Party and the Liberal Democrats, want the charge replaced with an income-based alternative.
SSP leader Tommy Sheridan claimed that the most recent opinion poll showed 77% of Scots were in favour of abolishing the charge.
Mr Sheridan led a debate on the tax at Holyrood on Thursday and said MSPs should reflect public opinion.
He urged all parties opposed to the charge to vote with the Socialists.
Nursery nurses lobby parliament
BBC News Online
Striking nursery nurses are planning to lobby MSPs at Holyrood ahead of a parliamentary vote on their pay claim.
The Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) is using its debating time to support the nursery nurses in their action.
Striking nursery nurses are planning to lobby MSPs at Holyrood ahead of a parliamentary vote on their pay claim.
The Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) is using its debating time to support the nursery nurses in their action.
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Hunger strike statement call
BBC News Online
The Scottish Socialist Party is urging the first minister to intervene in the case of three Kurdish asylum seekers who are on hunger strike in Glasgow.
The men - who have stitched up their mouths - have written to Jack McConnell asking for a meeting.
On Wednesday, the SSP group will ask the first minister to make a statement on the case in parliament.
The Scottish Socialist Party is urging the first minister to intervene in the case of three Kurdish asylum seekers who are on hunger strike in Glasgow.
The men - who have stitched up their mouths - have written to Jack McConnell asking for a meeting.
On Wednesday, the SSP group will ask the first minister to make a statement on the case in parliament.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Backbenchers support SSP motion for nurses' pay
The Scotsman
THE Scottish Executive is coming under increasing pressure from Labour MSPs to intervene in the nursery nurses dispute.
A growing number of Labour backbenchers look set to support a motion from the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) calling for a national settlement to end the strike.
Jack McConnell, the First Minister, has so far refused to get involved, calling on the unions and employers to negotiate local settlements on a council by council basis.
However, Scott Barrie, Cathy Peattie, Susan Deacon, Elaine Smith, Marlyn Glen and Margaret Jamieson, all Labour MSPs, have publicly supported calls for a national review of the role of nursery nurses - which would lead inevitably to national pay grades.
If the Executive doesn’t intervene before Thursday, when the Scottish Parliament will debate the SSP motion, Labour MSPs may well be prepared to embarrass ministers by voting for a national solution.
THE Scottish Executive is coming under increasing pressure from Labour MSPs to intervene in the nursery nurses dispute.
A growing number of Labour backbenchers look set to support a motion from the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) calling for a national settlement to end the strike.
Jack McConnell, the First Minister, has so far refused to get involved, calling on the unions and employers to negotiate local settlements on a council by council basis.
However, Scott Barrie, Cathy Peattie, Susan Deacon, Elaine Smith, Marlyn Glen and Margaret Jamieson, all Labour MSPs, have publicly supported calls for a national review of the role of nursery nurses - which would lead inevitably to national pay grades.
If the Executive doesn’t intervene before Thursday, when the Scottish Parliament will debate the SSP motion, Labour MSPs may well be prepared to embarrass ministers by voting for a national solution.
Monday, March 08, 2004
Nursery nurses dispute
Letter in Dundee Courier
Can I publicly thank the Scottish Socialist Party for its active support of the nursery nurses? Its actions stand in sharp contrast to the intransigence of the Labour administration.
(Rev) Robert J. Ramsay.
Can I publicly thank the Scottish Socialist Party for its active support of the nursery nurses? Its actions stand in sharp contrast to the intransigence of the Labour administration.
(Rev) Robert J. Ramsay.
Sunday, March 07, 2004
Poorer Scottish men 'die younger'
BBC News Online
Men living in Scotland's most deprived areas can expect to die up to 10 years earlier than their average countrymen.
Life expectancy for men has increased by two years in the last decade apart for those in poverty hit places like Springburn and Shettleston in Glasgow.
Scottish Socialist Party national convener Tommy Sheridan used the figures to attack the executive's work on tackling poverty.
He said: "The fact that life expectancy is falling is further proof that current policies aimed at tackling poverty and the diet of our children are not working
"The executive must now face the fact that radical measures are needed to deal with the terrible problem of Scotland's health."
Men living in Scotland's most deprived areas can expect to die up to 10 years earlier than their average countrymen.
Life expectancy for men has increased by two years in the last decade apart for those in poverty hit places like Springburn and Shettleston in Glasgow.
Scottish Socialist Party national convener Tommy Sheridan used the figures to attack the executive's work on tackling poverty.
He said: "The fact that life expectancy is falling is further proof that current policies aimed at tackling poverty and the diet of our children are not working
"The executive must now face the fact that radical measures are needed to deal with the terrible problem of Scotland's health."
Saturday, March 06, 2004
SNP vow to end 'unfair' council tax
Daily Record
NATIONALISTS unveiled plans to scrap council tax and replace it with a local income tax yesterday.
MSPs will get a chance to vote on the future of the council tax next week in a debate called by the Scottish Socialists.
SSP leader Tommy Sheridan has plans for a new service tax, but is willing to talk to other parties about a replacement system.
Sheridan said: 'The most recent opinion poll showed 77per cent of Scots want the unfair council tax scrapped in favour of a system related to a person's ability to pay.
'Next Thursday's vote will be against the council tax and for an income-based alternative.
'The form of alternative can be decided in debate later. The priority is to unite against the council tax.
'I appeal to the SNP and Liberal Democrats to put aside our major differences to ensure that on this issue Scotland's pensioner and low income households win.'
NATIONALISTS unveiled plans to scrap council tax and replace it with a local income tax yesterday.
MSPs will get a chance to vote on the future of the council tax next week in a debate called by the Scottish Socialists.
SSP leader Tommy Sheridan has plans for a new service tax, but is willing to talk to other parties about a replacement system.
Sheridan said: 'The most recent opinion poll showed 77per cent of Scots want the unfair council tax scrapped in favour of a system related to a person's ability to pay.
'Next Thursday's vote will be against the council tax and for an income-based alternative.
'The form of alternative can be decided in debate later. The priority is to unite against the council tax.
'I appeal to the SNP and Liberal Democrats to put aside our major differences to ensure that on this issue Scotland's pensioner and low income households win.'
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Socialists attack refusal to debate hunger strikers
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 04/03/04
Carolyn Leckie MSP, the Scottish Socialist Party's representative on the Parliamentary Business Bureau, today criticised the Deputy Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament for refusing to take a motion without notice that would have allowed the Scottish Parliament to debate the plight of the Kurdish asylum seekers on hunger strike in Glasgow.
Carolyn said;
"The Deputy Presiding Officer should reflect on his decision to put sensitivity about parliamentary procedural niceties ahead of a dire humanitarian emergency and his decision reflects badly on the offices of the Presiding Officer.
"The Scottish Socialist Party wanted to give the Executive an opportunity to indicate what measures they intend to take to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.
"I sincerely hope the parliament doesn't live to regret the decision as next week may be too late."
Press Release: 04/03/04
Carolyn Leckie MSP, the Scottish Socialist Party's representative on the Parliamentary Business Bureau, today criticised the Deputy Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament for refusing to take a motion without notice that would have allowed the Scottish Parliament to debate the plight of the Kurdish asylum seekers on hunger strike in Glasgow.
Carolyn said;
"The Deputy Presiding Officer should reflect on his decision to put sensitivity about parliamentary procedural niceties ahead of a dire humanitarian emergency and his decision reflects badly on the offices of the Presiding Officer.
"The Scottish Socialist Party wanted to give the Executive an opportunity to indicate what measures they intend to take to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.
"I sincerely hope the parliament doesn't live to regret the decision as next week may be too late."
Emergency motion on Glasgow hunger strikers
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 04/03/04
The Scottish Socialist Party is this afternoon attempting to move an emergency resolution in the Scottish Parliament on the 3 Iranian Kurdish asylum seekers who are on hunger strike in Glasgow.
The motion reads;
Parliament expresses it's grave concern at today's developments in relation to; Faroq Haidari, Fariborz Gravindi and Mokhtar Haydary the Iranian, Kurdish Asylum seekers who are conducting a hunger strike and considers that the executive should exert every possible avenue of influence to avoid even more grave consequences for the health of all 3 men and to resolve the issues which have precipitated the hunger strike.
Press Release: 04/03/04
The Scottish Socialist Party is this afternoon attempting to move an emergency resolution in the Scottish Parliament on the 3 Iranian Kurdish asylum seekers who are on hunger strike in Glasgow.
The motion reads;
Parliament expresses it's grave concern at today's developments in relation to; Faroq Haidari, Fariborz Gravindi and Mokhtar Haydary the Iranian, Kurdish Asylum seekers who are conducting a hunger strike and considers that the executive should exert every possible avenue of influence to avoid even more grave consequences for the health of all 3 men and to resolve the issues which have precipitated the hunger strike.
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
Solidarity with Nursery Nurses
Public Meeting
Solidarity against poverty pay
Public Meeting
Tuesday 9th March 7.30pm
Renfield St Stephen's Church Centre, 260 Bath St (by Charing X station)
speakers:
TOMMY SHERIDAN SSP MSP
A LOCAL NURSERY NURSE
ALAN BROWN (civil service union PCS)
ATTEND THIS PUBLIC MEETING - HEAR THE STRIKERS' CASE BUILD FINANCIAL & MORAL SUPPORT FOR LOW-PAID WORKERS BATTLING AGAINST SLAVE WAGES
Solidarity against poverty pay
Public Meeting
Tuesday 9th March 7.30pm
Renfield St Stephen's Church Centre, 260 Bath St (by Charing X station)
speakers:
TOMMY SHERIDAN SSP MSP
A LOCAL NURSERY NURSE
ALAN BROWN (civil service union PCS)
- 5,000 low-paid nursery nurses have been forced to strike because the COSLA employers refuse a decent offer. They earn from £10,000 to £13,800 after 10 years experience - peanuts for the caring, responsible job they do with our kids.
- 90,000 low-paid civil service workers are striking against poverty pay - the average admin worker is on £10,588 - 25% of civil servants earn below £13,750
ATTEND THIS PUBLIC MEETING - HEAR THE STRIKERS' CASE BUILD FINANCIAL & MORAL SUPPORT FOR LOW-PAID WORKERS BATTLING AGAINST SLAVE WAGES
Support the Nursery Nurses!
Nursery Nurses 'Solid' in Walkout
The Scottish Socialist Party tabled a motion to debate the matter in Parliament on Thursday.
Carolyn Leckie MSP said: “Thousands of nursery nurses have been taking industrial action for 10 months and the Scottish Socialist Party places itself squarely on the side of these low paid, undervalued and overwhelmingly female workers.
“We need to force the Executive off the fence over this dispute. The nursery nurses dispute is clearly within the domain of the Scottish Executive and yet they do not want to discuss the issue.” The Scotsman
Bigwigs demand deal they won't give nursery nurses
COUNCIL bosses blocking a national pay deal for nursery nurses were yesterday branded hypocrites for demanding a Scotland-wide deal themselves. Pat Watters, president of councils' association COSLA, told MSPs in January that all elected councillors in Scotland should enjoy nationally agreed pay rates.
The suggested figure was £25,150, half the basic salary of MSPs but he said even that would 'not be a reasonable level of remuneration' for councillors.
If Watters gets his way, the pay rise would add £22 million a year to the bill for taxpayers that already goes on generous allowances for councillors.
That is equivalent to 0.2 per cent of all council spending.
Public sector union Unison calculated the same amount would give all nursery nurses a £3600 rise almost enough to fund their pay claim at a stroke...
Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan said: 'Pat Watters and COSLA refuse to negotiate a national settlement for nursery nurses but demand just such a package for councillors.
'It reeks of hypocrisy. Sure, councillors should be entitled to a proper salary set nationally.
'But that is what people like Pat Watters are denying Scotland's underpaid and undervalued nursery nurses.' Daily Record
The Scottish Socialist Party tabled a motion to debate the matter in Parliament on Thursday.
Carolyn Leckie MSP said: “Thousands of nursery nurses have been taking industrial action for 10 months and the Scottish Socialist Party places itself squarely on the side of these low paid, undervalued and overwhelmingly female workers.
“We need to force the Executive off the fence over this dispute. The nursery nurses dispute is clearly within the domain of the Scottish Executive and yet they do not want to discuss the issue.” The Scotsman
Bigwigs demand deal they won't give nursery nurses
COUNCIL bosses blocking a national pay deal for nursery nurses were yesterday branded hypocrites for demanding a Scotland-wide deal themselves. Pat Watters, president of councils' association COSLA, told MSPs in January that all elected councillors in Scotland should enjoy nationally agreed pay rates.
The suggested figure was £25,150, half the basic salary of MSPs but he said even that would 'not be a reasonable level of remuneration' for councillors.
If Watters gets his way, the pay rise would add £22 million a year to the bill for taxpayers that already goes on generous allowances for councillors.
That is equivalent to 0.2 per cent of all council spending.
Public sector union Unison calculated the same amount would give all nursery nurses a £3600 rise almost enough to fund their pay claim at a stroke...
Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan said: 'Pat Watters and COSLA refuse to negotiate a national settlement for nursery nurses but demand just such a package for councillors.
'It reeks of hypocrisy. Sure, councillors should be entitled to a proper salary set nationally.
'But that is what people like Pat Watters are denying Scotland's underpaid and undervalued nursery nurses.' Daily Record
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Scottish Parliament to debate Nursery Nurses dispute
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 02/03/04
Scottish Parliament to debate Nursery Nurses dispute
The Scottish Socialist Party has tabled two motions for debate in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 11th March, one on the council tax and the other on the nursery nurses dispute.
Carolyn Leckie MSP, the SSP’s representative on the Parliamentary Business Bureau said;
“We are using some of our very limited parliamentary time of one and a half mornings per year to discuss two extremely important Scottish political issues, the council tax and the nursery nurses dispute.
“5,000 nursery nurses have been taking industrial action for 10 months and the Scottish Socialist Party places itself squarely on the side of these low paid, undervalued and overwhelmingly female workers.
“We need to force the Executive off the fence over this dispute.
“On the one hand the Executive tell us they cannot discuss important political issues like Dungavel and the Iraq war because they are reserved issues.
“The nursery nurses dispute is clearly within the domain of the Scottish Executive and yet they do not want to discuss this issue either.
“The truth is that the devolution settlement is nothing to do with the Executives willingness to speak out but rather it is fear of sticking their neck out on anything that actually matters.”
[ends]
SSP motions for debate on Thursday 11th March, 2004
Council Tax
Parliament agrees that the council tax should be abolished and replaced with an income based alternative.
Nursery Nurses
Parliament agrees that the Nursery Nurses have a just claim and that there should be a fair, nationally negotiated settlement to their current dispute.
Press Release: 02/03/04
Scottish Parliament to debate Nursery Nurses dispute
The Scottish Socialist Party has tabled two motions for debate in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 11th March, one on the council tax and the other on the nursery nurses dispute.
Carolyn Leckie MSP, the SSP’s representative on the Parliamentary Business Bureau said;
“We are using some of our very limited parliamentary time of one and a half mornings per year to discuss two extremely important Scottish political issues, the council tax and the nursery nurses dispute.
“5,000 nursery nurses have been taking industrial action for 10 months and the Scottish Socialist Party places itself squarely on the side of these low paid, undervalued and overwhelmingly female workers.
“We need to force the Executive off the fence over this dispute.
“On the one hand the Executive tell us they cannot discuss important political issues like Dungavel and the Iraq war because they are reserved issues.
“The nursery nurses dispute is clearly within the domain of the Scottish Executive and yet they do not want to discuss this issue either.
“The truth is that the devolution settlement is nothing to do with the Executives willingness to speak out but rather it is fear of sticking their neck out on anything that actually matters.”
[ends]
SSP motions for debate on Thursday 11th March, 2004
Council Tax
Parliament agrees that the council tax should be abolished and replaced with an income based alternative.
Nursery Nurses
Parliament agrees that the Nursery Nurses have a just claim and that there should be a fair, nationally negotiated settlement to their current dispute.
Monday, March 01, 2004
Latvians deported weeks before EU accession
TWO Latvian asylum seekers have been deported from Scotland eight weeks before they could legally settle in the country as economic migrants, it emerged yesterday. The move was condemned as inhumane and a waste of taxpayers' money by opposition politicians and asylum campaigners, who also attacked Jack McConnell's efforts to attract migrants to Scotland as "hypocritical". However, the Home Office indicated that it would continue to pursue a hard line against failed asylum seekers from the 10 "ascension states" which are due to join the EU on May 1. Jelena Serenja, 21, and Genadis Suhotskis, 31, were arrested 11 days ago when they reported to immigration officials in Glasgow. The Home Office confirmed to The Herald that they have subsequently been flown out of the country.
The couple, who have previously been detained in Dungavel asylum seeker removal centre, came to Scotland in 2001 after claiming to have uncovered government corruption in Latvia. Ms Serenja has a bullet wound in her shoulder which she claims was the result of an assassination attempt. Although this was accepted by the government, their asylum application was turned down. Friends and supporters said they were unsure whether they have been taken to Russia or Latvia.
Rosie Kane, the Scottish Socialist MSP who has written to the Home Office on their behalf, received a text message from their mobile phone yesterday complaining that they had been beaten by Home Office officials and separated from their possessions. But she has been unable to contact them. She said yesterday the "human and emotional cost" of deporting them had been ignored by the government. "There will be others this will be happen to. They are treated like balls in a pinball machine, being battered around the planet," she said. "There's an aspect to it which says that, if the Home Office admits this couple are in danger in Latvia, it will sour relations with the country before it joins the EU. People are scapegoated for just that political purpose." The Herald
The couple, who have previously been detained in Dungavel asylum seeker removal centre, came to Scotland in 2001 after claiming to have uncovered government corruption in Latvia. Ms Serenja has a bullet wound in her shoulder which she claims was the result of an assassination attempt. Although this was accepted by the government, their asylum application was turned down. Friends and supporters said they were unsure whether they have been taken to Russia or Latvia.
Rosie Kane, the Scottish Socialist MSP who has written to the Home Office on their behalf, received a text message from their mobile phone yesterday complaining that they had been beaten by Home Office officials and separated from their possessions. But she has been unable to contact them. She said yesterday the "human and emotional cost" of deporting them had been ignored by the government. "There will be others this will be happen to. They are treated like balls in a pinball machine, being battered around the planet," she said. "There's an aspect to it which says that, if the Home Office admits this couple are in danger in Latvia, it will sour relations with the country before it joins the EU. People are scapegoated for just that political purpose." The Herald
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