Scottish Socialist Party General Election 2005
SSP: Report shows Labour the party of the millionaires.
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox said today that the paper published in the British Medical Journal showing life expectancy in Glasgow is ten years less than that in Kensington and Chelsea in London was shocking proof that New Labour was the party of the millionaires. The paper also showed that the poorest 10% in society now receive 3% of the nation's total income, whereas the richest tenth get more than a 25%. Colin said;
"This election campaign has seen New Labour boasting about its success managing the economy. "That may be true if you are one of the richest ten percent living in Kensington or Chelsea but if you are low waged or unemployed living in Glasgow it is fiction. "For the people that the Scottish Socialist Party represents there is a cost to the wealth that is accumulating nicely for the richest ten percent and it is ten years off your life. "This is an absolute disgrace and proof that New Labour is carrying on the work that Margaret Thatcher started on behalf of the millionaires. "New Labour is very clearly the party of the millionaires, not the millions."
Friday, April 29, 2005
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Scottish Socialist Party call for £8 an hour minimum wage
Scottish Socialist Party General Election 2005
Scottish Socialist Party call for £8 an hour minimum wage
As Labour highlight the minimum wage as a key achievement of the Blair government, Scottish Socialist Party convenor Colin Fox MSP called for the minimum wage to be raised to £8 an hour to lift thousands of Scots out of poverty.
Colin Fox said:
"Low pay and long hours are Scotland's national disgrace. "The UK has the longest working hours in Europe and a mountain of personal debt - unsurprising when you consider than 1 in 3 Scots earns less than £6.50 an hour.
"An £8 an hour minimum wage, equivalent to two-thirds of male median earnings, would lift thousands of families out of poverty, and would actually save money in benefits such as Working Families Tax Credit.
"It is a disgrace that a quarter of low paid workers are found in the public sector, including vital hospital workers, school caterers, and the civil servants paid to administer benefits such as WFTC who end up claiming the benefits themselves.
"Perhaps Tony Blair should reflect on the human price of low pay and long hours when he's relaxing with the G8 leaders in Gleneagles, surrounded by an invisible army of housekeeping staff who work a 48 hour week for £4.85 an hour."
Scottish Socialist Party call for £8 an hour minimum wage
As Labour highlight the minimum wage as a key achievement of the Blair government, Scottish Socialist Party convenor Colin Fox MSP called for the minimum wage to be raised to £8 an hour to lift thousands of Scots out of poverty.
Colin Fox said:
"Low pay and long hours are Scotland's national disgrace. "The UK has the longest working hours in Europe and a mountain of personal debt - unsurprising when you consider than 1 in 3 Scots earns less than £6.50 an hour.
"An £8 an hour minimum wage, equivalent to two-thirds of male median earnings, would lift thousands of families out of poverty, and would actually save money in benefits such as Working Families Tax Credit.
"It is a disgrace that a quarter of low paid workers are found in the public sector, including vital hospital workers, school caterers, and the civil servants paid to administer benefits such as WFTC who end up claiming the benefits themselves.
"Perhaps Tony Blair should reflect on the human price of low pay and long hours when he's relaxing with the G8 leaders in Gleneagles, surrounded by an invisible army of housekeeping staff who work a 48 hour week for £4.85 an hour."
SSP attack two faced Lib Dems over Iraq
Scottish Socialist Party General Election 2005
SSP attack two faced Lib Dems over Iraq
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox today attacked the Liberal Democrats over the Iraq war as another example of their "two faced" politics; saying one thing on a UK wide basis and doing another in the Scottish Parliament.
Colin said;
"The Liberal Democrats are at it again.
"On a UK basis they say they want to abolish the Council Tax but won't support the SSP's bill in the Scottish Parliament to do just that.
"They say they want to abolish prescription charges but won't support the SSP's bill in the Scottish Parliament to do just that.
"Now they are calling for troops to be withdrawn from Iraq by the end of the year but in the Scottish Parliament debate on Iraq on 9th December last year the Liberal Democrats attacked the SSP's demand for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq as "utterly irresponsible".
"The Scottish Socialist Party is the only party standing in this election in Scotland which has consistently and fearlessly called for the withdrawal of all troops from Iraq.
"The Liberal Democrats are nothing but two faced opportunists who deserve contempt from the hundreds of thousands who took to the streets to oppose the illegal war on Iraq."
SSP attack two faced Lib Dems over Iraq
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox today attacked the Liberal Democrats over the Iraq war as another example of their "two faced" politics; saying one thing on a UK wide basis and doing another in the Scottish Parliament.
Colin said;
"The Liberal Democrats are at it again.
"On a UK basis they say they want to abolish the Council Tax but won't support the SSP's bill in the Scottish Parliament to do just that.
"They say they want to abolish prescription charges but won't support the SSP's bill in the Scottish Parliament to do just that.
"Now they are calling for troops to be withdrawn from Iraq by the end of the year but in the Scottish Parliament debate on Iraq on 9th December last year the Liberal Democrats attacked the SSP's demand for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq as "utterly irresponsible".
"The Scottish Socialist Party is the only party standing in this election in Scotland which has consistently and fearlessly called for the withdrawal of all troops from Iraq.
"The Liberal Democrats are nothing but two faced opportunists who deserve contempt from the hundreds of thousands who took to the streets to oppose the illegal war on Iraq."
Monday, April 25, 2005
Voters’ concern over poverty triggers promises of more aid
The Herald
The Scottish Socialists said the sudden focus on world poverty was largely cynical tokenism.
Colin Fox, SSP leader, said: "For one day of the year Scotland's establishment political parties are paying lip service to the fight against poverty. Every other day of the year they attack those who make the fight against poverty the central plank of policy as being extremists and troublemakers. The only way to make poverty history is to make capitalism history."
He added: "Labour may promise more spending on aid but we are all used to Tony Blair's Labour manifesto promises being broken."
The Scottish Socialists said the sudden focus on world poverty was largely cynical tokenism.
Colin Fox, SSP leader, said: "For one day of the year Scotland's establishment political parties are paying lip service to the fight against poverty. Every other day of the year they attack those who make the fight against poverty the central plank of policy as being extremists and troublemakers. The only way to make poverty history is to make capitalism history."
He added: "Labour may promise more spending on aid but we are all used to Tony Blair's Labour manifesto promises being broken."
SSP Calls for 12 Months Maternity Leave with Full Pay
School Gate Mum has power to swing biggest election issue - The Herald: "'There's not a massive difference between the parties on maternity leave and pay, except the Scottish Socialist Party's proposal of 12 months' maternity leave with full pay would be fantastic. I have a friend – a male friend – in Sweden, who has 12 months on full pay.'"
Friday, April 22, 2005
Scottish Socialist Party Election Broadcast
Scottish Socialist Party Election Broadcast
The SSP Election broadcast will be shown tonight at the following times:
* 5.55pm BBC 2
* 6.55 pm BBC 1
* 11.10 pm STV
The SSP Election broadcast will be shown tonight at the following times:
* 5.55pm BBC 2
* 6.55 pm BBC 1
* 11.10 pm STV
SSP convenor brands Nationalist campaign 'two faced'
Scottish Socialist Party General Election 2005
SSP convenor brands Nationalist campaign 'two faced'
Scottish Socialist Party convenor Colin Fox MSP today branded the SNP's campaign 'two faced', as the Nationalist leader Alex Salmond outlined SNP plans for North Sea oil.
Colin Fox said: "On Tuesday, the SNP are the party of business. They want to slash corporate taxes, boost profit and ape Ireland's Celtic Tiger economy, fuelled by multinationals and low wages. "On Wednesday, the SNP are the party of the trade unions, laying claim to the socialist principles of Labour abandoned by Blair and Brown. "The SNP want to be all things to all people. "Their proposal to create a Scottish Oil Fund would keep billions of pounds in the Scottish economy, but billions more would continue to pour into the coffers of Shell, BP and the oil conglomerates reaping profits from the North Sea. "The SNP would even boost these profits by giving businesses even bigger tax breaks. "The Scottish Socialist Party are 100% committed to our principles. "Our proposals for the public ownership of North Sea oil would see all of the revenue from North Sea oil used for the benefit of the people of Scotland. "We would also ring-fence a proportion of the revenue for research into alternative energy sources, ensuring jobs and energy resources for future generations."
SSP convenor brands Nationalist campaign 'two faced'
Scottish Socialist Party convenor Colin Fox MSP today branded the SNP's campaign 'two faced', as the Nationalist leader Alex Salmond outlined SNP plans for North Sea oil.
Colin Fox said: "On Tuesday, the SNP are the party of business. They want to slash corporate taxes, boost profit and ape Ireland's Celtic Tiger economy, fuelled by multinationals and low wages. "On Wednesday, the SNP are the party of the trade unions, laying claim to the socialist principles of Labour abandoned by Blair and Brown. "The SNP want to be all things to all people. "Their proposal to create a Scottish Oil Fund would keep billions of pounds in the Scottish economy, but billions more would continue to pour into the coffers of Shell, BP and the oil conglomerates reaping profits from the North Sea. "The SNP would even boost these profits by giving businesses even bigger tax breaks. "The Scottish Socialist Party are 100% committed to our principles. "Our proposals for the public ownership of North Sea oil would see all of the revenue from North Sea oil used for the benefit of the people of Scotland. "We would also ring-fence a proportion of the revenue for research into alternative energy sources, ensuring jobs and energy resources for future generations."
Lib Dem Council Tax Fiasco
Scottish Socialist Party General Election 2005
Lib Dem Council Tax Fiasco
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox today poured scorn on the Liberal Democrats saying that they could fulfil their election pledge to abolish the council tax tomorrow morning by signing the SSP's bill before the Scottish Parliament.
Colin said; "Is Charlie Kennedy aware of the constitutional arrangements in the UK ? "Local government finance in Scotland is a devolved issue under the control of the Scottish Parliament. "The Liberal Democrats could fulfil their promise to abolish the council tax tomorrow morning if they instruct their MSP's to sign the bill currently going through the Scottish Parliament to abolish the council tax. "Last week the Lib Dems were spouting hot air about the environment, this week they are proving they don't even understand the constitutional arrangements of the United Kingdom. "Charlie Kennedy and the Liberal Democrats are practising exactly the kind of two faced politics that is destroying people's confidence in the political process."
Lib Dem Council Tax Fiasco
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox today poured scorn on the Liberal Democrats saying that they could fulfil their election pledge to abolish the council tax tomorrow morning by signing the SSP's bill before the Scottish Parliament.
Colin said; "Is Charlie Kennedy aware of the constitutional arrangements in the UK ? "Local government finance in Scotland is a devolved issue under the control of the Scottish Parliament. "The Liberal Democrats could fulfil their promise to abolish the council tax tomorrow morning if they instruct their MSP's to sign the bill currently going through the Scottish Parliament to abolish the council tax. "Last week the Lib Dems were spouting hot air about the environment, this week they are proving they don't even understand the constitutional arrangements of the United Kingdom. "Charlie Kennedy and the Liberal Democrats are practising exactly the kind of two faced politics that is destroying people's confidence in the political process."
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Free TV licences, housing and heat for OAPs
Evening Times
THE Scottish Socialist Party today launched its manifesto promising free travel, free heating, free social housing, free phone rental and free TV licences for all pensioners.
Retirement would be at 60 with full pension rights on a basic state pension of £160 a week index-linked to earnings.
The party would also replace the Council Tax with an income-based Scottish Service Tax which it says would benefit four out of five households.
Spending on nuclear weapons would shift to hospitals, houses and schools, the rail industry would be taken back into public ownership and the M74 extension through the south side of Glasgow cancelled.
But the manifesto calls for the extension of Glasgow's underground network to Easterhouse, Castlemilk, Drumchapel and Pollok.
The party's spending plans would be funded by taking full control for Scotland over revenues from corporation tax, income tax and North Sea oil and rises in tax for high earners.
The manifesto pledges to tax the rich to redistribute wealth and introduce a two-tier VAT system.
Luxury goods such as sports cars would be rated at 20% while the tax on all other goods would be slashed to 8%
Party leader Colin Fox said: "Glasgow has some of the worst social problems in Europe. The SSP will increase public spending to start dealing with the social exclusion that blights the city."
Policy co-ordinator Alan McCombes, who admitted the party did not expect to win any seats, said the manifesto was not for the "faint-hearted".
KEY PLEDGES:
PENSIONERS: Retirement at 60, basic weekly state pension of £160, free travel, heating, housing and TV licences
COUNCIL TAX: scrapped, with new Scottish Service Tax to be income-based - those earning under £10,.000 will not pay
NUCLEAR ARMS: scrapped, money to go to hospitals, houses, schools and community facilities
NHS: employing thousands more staff
EDUCATION: reducing class sizes to 20, more teachers to be recruited
TRANSPORT: rail industry to be nationalised, M74 extension to be cancelled
PAYING FOR IT: Increase revenue from corporation tax, income tax and North Sea oil; redistribute wealth by taxing rich - two-tier VAT with 20% for luxury goods such as Rolex watches, private yachts and sports car and 8% for all other goods.
THE Scottish Socialist Party today launched its manifesto promising free travel, free heating, free social housing, free phone rental and free TV licences for all pensioners.
Retirement would be at 60 with full pension rights on a basic state pension of £160 a week index-linked to earnings.
The party would also replace the Council Tax with an income-based Scottish Service Tax which it says would benefit four out of five households.
Spending on nuclear weapons would shift to hospitals, houses and schools, the rail industry would be taken back into public ownership and the M74 extension through the south side of Glasgow cancelled.
But the manifesto calls for the extension of Glasgow's underground network to Easterhouse, Castlemilk, Drumchapel and Pollok.
The party's spending plans would be funded by taking full control for Scotland over revenues from corporation tax, income tax and North Sea oil and rises in tax for high earners.
The manifesto pledges to tax the rich to redistribute wealth and introduce a two-tier VAT system.
Luxury goods such as sports cars would be rated at 20% while the tax on all other goods would be slashed to 8%
Party leader Colin Fox said: "Glasgow has some of the worst social problems in Europe. The SSP will increase public spending to start dealing with the social exclusion that blights the city."
Policy co-ordinator Alan McCombes, who admitted the party did not expect to win any seats, said the manifesto was not for the "faint-hearted".
KEY PLEDGES:
PENSIONERS: Retirement at 60, basic weekly state pension of £160, free travel, heating, housing and TV licences
COUNCIL TAX: scrapped, with new Scottish Service Tax to be income-based - those earning under £10,.000 will not pay
NUCLEAR ARMS: scrapped, money to go to hospitals, houses, schools and community facilities
NHS: employing thousands more staff
EDUCATION: reducing class sizes to 20, more teachers to be recruited
TRANSPORT: rail industry to be nationalised, M74 extension to be cancelled
PAYING FOR IT: Increase revenue from corporation tax, income tax and North Sea oil; redistribute wealth by taxing rich - two-tier VAT with 20% for luxury goods such as Rolex watches, private yachts and sports car and 8% for all other goods.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Manifesto & Campaign Launch
Manifesto & Campaign Launch
Monday 18th April
Glasgow Film Theatre
12 Rose Street,
Glasgow G3 6RB
10.45 for an 11.00am start
BBC: SSP's give-to-the-poor manifesto
The Scottish Socialist Party is launching its general election manifesto with the central theme of the re-distribution of wealth.
It will call for an independent, socialist Scotland and promise enhanced benefits to pensioners
Scotsman - SSP vows to reverse privatisation
Green Left Weekly - SSP gears up for Westminster elections
Monday 18th April
Glasgow Film Theatre
12 Rose Street,
Glasgow G3 6RB
10.45 for an 11.00am start
BBC: SSP's give-to-the-poor manifesto
The Scottish Socialist Party is launching its general election manifesto with the central theme of the re-distribution of wealth.
It will call for an independent, socialist Scotland and promise enhanced benefits to pensioners
Scotsman - SSP vows to reverse privatisation
Green Left Weekly - SSP gears up for Westminster elections
Friday, April 15, 2005
SSP Joins RMT `Rail Against Privatisation' Demo
Scottish Socialist Party
General Election 2005
SSP Joins RMT `Rail Against Privatisation' Demo
The Scottish Socialist Party will this weekend take part in the RMT
trade unions `Rail Against Privatisation' Glasgow to London mobile
demonstration.
Starting in Glasgow on April 16 and culminating with a rally in
London on April 30, there will be events, meetings and rallies along
the route, as well as in other towns and cities around Britain,
involving every RMT region.
Re-nationalisation of rail is an immensely popular policy, supported
by a massive public majority and the trade union movement, and is
Labour Party policy ˆ and RMT believes the time has come to put it at
the top of the political agenda.
The Scottish Socialist Party is proud that the RMT is an affiliated
trade union and both Colin Fox, SSP national convenor, and Tommy
Sheridan SSP MSP for Glasgow will be taking part in the Scottish
Events.
Alan McCombes, SSP national policy co-ordinator, has written a
pamphlet that will be available on the demonstration; "Reclaim our
railways; show the rail profiteers the red signal".
Colin Fox said today;
"The Scottish Socialist Party is proud to be participating in the
RMT's Glasgow to London demonstration to demand the return of the
railways to public ownership.
"Rail subsidy now exceeds that provided to British Rail, yet services
are substantially worse.
"Since privatisation, private train operating companies alone have
received £10 billion in public subsidy and banked £1 billion in
profits.
"The SSP stands unequivocally behind the call of the RMT for the rail
industry to be taken back into public ownership and for an end to the
plundering of public money by the rail profiteers."
[ends]
GLASGOW
Rally & March - Saturday 16 April 2005
Assemble 12:30pm, St Enoch Square
Rally 1:00pm
Speakers - Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT
Bill Spiers, General Secretary, STUC
Tommy Sheridan, MSP
March to Duke Street Railway Station - move off 1:45pm
EDINBURGH
March - Sunday 17 April 2005
Assemble 11:45am, Market Street
Move off 12:15pm
Supporters' Meeting - CWU Club, Brunswick Street
Speakers - Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT
Colin Fox MSP (Convener SSP)
Time - 2:30pm
General Election 2005
SSP Joins RMT `Rail Against Privatisation' Demo
The Scottish Socialist Party will this weekend take part in the RMT
trade unions `Rail Against Privatisation' Glasgow to London mobile
demonstration.
Starting in Glasgow on April 16 and culminating with a rally in
London on April 30, there will be events, meetings and rallies along
the route, as well as in other towns and cities around Britain,
involving every RMT region.
Re-nationalisation of rail is an immensely popular policy, supported
by a massive public majority and the trade union movement, and is
Labour Party policy ˆ and RMT believes the time has come to put it at
the top of the political agenda.
The Scottish Socialist Party is proud that the RMT is an affiliated
trade union and both Colin Fox, SSP national convenor, and Tommy
Sheridan SSP MSP for Glasgow will be taking part in the Scottish
Events.
Alan McCombes, SSP national policy co-ordinator, has written a
pamphlet that will be available on the demonstration; "Reclaim our
railways; show the rail profiteers the red signal".
Colin Fox said today;
"The Scottish Socialist Party is proud to be participating in the
RMT's Glasgow to London demonstration to demand the return of the
railways to public ownership.
"Rail subsidy now exceeds that provided to British Rail, yet services
are substantially worse.
"Since privatisation, private train operating companies alone have
received £10 billion in public subsidy and banked £1 billion in
profits.
"The SSP stands unequivocally behind the call of the RMT for the rail
industry to be taken back into public ownership and for an end to the
plundering of public money by the rail profiteers."
[ends]
GLASGOW
Rally & March - Saturday 16 April 2005
Assemble 12:30pm, St Enoch Square
Rally 1:00pm
Speakers - Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT
Bill Spiers, General Secretary, STUC
Tommy Sheridan, MSP
March to Duke Street Railway Station - move off 1:45pm
EDINBURGH
March - Sunday 17 April 2005
Assemble 11:45am, Market Street
Move off 12:15pm
Supporters' Meeting - CWU Club, Brunswick Street
Speakers - Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT
Colin Fox MSP (Convener SSP)
Time - 2:30pm
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
MSPs set to chew over pupils' play
Evening News
MSPs set to chew over pupils' play
SCHOOL pupils are being given the chance to put their views on healthy eating to MSPs when they take part in the first play to be staged at the Scottish Parliament.
The youngsters, from secondary schools in West Lothian, have been invited to perform their play "Life’s a Pizza" by Scottish Socialist MSP Frances Curran.
And the young actors may find themselves playing to a packed house of MSPs, including First Minister Jack McConnell.
Mrs Curran organised the performance as part of her campaign to pass a Bill to deliver free school meals to all Scottish pupils.
All of the country’s 129 MSPs have been invited to attend the show, being held in a conference room of the Parliament tomorrow night.
The nine secondary school pupils taking part in the play, are all members of the West Lothian Youth Theatre.
And during a section of the show they will be discussing the themes raised by the show with members of the audience.
The play itself is about healthy eating and aims to show youngsters that making the right choices, in everything from friends to food, can have a huge impact on someone’s life.
It is split into three ten-minute segments with titles including ‘The Fat Family’ and ‘Life’s a Pizza’.
MSPs set to chew over pupils' play
SCHOOL pupils are being given the chance to put their views on healthy eating to MSPs when they take part in the first play to be staged at the Scottish Parliament.
The youngsters, from secondary schools in West Lothian, have been invited to perform their play "Life’s a Pizza" by Scottish Socialist MSP Frances Curran.
And the young actors may find themselves playing to a packed house of MSPs, including First Minister Jack McConnell.
Mrs Curran organised the performance as part of her campaign to pass a Bill to deliver free school meals to all Scottish pupils.
All of the country’s 129 MSPs have been invited to attend the show, being held in a conference room of the Parliament tomorrow night.
The nine secondary school pupils taking part in the play, are all members of the West Lothian Youth Theatre.
And during a section of the show they will be discussing the themes raised by the show with members of the audience.
The play itself is about healthy eating and aims to show youngsters that making the right choices, in everything from friends to food, can have a huge impact on someone’s life.
It is split into three ten-minute segments with titles including ‘The Fat Family’ and ‘Life’s a Pizza’.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Poll support for tax rises to fund services
The Herald:
"The findings were welcomed by the Scottish Socialist party, which has policies on tax and redistribution of wealth most closely aligned with the findings.
Colin Fox, the SSP leader, said: 'Scots are in tune with the SSP's policies of redistributing Scotland's wealth to deal with the grotesque situation of abject poverty existing alongside incredible wealth.
'Scots are canny folk and they know fine well that wealth doesn't trickle down to the poorest. It has to be redistributed by government policy.
'The SSP's policies would ensure that high earners are taxed accordingly and that the mega rich and corporations currently evading paying taxes through dodges and schemes are brought to book.'"
"The findings were welcomed by the Scottish Socialist party, which has policies on tax and redistribution of wealth most closely aligned with the findings.
Colin Fox, the SSP leader, said: 'Scots are in tune with the SSP's policies of redistributing Scotland's wealth to deal with the grotesque situation of abject poverty existing alongside incredible wealth.
'Scots are canny folk and they know fine well that wealth doesn't trickle down to the poorest. It has to be redistributed by government policy.
'The SSP's policies would ensure that high earners are taxed accordingly and that the mega rich and corporations currently evading paying taxes through dodges and schemes are brought to book.'"
£40m spent buying land before M74 extension got go-ahead
Scotsman: "Glasgow Socialist MSP Rosie Kane branded the Executive-appointed inquiry into the motorway extension a 'sham' and claimed the news gave a 'green light for direct action' by those opposed to the construction.
She said: 'The truth about the inquiry is that it was a charade - three quarters of a million pounds of public money spent as a pretence.
'The whole episode is an affront to democracy. The Scottish Liberal Democrats should hang their heads in shame that one of their ministers was complicit in this deception.'"
She said: 'The truth about the inquiry is that it was a charade - three quarters of a million pounds of public money spent as a pretence.
'The whole episode is an affront to democracy. The Scottish Liberal Democrats should hang their heads in shame that one of their ministers was complicit in this deception.'"
Monday, April 11, 2005
SSP stand down candidate to back Rose Gentle in East Kilbride
Scottish Socialist Party
General Election 2005
Press Release: 11/04/05
SSP stand down candidate to back Rose Gentle in East Kilbride
The Scottish Socialist Party has agreed not to contest the East Kilbride constituency in the Westminster election.
Instead the SSP will be backing anti-war campaigner, Rose Gentle, in the seat of Armed Forces Minister, Adam Ingram.
Rose is the mother of Gordon Gentle, the soldier from Pollok, Glasgow, who was killed in Iraq.
East Kilbride will be the only constituency in Scotland that the SSP will not contest.
In line with the party constitution, party members at branch, regional and Executive Committee levels all agreed that the party should stand down.
Cathy Pederson, who had been selected as the SSP candidate in East Kilbride said:
“The party locally and nationally has tremendous admiration for the principles and courage of Rose Gentle in her campaign to bring the troops home from Iraq.
"We will be enthusiastically campaigning to hold Adam Ingram to account for the lies, death and destruction resulting from the Iraq war.”
Carolyn Leckie MSP, member of the local East Kilbride SSP branch said:
"I would normally be against the party standing down for independent candidates.
"Cathy Pederson would have been a great candidate and I'm sorry she's no longer standing.
"Rose Gentle lost her son in the carnage in Iraq and she is standing on an anti war, troops out platform.
"Rose Gentle not only deserves the support of the SSP but of all parties that claim to be anti-war.
"The Greens, Lib-Dems and the SNP should also stand down their candidates.
"This is a tremendous opportunity to strike a blow at the heart of Tony Blair’s war cabinet."
Colin Fox, SSP convener said:
"We are proud to back Rose Gentle in East Kilbride.
"Nor will we let Labour run a “Basil Fawlty” campaign in the other Scottish seats.
"Every time they try not to mention the war, we will shout out; “You lied to get us in to this illegal, unjust war” and we will demand “Bring the troops home!”."
[ends]
General Election 2005
Press Release: 11/04/05
SSP stand down candidate to back Rose Gentle in East Kilbride
The Scottish Socialist Party has agreed not to contest the East Kilbride constituency in the Westminster election.
Instead the SSP will be backing anti-war campaigner, Rose Gentle, in the seat of Armed Forces Minister, Adam Ingram.
Rose is the mother of Gordon Gentle, the soldier from Pollok, Glasgow, who was killed in Iraq.
East Kilbride will be the only constituency in Scotland that the SSP will not contest.
In line with the party constitution, party members at branch, regional and Executive Committee levels all agreed that the party should stand down.
Cathy Pederson, who had been selected as the SSP candidate in East Kilbride said:
“The party locally and nationally has tremendous admiration for the principles and courage of Rose Gentle in her campaign to bring the troops home from Iraq.
"We will be enthusiastically campaigning to hold Adam Ingram to account for the lies, death and destruction resulting from the Iraq war.”
Carolyn Leckie MSP, member of the local East Kilbride SSP branch said:
"I would normally be against the party standing down for independent candidates.
"Cathy Pederson would have been a great candidate and I'm sorry she's no longer standing.
"Rose Gentle lost her son in the carnage in Iraq and she is standing on an anti war, troops out platform.
"Rose Gentle not only deserves the support of the SSP but of all parties that claim to be anti-war.
"The Greens, Lib-Dems and the SNP should also stand down their candidates.
"This is a tremendous opportunity to strike a blow at the heart of Tony Blair’s war cabinet."
Colin Fox, SSP convener said:
"We are proud to back Rose Gentle in East Kilbride.
"Nor will we let Labour run a “Basil Fawlty” campaign in the other Scottish seats.
"Every time they try not to mention the war, we will shout out; “You lied to get us in to this illegal, unjust war” and we will demand “Bring the troops home!”."
[ends]
M74 Consultation a Sham
BBC NEWS | Scotland: "The Scottish Executive has defended spending ?41m on land along the route of the planned M74 extension before it gave the project the go-ahead.
The executive has decided to press ahead with the project despite a public inquiry ruling against it.
The land purchase aimed to minimise disruption to businesses forced to relocate because of the extension.
However, protesters said the move showed that public consultation on the plan had been a sham.
The Scottish Socialist MSP, Rosie Kane, said the emergence of the land purchases had given campaigners the green light to go ahead with direct action against contractors on the M74.
'If the Scottish Executive has no regard for the law and due process, why should we?,' she asked."
The executive has decided to press ahead with the project despite a public inquiry ruling against it.
The land purchase aimed to minimise disruption to businesses forced to relocate because of the extension.
However, protesters said the move showed that public consultation on the plan had been a sham.
The Scottish Socialist MSP, Rosie Kane, said the emergence of the land purchases had given campaigners the green light to go ahead with direct action against contractors on the M74.
'If the Scottish Executive has no regard for the law and due process, why should we?,' she asked."
System Fails Refugees
The Herald
HUNDREDS of asylum seekers are being left destitute because of simple administrative errors and delays by the Home Office, a new report claims today.
With asylum and immigration issues topping the election agenda, the Oxfam-funded study reveals how the system is failing refugees in Scotland...
Rosie Kane, of the Scottish Socialist party, said: "At the moment, I am aware of an Ethiopian woman, three men from Sudan and recently a woman and child from Sri Lanka – all destitute.
"It beggars belief as the words Sri Lanka should be enough at the moment. At the very same time, we are sending out emergency aid, a Sri Lankan family gets kicked on to the streets of Glasgow – which is as far as anyone needs to go for evidence.
"I am horrified by all this but not surprised. The majority of the time when I am dealing with this, Nass has made a mistake or been negligent. The system is not working."
HUNDREDS of asylum seekers are being left destitute because of simple administrative errors and delays by the Home Office, a new report claims today.
With asylum and immigration issues topping the election agenda, the Oxfam-funded study reveals how the system is failing refugees in Scotland...
Rosie Kane, of the Scottish Socialist party, said: "At the moment, I am aware of an Ethiopian woman, three men from Sudan and recently a woman and child from Sri Lanka – all destitute.
"It beggars belief as the words Sri Lanka should be enough at the moment. At the very same time, we are sending out emergency aid, a Sri Lankan family gets kicked on to the streets of Glasgow – which is as far as anyone needs to go for evidence.
"I am horrified by all this but not surprised. The majority of the time when I am dealing with this, Nass has made a mistake or been negligent. The system is not working."
Sunday, April 10, 2005
M77 Struggle Remembered
The united state of pollok - [Sunday Herald] A look back at Pollok Free State and the struggle to stop the M77 back in 1995. Now we face a new fight against the M74.
"Which brings us back to the proposed extension of the M74. Although a £1m public inquiry found against it, the Scottish Executive has given it the green light. Rosie Kane has been campaigning on the issue for a decade now. No trees will be felled, but it will be a loud, brightly lit, 50ft high, eight-lane highway, affecting many residential communities along its five-mile route. Its construction will disturb earth used for chemical fly-tipping in the past century. Protesters believe there are grounds for a judicial review. If this fails, 100 activists are ready to engage in non-violent disruption. American and German campaigners demonstrating at the G8 summit may get involved. Tommy Sheridan and Lindsay Keenan will join the protest."
"Which brings us back to the proposed extension of the M74. Although a £1m public inquiry found against it, the Scottish Executive has given it the green light. Rosie Kane has been campaigning on the issue for a decade now. No trees will be felled, but it will be a loud, brightly lit, 50ft high, eight-lane highway, affecting many residential communities along its five-mile route. Its construction will disturb earth used for chemical fly-tipping in the past century. Protesters believe there are grounds for a judicial review. If this fails, 100 activists are ready to engage in non-violent disruption. American and German campaigners demonstrating at the G8 summit may get involved. Tommy Sheridan and Lindsay Keenan will join the protest."
Friday, April 08, 2005
Radio SSP: Streaming Web Radio from the Scottish Socialist Party
Radio SSP: Streaming Web Radio from the Scottish Socialist Party. The Scottish Socialist Party is proud to bring you our first internet radio broadcast. We kick off with a meeting organised by the Scottish Socialist Youth against the forthcoming meeting of the G8 in Scotland with speakers including Rosie Kane MSP and Donnie Nicholson, SSY national organiser.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Rose Gentle in Election Challenge to New Labour
THE mother of a British soldier killed in Iraq launched her campaign yesterday to take the seat of a Labour minister and denied her grief was being exploited by politicians.
Rose Gentle's 19-year-old son, Gordon, was killed in a roadside attack last June. Now Mrs Gentle will contest the East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow seat against Adam Ingram, the armed forces minister.
Mrs Gentle, 40, from Pollok, Glasgow, said: "Adam Ingram and all those other MPs who voted for war in the House of Commons share the blame for the death of Gordon and all the other victims of Bush and Blair's war for oil.
"I am calling on all those who oppose this war to unite behind me in sending a clear message to Tony Blair – end the occupation of Iraq and bring the troops home now."
Rose Gentle's 19-year-old son, Gordon, was killed in a roadside attack last June. Now Mrs Gentle will contest the East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow seat against Adam Ingram, the armed forces minister.
Mrs Gentle, 40, from Pollok, Glasgow, said: "Adam Ingram and all those other MPs who voted for war in the House of Commons share the blame for the death of Gordon and all the other victims of Bush and Blair's war for oil.
"I am calling on all those who oppose this war to unite behind me in sending a clear message to Tony Blair – end the occupation of Iraq and bring the troops home now."
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
SSP stands on radical left wing manifesto
Scottish Socialist Party
General Election 2005
Press Release: 05/04/05
SSP stands on radical left wing manifesto
The Scottish Socialist Party today announced its campaign plans and candidates for the General Election campaign 2005.
The SSP will contest every seat in Scotland with a detailed, radical, 20,000 word manifesto that includes calls for an independent Scottish republic, the return of the rail industry into public ownership and an £8 an hour minimum wage.
While not expecting to win a Westminster seat, the SSP will be appealing to the same left-wing voters who delivered 6 SSP representatives to the Scottish Parliament in 2003 to keep up the pressure on the mainstream political parties who are moving rapidly rightwards.
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox said today;
“The Scottish Socialist Party will contest this General Election with a socialist manifesto that would transform the lives of millions of Scots.
“The SSP will contest every seat in Scotland, offering a socialist alternative to the mainstream establishment parties who are heading further to the right with every passing day.
“The SSP is proud of our socialist vision which includes support for an independent Scottish republic, the bringing back of the rail industry into public ownership and an eight pounds an hour minimum wage.
“This election gives voters the opportunity to voice their anger at the continuing lies and deception that surround the war on terror and the occupation of Iraq.
“A big SSP vote will give an impetus to those who will converge on the G8 Summit in July to protest against globalisation and in favour of fair trade, international aid and policies that promote real justice across the globe.”
[ends]
General Election 2005
Press Release: 05/04/05
SSP stands on radical left wing manifesto
The Scottish Socialist Party today announced its campaign plans and candidates for the General Election campaign 2005.
The SSP will contest every seat in Scotland with a detailed, radical, 20,000 word manifesto that includes calls for an independent Scottish republic, the return of the rail industry into public ownership and an £8 an hour minimum wage.
While not expecting to win a Westminster seat, the SSP will be appealing to the same left-wing voters who delivered 6 SSP representatives to the Scottish Parliament in 2003 to keep up the pressure on the mainstream political parties who are moving rapidly rightwards.
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox said today;
“The Scottish Socialist Party will contest this General Election with a socialist manifesto that would transform the lives of millions of Scots.
“The SSP will contest every seat in Scotland, offering a socialist alternative to the mainstream establishment parties who are heading further to the right with every passing day.
“The SSP is proud of our socialist vision which includes support for an independent Scottish republic, the bringing back of the rail industry into public ownership and an eight pounds an hour minimum wage.
“This election gives voters the opportunity to voice their anger at the continuing lies and deception that surround the war on terror and the occupation of Iraq.
“A big SSP vote will give an impetus to those who will converge on the G8 Summit in July to protest against globalisation and in favour of fair trade, international aid and policies that promote real justice across the globe.”
[ends]
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Defuse health time bomb by giving every schoolchild free dinners
FRANCES CURRAN says healthy meals for all would let parents control children’s eating habits
Sunday Herald
Sunday Herald
Friday, April 01, 2005
MSP Kane for trial over Trident demo
Evening Times SCOTTISH Socialist MSP Rosie Kane is to stand trial accused of blocking Edinburgh's Royal Mile during a protest against Trident nuclear submarines. Her appearance at the city's Sheriff Court today with others facing similar charges caused chaos when it emerged legal paperwork was not in order.
Some of those who took their seats in the dock should not have been there, while some of those fiscal Karey Henderson thought should be there were missing. Finally Ms Kane, 43, of Govanhill, Glasgow, and three companions pleaded not guilty to charges of obstructing or endangering road users. A trial date was fixed for September.
Some of those who took their seats in the dock should not have been there, while some of those fiscal Karey Henderson thought should be there were missing. Finally Ms Kane, 43, of Govanhill, Glasgow, and three companions pleaded not guilty to charges of obstructing or endangering road users. A trial date was fixed for September.
Rasta musician takes on Speaker - Evening Times
Rasta musician takes on Speaker - Evening Times THE Scottish Socialist Party has chosen a Jamaican Rastafarian musician to stand against Michael Martin.
Trade union activist Graham Campbell plans to stand against the Westminster Speaker in the Glasgow North East constituency.
Mr Campbell said: "I will be the SSP's first ever Afro-Caribbean candidate and relish the chance to attack Labour's record on asylum and immigration."
Trade union activist Graham Campbell plans to stand against the Westminster Speaker in the Glasgow North East constituency.
Mr Campbell said: "I will be the SSP's first ever Afro-Caribbean candidate and relish the chance to attack Labour's record on asylum and immigration."
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