SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 30/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane today condemned the latest deportation of asylum seekers from Scotland as “cruel, barbarous and inhumane”.
She was speaking after 23 year old Jamaican woman, Nicole Doren Palmer and her three boys - British-born 3 year-old twins Rajai and Tajai Palmer and American-Born Glasgow school child 6 year-old Shemar Williams were removed by immigration officials.
The British-born twins are being sent to Jamaica - a country that will not accept them as citizens. They will effectively become stateless, while their US-born elder brother has a US passport.
Rosie said today;
“Another day, another family deported by the Home Office who are operating in Scotland as an unaccountable secret police.
“This latest case exposes a system which is cruel, barbarous and inhumane.
“We now have a situation in which children born in the UK are being deported to a country which will not accept them as citizens
“The Children's Commissioner for Scotland has spoken out about the barbarous practise of children being removed in dawn raids by immigration police and the First Minister is even reported to be concerned about what is going on.
“None of the opposition to Home Office practise appears to make the slightest difference as the latest case involving Nicole Doren Palmer shows.
“I will be calling for all those parties and individuals in Scotland who are opposed to the barbarous practices of the Home Office to meet at the earliest opportunity to discuss how we can take forward our campaign in defence of asylum seekers.
“I repeat my call for asylum and immigration issues to be fully devolved to the Scottish Parliament so that Scotland can provide a home for those fleeing violence and oppression free from the worry of dawn raids and deportation back to the nightmare they fled.”
[ends]
Friday, September 30, 2005
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Sheridan blasts secret 7
SSP stalwart says unnamed MSPs have used public cash for property speculation
Edinburgh Evening News
SEVEN MSPs were today accused of property speculation at taxpayers' expense.
Former Scottish Socialist leader Tommy Sheridan claimed new information from the Scottish Parliament proved politicians were making a profit from the controversial Edinburgh accommodation allowance, which gives certain MSPs public cash to help pay the mortgage on a second home.
Edinburgh Evening News
SEVEN MSPs were today accused of property speculation at taxpayers' expense.
Former Scottish Socialist leader Tommy Sheridan claimed new information from the Scottish Parliament proved politicians were making a profit from the controversial Edinburgh accommodation allowance, which gives certain MSPs public cash to help pay the mortgage on a second home.
Kane outrage over deportation of Vucaj family
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 29/09/05
Scottish Socialist MSP Rosie Kane today expressed outrage over the deportation of the Vucaj family, the Kosovan family who had lived in Glasgow for five years.
The family had been removed from their home in a dawn raid by immigration officials and police on Tuesday 13th September.
Rosie said today;
“The news that the Vucaj family have been deported will be met with outrage by the people of Drumchapel where they had become dearly loved members of the community.
“The people of Glasgow are disgusted that even when the First Minister expresses his disapproval of the way that the Vucaj family were treated by the Home Office it makes not the slightest difference.
“It is utterly abhorrent that people who arrive in Scotland seeking refuge from violence and oppression should be deported after being dragged from their beds by Home Office officials and police.
“It is clear that the Home Office are not interested in the democratic will of the Scottish people and the time has now come to say enough is enough; the Scottish Parliament must take control of asylum and immigration issues in Scotland.”
[ends]
Press Release: 29/09/05
Scottish Socialist MSP Rosie Kane today expressed outrage over the deportation of the Vucaj family, the Kosovan family who had lived in Glasgow for five years.
The family had been removed from their home in a dawn raid by immigration officials and police on Tuesday 13th September.
Rosie said today;
“The news that the Vucaj family have been deported will be met with outrage by the people of Drumchapel where they had become dearly loved members of the community.
“The people of Glasgow are disgusted that even when the First Minister expresses his disapproval of the way that the Vucaj family were treated by the Home Office it makes not the slightest difference.
“It is utterly abhorrent that people who arrive in Scotland seeking refuge from violence and oppression should be deported after being dragged from their beds by Home Office officials and police.
“It is clear that the Home Office are not interested in the democratic will of the Scottish people and the time has now come to say enough is enough; the Scottish Parliament must take control of asylum and immigration issues in Scotland.”
[ends]
Rally for a Scottish Republic
Rally for a Scottish Republic
Time: Gather 12noon
Date: Sat 1st Oct
Venue: In front of the Scottish Parliament.
Speakers: Campbell Martin MSP : Compere, John McAllion, Prof Adam Tomkins , Colin Fox MSP, Rosie Kane MSP, Leanne Woods Plaid Cymru , Jim Fairley, Independence First Group
Music from: Eddie Reader, The Trashcan Sinatras, Kelty Connections, Piper Dale Glencross
Plus: Comedy, Poetry and Drama.
Bring flags and banners to celebrate and declare your support for a modern democratic republic.
October 1st will also mark the end of the month-long suspension of the four SSP MSPs. Come and give them your support on their return to Parliament.
Following the tremendous success of last year’s alternative opening of the Scottish Parliament/ Declaration for a Scottish Republic on Calton Hill it was agreed we would turn the celebration into an annual event, therefore the 2005 RALLY FOR A SCOTTISH REPUBLIC will take place on the demonstration area at the front of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Saturday 1st October at noon.
Time: Gather 12noon
Date: Sat 1st Oct
Venue: In front of the Scottish Parliament.
Speakers: Campbell Martin MSP : Compere, John McAllion, Prof Adam Tomkins , Colin Fox MSP, Rosie Kane MSP, Leanne Woods Plaid Cymru , Jim Fairley, Independence First Group
Music from: Eddie Reader, The Trashcan Sinatras, Kelty Connections, Piper Dale Glencross
Plus: Comedy, Poetry and Drama.
Bring flags and banners to celebrate and declare your support for a modern democratic republic.
October 1st will also mark the end of the month-long suspension of the four SSP MSPs. Come and give them your support on their return to Parliament.
Following the tremendous success of last year’s alternative opening of the Scottish Parliament/ Declaration for a Scottish Republic on Calton Hill it was agreed we would turn the celebration into an annual event, therefore the 2005 RALLY FOR A SCOTTISH REPUBLIC will take place on the demonstration area at the front of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Saturday 1st October at noon.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Labour conference: No platform for peace
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 28/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Carolyn Leckie today said that events at Labour Party conference showed that the party was fundamentally undemocratic and drew a comparison with the banning of four SSP MSP’s from the Scottish Parliament for the month of September.
Stewards at Labour Party conference this afternoon forcibly removed an 82 years old Labour party member after he shouted, "That's a lie," in reference to Iraq during Jack Straw’s keynote conference address.
Carolyn Leckie said;
“The Labour Party leadership are strangers to the truth and they intend to keep it that way.
“Clearly the stewards were implementing Blair’s get tough policy; ejection without trial by New Labour hitmen.
“This is exactly the same contempt for democracy that inspired Labour MSP’s to exclude four SSP MSP’s from the Scottish Parliament for daring to make a silent protest over the G8 summit.
“Clearly there is no platform for peace at Labour Party conference; they are too busy selling arms to the Saudi dictators to allow dissident voices to be heard.
“Free speech is of secondary importance to Labour, what counts for them is continuing their lies over the disastrous war and occupation of Iraq.
“What will it take before the Labour government admit that the Iraq war is a disaster and that the troops should be withdrawn immediately?”
[ends]
Notes;
On the 30 June 2005 four Scottish Socialist Party parliamentary representatives were summarily suspended and stripped of their pay and parliamentary allowances for staging a silent protest in the Scottish Parliament This unprecedented and draconian penalty was imposed through a process which makes a mockery of natural justice.
The SSP MSPs were tried in their absence, without any kind of due process, right of appeal or any of the basic human rights that are enshrined in law.
The 4 MSP’s made their protest after the First Minister Jack McConnell repeatedly refused to say he would uphold a vote of the Parliament on 3rd March 2005 upholding the right of peaceful protest at Gleneagles.
Despite claims that a deal had been done to allow a demonstration to take place at Gleneagles, the police and authorities repeatedly tried to prevent a demonstration, culminating in an attempt to sabotage it on the day by using the news media to announce that it had been cancelled.
The four suspended MSP’s are Colin Fox, Lothians, Carolyn Leckie, Central Scotland, Rosie Kane, Glasgow, and Frances Curran, West of Scotland.
Press Release: 28/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Carolyn Leckie today said that events at Labour Party conference showed that the party was fundamentally undemocratic and drew a comparison with the banning of four SSP MSP’s from the Scottish Parliament for the month of September.
Stewards at Labour Party conference this afternoon forcibly removed an 82 years old Labour party member after he shouted, "That's a lie," in reference to Iraq during Jack Straw’s keynote conference address.
Carolyn Leckie said;
“The Labour Party leadership are strangers to the truth and they intend to keep it that way.
“Clearly the stewards were implementing Blair’s get tough policy; ejection without trial by New Labour hitmen.
“This is exactly the same contempt for democracy that inspired Labour MSP’s to exclude four SSP MSP’s from the Scottish Parliament for daring to make a silent protest over the G8 summit.
“Clearly there is no platform for peace at Labour Party conference; they are too busy selling arms to the Saudi dictators to allow dissident voices to be heard.
“Free speech is of secondary importance to Labour, what counts for them is continuing their lies over the disastrous war and occupation of Iraq.
“What will it take before the Labour government admit that the Iraq war is a disaster and that the troops should be withdrawn immediately?”
[ends]
Notes;
On the 30 June 2005 four Scottish Socialist Party parliamentary representatives were summarily suspended and stripped of their pay and parliamentary allowances for staging a silent protest in the Scottish Parliament This unprecedented and draconian penalty was imposed through a process which makes a mockery of natural justice.
The SSP MSPs were tried in their absence, without any kind of due process, right of appeal or any of the basic human rights that are enshrined in law.
The 4 MSP’s made their protest after the First Minister Jack McConnell repeatedly refused to say he would uphold a vote of the Parliament on 3rd March 2005 upholding the right of peaceful protest at Gleneagles.
Despite claims that a deal had been done to allow a demonstration to take place at Gleneagles, the police and authorities repeatedly tried to prevent a demonstration, culminating in an attempt to sabotage it on the day by using the news media to announce that it had been cancelled.
The four suspended MSP’s are Colin Fox, Lothians, Carolyn Leckie, Central Scotland, Rosie Kane, Glasgow, and Frances Curran, West of Scotland.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
SSP: Voters should support the party of action
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 27/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party candidates in both Scottish by elections will spend the last campaigning day before polling day taking the message of the SSP as the party of action to the electorate.
While other parties shadow box on the council tax the SSP has acted and has a bill in the Holyrood parliament to abolish the hated tax and replace it with an income based Scottish Service tax which would shift the cost of services to the better off.
A major campaign is also continuing to win free school meals for Scotland’s school students and a bill to abolish NHS prescription charges has been laid before the parliament by Colin Fox, SSP national convenor.
Independent MSP Campbell Martin has called for a vote for the SSP in both the Westminster by election in Livingston and the Cathcart Scottish Parliament seat, saying that the last thing the electorate needs is another New Labour party, a reference to the SNP’s further moves to the right.
Speaking at a press conference in Glasgow on Tuesday, Campbell Martin said;
“Based on the outcome of last week's SNP conference and that party's continued move to the right it is now clear that the best candidates for people in Cathcart and Livingston are Ronnie Stevenson and Steven Nimmo of the Scottish Socialist Party.
“They are the only people putting forward policies in these two elections which are in the best interests of working people in Scotland.
“It is not in the interests of voters in Cathcart and Livingston to have another New Labour candidate which is what the SNP has become.”
Colin Fox, SSP national convenor, said;
“The Scottish Socialist Party is the party of action in Scottish politics.
“While the SNP and Lib Dems pay lip service to abolishing the council tax and NHS prescription charges, the SSP has delivered bills in the Scottish Parliament that will turn these promises into reality.
“The SSP appeals to all those who support the socialist principles we fight for every day of the week to come out and support us at the polls.”
[ends]
Press Release: 27/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party candidates in both Scottish by elections will spend the last campaigning day before polling day taking the message of the SSP as the party of action to the electorate.
While other parties shadow box on the council tax the SSP has acted and has a bill in the Holyrood parliament to abolish the hated tax and replace it with an income based Scottish Service tax which would shift the cost of services to the better off.
A major campaign is also continuing to win free school meals for Scotland’s school students and a bill to abolish NHS prescription charges has been laid before the parliament by Colin Fox, SSP national convenor.
Independent MSP Campbell Martin has called for a vote for the SSP in both the Westminster by election in Livingston and the Cathcart Scottish Parliament seat, saying that the last thing the electorate needs is another New Labour party, a reference to the SNP’s further moves to the right.
Speaking at a press conference in Glasgow on Tuesday, Campbell Martin said;
“Based on the outcome of last week's SNP conference and that party's continued move to the right it is now clear that the best candidates for people in Cathcart and Livingston are Ronnie Stevenson and Steven Nimmo of the Scottish Socialist Party.
“They are the only people putting forward policies in these two elections which are in the best interests of working people in Scotland.
“It is not in the interests of voters in Cathcart and Livingston to have another New Labour candidate which is what the SNP has become.”
Colin Fox, SSP national convenor, said;
“The Scottish Socialist Party is the party of action in Scottish politics.
“While the SNP and Lib Dems pay lip service to abolishing the council tax and NHS prescription charges, the SSP has delivered bills in the Scottish Parliament that will turn these promises into reality.
“The SSP appeals to all those who support the socialist principles we fight for every day of the week to come out and support us at the polls.”
[ends]
Poll says bring Iraq Troops Home
Scotsman: "Three out of four Scots want British troops pulled out of Iraq, according to a survey.
A total of 74% of people quizzed in Scotland for the poll by a Sunday newspaper said they wanted the soldiers to be brought home.
Forty-two per cent said they would like to see a phased pull-out of troops over the next year while 32% wanted an immediate exit.
Fifteen per cent of those interviewed said the troops should stay in Iraq indefinitely - 11% were unsure.
The Scottish Opinion Research Agency interviewed 419 Scots last week for the survey in the Sunday Mail.
The findings came as Defence Secretary John Reid said British troops could start handing over to Iraqi forces next year. Amid newspaper reports that British troops will begin a major withdrawal next May, Mr Reid insisted on Sky TV that no date had yet been set for any pull-out.
Welcoming the survey, Scottish Socialist Party leader Colin Fox said: 'Scots now recognise that far from stabilising the country, the presence of UK troops is only creating more violence and the only way forward for Iraq is an immediate end to the occupation.'"
A total of 74% of people quizzed in Scotland for the poll by a Sunday newspaper said they wanted the soldiers to be brought home.
Forty-two per cent said they would like to see a phased pull-out of troops over the next year while 32% wanted an immediate exit.
Fifteen per cent of those interviewed said the troops should stay in Iraq indefinitely - 11% were unsure.
The Scottish Opinion Research Agency interviewed 419 Scots last week for the survey in the Sunday Mail.
The findings came as Defence Secretary John Reid said British troops could start handing over to Iraqi forces next year. Amid newspaper reports that British troops will begin a major withdrawal next May, Mr Reid insisted on Sky TV that no date had yet been set for any pull-out.
Welcoming the survey, Scottish Socialist Party leader Colin Fox said: 'Scots now recognise that far from stabilising the country, the presence of UK troops is only creating more violence and the only way forward for Iraq is an immediate end to the occupation.'"
Friday, September 23, 2005
SSP: G8 policing exposed as a scandal
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 23/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Carolyn Leckie today attacked the policing of the G8 in July as a “monstrous waste of public money” and repeated her demand for an enquiry into the police operation that saw Scotland turned into a police state in the first week in July.
Carolyn spoke out after it was revealed that just five of Scotland’s eight police forces had run up overtime bills of more than £11 million for policing the G8 summit in July and that did not include the Tayside force.
Carolyn said;
“Very serious questions continue to go unanswered about the police operation that resulted in Scotland being turned into a police state in the first week in July.
“To those questions must now be added that of the cost of the police operation.
“If the overtime bill is currently standing at £11 million for just some of the Scottish forces involved I shudder to think what the total bill will be when those forces from outside Scotland are included.
“At the time the G8 protestors repeatedly said that the police acted in a completely heavy handed manner and that appears to be the case with charges dropped against 100 of the 358 arrests,.
“There must now be an enquiry into the police operation around the G8 summit.
“What was the total cost of the police and security services operation?
“Who was in control of the rampaging squads of riot police which brought violence and mayhem to the streets of Edinburgh on July 4th?
“By what authority did police demand to view unbroadcast television footage shot by the BBC and STV of the events in Edinburgh on July 4th prior to being granted a warrant to do so ?
“These questions must now be answered and the SSP and other G8 protest organisations will not rest until they are.”
[ends]
Press Release: 23/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Carolyn Leckie today attacked the policing of the G8 in July as a “monstrous waste of public money” and repeated her demand for an enquiry into the police operation that saw Scotland turned into a police state in the first week in July.
Carolyn spoke out after it was revealed that just five of Scotland’s eight police forces had run up overtime bills of more than £11 million for policing the G8 summit in July and that did not include the Tayside force.
Carolyn said;
“Very serious questions continue to go unanswered about the police operation that resulted in Scotland being turned into a police state in the first week in July.
“To those questions must now be added that of the cost of the police operation.
“If the overtime bill is currently standing at £11 million for just some of the Scottish forces involved I shudder to think what the total bill will be when those forces from outside Scotland are included.
“At the time the G8 protestors repeatedly said that the police acted in a completely heavy handed manner and that appears to be the case with charges dropped against 100 of the 358 arrests,.
“There must now be an enquiry into the police operation around the G8 summit.
“What was the total cost of the police and security services operation?
“Who was in control of the rampaging squads of riot police which brought violence and mayhem to the streets of Edinburgh on July 4th?
“By what authority did police demand to view unbroadcast television footage shot by the BBC and STV of the events in Edinburgh on July 4th prior to being granted a warrant to do so ?
“These questions must now be answered and the SSP and other G8 protest organisations will not rest until they are.”
[ends]
Cathcart: SSP candidate lashes Lib Dems over £2.4 million donation
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 23/09/05
The Scottish Socialist Party candidate in the Cathcart by-election, Ronnie Stevenson, today attacked the Liberal Democrats over the £2.4 million donation by a Swiss-based company headed by Scottish-born financier Michael Brown.
Ronnie Stevenson said today;
“In the last General Election many people voted for the Liberal Democrats in good faith as they posed as a party that was left of centre.
“The Liberal Democrats now stand exposed as another grubby outfit in the pocket of billionaire big businessmen.
“The SSP appeals to voters to back the only party in this by election that stands openly and honestly on the side of working people and against the interests of corporate big business.”
[ends]
Press Release: 23/09/05
The Scottish Socialist Party candidate in the Cathcart by-election, Ronnie Stevenson, today attacked the Liberal Democrats over the £2.4 million donation by a Swiss-based company headed by Scottish-born financier Michael Brown.
Ronnie Stevenson said today;
“In the last General Election many people voted for the Liberal Democrats in good faith as they posed as a party that was left of centre.
“The Liberal Democrats now stand exposed as another grubby outfit in the pocket of billionaire big businessmen.
“The SSP appeals to voters to back the only party in this by election that stands openly and honestly on the side of working people and against the interests of corporate big business.”
[ends]
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Labour Asylum Move "too little, too late"
BBC NEWS | Scotland | McConnell acts over asylum raids: "Scottish Socialist Party leader, Colin Fox, described Mr McConnell's action as 'too little too late'.
He said: 'The Labour-Lib Dem government in Holyrood have been complicit in the human rights abuses ordered by Westminster.'"
He said: 'The Labour-Lib Dem government in Holyrood have been complicit in the human rights abuses ordered by Westminster.'"
SSP: Executive should end all human rights abuses in Scotland
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 22/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox MSP today said the Executive's criticism of Home Office policy was 'too little, too late' and called for the Executive to go further in tackling human rights abuses
Colin said:
"At last Jack McConnell has noticed the human rights abuses going on under his nose - after a public outcry.
"Human rights abuses are being perpetrated against asylum seekers in Scotland every day.
"It's not just a question of dawn raids - how would Mr McConnell feel if he was locked behind barbed wire fences without ever having committed a crime?
"The detention of innocent men, women and children in Dungavel Detention Centre represents an abuse of human rights which the Executive should be challenging Westminster over.
"The Labour-Lib Dem government in Holyrood have been complicit in the human rights abuses ordered by Westminster. This squeak of protest is too little, too late - the Executive must go much further if they are to be taken seriously."
[ends]
Press Release: 22/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox MSP today said the Executive's criticism of Home Office policy was 'too little, too late' and called for the Executive to go further in tackling human rights abuses
Colin said:
"At last Jack McConnell has noticed the human rights abuses going on under his nose - after a public outcry.
"Human rights abuses are being perpetrated against asylum seekers in Scotland every day.
"It's not just a question of dawn raids - how would Mr McConnell feel if he was locked behind barbed wire fences without ever having committed a crime?
"The detention of innocent men, women and children in Dungavel Detention Centre represents an abuse of human rights which the Executive should be challenging Westminster over.
"The Labour-Lib Dem government in Holyrood have been complicit in the human rights abuses ordered by Westminster. This squeak of protest is too little, too late - the Executive must go much further if they are to be taken seriously."
[ends]
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Cathcart by election: SSP only party to oppose business rates cuts
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 22/09/05
SSP opposes business rates cuts of £200 million Just £46 million could have abolished NHS prescription charges
The Scottish Socialist Party has today pledged itself to be the only party contesting the Cathcart by-election that is opposed to the lowering of Scottish business rates.
With a week to go before polling day, the SSP candidate in Cathcart, Ronnie Stevenson, has told a meeting of SSP campaigners in the constituency that all the establishment political parties are falling over themselves to gift cash to the business community with the SSP being the only party to oppose the handouts.
Scottish Socialist Party candidate Ronnie Stevenson said today; “Jack McConnell suddenly managed to find a spare £200 million to hand out to his big business backers and now the other establishment politicians are outdoing themselves with demands for even more jackpots for Scottish businesses.
“Handouts to the business community come at a time when the Scottish Executive says that it cannot afford to abolish NHS Prescription charges, a measure that would cost a mere £46 million and yet would have a massive impact on Scotland’s low paid and chronically sick.
“The voters of Cathcart will want to know in whose interests Labour is running Scotland; the businesses who care only of profits or the working class people who voted Labour in the belief that they would represent the interests of the millions, not the millionaires.
“At a time when voters in Cathcart are being bombarded by the establishment parties making vague promises to one day do something to deal with the iniquities in Scottish life, the SSP has laid three Bills before the Scottish Parliament to abolish the council tax, provide free school meals and abolish prescription charges.
“While the establishment parties fall over themselves to hand out cash to big business it is the SSP which is at the forefront of the battle to transform the lives of Scotland’s low paid workers, children, pensioners and chronically sick.”
[ends]
Press Release: 22/09/05
SSP opposes business rates cuts of £200 million Just £46 million could have abolished NHS prescription charges
The Scottish Socialist Party has today pledged itself to be the only party contesting the Cathcart by-election that is opposed to the lowering of Scottish business rates.
With a week to go before polling day, the SSP candidate in Cathcart, Ronnie Stevenson, has told a meeting of SSP campaigners in the constituency that all the establishment political parties are falling over themselves to gift cash to the business community with the SSP being the only party to oppose the handouts.
Scottish Socialist Party candidate Ronnie Stevenson said today; “Jack McConnell suddenly managed to find a spare £200 million to hand out to his big business backers and now the other establishment politicians are outdoing themselves with demands for even more jackpots for Scottish businesses.
“Handouts to the business community come at a time when the Scottish Executive says that it cannot afford to abolish NHS Prescription charges, a measure that would cost a mere £46 million and yet would have a massive impact on Scotland’s low paid and chronically sick.
“The voters of Cathcart will want to know in whose interests Labour is running Scotland; the businesses who care only of profits or the working class people who voted Labour in the belief that they would represent the interests of the millions, not the millionaires.
“At a time when voters in Cathcart are being bombarded by the establishment parties making vague promises to one day do something to deal with the iniquities in Scottish life, the SSP has laid three Bills before the Scottish Parliament to abolish the council tax, provide free school meals and abolish prescription charges.
“While the establishment parties fall over themselves to hand out cash to big business it is the SSP which is at the forefront of the battle to transform the lives of Scotland’s low paid workers, children, pensioners and chronically sick.”
[ends]
SSP suspends campaigning in Livingston by election after sudden death
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 20/09/05
The Scottish Socialist Party today announced that it has suspended campaigning for the immediate future in the Livingston by election following the sudden and tragic death of Bill Lebrun, election agent for the SSP candidate Steven Nimmo.
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox said today; “This is a terrible loss for the family of Bill Lebrun and we would ask the media to respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.
“The SSP has suspended campaigning for the immediate future in the by election as a mark of respect to the family.”
[ends]
Press Release: 20/09/05
The Scottish Socialist Party today announced that it has suspended campaigning for the immediate future in the Livingston by election following the sudden and tragic death of Bill Lebrun, election agent for the SSP candidate Steven Nimmo.
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox said today; “This is a terrible loss for the family of Bill Lebrun and we would ask the media to respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.
“The SSP has suspended campaigning for the immediate future in the by election as a mark of respect to the family.”
[ends]
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
MSP Fox & SSP Livingston candidate show support for strikers
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 13/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox MSP and the SSP’s candidate in the Livingston by-election Steven Nimmo today showed their support for striking First Bus Group workers at the Deans depot picket line in Livingston.
First Bus workers are taking strike action in support of a pay claim to take them from £7.40 to £8 an hour.
Colin said today;
“First Bus workers are being treated appallingly by this multinational company who boast that they have transport operations spanning two continents but who say they are not willing to pay their drivers Edinburgh rates of pay because the depots are in towns outside Edinburgh.
“First Bus pays drivers different rates for the job depending on what depot they work from, this is a completely iniquitous arrangement which is the cause of much bitterness amongst the drivers.
“The attitude of First Bus towards its workers is frankly appalling and I will be doing everything we can to rally support for these workers.”
[ends]
Press Release: 13/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox MSP and the SSP’s candidate in the Livingston by-election Steven Nimmo today showed their support for striking First Bus Group workers at the Deans depot picket line in Livingston.
First Bus workers are taking strike action in support of a pay claim to take them from £7.40 to £8 an hour.
Colin said today;
“First Bus workers are being treated appallingly by this multinational company who boast that they have transport operations spanning two continents but who say they are not willing to pay their drivers Edinburgh rates of pay because the depots are in towns outside Edinburgh.
“First Bus pays drivers different rates for the job depending on what depot they work from, this is a completely iniquitous arrangement which is the cause of much bitterness amongst the drivers.
“The attitude of First Bus towards its workers is frankly appalling and I will be doing everything we can to rally support for these workers.”
[ends]
Monday, September 12, 2005
Rosie Kane released: demands to know why warrant was issued for arrest
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 12/09/05
Rosie Kane released: demands to know why warrant was issues for arrest
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane was today freed by Helensburgh District Court when JP Vivian Dance said that the original Supervised Attendance Order had not been executed properly and ordered a new one to be carried out by Glasgow City Council Social Work Department.
Rosie is demanding to know why a warrant was subsequently issued for her arrest if the paperwork for the original Supervised Attendance Order was not correct.
Rosie said today;
“Scotland’s justice system is a complete shambles.
“JP Dance has said today that the original Supervised Attendance Order was not executed properly.
“So why was a warrant issued for my arrest for allegedly failing to comply with the SAO?
“At every stage in this saga I have done everything to minimise the amount of police and court time this case has taken up and yet the system is in such a mess that public resources are being wasted through bureaucratic bungling.
“When I return to court after refusing this new Supervised Attendance Order I will argue that I should be admonished as I have spent time in 3 different holding cells and a night in a Glasgow police station cell.
“The whole situation is a farce; all of this for a peaceful protest against nuclear weapons at Faslane.”
[ends]
Press Release: 12/09/05
Rosie Kane released: demands to know why warrant was issues for arrest
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane was today freed by Helensburgh District Court when JP Vivian Dance said that the original Supervised Attendance Order had not been executed properly and ordered a new one to be carried out by Glasgow City Council Social Work Department.
Rosie is demanding to know why a warrant was subsequently issued for her arrest if the paperwork for the original Supervised Attendance Order was not correct.
Rosie said today;
“Scotland’s justice system is a complete shambles.
“JP Dance has said today that the original Supervised Attendance Order was not executed properly.
“So why was a warrant issued for my arrest for allegedly failing to comply with the SAO?
“At every stage in this saga I have done everything to minimise the amount of police and court time this case has taken up and yet the system is in such a mess that public resources are being wasted through bureaucratic bungling.
“When I return to court after refusing this new Supervised Attendance Order I will argue that I should be admonished as I have spent time in 3 different holding cells and a night in a Glasgow police station cell.
“The whole situation is a farce; all of this for a peaceful protest against nuclear weapons at Faslane.”
[ends]
Suspended MSP’s in plea for Colombian Trade Unionists
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 12/09/05
The 4 suspended Scottish Socialist Party MSP’s, Carolyn Leckie, Frances Curran, Rosie Kane and Colin Fox, today pledged to devote their time and energies into building support for international solidarity with Colombian trade unionists who are the subject of a campaign of murder and intimidation by death squads working in co-operation with multi national corporations.
The latest to be murdered is Luciano Enrique Romero Molina a 47 year old father of 4 children.
Speaking on behalf of the 4 suspended MSP’s, Carolyn Leckie said;
“We have been suspended from the Scottish Parliament for a month and during this time we will focus on a number of campaigns that need urgent assistance such as the plight of trade unionists in Colombia.
“The murder of Luciano Enrique Romero Molina is an absolute outrage and further evidence that there is a co-ordinated campaign of assassination and terror against the trade union movement in Colombia.
“I would implore trade unionists in Scotland to follow the requests of Sinaltrainal and protest in the strongest possible terms to the Colombian government.
“These workers are in mortal danger, international solidarity could be the difference between life and death for them.”
[ends]
Message from Colombian trade union Sinaltrainal:
SINALTRAINAL LEADER LUCIANO ENRIQUE ROMERO MOLINA ASSASSINATED
It is with deep pain that we inform you of the death of comrade LUCIANO ENRIQUE ROMERO MOLINA, a leader of SINALTRANAL who was assassinated in the
city of Valledupar, Cesar. Luciano was seen alive at approximately 9pm on 10 September, then on the morning of 11 September his dead body was found tied up, tortured and with 40 knife wounds. He was living under the PROTECTIVE MEASURES scheme of the Inter-American Human Rights Commission of the Organisation of American States.
LUCIANO was 47 years old. He leaves 4 children and his partner Ledys Mendoza.
He had worked for 20 years at NESTLÉ - Cicolac in Valledupar. He was sacked
from there 22 October 2002, for a supposed cease of [work] activities that was declared illegal by the Ministry of Social Protection. There is a demand for comrade Luciano Romero’s reinstatement in process through the First Labour Court of the Valledupar Circuit. The demand is against NESTLE DE COLOMBIA S.A., CICOLAC LTDA. and DAIRY PARTENS AMERICAS MANOFACTURING COLOMBIA LTDA. “DPA COLOMBIA LIMITADA”.
LUCIANO was an outstanding leader of SINALTRAINAL and currently was our representative on the Foundation Committee of Solidarity with Political Prisoners [Fundación Comité de Solidaridad con los Presos Políticos -FCSPP] from where he carried out activities of solidarity and humanitarian assistance for the detainees.
Due to death threats he had to leave Valledupar on different occasions.
From the end of 2004 he stayed several months in Gijón, Spain in a protection and solidarity programme; and he had returned to Colombia at the beginning of this year.
We repudiate this horrendous murder that adds LUCIANO ENRIQUE ROMERO MOLINA to the interminable list of assassinated union leaders in Colombia, [carried
out] within the strategy of State Terrorism and through the persecution unleashed by the corporations to exterminate the trade union movement.
We condemn once again the government of Álvaro Uribe Vélez and his deceitful “peace process” with the paramilitary groups, which as we see continue massacring the unarmed population, with their crimes protected by total impunity thanks to the “Justice and Peace Law”.
We ask you to send a note of protest to / Les pedimos enviar notas de protesta:
Álvaro Uribe Vélez
Presidente de la República de Colombia
auribe@presidencia.gov.co; dh@presidencia.gov.co
[OR to better send e-mail to Uribe login to http://www.presidencia.gov.co and click on ESCRIBALE AL PRESIDENTE at the bottom of the page]
Vicepresidente Francisco Santos
fsantos@presidencia.gov.co
Dr. Carlos Franco,
Director del Programa Presidencial de Derechos Humanos y de Derecho Internacional Humanitario.
cefranco@presidencia.gov.co
Fiscal General de la Nación
Dr. Mario Iguarán Arana
contacto@fiscalia.gov.co; denuncie@fiscalia.gov.co;
webmaster@fiscalia.gov.co
Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos
cidhoea@oas.org
With a copy to / con copia a
sinaltrainal@sinaltrainal.org
A great embrace and thanks for your solidarity / Un gran abrazo y gracias
por su solidaridad,
EDGAR PAEZ M.
National Leadership / Dirección Nacional
SINALTRAINAL - Colombia
Press Release: 12/09/05
The 4 suspended Scottish Socialist Party MSP’s, Carolyn Leckie, Frances Curran, Rosie Kane and Colin Fox, today pledged to devote their time and energies into building support for international solidarity with Colombian trade unionists who are the subject of a campaign of murder and intimidation by death squads working in co-operation with multi national corporations.
The latest to be murdered is Luciano Enrique Romero Molina a 47 year old father of 4 children.
Speaking on behalf of the 4 suspended MSP’s, Carolyn Leckie said;
“We have been suspended from the Scottish Parliament for a month and during this time we will focus on a number of campaigns that need urgent assistance such as the plight of trade unionists in Colombia.
“The murder of Luciano Enrique Romero Molina is an absolute outrage and further evidence that there is a co-ordinated campaign of assassination and terror against the trade union movement in Colombia.
“I would implore trade unionists in Scotland to follow the requests of Sinaltrainal and protest in the strongest possible terms to the Colombian government.
“These workers are in mortal danger, international solidarity could be the difference between life and death for them.”
[ends]
Message from Colombian trade union Sinaltrainal:
SINALTRAINAL LEADER LUCIANO ENRIQUE ROMERO MOLINA ASSASSINATED
It is with deep pain that we inform you of the death of comrade LUCIANO ENRIQUE ROMERO MOLINA, a leader of SINALTRANAL who was assassinated in the
city of Valledupar, Cesar. Luciano was seen alive at approximately 9pm on 10 September, then on the morning of 11 September his dead body was found tied up, tortured and with 40 knife wounds. He was living under the PROTECTIVE MEASURES scheme of the Inter-American Human Rights Commission of the Organisation of American States.
LUCIANO was 47 years old. He leaves 4 children and his partner Ledys Mendoza.
He had worked for 20 years at NESTLÉ - Cicolac in Valledupar. He was sacked
from there 22 October 2002, for a supposed cease of [work] activities that was declared illegal by the Ministry of Social Protection. There is a demand for comrade Luciano Romero’s reinstatement in process through the First Labour Court of the Valledupar Circuit. The demand is against NESTLE DE COLOMBIA S.A., CICOLAC LTDA. and DAIRY PARTENS AMERICAS MANOFACTURING COLOMBIA LTDA. “DPA COLOMBIA LIMITADA”.
LUCIANO was an outstanding leader of SINALTRAINAL and currently was our representative on the Foundation Committee of Solidarity with Political Prisoners [Fundación Comité de Solidaridad con los Presos Políticos -FCSPP] from where he carried out activities of solidarity and humanitarian assistance for the detainees.
Due to death threats he had to leave Valledupar on different occasions.
From the end of 2004 he stayed several months in Gijón, Spain in a protection and solidarity programme; and he had returned to Colombia at the beginning of this year.
We repudiate this horrendous murder that adds LUCIANO ENRIQUE ROMERO MOLINA to the interminable list of assassinated union leaders in Colombia, [carried
out] within the strategy of State Terrorism and through the persecution unleashed by the corporations to exterminate the trade union movement.
We condemn once again the government of Álvaro Uribe Vélez and his deceitful “peace process” with the paramilitary groups, which as we see continue massacring the unarmed population, with their crimes protected by total impunity thanks to the “Justice and Peace Law”.
We ask you to send a note of protest to / Les pedimos enviar notas de protesta:
Álvaro Uribe Vélez
Presidente de la República de Colombia
auribe@presidencia.gov.co; dh@presidencia.gov.co
[OR to better send e-mail to Uribe login to http://www.presidencia.gov.co and click on ESCRIBALE AL PRESIDENTE at the bottom of the page]
Vicepresidente Francisco Santos
fsantos@presidencia.gov.co
Dr. Carlos Franco,
Director del Programa Presidencial de Derechos Humanos y de Derecho Internacional Humanitario.
cefranco@presidencia.gov.co
Fiscal General de la Nación
Dr. Mario Iguarán Arana
contacto@fiscalia.gov.co; denuncie@fiscalia.gov.co;
webmaster@fiscalia.gov.co
Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos
cidhoea@oas.org
With a copy to / con copia a
sinaltrainal@sinaltrainal.org
A great embrace and thanks for your solidarity / Un gran abrazo y gracias
por su solidaridad,
EDGAR PAEZ M.
National Leadership / Dirección Nacional
SINALTRAINAL - Colombia
Friday, September 09, 2005
Scottish Socialist Party: keep Cal Mac public
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 09/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Frances Curran today called for the Scottish Parliament to end the privatisation of Cal Mac
Frances, MSP for West of Scotland, said:
"The tendering process and privatisation of Cal Mac has brought problem after problem - the issue of the pensions deficit being the latest in a long line of unresolved concerns.
"Privatisation is not in the interests of the islanders and others who use the ferries, and it's not in the interests of Cal Mac workers.
“In fact, it's hard to see whose interest it is in!
“We've hardly had people taking to the streets of Stornoway and Kennacraig demanding the ferry service be sold off, or filling the newspaper letters pages singing the praises of the free market.
"Instead of pandering to the whims of the shareholders and fat cats, the Executive should stand up for the communities that they represent - keep Cal Mac public."
[ends]
Press Release: 09/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Frances Curran today called for the Scottish Parliament to end the privatisation of Cal Mac
Frances, MSP for West of Scotland, said:
"The tendering process and privatisation of Cal Mac has brought problem after problem - the issue of the pensions deficit being the latest in a long line of unresolved concerns.
"Privatisation is not in the interests of the islanders and others who use the ferries, and it's not in the interests of Cal Mac workers.
“In fact, it's hard to see whose interest it is in!
“We've hardly had people taking to the streets of Stornoway and Kennacraig demanding the ferry service be sold off, or filling the newspaper letters pages singing the praises of the free market.
"Instead of pandering to the whims of the shareholders and fat cats, the Executive should stand up for the communities that they represent - keep Cal Mac public."
[ends]
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Wrong figures in tax plan attack
Press Associatiation report
A Labour attack on plans to scrap council tax backfired after the party used inaccurate figures in an attempt to criticise the move.
The party used the examples to claim the new charges would cost people more than council tax but failed to take account of the first £10,000 being tax free.
Under the Bill, which is currently being scrutinised by Holyrood's Local Government Committee, a salary of £17,600 would in fact cost that taxpayer £342 and £297 for someone on a salary of £16,600.
A spokesman for the Scottish Socialist Party said: "If Labour can't even understand the basics of progressive taxation then they're not in a position to criticise the Scottish service tax proposals."
A Labour spokesman said the figures were a mistake made by a party researcher which should not have happened.
A Labour attack on plans to scrap council tax backfired after the party used inaccurate figures in an attempt to criticise the move.
The party used the examples to claim the new charges would cost people more than council tax but failed to take account of the first £10,000 being tax free.
Under the Bill, which is currently being scrutinised by Holyrood's Local Government Committee, a salary of £17,600 would in fact cost that taxpayer £342 and £297 for someone on a salary of £16,600.
A spokesman for the Scottish Socialist Party said: "If Labour can't even understand the basics of progressive taxation then they're not in a position to criticise the Scottish service tax proposals."
A Labour spokesman said the figures were a mistake made by a party researcher which should not have happened.
Sheridan: Labour MSP’s blunder embarrasses Parliament Committee
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 08/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Tommy Sheridan today said that it was “acutely embarrassing” that members of the Local Government and Transport Committee who were taking evidence on the Council Tax Abolition and Service Tax Introduction (Scotland) Bill did not understand the basic principles of progressive taxation.
Tommy was speaking after a meeting of the committee in which Michael McMahon, MSP for Hamilton North and Bellshill, read figures from a document in relation to tax rates under the SSP’s Scottish Service Tax proposal which were completely incorrect.
Whoever had prepared the document seemed unaware that under the SST proposal the first £10,000 of income earned would be except from tax; a basic principle of any progressive taxation system.
Tommy said tonight;
“It is acutely embarrassing that MSP’s sitting on a committee which scrutinises legislation do not understand basic progressive taxation.
“It is vital that the public have confidence in the proper scrutiny of legislation and I welcome detailed analysis of the Bill I have put forward to abolish the Council Tax and replace it with a Scottish Service Tax.
“What is not welcome is ill informed and plain ignorant criticism based on party political bias.
“I suggest Mr McMahon do his homework before the next round of evidence instead of relying on crib sheets prepared by New Labour spin doctors who are out of their depth when it comes to local government finance.”
[ends]
Press Release: 08/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Tommy Sheridan today said that it was “acutely embarrassing” that members of the Local Government and Transport Committee who were taking evidence on the Council Tax Abolition and Service Tax Introduction (Scotland) Bill did not understand the basic principles of progressive taxation.
Tommy was speaking after a meeting of the committee in which Michael McMahon, MSP for Hamilton North and Bellshill, read figures from a document in relation to tax rates under the SSP’s Scottish Service Tax proposal which were completely incorrect.
Whoever had prepared the document seemed unaware that under the SST proposal the first £10,000 of income earned would be except from tax; a basic principle of any progressive taxation system.
Tommy said tonight;
“It is acutely embarrassing that MSP’s sitting on a committee which scrutinises legislation do not understand basic progressive taxation.
“It is vital that the public have confidence in the proper scrutiny of legislation and I welcome detailed analysis of the Bill I have put forward to abolish the Council Tax and replace it with a Scottish Service Tax.
“What is not welcome is ill informed and plain ignorant criticism based on party political bias.
“I suggest Mr McMahon do his homework before the next round of evidence instead of relying on crib sheets prepared by New Labour spin doctors who are out of their depth when it comes to local government finance.”
[ends]
Sheridan has his chance to ‘tax the rich’
The Herald
MSPs from all parties will today be urged to fill one of the biggest gaps in Holyrood's new legislative programme by backing a bill for the abolition of council tax.
Tommy Sheridan's member's bill will begin its long-awaited passage through parliament's committee system with an initial evidence session on the idea's general principles.
The Scottish Socialist MSP for Glasgow has proposed replacing council tax it with a Scottish Service Tax (SST) based on income, rather than property value, to help the poorest in society.
MSPs from all parties will today be urged to fill one of the biggest gaps in Holyrood's new legislative programme by backing a bill for the abolition of council tax.
Tommy Sheridan's member's bill will begin its long-awaited passage through parliament's committee system with an initial evidence session on the idea's general principles.
The Scottish Socialist MSP for Glasgow has proposed replacing council tax it with a Scottish Service Tax (SST) based on income, rather than property value, to help the poorest in society.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
SSP: Scots have nothing to fear from immigration
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 07/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane today called responded to a new study of immigration patterns with a call for Scotland to open up her borders to new immigrants
Rosie said:
"We welcome the publication of these figures, as they bust some of the myths
that exist around immigration.
"While some elements of the media will no doubt use bald figures like the overall 1m + population increase to whip up racism against asylum seekers and refugees, a glance at the statistics shows that Americans, Australians and South Africans are among the biggest groups of foreign born residents.
"Just 3.3 per cent of Scotland's population were born overseas, well below
the UK average.
"At a time when Scots are still emigrating, the birth-rate is dropping and the remaining population is ageing, this research shows yet again the need to abolish the racist immigration laws.
"We need skilled workers like nurses, primary school teachers, plumbers and carpenters - yet we refuse to let asylum seekers work, we lock families up in Dungavel and make it near impossible for anyone to come here.
"We have to tackle the racism that mars the experience of immigrants to Scotland - starting with the government's racist immigration laws."
[ends]
Press Release: 07/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane today called responded to a new study of immigration patterns with a call for Scotland to open up her borders to new immigrants
Rosie said:
"We welcome the publication of these figures, as they bust some of the myths
that exist around immigration.
"While some elements of the media will no doubt use bald figures like the overall 1m + population increase to whip up racism against asylum seekers and refugees, a glance at the statistics shows that Americans, Australians and South Africans are among the biggest groups of foreign born residents.
"Just 3.3 per cent of Scotland's population were born overseas, well below
the UK average.
"At a time when Scots are still emigrating, the birth-rate is dropping and the remaining population is ageing, this research shows yet again the need to abolish the racist immigration laws.
"We need skilled workers like nurses, primary school teachers, plumbers and carpenters - yet we refuse to let asylum seekers work, we lock families up in Dungavel and make it near impossible for anyone to come here.
"We have to tackle the racism that mars the experience of immigrants to Scotland - starting with the government's racist immigration laws."
[ends]
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
MSP Byrne lashes McConnell over PPP schools scandal
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 06/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP for South Scotland Rosemary Byrne today hit out at Jack McConnell over his pledge during the Scottish Parliament debate on the legislative programme that the Scottish Executive would deliver the “'biggest school investment programme for over a century.'
McConnell made his remarks on the same day that Edinburgh City Council announced that a corruption scandal involving its £550 million Public Private Partnership scheme to rebuild eight city schools would mean a delay of at least a year in the much needed school building programme.
Rosemary has repeatedly spoken out against PPP school building schemes, saying that private firms should not be allowed to profit from public services and that educational interests of school children are not being served.
Rosemary said;
“When is the Executive going to accept that PPP schemes are not only expensive but also lend themselves to corruption, quite apart from not providing real community facilities.
“PPP projects are repeatedly being exposed as unworkable and undemocratic and yet the Scottish Executive is not prepared to face up to the truth.
“There are massive profits in PPP schemes for private companies but they are worse than useless to the local communities who receive substandard facilities in return.
“It is time for the Executive to end Public Private Partnership’s once and for all and to return to the use of public money to fund public services.”
[ends]
Press Release: 06/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP for South Scotland Rosemary Byrne today hit out at Jack McConnell over his pledge during the Scottish Parliament debate on the legislative programme that the Scottish Executive would deliver the “'biggest school investment programme for over a century.'
McConnell made his remarks on the same day that Edinburgh City Council announced that a corruption scandal involving its £550 million Public Private Partnership scheme to rebuild eight city schools would mean a delay of at least a year in the much needed school building programme.
Rosemary has repeatedly spoken out against PPP school building schemes, saying that private firms should not be allowed to profit from public services and that educational interests of school children are not being served.
Rosemary said;
“When is the Executive going to accept that PPP schemes are not only expensive but also lend themselves to corruption, quite apart from not providing real community facilities.
“PPP projects are repeatedly being exposed as unworkable and undemocratic and yet the Scottish Executive is not prepared to face up to the truth.
“There are massive profits in PPP schemes for private companies but they are worse than useless to the local communities who receive substandard facilities in return.
“It is time for the Executive to end Public Private Partnership’s once and for all and to return to the use of public money to fund public services.”
[ends]
SSP: Executive legislative programme more of the same
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 06/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox MSP today dismissed the Scottish Executive programme as “more of the same” and said that two bills that the SSP has before parliament would have a huge impact on the lives of the low paid, sick and elderly and all the Scottish Executive had to do was tell it’s MSP’s to vote for the measures; the SSP has already done the hard work for them in drafting the bills and sending them out for consultation.
Colin said;
“"It is more of the same from the Executive, more banging of the law and order drum on the orders of McConnell's boss in London.
"What would make a real difference to the people of Scotland would be the abolition of the council tax and prescription charges.
"The Executive would only have to tell their MSP's to support the two bills before parliament that would achieve these two radical improvements to the lives of the low paid, sick and elderly, the SSP has done all the hard work for them."
[ends]
Press Release: 06/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox MSP today dismissed the Scottish Executive programme as “more of the same” and said that two bills that the SSP has before parliament would have a huge impact on the lives of the low paid, sick and elderly and all the Scottish Executive had to do was tell it’s MSP’s to vote for the measures; the SSP has already done the hard work for them in drafting the bills and sending them out for consultation.
Colin said;
“"It is more of the same from the Executive, more banging of the law and order drum on the orders of McConnell's boss in London.
"What would make a real difference to the people of Scotland would be the abolition of the council tax and prescription charges.
"The Executive would only have to tell their MSP's to support the two bills before parliament that would achieve these two radical improvements to the lives of the low paid, sick and elderly, the SSP has done all the hard work for them."
[ends]
Banned MSPs stage Holyrood protest
PA News StoryFour Socialist MSPs barred from the Scottish Parliament following a protest in the chamber have staged a demonstration outside Holyrood against the ban.
MSPs ordered that SSP leader Colin Fox and Carolyn Leckie, Frances Curran and Rosie Kane be banned from the Parliament complex during September after they staged a sit-in.
The four were also docked around £30,000 in wages following the exchanges with Jack McConnell on the right to protest at July's G8 summit in Gleneagles.
MSPs ordered that SSP leader Colin Fox and Carolyn Leckie, Frances Curran and Rosie Kane be banned from the Parliament complex during September after they staged a sit-in.
The four were also docked around £30,000 in wages following the exchanges with Jack McConnell on the right to protest at July's G8 summit in Gleneagles.
SSP: 'just say no' fails to tackle drugs problem
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 06/09/05
SSP: 'just say no' fails to tackle drugs problem
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosemary Byrne today called for radical reform of the drug laws as a Drugscope survey showed prices falling on Scotland's streets
Rosemary said:
"The 'just say no' prohibitionist approach of successive governments has been shown time and again to be a failure.
"This latest survey is not good news - cheaper drugs will mean more young people being sucked in by the dealers.
"If cannabis were to be legalised, its sale could be regulated as with alcohol and cigarettes.
"Those who wish to use cannabis would not be exposed to a world of dealers and heavier drugs.
"The growth of crack cocaine as a supplement to heroin also shows the failure of the government's policy on tackling heroin addiction.
"The SSP has long called for heroin to be made available on prescription to addicts through the NHS, removing the dealers' market, removing the need for addicts to commit crime to support their habit, and enabling addicts to stabilise their lives and give up drugs."
[ends]
Press Release: 06/09/05
SSP: 'just say no' fails to tackle drugs problem
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosemary Byrne today called for radical reform of the drug laws as a Drugscope survey showed prices falling on Scotland's streets
Rosemary said:
"The 'just say no' prohibitionist approach of successive governments has been shown time and again to be a failure.
"This latest survey is not good news - cheaper drugs will mean more young people being sucked in by the dealers.
"If cannabis were to be legalised, its sale could be regulated as with alcohol and cigarettes.
"Those who wish to use cannabis would not be exposed to a world of dealers and heavier drugs.
"The growth of crack cocaine as a supplement to heroin also shows the failure of the government's policy on tackling heroin addiction.
"The SSP has long called for heroin to be made available on prescription to addicts through the NHS, removing the dealers' market, removing the need for addicts to commit crime to support their habit, and enabling addicts to stabilise their lives and give up drugs."
[ends]
Sunday, September 04, 2005
SSP plans protests and rallies over Parliament ban
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 04/09/05
The Scottish Socialist Party today unveiled plans for protests and public meetings across Scotland over the suspension of 4 of its MSP’s from the Scottish Parliament during the month of September.
The party also revealed that over 2,000 people had signed an online petition against the suspensions including the campaigning journalist John Pilger and that a financial appeal had raised over £7,000 so far.
The protest plans include a demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday September 6th from 9am and a series of public meetings across Scotland from Inverness and Aberdeen to Kilmarnock and East Kilbride.
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox said today;
“The support and messages of solidarity we have had from across Scotland and from socialist and left organisations and individuals across the world has been marvellous.
“The SSP will use the month of September to take our message to the people of Scotland while the two MSP’s who are not suspended will continue to the vital work we are doing in parliament.
“George Reid said the SSP must choose between the barricades and parliament but in the month of September we will continue doing both; taking our message of socialism onto the streets of Scotland at the same time as Tommy Sheridan and Rosemary Byrne keep the red flag flying in the parliament.
“That red flag includes the first stages of the bill to abolish the council tax that Tommy Sheridan is steering through the parliament, a bill that would lift the grotesque burden of an iniquitous tax from the low paid and pensioners of Scotland.
“The suspensions and financial penalties handed out by the parliament are viewed as a gross over reaction to a peaceful protest by the vast majority of people in Scotland and beyond.
“We will be taking our message of defiance to meetings and rallies across Scotland and I appeal to people to come to those to register their disgust at these draconian sanctions.”
[ends]
Notes
On the 30 June 2005 four Scottish Socialist Party parliamentary representatives were summarily suspended and stripped of their pay and parliamentary allowances for staging a silent protest in the Scottish Parliament This unprecedented and draconian penalty was imposed through a process which makes a mockery of natural justice.
The SSP MSPs were tried in their absence, without any kind of due process, right of appeal or any of the basic human rights that are enshrined in law.
The 4 MSP’s made their protest after the First Minister Jack McConnell repeatedly refused to say he would uphold a vote of the Parliament on 3rd March 2005 upholding the right of peaceful protest at Gleneagles.
Despite claims that a deal had been done to allow a demonstration to take place at Gleneagles, the police and authorities repeatedly tried to prevent a demonstration, culminating in an attempt to sabotage it on the day by using the news media to announce that it had been cancelled.
The four suspended MSP’s are Colin Fox, Lothians, Carolyn Leckie, Central Scotland, Rosie Kane, Glasgow, and Frances Curran, West of Scotland.
Protest outside Parliament: Tuesday 6th September from 9am
Hear the MSP's they tried to silence
Scottish meetings September 2005
Aberdeen: Tuesday 6th September, venue to be confirmed
Alloa: Tuesday 6th September, venue tbc 7.30pm
Dundee: Wednesday 7th September, DVA, 10 Constitution Road, 7-9 p.m
Edinburgh: Tuesday 6th September 7pm St Georges West Church
East Kilbride: Monday 5th September, Murray Owen Centre, 7.30pm
Glasgow: Thursday 8th September 7pm, Quality Hotel, Central Station
Inverness: Thursday 8th September 7.30pm, Spectrum Centre
Kilmarnock: Thursday 15th September 7.30pm, Grand Hall
Livingston: Wednesday 7th September, Craigsfarm Campus, Craigshill, 7pm
Press Release: 04/09/05
The Scottish Socialist Party today unveiled plans for protests and public meetings across Scotland over the suspension of 4 of its MSP’s from the Scottish Parliament during the month of September.
The party also revealed that over 2,000 people had signed an online petition against the suspensions including the campaigning journalist John Pilger and that a financial appeal had raised over £7,000 so far.
The protest plans include a demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday September 6th from 9am and a series of public meetings across Scotland from Inverness and Aberdeen to Kilmarnock and East Kilbride.
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox said today;
“The support and messages of solidarity we have had from across Scotland and from socialist and left organisations and individuals across the world has been marvellous.
“The SSP will use the month of September to take our message to the people of Scotland while the two MSP’s who are not suspended will continue to the vital work we are doing in parliament.
“George Reid said the SSP must choose between the barricades and parliament but in the month of September we will continue doing both; taking our message of socialism onto the streets of Scotland at the same time as Tommy Sheridan and Rosemary Byrne keep the red flag flying in the parliament.
“That red flag includes the first stages of the bill to abolish the council tax that Tommy Sheridan is steering through the parliament, a bill that would lift the grotesque burden of an iniquitous tax from the low paid and pensioners of Scotland.
“The suspensions and financial penalties handed out by the parliament are viewed as a gross over reaction to a peaceful protest by the vast majority of people in Scotland and beyond.
“We will be taking our message of defiance to meetings and rallies across Scotland and I appeal to people to come to those to register their disgust at these draconian sanctions.”
[ends]
Notes
On the 30 June 2005 four Scottish Socialist Party parliamentary representatives were summarily suspended and stripped of their pay and parliamentary allowances for staging a silent protest in the Scottish Parliament This unprecedented and draconian penalty was imposed through a process which makes a mockery of natural justice.
The SSP MSPs were tried in their absence, without any kind of due process, right of appeal or any of the basic human rights that are enshrined in law.
The 4 MSP’s made their protest after the First Minister Jack McConnell repeatedly refused to say he would uphold a vote of the Parliament on 3rd March 2005 upholding the right of peaceful protest at Gleneagles.
Despite claims that a deal had been done to allow a demonstration to take place at Gleneagles, the police and authorities repeatedly tried to prevent a demonstration, culminating in an attempt to sabotage it on the day by using the news media to announce that it had been cancelled.
The four suspended MSP’s are Colin Fox, Lothians, Carolyn Leckie, Central Scotland, Rosie Kane, Glasgow, and Frances Curran, West of Scotland.
Protest outside Parliament: Tuesday 6th September from 9am
Hear the MSP's they tried to silence
Scottish meetings September 2005
Aberdeen: Tuesday 6th September, venue to be confirmed
Alloa: Tuesday 6th September, venue tbc 7.30pm
Dundee: Wednesday 7th September, DVA, 10 Constitution Road, 7-9 p.m
Edinburgh: Tuesday 6th September 7pm St Georges West Church
East Kilbride: Monday 5th September, Murray Owen Centre, 7.30pm
Glasgow: Thursday 8th September 7pm, Quality Hotel, Central Station
Inverness: Thursday 8th September 7.30pm, Spectrum Centre
Kilmarnock: Thursday 15th September 7.30pm, Grand Hall
Livingston: Wednesday 7th September, Craigsfarm Campus, Craigshill, 7pm
SSP: Katrina aftermath “crime against humanity”
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 04/09/05
The Scottish Socialist Party today pledged to do everything in its power to hold the Bush administration to account for the scandalous treatment of hundreds of thousands of the poor and dispossessed of New Orleans and the other states hit by hurricane Katrina.
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox MSP today said he was “absolutely sickened” by the failure of President Bush’s Republican administration to protect the sick, the elderly and the poor from the effects of the hurricane.
Colin said that the treatment of survivors was “a crime against humanity”.
Colin has visited the United States on a number of occasions and has spent time in the poorest areas of New Orleans.
Colin welcomed statements by the Presidents of Venezuela and Cuba, Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro, pledging medical aid to the disaster area.
The MSP for the Lothians contrasted the bungled disaster relief operation with the ability of the US to move an entire army to the Middle East to invade Iraq in 2003.
Rosie Kane MSP has recently returned from attending a conference called by Cuban President Fidel Castro and added to Colin’s statement a series of points contrasting the way that the Cubans have dealt with 6 major hurricanes between 1996 and 2002 in which a total of only 16 people have died.
Colin said today;
“People all over the world will be absolutely sickened by the way the poor and dispossessed of New Orleans and the hurricane hit states have been treated by the Bush administration.
“The treatment of the survivors of hurricane Katrina is nothing less than a crime against humanity.
“It is clear that the US President who ordered an entire army and its logistical support to the Middle East for the invasion of Iraq does not give a cent for the lives of black and poor Americans.
“The Scottish Socialist Party adds its voice to the outrage that is sweeping the world at the images of the dead and dying left in mountains of rubbish at the New Orleans convention centre and corralled in the Superdome.
“The President of the world’s richest nation has made it quite clear that he regards the poor, the sick, the elderly and more particularly the black population of America as being not worth the effort to save from the absolutely horrific conditions following hurricane Katrina.
“I know the poor areas of New Orleans well and the people who live there are kind, generous and warm hearted.
“It breaks my heart to see them treated as animals by a President who should now be driven out of office by the American people.”
Rosie Kane added;
“I have recently returned from Cuba and the way that one of the poorest countries in the region deals with hurricanes stands in stark contrast to the catastrophe that has unfolded in the US.
“In the seven years between 1996 and 2002, six major hurricanes have hit Cuba, yet a total of only 16 people have died.
“Cuba has a strong well-organized civil defense, an early warning system, well-equipped rescue teams, and emergency stockpiles.
“Cuba mobilizes its community with solidarity as the watchword and a clear political commitment to safeguard human life.
“The population is “disaster-aware” and educated in the necessary actions to be taken in event of a disaster.
“For over 40 years the USA has tried to starve Cuba to death but it is now time for the US to end that war and learn from the principles of solidarity and commitment to human life that are the watchwords of Cuban society.”
[ends]
Press Release: 04/09/05
The Scottish Socialist Party today pledged to do everything in its power to hold the Bush administration to account for the scandalous treatment of hundreds of thousands of the poor and dispossessed of New Orleans and the other states hit by hurricane Katrina.
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox MSP today said he was “absolutely sickened” by the failure of President Bush’s Republican administration to protect the sick, the elderly and the poor from the effects of the hurricane.
Colin said that the treatment of survivors was “a crime against humanity”.
Colin has visited the United States on a number of occasions and has spent time in the poorest areas of New Orleans.
Colin welcomed statements by the Presidents of Venezuela and Cuba, Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro, pledging medical aid to the disaster area.
The MSP for the Lothians contrasted the bungled disaster relief operation with the ability of the US to move an entire army to the Middle East to invade Iraq in 2003.
Rosie Kane MSP has recently returned from attending a conference called by Cuban President Fidel Castro and added to Colin’s statement a series of points contrasting the way that the Cubans have dealt with 6 major hurricanes between 1996 and 2002 in which a total of only 16 people have died.
Colin said today;
“People all over the world will be absolutely sickened by the way the poor and dispossessed of New Orleans and the hurricane hit states have been treated by the Bush administration.
“The treatment of the survivors of hurricane Katrina is nothing less than a crime against humanity.
“It is clear that the US President who ordered an entire army and its logistical support to the Middle East for the invasion of Iraq does not give a cent for the lives of black and poor Americans.
“The Scottish Socialist Party adds its voice to the outrage that is sweeping the world at the images of the dead and dying left in mountains of rubbish at the New Orleans convention centre and corralled in the Superdome.
“The President of the world’s richest nation has made it quite clear that he regards the poor, the sick, the elderly and more particularly the black population of America as being not worth the effort to save from the absolutely horrific conditions following hurricane Katrina.
“I know the poor areas of New Orleans well and the people who live there are kind, generous and warm hearted.
“It breaks my heart to see them treated as animals by a President who should now be driven out of office by the American people.”
Rosie Kane added;
“I have recently returned from Cuba and the way that one of the poorest countries in the region deals with hurricanes stands in stark contrast to the catastrophe that has unfolded in the US.
“In the seven years between 1996 and 2002, six major hurricanes have hit Cuba, yet a total of only 16 people have died.
“Cuba has a strong well-organized civil defense, an early warning system, well-equipped rescue teams, and emergency stockpiles.
“Cuba mobilizes its community with solidarity as the watchword and a clear political commitment to safeguard human life.
“The population is “disaster-aware” and educated in the necessary actions to be taken in event of a disaster.
“For over 40 years the USA has tried to starve Cuba to death but it is now time for the US to end that war and learn from the principles of solidarity and commitment to human life that are the watchwords of Cuban society.”
[ends]
Saturday, September 03, 2005
SSP has Cathcart candidate selected
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 03/09/05
Ronnie Stevenson to fight seat of disgraced MSP
The Scottish Socialist Party today announced that it had already selected its candidate to fight the impending Glasgow Cathcart by election for the Scottish Parliament.
Glasgow Regional Organiser Richie Venton said that the party had anticipated the fact that there would be a by election some time ago and had selected Unison shop stewards convenor Ronnie Stevenson as the candidate.
Ronnie is a children and families’ social worker in the East End of Glasgow and is the Unison shop stewards’ convenor for over 4000 social work services members.
Ronnie has lived in the constituency for 26 years and has stood for election in the area on several occasions.
SSP Glasgow Regional Organiser Richie Venton said;
“Politics is about foresight over astonishment and the two local SSP branches in Cathcart took the view sometime ago that it would be wise to select a candidate for a possible by election in Cathcart.
“Ronnie Stevenson is well known in the constituency for his involvement in the labour and trade union movement over decades and he will take the SSP’s campaigns of opposition to privatisation and defence of public services, defending the NHS and opposition to the Iraq war to the people of Cathcart.”
[ends]
High resolution picture of Ronnie Stevenson:
http://tinylink.com/?WGdk7w0dhW
Press Release: 03/09/05
Ronnie Stevenson to fight seat of disgraced MSP
The Scottish Socialist Party today announced that it had already selected its candidate to fight the impending Glasgow Cathcart by election for the Scottish Parliament.
Glasgow Regional Organiser Richie Venton said that the party had anticipated the fact that there would be a by election some time ago and had selected Unison shop stewards convenor Ronnie Stevenson as the candidate.
Ronnie is a children and families’ social worker in the East End of Glasgow and is the Unison shop stewards’ convenor for over 4000 social work services members.
Ronnie has lived in the constituency for 26 years and has stood for election in the area on several occasions.
SSP Glasgow Regional Organiser Richie Venton said;
“Politics is about foresight over astonishment and the two local SSP branches in Cathcart took the view sometime ago that it would be wise to select a candidate for a possible by election in Cathcart.
“Ronnie Stevenson is well known in the constituency for his involvement in the labour and trade union movement over decades and he will take the SSP’s campaigns of opposition to privatisation and defence of public services, defending the NHS and opposition to the Iraq war to the people of Cathcart.”
[ends]
High resolution picture of Ronnie Stevenson:
http://tinylink.com/?WGdk7w0dhW
Thursday, September 01, 2005
SSP: Watson stands to gain from Parliament while silent protest crucified
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 01/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox MSP today contrasted the situation facing disgraced MSP Mike Watson and the 4 SSP MSP’s suspended for the month of September from the Scottish Parliament.
MSP Watson pled guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to deliberately starting a fire and endangering life at a top Edinburgh hotel in November last year.
Watson will face no sanction from Parliament and stands to gain substantial sums of money including a pension and a ‘winding down allowance’ from the parliament when he steps down as MSP.
The 4 suspended SSP MSP’s have been stripped of pay and allowances totalling 10’s of thousands of pounds for a silent protest in the Parliament on 30th June in which they held up pieces of paper with slogans in protest at the refusal of the First Minister Jack McConnell to uphold a parliament vote on the right of protest at the G8 summit at Gleneagles.
Colin said today;
“Nothing better illustrates the utterly disproportionate nature of the sanctions taken against the 4 suspended SSP MSP’s than the fact that Mike Watson, one of those who voted to crucify us, will face no sanction from Parliament and now stands to walk away with substantial sums of money and a pension from the public purse.
“This man endangered the lives of hotel guests and workers and is set to cash in while 4 MSP’s who held a silent protest are stripped of their wages and allowances for a month, this can’t be right.
“In light of today’s events I would repeat my request to George Reid to now refer the draconian punishment handed out to the 4 suspended MSP’s back to the standards committee
[ends]
Press Release: 01/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox MSP today contrasted the situation facing disgraced MSP Mike Watson and the 4 SSP MSP’s suspended for the month of September from the Scottish Parliament.
MSP Watson pled guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to deliberately starting a fire and endangering life at a top Edinburgh hotel in November last year.
Watson will face no sanction from Parliament and stands to gain substantial sums of money including a pension and a ‘winding down allowance’ from the parliament when he steps down as MSP.
The 4 suspended SSP MSP’s have been stripped of pay and allowances totalling 10’s of thousands of pounds for a silent protest in the Parliament on 30th June in which they held up pieces of paper with slogans in protest at the refusal of the First Minister Jack McConnell to uphold a parliament vote on the right of protest at the G8 summit at Gleneagles.
Colin said today;
“Nothing better illustrates the utterly disproportionate nature of the sanctions taken against the 4 suspended SSP MSP’s than the fact that Mike Watson, one of those who voted to crucify us, will face no sanction from Parliament and now stands to walk away with substantial sums of money and a pension from the public purse.
“This man endangered the lives of hotel guests and workers and is set to cash in while 4 MSP’s who held a silent protest are stripped of their wages and allowances for a month, this can’t be right.
“In light of today’s events I would repeat my request to George Reid to now refer the draconian punishment handed out to the 4 suspended MSP’s back to the standards committee
[ends]
MSP Kane freed until 12th September
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 01/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane has this afternoon been freed from a special sitting of Helensburgh District Court pending a report on her failure to carry out a supervised attendance order.
Rosie will re-appear before the court on 12th September when she could face a jail sentence of between 7 and 28 days.
Rosie handed herself in to police at 8.30pm on Wednesday 31st August following the issuing of a warrant for her arrest saying that as an MSP she had a duty to take responsibility for her actions.
Rosie was then taken to Dunbarton Sherrif court where she was held in a holding cell before being taken to Helensburgh District Court.
Rosie told JP Vivian Dance that she had no intention of giving either her money or her labour as she did not regard that she had committed a crime.
When Rosie had been originally sentenced in March of this year for the offence she had committed at Faslane on 23rd August 2004 JP Dance had imposed a fine of £150 which if was not paid should be transferred to a supervised attendance order.
Rosie was freed until the 12th September because the paperwork confirming that she had not undertaken the supervised attendance order was not available to the court.
On leaving Helensburgh District Court Rosie remained defiant, saying;
“By taking the action I did at Faslane I was upholding the peace, not breaching it.
“I took a principled stand against nuclear weapons before I became an MSP and will continue to take a principled stand as an elected member of the Scottish Parliament.
“I have no intention of giving either my money or my labour as I do not believe I have committed a crime when the nuclear weapons I am protesting about are illegal in the first place.”
[ends]
Press Release: 01/09/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane has this afternoon been freed from a special sitting of Helensburgh District Court pending a report on her failure to carry out a supervised attendance order.
Rosie will re-appear before the court on 12th September when she could face a jail sentence of between 7 and 28 days.
Rosie handed herself in to police at 8.30pm on Wednesday 31st August following the issuing of a warrant for her arrest saying that as an MSP she had a duty to take responsibility for her actions.
Rosie was then taken to Dunbarton Sherrif court where she was held in a holding cell before being taken to Helensburgh District Court.
Rosie told JP Vivian Dance that she had no intention of giving either her money or her labour as she did not regard that she had committed a crime.
When Rosie had been originally sentenced in March of this year for the offence she had committed at Faslane on 23rd August 2004 JP Dance had imposed a fine of £150 which if was not paid should be transferred to a supervised attendance order.
Rosie was freed until the 12th September because the paperwork confirming that she had not undertaken the supervised attendance order was not available to the court.
On leaving Helensburgh District Court Rosie remained defiant, saying;
“By taking the action I did at Faslane I was upholding the peace, not breaching it.
“I took a principled stand against nuclear weapons before I became an MSP and will continue to take a principled stand as an elected member of the Scottish Parliament.
“I have no intention of giving either my money or my labour as I do not believe I have committed a crime when the nuclear weapons I am protesting about are illegal in the first place.”
[ends]
SSP selects candidate for Livingston by election
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 01/09/05
The Scottish Socialist Party last night selected it’s candidate for the forthcoming Livingston by election following the death of the local MP Robin Cook.
Steven Nimmo is 27 and is currently Regional Organiser for the Scottish Socialist Party in the Lothians.
Steven has lived in West Lothian all his life, brought up in Torphichen he went to the local primary school then went to Bathgate Academy.
Steven left school at 16 to pursue his love of the countryside at Borders College where he studied gamekeeping and habitat management.
Steven has previously worked for Grampian Country Foods where he helped recruit new members to the Transport and General Workers Union and more recently worked in the laundry at St. John’s hospital.
At St. John’s Steven was a Unison shop steward where he actively fought against the use of agency staff in the NHS and also fought to change Unison, at St. John’s with the first election of a shop steward in the laundry for fifteen years taking place.
Steven was active in attempting to unionise workplaces across West Lothian, including Motorola, the closure of which was one of the first campaigns he was involved in.
In 2002 Steven was at the forefront of organising the campaign against West Lothian Council’s inflation busting £5 per week rent rise. As part of this campaign he organised and spoke at public meetings across West Lothian culminating in a Rally in Bathgate of over 300 people.
More recently Steven has been involved in campaigns against the proposed private prison in Addiewell, cuts at St. John’s hospital and cuts in the Fire service locally.
Steven said today;
“It is an honour to be chosen by the SSP to fight the Livingston by election.
“The SSP will be taking our message of an independent socialist Scotland, defence of the NHS, opposition to cuts in public services and opposition to the Iraq war to the people of Livingston and looking to build on the support we have in the constituency.”
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox added;
“Steven will make a great candidate for the SSP in the Livingston by election, he is a real antidote to the establishment politicians that the public have become so cynical about.
“Steven has a great track record fighting for the people of West Lothian, particularly in relation to St Johns hospital.”
[ends]
Press Release: 01/09/05
The Scottish Socialist Party last night selected it’s candidate for the forthcoming Livingston by election following the death of the local MP Robin Cook.
Steven Nimmo is 27 and is currently Regional Organiser for the Scottish Socialist Party in the Lothians.
Steven has lived in West Lothian all his life, brought up in Torphichen he went to the local primary school then went to Bathgate Academy.
Steven left school at 16 to pursue his love of the countryside at Borders College where he studied gamekeeping and habitat management.
Steven has previously worked for Grampian Country Foods where he helped recruit new members to the Transport and General Workers Union and more recently worked in the laundry at St. John’s hospital.
At St. John’s Steven was a Unison shop steward where he actively fought against the use of agency staff in the NHS and also fought to change Unison, at St. John’s with the first election of a shop steward in the laundry for fifteen years taking place.
Steven was active in attempting to unionise workplaces across West Lothian, including Motorola, the closure of which was one of the first campaigns he was involved in.
In 2002 Steven was at the forefront of organising the campaign against West Lothian Council’s inflation busting £5 per week rent rise. As part of this campaign he organised and spoke at public meetings across West Lothian culminating in a Rally in Bathgate of over 300 people.
More recently Steven has been involved in campaigns against the proposed private prison in Addiewell, cuts at St. John’s hospital and cuts in the Fire service locally.
Steven said today;
“It is an honour to be chosen by the SSP to fight the Livingston by election.
“The SSP will be taking our message of an independent socialist Scotland, defence of the NHS, opposition to cuts in public services and opposition to the Iraq war to the people of Livingston and looking to build on the support we have in the constituency.”
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox added;
“Steven will make a great candidate for the SSP in the Livingston by election, he is a real antidote to the establishment politicians that the public have become so cynical about.
“Steven has a great track record fighting for the people of West Lothian, particularly in relation to St Johns hospital.”
[ends]
MSP Kane 'expects jail' over fine
BBC NEWS Scottish Socialist MSP Rosie Kane has been taken into police custody over the non-payment of a fine.
The £150 penalty was imposed following an anti-nuclear protest at the Faslane submarine base on the Clyde last year.
The MSP said a warrant was issued for her arrest and she handed herself in. She said she expected to be jailed.
Strathclyde Police confirmed Ms Kane had been taken into custody at Helen Street police station in Govan. She is due to appear in court on Thursday.
Ms Kane said: "As a member of the Scottish Parliament I am accountable for my actions and so I am handing myself in to the police.
"This year has been the 60th anniversary of the annihilation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
"The defiant stand I am taking serves notice that the nuclear disarmament movement will always speak out as long as these illegal weapons continue to threaten the entire human race."
A police spokeswoman said: "A 44-year-old woman has been taken into custody and is expected to appear in court in relation to the alleged non-payment of a fine."
The £150 penalty was imposed following an anti-nuclear protest at the Faslane submarine base on the Clyde last year.
The MSP said a warrant was issued for her arrest and she handed herself in. She said she expected to be jailed.
Strathclyde Police confirmed Ms Kane had been taken into custody at Helen Street police station in Govan. She is due to appear in court on Thursday.
Ms Kane said: "As a member of the Scottish Parliament I am accountable for my actions and so I am handing myself in to the police.
"This year has been the 60th anniversary of the annihilation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
"The defiant stand I am taking serves notice that the nuclear disarmament movement will always speak out as long as these illegal weapons continue to threaten the entire human race."
A police spokeswoman said: "A 44-year-old woman has been taken into custody and is expected to appear in court in relation to the alleged non-payment of a fine."
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