SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 28/11/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP for the West of Scotland Frances Curran has joined the occupation of a care home in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, where Robert Toole, 75, a resident who has lived there for 10 years, faces eviction following the decision of Labour controlled West Dunbartonshire council to close the home.
Scottish Socialist Party councillor for Renton / Alexandria South Ward, Jim Bollan, is also taking part in the occupation and said;
“No prior consultation has taken place with the 12 elderly residents who call Leven Cottage their home.
“No consultation with their families, no consultation with a dedicated and caring staff, no consultation with the Trade Unions and no alternatives to closure were considered, it is an absolute disgrace.”
Frances Curran added;
“The actions of the Labour council are an affront to the dignity of our elderly population.
“They evicted an old lady on her 88th birthday who didn’t want to go and had taken part in protests against the closure.
“Just prior to the last general election John McFall MP along with Labour councillors visited Leven Cottage looking for votes.
“John McFall was asked to sign the petition to help save the residential home.
“He brushed the request aside saying; “I do not need to sign your petition because Labour will not close Leven Cottage".
“I fully support the occupation of Leven Cottage and will assist in any way I can.”
[ends]
Monday, November 28, 2005
SSP support call for increased drug resources
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 28/11/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosemary Byrne today backed calls from the Scottish Drugs Forum for increased resources to work with those most at risk of developing a drug problem
Rosemary said:
"The SSP has long supported increased funding for vital rehabilitation and preventative projects in this field.
"We welcome the Scottish Drugs Forum's call for increased funding for those most at risk and hope that it will be heeded by the Executive.
“I have been arguing for community based drug rehabilitation centres for some time and there is a desperate need in many communities for such facilities.
"The SDF are right that Scotland's drug problem could be vastly reduced in 20 years' time, but we have to move away from 'just say no' to real action to tackle the problem.
"The SSP supports the creation of 5,000 apprenticeships and investment in further education to open up greater training opportunities, factors which can help divert young people away from drug abuse.
"We also support the prescription of heroin for existing addicts, a move which has lowered the number of new addicts as well as vastly reducing drug deaths and crime when tried in the UK and overseas."
[ends]
Press Release: 28/11/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosemary Byrne today backed calls from the Scottish Drugs Forum for increased resources to work with those most at risk of developing a drug problem
Rosemary said:
"The SSP has long supported increased funding for vital rehabilitation and preventative projects in this field.
"We welcome the Scottish Drugs Forum's call for increased funding for those most at risk and hope that it will be heeded by the Executive.
“I have been arguing for community based drug rehabilitation centres for some time and there is a desperate need in many communities for such facilities.
"The SDF are right that Scotland's drug problem could be vastly reduced in 20 years' time, but we have to move away from 'just say no' to real action to tackle the problem.
"The SSP supports the creation of 5,000 apprenticeships and investment in further education to open up greater training opportunities, factors which can help divert young people away from drug abuse.
"We also support the prescription of heroin for existing addicts, a move which has lowered the number of new addicts as well as vastly reducing drug deaths and crime when tried in the UK and overseas."
[ends]
Unions stage march against racism
BBC NEWS Trade union members, politicians and faith and community groups have marched through Glasgow to show a united front against racism.
About 1,000 people were estimated to have taken part in the Scottish TUC's annual St Andrew's Day march and rally.
The procession ended with a celebratory event at the Trades Hall in the city's Glassford Street.
The protest aimed to deliver the message that there was no place for racism in Scotland.
Those taking part included Glasgow Govan Labour MP Mohammad Sarwar and Socialist MSPs Tommy Sheridan and Carolyn Leckie.
'Satnam Ner, of the STUC's black workers' committee, said: "The stigmatising of visible minority ethnic communities following the summer's terrorist attacks, along with the harsh asylum laws and tabloid misinformation on immigration, presents a politically-charged backdrop for this year's St Andrew's Day March.
"This makes it even more important that we continue to challenge racism and fascism wherever and whenever it occurs."
Harriet Campbell, of the African and Caribbean Network said: "Racism can still be a problem today and that was why members of the group joined in the march, to make a stand against it."
About 1,000 people were estimated to have taken part in the Scottish TUC's annual St Andrew's Day march and rally.
The procession ended with a celebratory event at the Trades Hall in the city's Glassford Street.
The protest aimed to deliver the message that there was no place for racism in Scotland.
Those taking part included Glasgow Govan Labour MP Mohammad Sarwar and Socialist MSPs Tommy Sheridan and Carolyn Leckie.
'Satnam Ner, of the STUC's black workers' committee, said: "The stigmatising of visible minority ethnic communities following the summer's terrorist attacks, along with the harsh asylum laws and tabloid misinformation on immigration, presents a politically-charged backdrop for this year's St Andrew's Day March.
"This makes it even more important that we continue to challenge racism and fascism wherever and whenever it occurs."
Harriet Campbell, of the African and Caribbean Network said: "Racism can still be a problem today and that was why members of the group joined in the march, to make a stand against it."
‘Dawn raiders’ not vetted to work with children
Sunday Herald
IMMIGRATION officers who carry out dawn raids on families of failed asylum seekers in Scotland have no legal clearance to undertake work that involves contact with children.
Disclosure certificates, which state whether an individual has criminal convictions, are a legal requirement for anyone whose work involves regular contact with minors and vulnerable adults, and were introduced this year as part of the Children Scotland Act.
However, in a move that will incense critics who are already angered by First Minister Jack McConnell’s powerlessness to stop dawn raids, the Home Office has decided these certificates are not necessary for their officials.
Last night the situation led to accusations that the Home Office was operating illegally in Scotland. Lord Advocate Colin Boyd, the country’s most senior law officer, is also facing demands to investigate whether the UK government is acting outside the law.
Around 10% of operations conducted by immigration officers this year have involved homes in which children have been living. These raids have required officials in squads of up to 15 to enter family homes, including children’s bedrooms, and remove the occupants.
Where necessary, the officers also travel onwards with the children to immigration centres or airports, which can be hundreds of miles away.
Testimonies from children who have been removed from their homes claim that officers have woken them up and separated them from their parents. Some have even talked of occasions where officers have accompanied them into the toilet...
... Rosie Kane, the Scottish Socialist Party MSP for Glasgow, said she was not surprised by the lack of disclosure because “everything that they are doing at the moment is above the law and beyond human rights”.
IMMIGRATION officers who carry out dawn raids on families of failed asylum seekers in Scotland have no legal clearance to undertake work that involves contact with children.
Disclosure certificates, which state whether an individual has criminal convictions, are a legal requirement for anyone whose work involves regular contact with minors and vulnerable adults, and were introduced this year as part of the Children Scotland Act.
However, in a move that will incense critics who are already angered by First Minister Jack McConnell’s powerlessness to stop dawn raids, the Home Office has decided these certificates are not necessary for their officials.
Last night the situation led to accusations that the Home Office was operating illegally in Scotland. Lord Advocate Colin Boyd, the country’s most senior law officer, is also facing demands to investigate whether the UK government is acting outside the law.
Around 10% of operations conducted by immigration officers this year have involved homes in which children have been living. These raids have required officials in squads of up to 15 to enter family homes, including children’s bedrooms, and remove the occupants.
Where necessary, the officers also travel onwards with the children to immigration centres or airports, which can be hundreds of miles away.
Testimonies from children who have been removed from their homes claim that officers have woken them up and separated them from their parents. Some have even talked of occasions where officers have accompanied them into the toilet...
... Rosie Kane, the Scottish Socialist Party MSP for Glasgow, said she was not surprised by the lack of disclosure because “everything that they are doing at the moment is above the law and beyond human rights”.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Points of View - The Herald
Letter to The Herald
Council tax pledges
George Lyon suggests that the Scottish Socialist Party should try to
build a consensus to abolish the hated council Tax (Letters, November
23). We have attempted to. The problem we have faced is that parties
supposedly committed to its abolition will in fact do nothing to get
rid of it.
In 2003 I stood on an election manifesto which pledged that, if
elected, our MSPs would bring forward legislation to abolish the
council tax and replace it with a tax based on the ability to pay.
The strange thing is that according to the Scottish Liberals' 2003
election manifesto, so did Mr Lyon.
The Liberals' manifesto said: "[We will] replace council tax with a
local income tax related to ability to pay . . ." Just in case that
seems like ancient history and a promise that can safely be ignored
because it was made before the Liberals went into coalition with New
Labour, can I point to the Scottish Liberal Democrats' manifesto for
May 2005? It stated: "Ten Reasons to Vote Scottish Liberal Democrat –
Reason Number 05: Axe the Council Tax."
So, George, the next time it comes to an election, who should the
voters trust? Those who try to make good on their manifesto promises
or those, like the Liberal Democrats, who think that promises to the
electorate aren't worth the paper that they're written on?
Tommy Sheridan, MSP, The Scottish Parliament.
Council tax pledges
George Lyon suggests that the Scottish Socialist Party should try to
build a consensus to abolish the hated council Tax (Letters, November
23). We have attempted to. The problem we have faced is that parties
supposedly committed to its abolition will in fact do nothing to get
rid of it.
In 2003 I stood on an election manifesto which pledged that, if
elected, our MSPs would bring forward legislation to abolish the
council tax and replace it with a tax based on the ability to pay.
The strange thing is that according to the Scottish Liberals' 2003
election manifesto, so did Mr Lyon.
The Liberals' manifesto said: "[We will] replace council tax with a
local income tax related to ability to pay . . ." Just in case that
seems like ancient history and a promise that can safely be ignored
because it was made before the Liberals went into coalition with New
Labour, can I point to the Scottish Liberal Democrats' manifesto for
May 2005? It stated: "Ten Reasons to Vote Scottish Liberal Democrat –
Reason Number 05: Axe the Council Tax."
So, George, the next time it comes to an election, who should the
voters trust? Those who try to make good on their manifesto promises
or those, like the Liberal Democrats, who think that promises to the
electorate aren't worth the paper that they're written on?
Tommy Sheridan, MSP, The Scottish Parliament.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Sheridan held overnight, appears Glasgow Sheriff Court Tuesday
Sheridan held overnight, appears Glasgow Sheriff Court Tuesday
Glasgow Scottish Socialist Party MSP Tommy Sheridan has been held overnight
at Helen Street police station and will appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on
Tuesday 22nd November alongside two other campaigners against the Home
Office dawn raids to deport asylum seekers.
Sheridan was arrested on Monday morning after a successful direct action
prevented Home Office immigration officials and police from leaving the
Brand Street offices where the dawn raids are launched from.
Following the arrest and detention of Tommy Sheridan and others, there will
be a protest at the Glasgow Sheriff Court. However, please note that the
time for the protest outside the Sheriff Court today (Tuesday) has been
changed to 1.30 pm.
Glasgow Scottish Socialist Party MSP Tommy Sheridan has been held overnight
at Helen Street police station and will appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on
Tuesday 22nd November alongside two other campaigners against the Home
Office dawn raids to deport asylum seekers.
Sheridan was arrested on Monday morning after a successful direct action
prevented Home Office immigration officials and police from leaving the
Brand Street offices where the dawn raids are launched from.
Following the arrest and detention of Tommy Sheridan and others, there will
be a protest at the Glasgow Sheriff Court. However, please note that the
time for the protest outside the Sheriff Court today (Tuesday) has been
changed to 1.30 pm.
MSP Sheridan arrested after peaceful direct action
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 19/11/05
MSP Sheridan arrested after peaceful direct action
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Tommy Sheridan was today arrested along with
one other protestor following peaceful direct action at the immigration
office, Brand Street, Glasgow that succeeded in preventing any dawn raids by
Home Office immigration officers.
Those taking part included Paddy Hill, founder of the Miscarriages of
Justice campaign MOJO.
Tommy was arrested just as the demonstration was ending and following a
short speech in which he thanked the police for the way they had handled the
protest.
Tommy was charged with breach of the peace and was taken to Helen Street
police station.
Protesters who witnessed the arrest said that it was completely unnecessary
and questioned why Sheridan had been picked out for arrest given that he was
only one of approximately 40 people who had attended the event including
Paddy Hill and a Church of Scotland minister.
Before his arrest Tommy had said;
"People are being removed from their homes in disgraceful dawn raids with
children being dragged out of bed in their night clothes and deported.
"I as an ordinary human being think that is unacceptable in the 21st century
and we're calling for a more humane immigration service at the very least.
"We are hopefully going to stop any dawn raids today - that's what our
target is."
Press Release: 19/11/05
MSP Sheridan arrested after peaceful direct action
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Tommy Sheridan was today arrested along with
one other protestor following peaceful direct action at the immigration
office, Brand Street, Glasgow that succeeded in preventing any dawn raids by
Home Office immigration officers.
Those taking part included Paddy Hill, founder of the Miscarriages of
Justice campaign MOJO.
Tommy was arrested just as the demonstration was ending and following a
short speech in which he thanked the police for the way they had handled the
protest.
Tommy was charged with breach of the peace and was taken to Helen Street
police station.
Protesters who witnessed the arrest said that it was completely unnecessary
and questioned why Sheridan had been picked out for arrest given that he was
only one of approximately 40 people who had attended the event including
Paddy Hill and a Church of Scotland minister.
Before his arrest Tommy had said;
"People are being removed from their homes in disgraceful dawn raids with
children being dragged out of bed in their night clothes and deported.
"I as an ordinary human being think that is unacceptable in the 21st century
and we're calling for a more humane immigration service at the very least.
"We are hopefully going to stop any dawn raids today - that's what our
target is."
Monday, November 21, 2005
Sheridan arrested at asylum demo
BBC
Scottish Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan has been arrested along with two other people during a protest outside an immigration office in Glasgow.
Mr Sheridan was among a group of 25 protesters who blockaded the office in Brand Street, Govan, on Monday.
He said they were protesting against "disgraceful" dawn raids on failed asylum seekers prior to deportation.
The Home Office said the protest would not prevent the government from enforcing its "fair" asylum policy.
Police confirmed that Mr Sheridan had been arrested along with two other people.
Prior to his detention, Mr Sheridan said protesters were hoping to stop raids taking place.
The demonstrators blocked the gates through which they said the vans which carry out the dawn raids have been leaving and entering.
Mr Sheridan said people were being removed from their homes in "disgraceful" dawn raids with children being dragged out of bed in their night clothes and deported.
The MSP said: "I as an ordinary human being think that is unacceptable in the 21st century and we're calling for a more humane immigration service at the very least.
"We are hopefully going to stop any dawn raids today - that's what our target is."
Mr Sheridan said Scotland was a depopulated and ageing country which needed "new blood" and the authorities should be inviting people to stay instead of deporting them.
The MSP said recent high-profile dawn raids involved families who had stayed in Scotland for five years and who considered themselves Scottish.
"These youngsters want to stay in this country and help Scotland develop as a nation of multi-culturalism and I think that's something that should be welcomed and supported," he added.
A spokesperson for the Home Office said the blockade had forced the temporary closure of the immigration office.
"When protest is no longer peaceful and prevents individuals from doing their jobs, it becomes unacceptable," the spokesperson said.
"Behaviour such as this will not prevent the government from continuing to enforce its firm but fair asylum policy in Scotland and across the UK."
Early morning visits were aimed at catching whole families together and were carried out as sensitively as possible, the spokesperson added.
Commenting on Mr Sheridan's arrest, Tory MSP Bill Aitken said: "It is pathetic. People in Scotland are becoming tired of the political posturing of the Scottish Socialists and Tommy Sheridan in particular.
"There are two options here - either he is not prosecuted and therefore denied the oxygen of the further publicity he craves, or he is prosecuted and punished in a suitable way.
"Obviously this cannot be by means of a fine, because we know the SSP don't pay fines."
He added: "I think the parliament needs to start looking at their behaviour as a matter of urgency."
Scottish Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan has been arrested along with two other people during a protest outside an immigration office in Glasgow.
Mr Sheridan was among a group of 25 protesters who blockaded the office in Brand Street, Govan, on Monday.
He said they were protesting against "disgraceful" dawn raids on failed asylum seekers prior to deportation.
The Home Office said the protest would not prevent the government from enforcing its "fair" asylum policy.
Police confirmed that Mr Sheridan had been arrested along with two other people.
Prior to his detention, Mr Sheridan said protesters were hoping to stop raids taking place.
The demonstrators blocked the gates through which they said the vans which carry out the dawn raids have been leaving and entering.
Mr Sheridan said people were being removed from their homes in "disgraceful" dawn raids with children being dragged out of bed in their night clothes and deported.
The MSP said: "I as an ordinary human being think that is unacceptable in the 21st century and we're calling for a more humane immigration service at the very least.
"We are hopefully going to stop any dawn raids today - that's what our target is."
Mr Sheridan said Scotland was a depopulated and ageing country which needed "new blood" and the authorities should be inviting people to stay instead of deporting them.
The MSP said recent high-profile dawn raids involved families who had stayed in Scotland for five years and who considered themselves Scottish.
"These youngsters want to stay in this country and help Scotland develop as a nation of multi-culturalism and I think that's something that should be welcomed and supported," he added.
A spokesperson for the Home Office said the blockade had forced the temporary closure of the immigration office.
"When protest is no longer peaceful and prevents individuals from doing their jobs, it becomes unacceptable," the spokesperson said.
"Behaviour such as this will not prevent the government from continuing to enforce its firm but fair asylum policy in Scotland and across the UK."
Early morning visits were aimed at catching whole families together and were carried out as sensitively as possible, the spokesperson added.
Commenting on Mr Sheridan's arrest, Tory MSP Bill Aitken said: "It is pathetic. People in Scotland are becoming tired of the political posturing of the Scottish Socialists and Tommy Sheridan in particular.
"There are two options here - either he is not prosecuted and therefore denied the oxygen of the further publicity he craves, or he is prosecuted and punished in a suitable way.
"Obviously this cannot be by means of a fine, because we know the SSP don't pay fines."
He added: "I think the parliament needs to start looking at their behaviour as a matter of urgency."
Friday, November 18, 2005
Fox brands stock transfer 'blackmail'
Evening News
Fox brands stock transfer 'blackmail'
SCOTTISH Socialist leader Colin Fox today accused the city council of "blackmail" over the proposed stock transfer of 23,000 council houses.
Tenants will receive ballot papers within the next two weeks, asking them to vote on the plan to hand over their homes to the new City of Edinburgh Housing Association.
But Mr Fox urged people to reject the proposal despite the promised investment which would follow a Yes vote. The Lothians MSP said: "Tenants with their wits about them will ask when was the last time that Edinburgh council offered them £2 billion and promised there were no strings attached? The fact is there are more strings here than you'd find in a fiddle orchestra.
"First the council say that there is £2bn available but only if you vote their way.
"If you vote No, they claim, then you will not get the kitchens and bathrooms you were promised, nor will they be able to build new houses. Sounds awfully like blackmail to me.
"What they don't tell you is that Midlothian Council has just unveiled plans to build 1000 new homes over the next five years and they aren't touching stock transfer with a barge pole."
Mr Fox said tenants in housing associations had nowhere near the same protection from their landlords as council tenants.
Fox brands stock transfer 'blackmail'
SCOTTISH Socialist leader Colin Fox today accused the city council of "blackmail" over the proposed stock transfer of 23,000 council houses.
Tenants will receive ballot papers within the next two weeks, asking them to vote on the plan to hand over their homes to the new City of Edinburgh Housing Association.
But Mr Fox urged people to reject the proposal despite the promised investment which would follow a Yes vote. The Lothians MSP said: "Tenants with their wits about them will ask when was the last time that Edinburgh council offered them £2 billion and promised there were no strings attached? The fact is there are more strings here than you'd find in a fiddle orchestra.
"First the council say that there is £2bn available but only if you vote their way.
"If you vote No, they claim, then you will not get the kitchens and bathrooms you were promised, nor will they be able to build new houses. Sounds awfully like blackmail to me.
"What they don't tell you is that Midlothian Council has just unveiled plans to build 1000 new homes over the next five years and they aren't touching stock transfer with a barge pole."
Mr Fox said tenants in housing associations had nowhere near the same protection from their landlords as council tenants.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Sheridan in council tax bill row
icScotland - Sheridan in council tax bill row: "Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan has clashed publicly with deputy finance minister George Lyon over plans to scrap council tax and replace it with an income-based charge.
He criticised Mr Lyon, a Lib Dem MSP, for saying the Executive opposed the plans, although his party also wants to scrap council tax.
The clash came as the Scottish Parliament's Local Government and Transport Committee scrutinised the Council Tax Abolition and Service Tax Introduction Bill, brought by Mr Sheridan."
He criticised Mr Lyon, a Lib Dem MSP, for saying the Executive opposed the plans, although his party also wants to scrap council tax.
The clash came as the Scottish Parliament's Local Government and Transport Committee scrutinised the Council Tax Abolition and Service Tax Introduction Bill, brought by Mr Sheridan."
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Council care homes sale attacked
BBC NEWS: "Plans to sell seven Highland Council care homes to the private sector have been attacked by the Scottish Socialist Party and senior citizen groups.
They have accused the local authority of putting its financial needs above those of the elderly.
The council is reviewing its provision of care homes in light of new tougher Care Commission standards.
It said the independent sector would be able to cut the cost of care by £10,000 for each person per year.
Steve Arnott, Scottish Socialist spokesman for the Highlands and Islands, said the council's role was to provide public sector, quality care for senior citizens.
He said: 'If they have a problem they should make an appeal to the Scottish Executive for funding.
'If the private sector makes a profit you can only assume the quality of care will be less than that provided by the council.'
He added that his view was shared by members of various senior citizens organisations in the Highlands, some of whom had staged a small protest outside the Highland Council building in Inverness on Wednesday.
The council's housing and social work committee, who approved the sales, also agreed to close Corsee Home in Nairn, due to 'high running costs and low demand for places'."
They have accused the local authority of putting its financial needs above those of the elderly.
The council is reviewing its provision of care homes in light of new tougher Care Commission standards.
It said the independent sector would be able to cut the cost of care by £10,000 for each person per year.
Steve Arnott, Scottish Socialist spokesman for the Highlands and Islands, said the council's role was to provide public sector, quality care for senior citizens.
He said: 'If they have a problem they should make an appeal to the Scottish Executive for funding.
'If the private sector makes a profit you can only assume the quality of care will be less than that provided by the council.'
He added that his view was shared by members of various senior citizens organisations in the Highlands, some of whom had staged a small protest outside the Highland Council building in Inverness on Wednesday.
The council's housing and social work committee, who approved the sales, also agreed to close Corsee Home in Nairn, due to 'high running costs and low demand for places'."
Monday, November 07, 2005
MSP Leckie calls for amnesty and release of non-violent female prisoners
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 07/10/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP for Central Scotland Carolyn Leckie today called on the Scottish Executive to make immediate plans for the amnesty and release of all women imprisoned in Scotland for non-violent crime following statistics that show a third of Scotland's female prisoners are jailed for shoplifting, while fewer than one in 10 committed crimes of violence.
Carolyn, who was imprisoned in Corntonvale in January of this year because of a protest at Faslane, has laid a motion in the Scottish Parliament calling for an amnesty for women convicted of non violent crime.
Carolyn said today;
“The vast majority of women in Cornton Vale are there for non violent crime and are essentially victims of society.
“These women are imprisoned for minor offences that are rooted in poverty, exclusion, drug and alcohol dependency and abuse and violence against them as women.
“The criminal justice system is failing these women and wider society.
“The Scottish Executive should make immediate plans for an amnesty and release of all women imprisoned in Scotland for non-violent crime, review the cases of all women in jail and put the appropriate resources and supports in their communities to help them achieve fulfilling lives outside prison.”
[ends]
Press Release: 07/10/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP for Central Scotland Carolyn Leckie today called on the Scottish Executive to make immediate plans for the amnesty and release of all women imprisoned in Scotland for non-violent crime following statistics that show a third of Scotland's female prisoners are jailed for shoplifting, while fewer than one in 10 committed crimes of violence.
Carolyn, who was imprisoned in Corntonvale in January of this year because of a protest at Faslane, has laid a motion in the Scottish Parliament calling for an amnesty for women convicted of non violent crime.
Carolyn said today;
“The vast majority of women in Cornton Vale are there for non violent crime and are essentially victims of society.
“These women are imprisoned for minor offences that are rooted in poverty, exclusion, drug and alcohol dependency and abuse and violence against them as women.
“The criminal justice system is failing these women and wider society.
“The Scottish Executive should make immediate plans for an amnesty and release of all women imprisoned in Scotland for non-violent crime, review the cases of all women in jail and put the appropriate resources and supports in their communities to help them achieve fulfilling lives outside prison.”
[ends]
SSP demands action to end stress and stigma
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 07/11/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane today called for a change in working practises to tackle the 'stress epidemic' and end the stigma of mental ill health, as research by the 'See Me' campaign revealed that mental illness was the most common reason for taking time off work.
Rosie said:
"People living with mental illness are more likely to be unemployed and, when they do have jobs, have to hide their illness from their employer. Despite the work of the 'See Me' campaign, Scottish employers are still in the dark ages when it comes to mental health at work.
"Scotland is seeing a stress epidemic brought on by working among the longest hours in Europe, with no time left to develop hobbies or spend time with friends and family.
"Employers are determined to squeeze every last drop out of their workforce, with the resulting toll on their workers' mental health.
"We welcome campaigns like 'See Me' to end the isolation and lack of understanding surrounding mental illness, but we also need practical measures like a shorter working week and £8 an hour minimum wage to tackle the problem head on."
[ends]
Press Release: 07/11/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane today called for a change in working practises to tackle the 'stress epidemic' and end the stigma of mental ill health, as research by the 'See Me' campaign revealed that mental illness was the most common reason for taking time off work.
Rosie said:
"People living with mental illness are more likely to be unemployed and, when they do have jobs, have to hide their illness from their employer. Despite the work of the 'See Me' campaign, Scottish employers are still in the dark ages when it comes to mental health at work.
"Scotland is seeing a stress epidemic brought on by working among the longest hours in Europe, with no time left to develop hobbies or spend time with friends and family.
"Employers are determined to squeeze every last drop out of their workforce, with the resulting toll on their workers' mental health.
"We welcome campaigns like 'See Me' to end the isolation and lack of understanding surrounding mental illness, but we also need practical measures like a shorter working week and £8 an hour minimum wage to tackle the problem head on."
[ends]
Saturday, November 05, 2005
MSP Leckie: NHS Lanarkshire consultation raises many questions
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 05/11/05
Carolyn Leckie, Scottish Socialist Party MSP for Central Scotland and health spokesperson, today said there were many unanswered questions about the plans to centralise acute services that NHS Lanarkshire are currently putting out to public consultation.
Carolyn said today;
“Whilst welcoming NHS Lanarkshire’s more proactive approach to consultations, there are many unanswered questions about the impact of the proposals on access to services and the quality of care.
“It is surely not coincidental that the most likely option is for one hospital providing elective care with two emergency and trauma centres when we have three hospital PFI’s with 30 years to go on the contracts in the region.
“The inevitable conclusion is that the pressures of PFI contracts will determine how health services are delivered in the region.
“Initiatives like the geographic separation of elective and emergency services are unproven with early evidence from England suggests that stand alone elective services suffer from a reduction in the skills base and educational services, reducing the ability to deal with unexpected situations.
“I would hope that NHS Lanarkshire will be more sensible than Andy Kerr and Professor David Kerr and steer well clear of any of the crazy privatisation initiatives such as LIFT’s, private diagnostic treatment centre’s or the importation of whole health care teams from private organisations abroad.
“I am looking forward to participating in NHS Lanarkshire’s consultation and encourage everyone in Lanarkshire to make their views heard.”
[ends]
Press Release: 05/11/05
Carolyn Leckie, Scottish Socialist Party MSP for Central Scotland and health spokesperson, today said there were many unanswered questions about the plans to centralise acute services that NHS Lanarkshire are currently putting out to public consultation.
Carolyn said today;
“Whilst welcoming NHS Lanarkshire’s more proactive approach to consultations, there are many unanswered questions about the impact of the proposals on access to services and the quality of care.
“It is surely not coincidental that the most likely option is for one hospital providing elective care with two emergency and trauma centres when we have three hospital PFI’s with 30 years to go on the contracts in the region.
“The inevitable conclusion is that the pressures of PFI contracts will determine how health services are delivered in the region.
“Initiatives like the geographic separation of elective and emergency services are unproven with early evidence from England suggests that stand alone elective services suffer from a reduction in the skills base and educational services, reducing the ability to deal with unexpected situations.
“I would hope that NHS Lanarkshire will be more sensible than Andy Kerr and Professor David Kerr and steer well clear of any of the crazy privatisation initiatives such as LIFT’s, private diagnostic treatment centre’s or the importation of whole health care teams from private organisations abroad.
“I am looking forward to participating in NHS Lanarkshire’s consultation and encourage everyone in Lanarkshire to make their views heard.”
[ends]
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Dawn raid demonstrators occupy HQ
BBC NEWS: "Demonstrators have occupied the UK Immigration Service headquarters on the south side of Glasgow.
About 30 protesters, including Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan and Nationalist MSP Sandra White, are taking part in the blockade.
The campaigners, angry at the use of dawn raids to deport failed asylum seekers, said they intended to close the centre for 12 hours.
Police said chains appeaed to have been used to block the doors of the office.
The centre was targeted because it is where asylum seekers are required to sign on.
One of the Birmingham Six, Paddy Hill, and film director and actor Peter Mullan are among the protesters.
The Reverend Iain Whyte, of the Iona Community, compared dawn raids to the policies of the apartheid regime in South Africa.
Robina Qureshi, director of Positive Action in Housing, said the protest was to highlight the 'inhumanities perpetrated' by the Home Office.
She added: 'The Home Office's practices on Scottish soil are now causing international embarrassment.
'What's clear right now is that things can't go on as they are.'
A police spokeswoman said nearly 30 protesters had blocked the entrance of the offices.
She continued: 'It seems that members of the group have used chains to block doors to the premises.'
About 200 campaigners, including asylum seekers, staged a protest in Glasgow against dawn raids in September.
The show of strength came days after a dawn raid on the Glasgow home of a failed asylum seeking Kosovan family.
The Vucaj family had been arrested and taken to the Yarlswood Centre in Bedfordshire, before being deported.
The five members of the family, including three children, had lived in Scotland for five years."
About 30 protesters, including Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan and Nationalist MSP Sandra White, are taking part in the blockade.
The campaigners, angry at the use of dawn raids to deport failed asylum seekers, said they intended to close the centre for 12 hours.
Police said chains appeaed to have been used to block the doors of the office.
The centre was targeted because it is where asylum seekers are required to sign on.
One of the Birmingham Six, Paddy Hill, and film director and actor Peter Mullan are among the protesters.
The Reverend Iain Whyte, of the Iona Community, compared dawn raids to the policies of the apartheid regime in South Africa.
Robina Qureshi, director of Positive Action in Housing, said the protest was to highlight the 'inhumanities perpetrated' by the Home Office.
She added: 'The Home Office's practices on Scottish soil are now causing international embarrassment.
'What's clear right now is that things can't go on as they are.'
A police spokeswoman said nearly 30 protesters had blocked the entrance of the offices.
She continued: 'It seems that members of the group have used chains to block doors to the premises.'
About 200 campaigners, including asylum seekers, staged a protest in Glasgow against dawn raids in September.
The show of strength came days after a dawn raid on the Glasgow home of a failed asylum seeking Kosovan family.
The Vucaj family had been arrested and taken to the Yarlswood Centre in Bedfordshire, before being deported.
The five members of the family, including three children, had lived in Scotland for five years."
Split over council tax increases
Scotsman:
FURTHER differences within the Holyrood coalition surfaced yesterday when George Lyon, the Liberal Democrat deputy minister for finance, failed to back his Labour boss over 2006 council tax rises.
Under questioning by the finance committee, Mr Lyon refused to endorse Tom McCabe's claim that local authorities should keep council tax rises to 2.5 per cent or less.
In a letter to the parliament's finance committee, Mr McCabe, the minister for finance and public service reform, said earlier in the year that there was 'no reason' for any council tax rises above 2.5 per cent.
But under pressure from Tommy Sheridan, the Scottish Socialist MSP, Mr Lyon refused to repeat Mr McCabe's view. The minister told Mr Sheridan: 'I believe that the councils should be able to keep the council tax increases as low as possible.'
Pressed on the specific 2.5 per cent figure, he added: 'My view is that they should be able to keep it as near to that figure as they can.' Mr Lyon said the early indications were that three authorities were planning rises of about 4 per cent.
Mr Sheridan added: 'The Labour minister has made a completely unrealistic statement and the Liberal Democrat minister was not prepared to support that.'
FURTHER differences within the Holyrood coalition surfaced yesterday when George Lyon, the Liberal Democrat deputy minister for finance, failed to back his Labour boss over 2006 council tax rises.
Under questioning by the finance committee, Mr Lyon refused to endorse Tom McCabe's claim that local authorities should keep council tax rises to 2.5 per cent or less.
In a letter to the parliament's finance committee, Mr McCabe, the minister for finance and public service reform, said earlier in the year that there was 'no reason' for any council tax rises above 2.5 per cent.
But under pressure from Tommy Sheridan, the Scottish Socialist MSP, Mr Lyon refused to repeat Mr McCabe's view. The minister told Mr Sheridan: 'I believe that the councils should be able to keep the council tax increases as low as possible.'
Pressed on the specific 2.5 per cent figure, he added: 'My view is that they should be able to keep it as near to that figure as they can.' Mr Lyon said the early indications were that three authorities were planning rises of about 4 per cent.
Mr Sheridan added: 'The Labour minister has made a completely unrealistic statement and the Liberal Democrat minister was not prepared to support that.'
Ministers accused of stalling over free school meals plans
The Herald
SCOTTISH ministers were yesterday accused of "political posturing" over plans to widen eligibility for free school meals.
The attack came after it emerged that the Scottish Executive is considering expanding the provision as part of its Hungry for Success healthy eating drive.
Although ministers have ruled out free school meals for all, changes could lead to a rise in the number of eligible families, as well as an increase in their availability, such as during school holidays.
However, the SNP and the Scottish Socialist party (SSP) said the announcement had been made to try to derail the growing campaign to provide free school meals for all.
The SSP is putting forward a bill at the Scottish Parliament calling for universal access to school meals which has been supported by a wide range of anti-poverty charities... The SSP's consultation on its Free School Meals (Scotland) Bill found 95% of the 500 respondents were in favour of free provision for all.
SCOTTISH ministers were yesterday accused of "political posturing" over plans to widen eligibility for free school meals.
The attack came after it emerged that the Scottish Executive is considering expanding the provision as part of its Hungry for Success healthy eating drive.
Although ministers have ruled out free school meals for all, changes could lead to a rise in the number of eligible families, as well as an increase in their availability, such as during school holidays.
However, the SNP and the Scottish Socialist party (SSP) said the announcement had been made to try to derail the growing campaign to provide free school meals for all.
The SSP is putting forward a bill at the Scottish Parliament calling for universal access to school meals which has been supported by a wide range of anti-poverty charities... The SSP's consultation on its Free School Meals (Scotland) Bill found 95% of the 500 respondents were in favour of free provision for all.
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