SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 29/04/04
'Despicable' Brankin slammed in Parliament canteen tantrum.
In an astonishing outburst in the Scottish Parliament's posh upmarket 'canteen', Labour MSP for Midlothian Rhona Brankin demanded that Scottish Socialist Party MSP Carolyn Leckie throw out her striking nursery nurses guests. Among the delicacies on offer in the politicians subsidised canteen today were Grilled Salmon Fillet with cous cous for £3.00 and Passion Fruit Fool served with Kumquats, a snip at 70 pence. The under pressure Labour MSP huffily demanded that MSP Leckie throw out the visiting nursery nurses for supposedly breaking an unheard of rule that visitors are not allowed to eat in the high class, low price restaurant.
Carolyn said;
"I am horrified that a Labour MSP would attempt to deny food to workers who have been on strike for nine weeks with the claim that rules bar them from the restaurant. "She clearly has her plate full with the nursery nurses dispute. "Ms Brankin, like all other MSP's, has guests join her at her table in the restaurant for lunch. "The real reason is that she is ashamed of New Labour's backstairs manoeuvres to starve the nursery nurses back to work. "I find her attitude quite despicable and wonder what the many former miners in her coalfield constituency who received this kind of treatment from Margaret Thatcher think of their MSP"
The Herald: Canteen clash over nursery nurses
Friday, April 30, 2004
Give us the dough, say striking cake workers
Give us the dough, say striking cake workers
DEFIANT strikers at Coatbridge’s California Cake Company say they are ready to battle bosses amid claims staff are being forced to work more hours for less hourly pay.
Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan was on the picket line with the workers on Monday to show his support in their fight for fair pay.
And as the face-off enters its third week, the strikers say they are ready to stay out until they get their old pay and conditions back.
Tommy Sheridan said: “I’m here to show solidarity with the workers. This is an imposition of a new contract that means they work more hours for less hourly pay.
“If this company wants to keep its good name and have good products, surely it should pay decent wages. The management didn’t seem to grasp the situation. They said the workers would be getting paid more, but eventually conceded that if they are working more hours to get it then their hourly rate will be lower.”
DEFIANT strikers at Coatbridge’s California Cake Company say they are ready to battle bosses amid claims staff are being forced to work more hours for less hourly pay.
Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan was on the picket line with the workers on Monday to show his support in their fight for fair pay.
And as the face-off enters its third week, the strikers say they are ready to stay out until they get their old pay and conditions back.
Tommy Sheridan said: “I’m here to show solidarity with the workers. This is an imposition of a new contract that means they work more hours for less hourly pay.
“If this company wants to keep its good name and have good products, surely it should pay decent wages. The management didn’t seem to grasp the situation. They said the workers would be getting paid more, but eventually conceded that if they are working more hours to get it then their hourly rate will be lower.”
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Public meeting over school plan
ic Renfrewshire - Public meeting over school plan
CAMPAIGNERS will speak out against Renfrewshire’s massive schools shake-up at a special meeting in Paisley tonight.
Members of the Renfrewshire Anti-Privatisation Committee are holding a public meeting in the Town Hall.
And politicians from different parties will be there to hit out against the council’s plans to build new schools and refurbish others using a public private partnership deal.
Frances Curran, the Scottish Socialist MSP for the West of Scotland, will be speaking out against the use of private firms to build new schools both in Renfrewshire and Glasgow.
CAMPAIGNERS will speak out against Renfrewshire’s massive schools shake-up at a special meeting in Paisley tonight.
Members of the Renfrewshire Anti-Privatisation Committee are holding a public meeting in the Town Hall.
And politicians from different parties will be there to hit out against the council’s plans to build new schools and refurbish others using a public private partnership deal.
Frances Curran, the Scottish Socialist MSP for the West of Scotland, will be speaking out against the use of private firms to build new schools both in Renfrewshire and Glasgow.
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Prison ruling paves way for costly claims
Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Prison ruling paves way for costly claims: "Tommy Sheridan, the leader of the Scottish Socialist Party, experienced slopping-out when he was in Barlinnie and has raised questions on the issue in Parliament.
He said: 'It is an utter humiliation, often perpetrated on prisoners who have not been convicted of any crime.
'How can we hope to reform individuals who are treated like animals in the prison system?'"
He said: 'It is an utter humiliation, often perpetrated on prisoners who have not been convicted of any crime.
'How can we hope to reform individuals who are treated like animals in the prison system?'"
Sunday, April 25, 2004
Thousands Gather for Axe the Tax Demonstration
Tommy Sheridan:
“The Axe The Council Tax demonstration has been a marvellous success.
“Two thousand people from across the political spectrum have shown that the council tax is hated the length and breadth of Scotland.
“Today in Glasgow members of the SSP, the SNP and the Greens joined forces with trade unions, pensioners groups and the general public to demand an end to the unfair council tax."
Scottish Television News: Thousands Gather for Axe the Tax Demonstration
Tommy Sheridan, the leader of the Scottish Socialist Party, stated: The executive have been in power now for five years, the council tax has been with us for ten years. The idea of a review after five years is not good enough. We want it scrapped. We know how bad it is, we want an income based alternative. Let's tax individuals according to their ability to pay."
Sunday Mail: 2,000 Join Tommy's Tax Protest
Protester John Moffat, 31, said: 'Why should I be paying the same amount as Brian Souter, who has millions in the bank?'
Pensioner Elsie Black, 71, added: 'It is appalling that a large chunk of what little income I have has to be spent on such an unfair tax.'
Scotland On Sunday: 'Axe the Tax' protest takes to streets
Campaigners were opposing the current system of council tax, which they claim fails to take full account of the income of residents by putting a ceiling on what the richest earn.
BBC News Online: Socialists urge tax 'rebellion'
The Scottish Socialist Party has predicted "the beginning of the end" for the council tax.
Friday, April 23, 2004
Public service workers ‘better-off’ under SSP tax scheme
The Herald: Public service workers ‘better-off’ under SSP tax scheme
PUBLIC service workers would be hundreds of pounds a year better-off under a Scottish Socialist party alternative to council tax, according to official research.
The SSP said yesterday its income-based Scottish service tax would benefit nurses, police officers, firefighters, social workers and teachers living in Band D homes by between £332 and £567, while nursery nurses would pay £1053 less per year under the scheme.
Pensioners on low incomes would pay nothing at all.
The party cited a paper by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre on the tax's impact on a range of different occupations.
It showed most low-income households would pay less under a service tax, but the well-off would pay much more than at present.
It claimed that a GP earning £56,000 a year would pay an extra £3200, while a council chief executive with an annual salary of £110,000 would pay £15,000 more each year.
The study also showed most low-income households would pay less under a service tax than with the SNP's local income tax plan.
However, the report did not look at how the new tax would affect state benefits, the cost of collecting it, or its impact on a large swathe of middle-income homes – a gap which will be seized upon by opposition parties.
Tommy Sheridan, SSP leader, said: "The well-paid and wealthy will undoubtedly pay more towards local services under the Scottish service tax, but 77% of Scots will be better off.
"Scotland's public services desperately need substantial resources and it is time the rich and better-off paid their share," he said.
The figures were released on the eve of the SSP's "axe the tax" rally against council tax in Glasgow tomorrow.
Other News Today:
The Herald: Hunger-strike asylum seekers to be evicted
BBC: Depression debate for parliament
PUBLIC service workers would be hundreds of pounds a year better-off under a Scottish Socialist party alternative to council tax, according to official research.
The SSP said yesterday its income-based Scottish service tax would benefit nurses, police officers, firefighters, social workers and teachers living in Band D homes by between £332 and £567, while nursery nurses would pay £1053 less per year under the scheme.
Pensioners on low incomes would pay nothing at all.
The party cited a paper by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre on the tax's impact on a range of different occupations.
It showed most low-income households would pay less under a service tax, but the well-off would pay much more than at present.
It claimed that a GP earning £56,000 a year would pay an extra £3200, while a council chief executive with an annual salary of £110,000 would pay £15,000 more each year.
The study also showed most low-income households would pay less under a service tax than with the SNP's local income tax plan.
However, the report did not look at how the new tax would affect state benefits, the cost of collecting it, or its impact on a large swathe of middle-income homes – a gap which will be seized upon by opposition parties.
Tommy Sheridan, SSP leader, said: "The well-paid and wealthy will undoubtedly pay more towards local services under the Scottish service tax, but 77% of Scots will be better off.
"Scotland's public services desperately need substantial resources and it is time the rich and better-off paid their share," he said.
The figures were released on the eve of the SSP's "axe the tax" rally against council tax in Glasgow tomorrow.
Other News Today:
The Herald: Hunger-strike asylum seekers to be evicted
BBC: Depression debate for parliament
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
SSP responds over nursery nurses
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 21/04/04
SSP responds over nursery nurses
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Carolyn Leckie today responded to news that UNISON leadership have agreed to look at the possibility of reaching settlements with individual councils, instead of holding out for a nationwide agreement.
Carolyn said;
"The Scottish Socialist Party continues to be 100% on the side of the nursery nurses.
"It is clear that the Labour Party, COSLA and the Scottish Executive are desperate to find a get out of jail free card prior to the European elections.
"The only acceptable get out of jail card is a settlement acceptable to nursery nurses across the board.
"The nursery nurses and their magnificent battle for recognition of the vital job that they do are a beacon to low paid workers, particularly women, everywhere.
"The nursery nurses will not forget that it was Labour politicians in the Scottish Parliament who sold them down the river on two occasions."
[ends]
Press Release: 21/04/04
SSP responds over nursery nurses
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Carolyn Leckie today responded to news that UNISON leadership have agreed to look at the possibility of reaching settlements with individual councils, instead of holding out for a nationwide agreement.
Carolyn said;
"The Scottish Socialist Party continues to be 100% on the side of the nursery nurses.
"It is clear that the Labour Party, COSLA and the Scottish Executive are desperate to find a get out of jail free card prior to the European elections.
"The only acceptable get out of jail card is a settlement acceptable to nursery nurses across the board.
"The nursery nurses and their magnificent battle for recognition of the vital job that they do are a beacon to low paid workers, particularly women, everywhere.
"The nursery nurses will not forget that it was Labour politicians in the Scottish Parliament who sold them down the river on two occasions."
[ends]
Unions Donate to SSP
The Herald: Socialists hail first trade union donations to the party
BBC News: Postal union in affiliation row
A branch of Britain's biggest postal workers union has sparked a row by breaking Labour Party rules and affiliating to another party.
The Edinburgh and Lothian section of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) handed over a £500 cheque to the Scottish Socialist Party.
The branch represents more than 4,000 postal workers.
The Scotsman: New Row Looming Between Labour and Unions
A fresh row between Labour and the unions was brewing tonight after a branch representing thousands of postal workers affiliated to the Scottish Socialist Party.
The Edinburgh and Lothians section of the Communication Workers Union gave £500 to the SSP and said it would be forging closer links with the party, led by Tommy Sheridan.
BBC News: Postal union in affiliation row
A branch of Britain's biggest postal workers union has sparked a row by breaking Labour Party rules and affiliating to another party.
The Edinburgh and Lothian section of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) handed over a £500 cheque to the Scottish Socialist Party.
The branch represents more than 4,000 postal workers.
The Scotsman: New Row Looming Between Labour and Unions
A fresh row between Labour and the unions was brewing tonight after a branch representing thousands of postal workers affiliated to the Scottish Socialist Party.
The Edinburgh and Lothians section of the Communication Workers Union gave £500 to the SSP and said it would be forging closer links with the party, led by Tommy Sheridan.
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Socialists get trade unions funds boost
Evening News: Socialists get trade unions funds boost
TWO trade unions were today handing cash donations to the Scottish Socialist Party in a new blow to Labour.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) - expelled by Labour earlier this year for allowing branches to affiliate to the SSP - was due to present a cheque to SSP leader Tommy Sheridan.
It covers an affiliation fee and a donation towards the SSP’s European election campaign.
Meanwhile, the Communication Workers Union Scotland Number 2 branch, which has 4500 members in Edinburgh and the Lothians, was also due to announce its affiliation to the SSP.
Mr Sheridan said: "In the short history of the SSP we have proved to be a party that promotes trade unionism and organises solidarity for workers in struggle.
"The Scottish Socialist Party supports workers. To receive financial support from the trade union movement is a tribute to our solidarity work.
"Union members cannot understand why the Blair Labour Party continues to receive millions of pounds of union members’ hard-earned cash. This money will help us fight the council tax and win a European seat in June."
Scotland on Sunday: Union chief's 'break from Labour' plea
The Independent: interview with Bob Crow
TWO trade unions were today handing cash donations to the Scottish Socialist Party in a new blow to Labour.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) - expelled by Labour earlier this year for allowing branches to affiliate to the SSP - was due to present a cheque to SSP leader Tommy Sheridan.
It covers an affiliation fee and a donation towards the SSP’s European election campaign.
Meanwhile, the Communication Workers Union Scotland Number 2 branch, which has 4500 members in Edinburgh and the Lothians, was also due to announce its affiliation to the SSP.
Mr Sheridan said: "In the short history of the SSP we have proved to be a party that promotes trade unionism and organises solidarity for workers in struggle.
"The Scottish Socialist Party supports workers. To receive financial support from the trade union movement is a tribute to our solidarity work.
"Union members cannot understand why the Blair Labour Party continues to receive millions of pounds of union members’ hard-earned cash. This money will help us fight the council tax and win a European seat in June."
Scotland on Sunday: Union chief's 'break from Labour' plea
The Independent: interview with Bob Crow
MSPs slam Royal Mile parade plan
Scotsman: MSPs slam Royal Mile parade plan
MSPS today spoke out against plans to stage a procession of politicians down the Royal Mile as part of the opening ceremony for the parliament building...
Lothians Scottish Socialist MSP Colin Fox said he could imagine disgruntled residents at their windows with rotting vegetables - and worse - at the ready.
"We could be hearing a few cries of ‘gardyloo’," he said. "And all those who dress up in their finery might find it’s not so fine by the time they get there."
MSPS today spoke out against plans to stage a procession of politicians down the Royal Mile as part of the opening ceremony for the parliament building...
Lothians Scottish Socialist MSP Colin Fox said he could imagine disgruntled residents at their windows with rotting vegetables - and worse - at the ready.
"We could be hearing a few cries of ‘gardyloo’," he said. "And all those who dress up in their finery might find it’s not so fine by the time they get there."
Youth Against War
Sunday Herald: The War May Be Over, But The Battle Goes On
One year ago a group of teenagers in the capital organised a walkout of their respective schools in protest over Iraq. Vicky Allan catches up with the alumni of Edinburgh Youth Against The War
One year ago a group of teenagers in the capital organised a walkout of their respective schools in protest over Iraq. Vicky Allan catches up with the alumni of Edinburgh Youth Against The War
Monday, April 19, 2004
Actor joins nursery picket line
BBC News Online
Scottish actor and director Peter Mullan is joining striking nursery nurses on the picket line.
Mr Mullan is showing his support for nursery nurses in Govan, Glasgow, on Monday along with the leader of the RMT rail union, Bob Crow.
The act of solidarity will take place as trade union activists gather for the first day of the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) conference.
Scottish Socialist leader Tommy Sheridan will also join the protest.
Scottish actor and director Peter Mullan is joining striking nursery nurses on the picket line.
Mr Mullan is showing his support for nursery nurses in Govan, Glasgow, on Monday along with the leader of the RMT rail union, Bob Crow.
The act of solidarity will take place as trade union activists gather for the first day of the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) conference.
Scottish Socialist leader Tommy Sheridan will also join the protest.
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Socialists' council tax demo call
Evening Times
THE Scottish Socialist Party today called on Scots to march against the council tax in a mass demonstration next weekend.
The Axe the Tax rally will take place in Glasgow on April 24, to highlight the fact that the city has the highest council tax rate in Scotland, despite widespread poverty.
Convener Tommy Sheridan said: "We rebelled against the poll tax and we defeated it. Now it's time to rebel against the council tax."
A band D property is currently £1185 a year in Glasgow.
The SSP wants a Scottish service tax, based on income. It says this would reduce the tax bill for 77% of Scots while forcing the country's top 16% of earners to pay more for services.
Next Saturday demonstrators will gather at George Square at 11.30am before marching to a rally at the Barrowlands Ballroom. THE Scottish Socialist Party today called on Scots to march against the council tax in a mass demonstration next weekend.
The Axe the Tax rally will take place in Glasgow on April 24, to highlight the fact that the city has the highest council tax rate in Scotland, despite widespread poverty.
Convener Tommy Sheridan said: "We rebelled against the poll tax and we defeated it. Now it's time to rebel against the council tax."
A band D property is currently £1185 a year in Glasgow.
The SSP wants a Scottish service tax, based on income. It says this would reduce the tax bill for 77% of Scots while forcing the country's top 16% of earners to pay more for services.
Next Saturday demonstrators will gather at George Square at 11.30am before marching to a rally at the Barrowlands Ballroom.
THE Scottish Socialist Party today called on Scots to march against the council tax in a mass demonstration next weekend.
The Axe the Tax rally will take place in Glasgow on April 24, to highlight the fact that the city has the highest council tax rate in Scotland, despite widespread poverty.
Convener Tommy Sheridan said: "We rebelled against the poll tax and we defeated it. Now it's time to rebel against the council tax."
A band D property is currently £1185 a year in Glasgow.
The SSP wants a Scottish service tax, based on income. It says this would reduce the tax bill for 77% of Scots while forcing the country's top 16% of earners to pay more for services.
Next Saturday demonstrators will gather at George Square at 11.30am before marching to a rally at the Barrowlands Ballroom. THE Scottish Socialist Party today called on Scots to march against the council tax in a mass demonstration next weekend.
The Axe the Tax rally will take place in Glasgow on April 24, to highlight the fact that the city has the highest council tax rate in Scotland, despite widespread poverty.
Convener Tommy Sheridan said: "We rebelled against the poll tax and we defeated it. Now it's time to rebel against the council tax."
A band D property is currently £1185 a year in Glasgow.
The SSP wants a Scottish service tax, based on income. It says this would reduce the tax bill for 77% of Scots while forcing the country's top 16% of earners to pay more for services.
Next Saturday demonstrators will gather at George Square at 11.30am before marching to a rally at the Barrowlands Ballroom.
Socialists step up tax campaign
BBC News Online
The Scottish Socialist Party is urging people to rebel against the council tax system.
SSP leader Tommy Sheridan will ask the public to reject the existing tax system and adopt its service tax plan.
The party claims 77% of Scots would pay less than their current council tax, with the 16% best paid and wealthiest citizens paying the difference.
Mr Sheridan will take to a soapbox in Glasgow on Thursday seeking support for a rally at the end of April.
He said: "It is appropriate that we campaign in Glasgow because despite being the poverty capital of Scotland it also has the highest council tax in the country.
"The council tax is an acutely unfair Tory tax which pampers the well off and wealthy but plunders the purses and wallets of the pensioner and low-paid households.
"We are determined to scrap the council tax and replace it with our income based Scottish Service Tax.
"The rich minority would pay more while the vast majority would pay less."
The Scottish Socialist Party is urging people to rebel against the council tax system.
SSP leader Tommy Sheridan will ask the public to reject the existing tax system and adopt its service tax plan.
The party claims 77% of Scots would pay less than their current council tax, with the 16% best paid and wealthiest citizens paying the difference.
Mr Sheridan will take to a soapbox in Glasgow on Thursday seeking support for a rally at the end of April.
He said: "It is appropriate that we campaign in Glasgow because despite being the poverty capital of Scotland it also has the highest council tax in the country.
"The council tax is an acutely unfair Tory tax which pampers the well off and wealthy but plunders the purses and wallets of the pensioner and low-paid households.
"We are determined to scrap the council tax and replace it with our income based Scottish Service Tax.
"The rich minority would pay more while the vast majority would pay less."
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Nursery Nurses Website
Supporting the Nursery Nurses Claim for a National Settlement. A website produced by striking nursery nurses in Dundee. Please visit and show your support.
Monday, April 12, 2004
SSP call for minister to take full responsibility
BBC News Online: Talks after inmate release error
The justice minister has begun talks with prison officials and a private security firm about problems in the prisoner transfer service.
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Colin Fox called for the Reliance contract to be cancelled and said Ms Jamieson must "take full responsibility for the privatised chaos that has resulted".
He said: "The Scottish Executive and the minister of justice in particular were repeatedly warned just months ago of the danger of privatising prisoner escort services in Scotland.
"Those warnings have been borne out by the debacle surrounding the mistaken release of prisoners over the past week.
The justice minister has begun talks with prison officials and a private security firm about problems in the prisoner transfer service.
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Colin Fox called for the Reliance contract to be cancelled and said Ms Jamieson must "take full responsibility for the privatised chaos that has resulted".
He said: "The Scottish Executive and the minister of justice in particular were repeatedly warned just months ago of the danger of privatising prisoner escort services in Scotland.
"Those warnings have been borne out by the debacle surrounding the mistaken release of prisoners over the past week.
Thursday, April 08, 2004
Prescription charge plea by MSP
BBC News Online
A public consultation on plans to scrap the prescription charge in Scotland has been launched by an MSP.
Lothians Socialist MSP Colin Fox said the cost forces many patients to go without vital treatment.
He said it also undermines the NHS's founding principle of free health care at the point of need.
Mr Fox now wants MSPs to follow the Welsh Assembly, which will phase out charges by 2007 at an estimated cost of £31m a year.
A public consultation on plans to scrap the prescription charge in Scotland has been launched by an MSP.
Lothians Socialist MSP Colin Fox said the cost forces many patients to go without vital treatment.
He said it also undermines the NHS's founding principle of free health care at the point of need.
Mr Fox now wants MSPs to follow the Welsh Assembly, which will phase out charges by 2007 at an estimated cost of £31m a year.
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
SSP say no platform for BNP
Scotsman.com News - Call to shun BNP in vote
THE Scottish Socialist Party yesterday launched its campaign for the European elections with a call to their rival parties to "shun" candidates from the BNP during the campaign.
SSP list candidate Felicity Garvie said her party would fight the coming elections on key issues of jobs, wealth inequality, the environment, fishing and agriculture.
However, she added: "We are equally determined to do everything in our power to block any progress by the BNP, who plan to use the elections as a platform for their racist poison.
"To that end I am contacting candidates from other parties with a direct appeal to them not to share platforms with the BNP in debates and meetings."
THE Scottish Socialist Party yesterday launched its campaign for the European elections with a call to their rival parties to "shun" candidates from the BNP during the campaign.
SSP list candidate Felicity Garvie said her party would fight the coming elections on key issues of jobs, wealth inequality, the environment, fishing and agriculture.
However, she added: "We are equally determined to do everything in our power to block any progress by the BNP, who plan to use the elections as a platform for their racist poison.
"To that end I am contacting candidates from other parties with a direct appeal to them not to share platforms with the BNP in debates and meetings."
PARLY WILL HOST BASH FOR RICHEST
dailyrecord - PARLY WILL HOST BASH FOR RICHEST: "Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan said: 'Fatcats handing awards to each other for doing good deeds for charity as their wallets get fatter by the minute is about as tacky as it gets.'"
Policeman censured for web insult to SSP
Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Policeman censured for web insult to SSP
A POLICE constable who described members of the Scottish Socialist Party as "oxygen thieves" has been disciplined by his force.
A POLICE constable who described members of the Scottish Socialist Party as "oxygen thieves" has been disciplined by his force.
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
PACK UP THE OLD KILT BAG JACK.. CELEBRATE HERE
Sunday Mail, Scotland, Apr 4 2004
Rosie Kane, Scottish Socialist Party MSP, Glasgow
PACK UP THE OLD KILT BAG JACK.. CELEBRATE HERE
DON'T get me wrong, if Jack McConnell wants to parade up and down Fifth Avenue looking like one of the Alexander Brothers, I would be the last person to stop him. But do not tell me the tartan-tinged jamboree in New York this week should make me proud to be Scottish. Tartan Day is certainly a day to puff our chests out a little bit further.
On April 6, 1320, the Declaration of Arbroath was signed. It was the Scottish Declaration of Independence and its values and pledges held such power and resonance that America modelled theirs on ours. It remains an inspiration and the big marches and celebrations should be in Scotland not on the other side of the Atlantic.
Jack will be there to celebrate Tartan Day when ex-pats and New Yorkers will enjoy a great big Scottish-flavoured hooley. Jack will be leading the pipers in procession in New York alongside SNP MSP Kenny MacAskill and other blokes they forgot to ask a woman but that's another story.
I imagine they will have a fantastic time hob-nobbing with politicians and business types while celebrating all that is great about Scotland. But hang on, where is the procession through our main cities? Jack will say he is promoting Scotland abroad. Fair enough but what about promoting Scotland at home?
Yes, we live in a magnificent country of outstanding beauty and, yes, the list of excellent Scottish produce is endless and should be shared with the rest of the planet. But Scotland is not only a trading post and Tartan Day should be about far more than saying 'Look at what we've got, would you like some?'
Tartan Day is actually a repackaging exercise it is the repackaging and the burying of our history. I was duff at school and fell asleep during History, yet I still learned all about English kings, the Battle of Hastings, Victoria and Albert, etc.
All of which I am grateful for but I have asked my folks and friends and not one of them learned much about this monumental part of Scottish history until they sought it out themselves. Why are we not out partying in the streets as we recall the day when our comparatively small country told the rest of the world that it would 'set people above the King'? The declaration is a plea for liberty and freedom. Not the tartan and shortbread type of freedom real freedom and equality and peace.
It is an amazing affirmation of liberty and independence which would end the cruel oppression that was taking place. It is not complicated or hateful. It is humanitarian and sensible. That said, I suppose it is no coincidence that this event has all but been erased from our education nor is it a coincidence that we do not have massive celebrations to recall the day when Scotland said enough is enough.
If we celebrated this event as they do in America how could the First Minister lead the parade when he and his party oppose self- determination; swear allegiance to the Crown so easily and not the people; allow Scotland to be used to house nuclear weapons; grow GM crops; dump dangerous waste and send soldiers to war at the bequest of Westminster... or was it the White House?
I am for an independent Socialist Scotland, not an anti-English Scotland.
It is about breaking from Westminster not breaking from the people of England, Wales or Ireland or any other nation for that matter. I would love the chance to remember the courage contained in our history.
As an MSP, I am constantly disappointed and frustrated when our Scottish Parliament opens its mouth and has no teeth I deplore the fact that we have no say over immigration or that we have no power over despicably low pensions or the fact that our elderly citizens go through degrading means testing when making claims for just about anything.
And I hate it even more when we do have the power to make important decisions for the people of Scotland and the Parliament wimps out. Even if you do not agree with my, or any other, model of independence, surely it is a shocker that we have been forced to forget our own history a history that is celebrated thousands of miles away.
In many ways it may as well have happened thousands of miles away. You can repackage toothpaste but not history the Declaration of Arbroath Day does what it says on the tin. Tartan Day doesn't. Our ancestors dreamed of freedom, peace and liberty and worked to achieve it. So must we.
Rosie Kane, Scottish Socialist Party MSP, Glasgow
PACK UP THE OLD KILT BAG JACK.. CELEBRATE HERE
DON'T get me wrong, if Jack McConnell wants to parade up and down Fifth Avenue looking like one of the Alexander Brothers, I would be the last person to stop him. But do not tell me the tartan-tinged jamboree in New York this week should make me proud to be Scottish. Tartan Day is certainly a day to puff our chests out a little bit further.
On April 6, 1320, the Declaration of Arbroath was signed. It was the Scottish Declaration of Independence and its values and pledges held such power and resonance that America modelled theirs on ours. It remains an inspiration and the big marches and celebrations should be in Scotland not on the other side of the Atlantic.
Jack will be there to celebrate Tartan Day when ex-pats and New Yorkers will enjoy a great big Scottish-flavoured hooley. Jack will be leading the pipers in procession in New York alongside SNP MSP Kenny MacAskill and other blokes they forgot to ask a woman but that's another story.
I imagine they will have a fantastic time hob-nobbing with politicians and business types while celebrating all that is great about Scotland. But hang on, where is the procession through our main cities? Jack will say he is promoting Scotland abroad. Fair enough but what about promoting Scotland at home?
Yes, we live in a magnificent country of outstanding beauty and, yes, the list of excellent Scottish produce is endless and should be shared with the rest of the planet. But Scotland is not only a trading post and Tartan Day should be about far more than saying 'Look at what we've got, would you like some?'
Tartan Day is actually a repackaging exercise it is the repackaging and the burying of our history. I was duff at school and fell asleep during History, yet I still learned all about English kings, the Battle of Hastings, Victoria and Albert, etc.
All of which I am grateful for but I have asked my folks and friends and not one of them learned much about this monumental part of Scottish history until they sought it out themselves. Why are we not out partying in the streets as we recall the day when our comparatively small country told the rest of the world that it would 'set people above the King'? The declaration is a plea for liberty and freedom. Not the tartan and shortbread type of freedom real freedom and equality and peace.
It is an amazing affirmation of liberty and independence which would end the cruel oppression that was taking place. It is not complicated or hateful. It is humanitarian and sensible. That said, I suppose it is no coincidence that this event has all but been erased from our education nor is it a coincidence that we do not have massive celebrations to recall the day when Scotland said enough is enough.
If we celebrated this event as they do in America how could the First Minister lead the parade when he and his party oppose self- determination; swear allegiance to the Crown so easily and not the people; allow Scotland to be used to house nuclear weapons; grow GM crops; dump dangerous waste and send soldiers to war at the bequest of Westminster... or was it the White House?
I am for an independent Socialist Scotland, not an anti-English Scotland.
It is about breaking from Westminster not breaking from the people of England, Wales or Ireland or any other nation for that matter. I would love the chance to remember the courage contained in our history.
As an MSP, I am constantly disappointed and frustrated when our Scottish Parliament opens its mouth and has no teeth I deplore the fact that we have no say over immigration or that we have no power over despicably low pensions or the fact that our elderly citizens go through degrading means testing when making claims for just about anything.
And I hate it even more when we do have the power to make important decisions for the people of Scotland and the Parliament wimps out. Even if you do not agree with my, or any other, model of independence, surely it is a shocker that we have been forced to forget our own history a history that is celebrated thousands of miles away.
In many ways it may as well have happened thousands of miles away. You can repackage toothpaste but not history the Declaration of Arbroath Day does what it says on the tin. Tartan Day doesn't. Our ancestors dreamed of freedom, peace and liberty and worked to achieve it. So must we.
Friday, April 02, 2004
Socialist emerges from 'very dark place'
The Times
THE Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane yesterday told how she struggled for more than a month "in a very dark place" when she was laid low by depression last year.
She also described how the condition left her unable to communicate with her two daughters.
Ms Kane, who stopped work after suffering clinical depression, described her ordeal in her first broadcast interview since returning to work in the Scottish Parliament. She told the Radio 5 Live interviewer Simon Mayo that as her condition deteriorated her friends knew but she at first carried on working, in "complete denial".
"I hit a wall," she said. "I just retreated to the settee with a continental quilt. It sounds like you're down and you're having a duvet day but it's very, very different to that...I have two beautiful, bright, wonderful daughters and I was unable to communicate with them at any level."
Ms Kane said that she had received therapy, medication and counselling which helped her recovery, and she now organised her work in a different way.
THE Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane yesterday told how she struggled for more than a month "in a very dark place" when she was laid low by depression last year.
She also described how the condition left her unable to communicate with her two daughters.
Ms Kane, who stopped work after suffering clinical depression, described her ordeal in her first broadcast interview since returning to work in the Scottish Parliament. She told the Radio 5 Live interviewer Simon Mayo that as her condition deteriorated her friends knew but she at first carried on working, in "complete denial".
"I hit a wall," she said. "I just retreated to the settee with a continental quilt. It sounds like you're down and you're having a duvet day but it's very, very different to that...I have two beautiful, bright, wonderful daughters and I was unable to communicate with them at any level."
Ms Kane said that she had received therapy, medication and counselling which helped her recovery, and she now organised her work in a different way.
Thursday, April 01, 2004
Top MSPs to probe experts' complaint over Queen Mum's
Evening Times
CLAIMS that NHS bosses misinformed the public over the Queen Mum's hospital will go before a committee of MSPs.
Carolyn Leckie, Socialist MSP and ex-midwife who has campaigned for the Queen Mum's, said: "We need to be able to independently scrutinise the evidence.
"There is no point having a consultation if the facts are only in the domain of a select few."
CLAIMS that NHS bosses misinformed the public over the Queen Mum's hospital will go before a committee of MSPs.
Carolyn Leckie, Socialist MSP and ex-midwife who has campaigned for the Queen Mum's, said: "We need to be able to independently scrutinise the evidence.
"There is no point having a consultation if the facts are only in the domain of a select few."
Prescription charge rise 'a sick joke'
Evening News
LOTHIANS MSP Colin Fox today condemned the 10p rise in prescription charges as "a sick joke" on April Fools’ Day.
The Scottish Socialist MSP, who is proposing a Bill to abolish the charges, said the increase to £6.40 per item from today meant prescription charges had gone up 3200 per cent since 1979.
"If the rise had only been kept to the rate of inflation, they would today cost just 64p instead."
He condemned prescription charges as a tax on illness.
"Many will feel the Scottish Executive are making April fools out of patients. There are already 70,000 people in Scotland who cannot afford to get the medicines they need. Today’s increase adds insult to injury," he said.
Mr Fox said Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm had told him that patients need not be deterred from obtaining medicines on financial grounds because there was an extensive system of exemptions and remission of charges.
However, Mr Fox said that this system was decades out of date, full of anomalies and prevented many patients from accessing NHS treatment.
LOTHIANS MSP Colin Fox today condemned the 10p rise in prescription charges as "a sick joke" on April Fools’ Day.
The Scottish Socialist MSP, who is proposing a Bill to abolish the charges, said the increase to £6.40 per item from today meant prescription charges had gone up 3200 per cent since 1979.
"If the rise had only been kept to the rate of inflation, they would today cost just 64p instead."
He condemned prescription charges as a tax on illness.
"Many will feel the Scottish Executive are making April fools out of patients. There are already 70,000 people in Scotland who cannot afford to get the medicines they need. Today’s increase adds insult to injury," he said.
Mr Fox said Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm had told him that patients need not be deterred from obtaining medicines on financial grounds because there was an extensive system of exemptions and remission of charges.
However, Mr Fox said that this system was decades out of date, full of anomalies and prevented many patients from accessing NHS treatment.
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