SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 31/01/06
McAllion issues “action not talk” challenge on eve of council tax debate
John McAllion , SSP candidate in the Dunfermline and West Fife By election , has issued a blunt council tax challenge to his opponents in the contest.
Speaking as the Scottish Parliament prepares to debate Tommy Sheridan’s bill to scrap the council tax and replace it with an income based Scottish Service Tax he said:
“The time for kidding is over. Several parties in the election claim to want to scrap the council tax.”
“Well Tommy Sheridan’s bill would do just that and I challenge my opponents to set aside party advantage and support the scrapping of the unfair council tax.
“Tommy’s Bill has support from a range of organisations including the Scottish Pensioners Forum and the Poverty Alliance.
“Significantly for New Labour who still support the Tory designed Council Tax the Sheridan Bill is supported by the public services union PCS, Rail & Maritime union RMT and the Fire Brigades Union FBU demonstrating that fairness is till a priority in the wider Labour Movement.”
The parliament said Mr McAllion :
“Must have the courage and moral fibre to scrap a tax that hammers the low paid and pensioners but pampers the rich and wealthy.
“It must not ignore the shameful plight of thousands of low paid workers and pensioners who struggle to pay the ever increasing council tax.”
83% of Scottish households living on less than £40,000 are the ones who will gain from the income based Scottish Service Tax while the wealthy will pay more, he said.
“Most importantly those who earn £10.000 a year or less will pay nothing under our proposed Scottish Service Tax.
“While well heeled politicians debate the finer points of the case thousands of people face real hardship in paying this Tory inspired tax.
“I urge every candidate to press MSPs to back Tommy’s Bill and scrap the council tax.”
“The voters in this election will be closely watching the outcome.”
[ENDS]
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
SSP: Blair has blood of 100 British soldiers on his hands
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 31/01/06
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox today accused Prime Minister Tony Blair of having the blood of 100 soldiers from the British Army on his hands, along with countless innocent Iraqis.
Colin appealed for all Scots who have opposed the Iraq war and all those who have lost loved ones in the war to attend pre-arranged vigils across Scotland tomorrow, Wednesday 1st February.
Colin said;
“Tony Blair now has the blood of 100 soldiers of the British Army and countless innocent Iraqi’s on his hands and for what?
“"We are sending our young people to die thousands of miles from home in a war that does not concern them, a war for oil, a war about which the government have persistently lied to the people.
"Our troops are not in Iraq to keep the peace, they are there as an occupying force, and as such, Iraqis resisting the illegal invasion will continue to target them.
"We demand the immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq - no ifs, no buts, no 'maybe next years'.”
[ends]
Vigil to be held Wednesday 1st February 5.30pm, Parliament Square, Edinburgh near St Giles Cathedral on the High Street.
Other vigils will be held across Scotland.
Press Release: 31/01/06
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox today accused Prime Minister Tony Blair of having the blood of 100 soldiers from the British Army on his hands, along with countless innocent Iraqis.
Colin appealed for all Scots who have opposed the Iraq war and all those who have lost loved ones in the war to attend pre-arranged vigils across Scotland tomorrow, Wednesday 1st February.
Colin said;
“Tony Blair now has the blood of 100 soldiers of the British Army and countless innocent Iraqi’s on his hands and for what?
“"We are sending our young people to die thousands of miles from home in a war that does not concern them, a war for oil, a war about which the government have persistently lied to the people.
"Our troops are not in Iraq to keep the peace, they are there as an occupying force, and as such, Iraqis resisting the illegal invasion will continue to target them.
"We demand the immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq - no ifs, no buts, no 'maybe next years'.”
[ends]
Vigil to be held Wednesday 1st February 5.30pm, Parliament Square, Edinburgh near St Giles Cathedral on the High Street.
Other vigils will be held across Scotland.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Sheridan: Parliament faces biggest test in 7 year history
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 30/01/06
The Scottish Parliament faces its biggest test in its 7 year life when Tommy Sheridan’s Council Tax Abolition and Service Tax Introduction (Scotland) Bill is fully debated and voted on this Wednesday, 1st February.
The bill would abolish the council tax and introduce an income based Scottish Service Tax that would see massive wealth re-distribution across Scotland.
At a press conference in Glasgow today, Monday, Tommy Sheridan was joined by the Poverty Alliance and Scottish Pensioners' Forum alongside the public services union PCS, Rail & Maritime union RMT and the Fire Brigades Union FBU in support of the bill.
Tommy said afterwards;
“The Scottish Parliament faces its biggest challenge since it was set up in 1999.
“Do we have the courage and moral fibre to scrap a tax that hammers the low paid and pensioners but pampers the rich and wealthy?
“Do we ignore the shameful plight of thousands of low paid workers and pensioners who struggle to pay the ever increasing council tax ?
“The 83% of Scottish households living on less than £40,000 are the ones who will gain from the income based Scottish Service Tax while the wealthy will pay more.
“It is called income re-distribution and it is long overdue in Scotland.
“The time for rebellion is now.”
[ends]
The Council Tax Abolition and Service Tax Introduction (Scotland) Bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament in August 2003, printed in November 2004 and faced committee scrutiny during 2005.
The bill will be debated in the Scottish Parliament at 2.15pm on Wednesday 1st February
Press Release: 30/01/06
The Scottish Parliament faces its biggest test in its 7 year life when Tommy Sheridan’s Council Tax Abolition and Service Tax Introduction (Scotland) Bill is fully debated and voted on this Wednesday, 1st February.
The bill would abolish the council tax and introduce an income based Scottish Service Tax that would see massive wealth re-distribution across Scotland.
At a press conference in Glasgow today, Monday, Tommy Sheridan was joined by the Poverty Alliance and Scottish Pensioners' Forum alongside the public services union PCS, Rail & Maritime union RMT and the Fire Brigades Union FBU in support of the bill.
Tommy said afterwards;
“The Scottish Parliament faces its biggest challenge since it was set up in 1999.
“Do we have the courage and moral fibre to scrap a tax that hammers the low paid and pensioners but pampers the rich and wealthy?
“Do we ignore the shameful plight of thousands of low paid workers and pensioners who struggle to pay the ever increasing council tax ?
“The 83% of Scottish households living on less than £40,000 are the ones who will gain from the income based Scottish Service Tax while the wealthy will pay more.
“It is called income re-distribution and it is long overdue in Scotland.
“The time for rebellion is now.”
[ends]
The Council Tax Abolition and Service Tax Introduction (Scotland) Bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament in August 2003, printed in November 2004 and faced committee scrutiny during 2005.
The bill will be debated in the Scottish Parliament at 2.15pm on Wednesday 1st February
Rosie Kane Backs McAllion in Bridge Battle
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 30/01/06
Rosie Kane MSP today joined Dunfermline and West Fife SSP candidate John McAllion in local campaigning against plans for toll price rises and a new £500 million road bridge.
Rosie worked with John during her lunch break as a member of the Scottish Parliament's Petitions Committee which met in Dunfermline today.
Rosie, a committed anti motorway campaigner, backed the SSP view that current tolls should be abolished and the capital cost of a new bridge invested in public transport.
John McAllion slammed the way New Labour has turned the discussion on the bridge into a power struggle between London and Edinburgh with the toll paying public reduced to spectators.
Said McAllion:
“I am not sure what the Blairite New Labour candidate thinks about tolls since we can’t hear her for the noise of Gordon Brown and Alisdair Darling trampling all over Jack McConnell as they instruct the Scottish Executive and Scottish Parliament on what they can and cannot do.
“However two things are clear. Firstly the existing bridge was paid for years ago and rather than hiking tolls they ought to be abolished altogether as they have been on the Skye Bridge.
“Secondly there needs to be serious investment in high quality cheap public transport as the way to cut bridge use and road congestion.
“The public should also beware of New Labour ministers talk of a new bridge.
This would be certain to be provided by private moneylenders on the Skye bridge PFI model.
“That bridge was half the length of the Forth and cost a motorist £11.40 to cross.”
Backing this view Rosie said:
“Bridge users are forced to commute by job cuts in Fife and the location of work across the Forth. They should not be penalised by high tolls as a result.
“What is clear is that the only way to cut bridge use and traffic congestion is to provide quality, low cost environmentally friendly alternatives through a massive investment in public transport.
“The supposed cost of £500 million for a second congestion generating road bridge would be much better spent on new park and ride schemes and a large scale expansion of rail services”
[ends]
Press Release: 30/01/06
Rosie Kane MSP today joined Dunfermline and West Fife SSP candidate John McAllion in local campaigning against plans for toll price rises and a new £500 million road bridge.
Rosie worked with John during her lunch break as a member of the Scottish Parliament's Petitions Committee which met in Dunfermline today.
Rosie, a committed anti motorway campaigner, backed the SSP view that current tolls should be abolished and the capital cost of a new bridge invested in public transport.
John McAllion slammed the way New Labour has turned the discussion on the bridge into a power struggle between London and Edinburgh with the toll paying public reduced to spectators.
Said McAllion:
“I am not sure what the Blairite New Labour candidate thinks about tolls since we can’t hear her for the noise of Gordon Brown and Alisdair Darling trampling all over Jack McConnell as they instruct the Scottish Executive and Scottish Parliament on what they can and cannot do.
“However two things are clear. Firstly the existing bridge was paid for years ago and rather than hiking tolls they ought to be abolished altogether as they have been on the Skye Bridge.
“Secondly there needs to be serious investment in high quality cheap public transport as the way to cut bridge use and road congestion.
“The public should also beware of New Labour ministers talk of a new bridge.
This would be certain to be provided by private moneylenders on the Skye bridge PFI model.
“That bridge was half the length of the Forth and cost a motorist £11.40 to cross.”
Backing this view Rosie said:
“Bridge users are forced to commute by job cuts in Fife and the location of work across the Forth. They should not be penalised by high tolls as a result.
“What is clear is that the only way to cut bridge use and traffic congestion is to provide quality, low cost environmentally friendly alternatives through a massive investment in public transport.
“The supposed cost of £500 million for a second congestion generating road bridge would be much better spent on new park and ride schemes and a large scale expansion of rail services”
[ends]
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Labour joins with Tories & Lib Dems to vote down free prescriptions
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 26/01/06
Labour joins with Tories & Lib Dems to vote down free prescriptions
Labour MSP’s from constituencies with some of the worst health records in the UK yesterday joined forces with Tories and Liberal Democrats to vote down a Scottish Socialist Party bill to abolish Scottish NHS prescription charges in a debate in the Scottish Parliament.
The Parliament voted 77 votes to 44 against accepting the basic principles of the bill, despite the fact that the Parliament’s Health Committee recommending that they be agreed.
The Abolition of NHS Prescription Charges (Scotland) Bill was supported by the SSP, Scottish National Party, Greens and independents.
One Labour MSP, Elaine Smith, voted in favour of the bill.
The Scottish Executive had been forced to announce a series of last minute concessions extending prescription charges exemptions after the huge support mobilised behind the campaign to abolish NHS prescription charges through the bill that had been lodged by SSP national convenor Colin Fox.
Colin today singled out the Labour MSP’s who represent areas of Scotland with chronic poverty and health problems and their role in attacking the very core principles of the NHS; that it should be free at the point of need.
Colin said;
“So now we know, Labour MSP’s are happy for their constituents to continue to be taxed for being sick.
“During the debate we had the incredible sight of Labour MSP’s representing constituencies with some of the worst health records in the UK, and indeed in Europe, dismissing the core principle of the NHS, that it should be free at the point of need, as “fantasy politics”.
“The Labour Party of Aneurin Bevan has now been completely destroyed by careerists and charlatans who follow the politics of Thatcherism and not socialism.
“Labour MSP Frank McAveety represents Glasgow Shettleston in some areas of which life expectancy for men is 53.9 years, 10 years less than that of India, and yet he was at the front of Labour attacks on the principle of a free health service.
“The reality is that the Queen gets free prescriptions while people on disability living allowance do not. Some 30 members of this Parliament get free prescriptions but people on incapacity benefit do not. J K Rowling, as a new mum, gets free prescriptions, but a low-paid woman worker in the Scottish Parliament must pay in full.
“Irrespective of the vote, we have won the argument; support in the country for the abolition of this despised tax on the sick is absolutely overwhelming.”
[ends]
Press Release: 26/01/06
Labour joins with Tories & Lib Dems to vote down free prescriptions
Labour MSP’s from constituencies with some of the worst health records in the UK yesterday joined forces with Tories and Liberal Democrats to vote down a Scottish Socialist Party bill to abolish Scottish NHS prescription charges in a debate in the Scottish Parliament.
The Parliament voted 77 votes to 44 against accepting the basic principles of the bill, despite the fact that the Parliament’s Health Committee recommending that they be agreed.
The Abolition of NHS Prescription Charges (Scotland) Bill was supported by the SSP, Scottish National Party, Greens and independents.
One Labour MSP, Elaine Smith, voted in favour of the bill.
The Scottish Executive had been forced to announce a series of last minute concessions extending prescription charges exemptions after the huge support mobilised behind the campaign to abolish NHS prescription charges through the bill that had been lodged by SSP national convenor Colin Fox.
Colin today singled out the Labour MSP’s who represent areas of Scotland with chronic poverty and health problems and their role in attacking the very core principles of the NHS; that it should be free at the point of need.
Colin said;
“So now we know, Labour MSP’s are happy for their constituents to continue to be taxed for being sick.
“During the debate we had the incredible sight of Labour MSP’s representing constituencies with some of the worst health records in the UK, and indeed in Europe, dismissing the core principle of the NHS, that it should be free at the point of need, as “fantasy politics”.
“The Labour Party of Aneurin Bevan has now been completely destroyed by careerists and charlatans who follow the politics of Thatcherism and not socialism.
“Labour MSP Frank McAveety represents Glasgow Shettleston in some areas of which life expectancy for men is 53.9 years, 10 years less than that of India, and yet he was at the front of Labour attacks on the principle of a free health service.
“The reality is that the Queen gets free prescriptions while people on disability living allowance do not. Some 30 members of this Parliament get free prescriptions but people on incapacity benefit do not. J K Rowling, as a new mum, gets free prescriptions, but a low-paid woman worker in the Scottish Parliament must pay in full.
“Irrespective of the vote, we have won the argument; support in the country for the abolition of this despised tax on the sick is absolutely overwhelming.”
[ends]
MSPs reject free prescriptions
Press Association: "MSPs reject free prescriptions
MSPs have thrown out plans to scrap NHS prescription charges in Scotland on the same day ministers proposed new reforms to the system.
A Socialist Bill to abolish the £6.50 fee was defeated in Parliament after the Executive floated changes which could see more people becoming exempt from paying for their medicines...
The Socialists' Bill, earlier endorsed by Holyrood's cross-party Health Committee, was backed by the SNP and the Greens, as well as Labour rebel Elaine Smith. But it was defeated at its first parliamentary hurdle by 77 votes to 40.
The Executive's reforms, proposed in a consultation, included extending the prescription charge exemption to a greater number of people on low incomes, reforming the existing arrangements for patients who require frequent prescriptions and widening concessions for full-time students and trainees.
But Mr Fox criticised the consultation as 'vague', adding: 'This Bill has been in front of this Parliament for nearly two-and-a-half years, yet the Scottish Executive waits until just three hours before this debate to come forward with proposals.'
Mr Fox said the high ideals of the NHS to give equal access to healthcare had been compromised by the charges.
He added: 'The reality is the Queen gets free prescriptions while people on disability allowances do not, 30 members of this Parliament get free prescriptions but people on incapacity benefit do not, JK Rowling gets free prescriptions as a new mum but a low paid woman working in the Scottish Parliament must pay in full.'"
MSPs have thrown out plans to scrap NHS prescription charges in Scotland on the same day ministers proposed new reforms to the system.
A Socialist Bill to abolish the £6.50 fee was defeated in Parliament after the Executive floated changes which could see more people becoming exempt from paying for their medicines...
The Socialists' Bill, earlier endorsed by Holyrood's cross-party Health Committee, was backed by the SNP and the Greens, as well as Labour rebel Elaine Smith. But it was defeated at its first parliamentary hurdle by 77 votes to 40.
The Executive's reforms, proposed in a consultation, included extending the prescription charge exemption to a greater number of people on low incomes, reforming the existing arrangements for patients who require frequent prescriptions and widening concessions for full-time students and trainees.
But Mr Fox criticised the consultation as 'vague', adding: 'This Bill has been in front of this Parliament for nearly two-and-a-half years, yet the Scottish Executive waits until just three hours before this debate to come forward with proposals.'
Mr Fox said the high ideals of the NHS to give equal access to healthcare had been compromised by the charges.
He added: 'The reality is the Queen gets free prescriptions while people on disability allowances do not, 30 members of this Parliament get free prescriptions but people on incapacity benefit do not, JK Rowling gets free prescriptions as a new mum but a low paid woman working in the Scottish Parliament must pay in full.'"
Overhaul the charges
The Herald: "If it's broke, fix it. That would be a useful adage to apply to the prescription charge regime in Scotland. It is outdated, anomalous, unfair and crying out for reform. MSPs had the chance yesterday to do something bold about it when the bill promoted by Colin Fox, the Scottish Socialist Party leader, to abolish these charges came before the Scottish Parliament. In the event, they voted by a large majority (77 to 40 with one abstention) against the really radical solution. "
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Job cuts become by-election issue
BBC NEWS: "John McAllion, who has been confirmed as the Scottish Socialist Party candidate, said he would be contacting trades unionists in an attempt to start a boycott of the company.
'Thousands of people in the region will suffer because of Lexmark's drive to increase their profits,' he said.
'We are going to hit Lexmark where it hurts; in the balance sheets.
'I am calling on the people of Scotland to rally to the side of the Lexmark workers and boycott the company's products.'"
'Thousands of people in the region will suffer because of Lexmark's drive to increase their profits,' he said.
'We are going to hit Lexmark where it hurts; in the balance sheets.
'I am calling on the people of Scotland to rally to the side of the Lexmark workers and boycott the company's products.'"
McAllion to stand for SSP
Evening News:
FORMER Labour MP John McAllion today threw his hat into the ring to contest the Dunfermline and West Fife by-election as the Scottish Socialist candidate.
Mr McAllion was a Westminster Labour MP from 1987 until 2001, holding key posts in Labour's Scottish Shadow Cabinet, including front-bench spokesman for Constitutional Affairs, Health and Housing.
He said: 'I believe the tradition of challenging inequality, resisting social injustice and standing up for working people is now represented by the SSP.'"
FORMER Labour MP John McAllion today threw his hat into the ring to contest the Dunfermline and West Fife by-election as the Scottish Socialist candidate.
Mr McAllion was a Westminster Labour MP from 1987 until 2001, holding key posts in Labour's Scottish Shadow Cabinet, including front-bench spokesman for Constitutional Affairs, Health and Housing.
He said: 'I believe the tradition of challenging inequality, resisting social injustice and standing up for working people is now represented by the SSP.'"
Thursday, January 19, 2006
NHS principles dictate that prescriptions should be free to all
Colin Fox MSP has an article in today's Scotsman newspaper. This content is not available online without a subscription. So get down to the newsagent!
Scotsman: "NHS principles dictate that prescriptions should be free to all
PLATFORM
COLIN FOX
THE Scottish Parliament will make history on 26 January when it votes on my bill to abolish NHS prescription charges.
Either it will agree to change the law and abolish the charges, or, for the very first time, it will vote down a bill recommended to it by the lead committee of the parliament."
NHS principles dictate that prescriptions should be free to all
Colin Fox MSP has an article in today's Scotsman newspaper. This content is not available online without a subscription. So get down to the newsagent!
Scotsman: "NHS principles dictate that prescriptions should be free to all
PLATFORM
COLIN FOX
THE Scottish Parliament will make history on 26 January when it votes on my bill to abolish NHS prescription charges.
Either it will agree to change the law and abolish the charges, or, for the very first time, it will vote down a bill recommended to it by the lead committee of the parliament."
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Scrap Prescription Charges Lobby
Colin Fox MSP's bill to scrap prescription charges is to be debated on Wednesday 25th January in the Scottish Parliament.
Supporters of the bill are calling for a lobby of the parliament at 12 noon on that day, please try to make it along.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Dalkeith Park Evictions Protest
Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Edinburgh - High drama as tree lovers rooted out: "POLICE and security teams clashed with tree protesters yesterday in the path of a bitterly fought-over £40 million bypass.
In scenes reminiscent of the environmental roads protests of the 1990s, dozens of police and trained eviction officials swarmed at first light on to the woodland site of the proposed A68 Dalkeith northern bypass on the outskirts of Edinburgh...
However, after the evictions there were calls for a rethink over the scheme. Colin Fox, the Lothians MSP and leader of the Scottish Socialist Party, backed the protesters.
He said: 'Despite the actions today, the basic demand of the protesters remains - that the proposed route of the bypass should be reassessed in the context of the changing profile of the transport network and the value of Dalkeith Park as a natural and recreational resource.'"
In scenes reminiscent of the environmental roads protests of the 1990s, dozens of police and trained eviction officials swarmed at first light on to the woodland site of the proposed A68 Dalkeith northern bypass on the outskirts of Edinburgh...
However, after the evictions there were calls for a rethink over the scheme. Colin Fox, the Lothians MSP and leader of the Scottish Socialist Party, backed the protesters.
He said: 'Despite the actions today, the basic demand of the protesters remains - that the proposed route of the bypass should be reassessed in the context of the changing profile of the transport network and the value of Dalkeith Park as a natural and recreational resource.'"
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Fight Poverty - Make Prescriptions Free
Evening Telegraph: News: "Dundee appeal over prescriptions
Dundee’s Anti Poverty Forum is calling for local MSPs to back the Scottish Socialist campaign to abolish NHS prescription charges.
In a bulletin sent to their members and local MSPs today, the forum said they believe the argument for abolition has been convincingly won and applaud MSPs Kate MacLean and Shona Robison for supporting it.
Jim MacLean, from the Dundee Anti Poverty Forum, said, “We are urging the other list MSPs to follow the example of their colleagues and support the abolition of prescription charges.”
In Dundee there are 10,000 people suffering long-term sickness and in receipt of incapacity benefit or severe disability allowance, and the Anti Poverty Forum believes that thousands of Dundonians would benefit from the abolition.
The SSP claims that 75,000 Scots go without some or all of the medicine they require because of the cost of prescriptions, currently ?6.50 each.
The party believes prescription charges undermine the core principal of the NHS — a service free to all in need.
At Holyrood on Wednesday, the health committee endorsed the general principles of the Bill brought forward by SSP leader Colin Fox.
Dundee’s Anti Poverty Forum is calling for local MSPs to back the Scottish Socialist campaign to abolish NHS prescription charges.
In a bulletin sent to their members and local MSPs today, the forum said they believe the argument for abolition has been convincingly won and applaud MSPs Kate MacLean and Shona Robison for supporting it.
Jim MacLean, from the Dundee Anti Poverty Forum, said, “We are urging the other list MSPs to follow the example of their colleagues and support the abolition of prescription charges.”
In Dundee there are 10,000 people suffering long-term sickness and in receipt of incapacity benefit or severe disability allowance, and the Anti Poverty Forum believes that thousands of Dundonians would benefit from the abolition.
The SSP claims that 75,000 Scots go without some or all of the medicine they require because of the cost of prescriptions, currently ?6.50 each.
The party believes prescription charges undermine the core principal of the NHS — a service free to all in need.
At Holyrood on Wednesday, the health committee endorsed the general principles of the Bill brought forward by SSP leader Colin Fox.
March Against Council Tax
Edinburgh Evening News: "HUNDREDS of angry pensioners are to march to Holyrood from Edinburgh's City Chambers to demand the council tax is scrapped.
The protesters will march on parliament ahead of a debate on a private member's Bill by the Scottish Socialist Party's Tommy Sheridan to abolish council tax and replace it with an income-based system.
Former SSP leader Mr Sheridan said: 'February 1st is D-Day for the vast army of pensioners and ordinary workers who demand the unfair council tax be scrapped in favour of a fairer income-based alternative. After 16 years of the Tory council tax, only those blind to unfairness and inequality could fail to see the urgent case for abolition.
'Those who talk of reforms or reviews instead of redundancy for the council tax are letting millions of Scots down and propping up an inherently unfair system. I hope hundreds join the march to demand Scotland's overpaid MSPs vote the council tax out of existence.'
The march is set to assemble at noon outside the City Chambers before moving to Holyrood for a rally at 12.30"
The protesters will march on parliament ahead of a debate on a private member's Bill by the Scottish Socialist Party's Tommy Sheridan to abolish council tax and replace it with an income-based system.
Former SSP leader Mr Sheridan said: 'February 1st is D-Day for the vast army of pensioners and ordinary workers who demand the unfair council tax be scrapped in favour of a fairer income-based alternative. After 16 years of the Tory council tax, only those blind to unfairness and inequality could fail to see the urgent case for abolition.
'Those who talk of reforms or reviews instead of redundancy for the council tax are letting millions of Scots down and propping up an inherently unfair system. I hope hundreds join the march to demand Scotland's overpaid MSPs vote the council tax out of existence.'
The march is set to assemble at noon outside the City Chambers before moving to Holyrood for a rally at 12.30"
Friday, January 13, 2006
Pensioners protest over closure
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Pensioners protest over closure: "Two elderly friends staging a lengthy sit-in protest against the closure of their care home are adamant they will not be moved.
For the past seven weeks, Robert Toole, 75, and Annie Cardiff, 84, have been demonstrating against plans to close Leven Cottage in West Dunbartonshire.
The council said the 11-bed home, the last council-run home in the area, does not meet the necessary requirements.
Ms Cardiff has lived at the home for 24 years and Mr Toole for 10 years.
The other nine residents have since been moved to other homes. Ms Cardiff initially moved out, but decided to return and join her friend in his protest.
They have been joined in the sit-in by Scottish Socialist councillor Jim Bollan and two other supporters.
Mr Toole said: 'It's ridiculous. I don't know what the council is thinking about. The place shouldn't be shut.
'This is the only care home in the Vale of Leven and there are plenty of old people in the Vale of Leven just waiting to come into a place like this. If they shut this place what happens to them?'
Mr Toole went into the home from hospital, having given up his own house and furniture.
'I gave up everything to come in here,' he said. 'This is my home and I'm not moving out of it.
Ms Cardiff said she did not like the new home she moved to.
'I wanted to come back here,' she said. 'I just love it that much. I made it my home.'
SSP councillor Jim Bollan has joined the pensioners' protest and is sleeping on the home's conservatory floor.
'This dispute is about giving senior citizens the choice of where they receive their care,' he said.
'They have decided, quite rightly, that this is their home and they want to see it stay here.'
He pointed out that Leven Cottage was the only council-owned care home for the whole of Leven.
'It is critical that it's kept, not just for Annie and Robert but for future generations,' he said. 'This home will not close'
For the past seven weeks, Robert Toole, 75, and Annie Cardiff, 84, have been demonstrating against plans to close Leven Cottage in West Dunbartonshire.
The council said the 11-bed home, the last council-run home in the area, does not meet the necessary requirements.
Ms Cardiff has lived at the home for 24 years and Mr Toole for 10 years.
The other nine residents have since been moved to other homes. Ms Cardiff initially moved out, but decided to return and join her friend in his protest.
They have been joined in the sit-in by Scottish Socialist councillor Jim Bollan and two other supporters.
Mr Toole said: 'It's ridiculous. I don't know what the council is thinking about. The place shouldn't be shut.
'This is the only care home in the Vale of Leven and there are plenty of old people in the Vale of Leven just waiting to come into a place like this. If they shut this place what happens to them?'
Mr Toole went into the home from hospital, having given up his own house and furniture.
'I gave up everything to come in here,' he said. 'This is my home and I'm not moving out of it.
Ms Cardiff said she did not like the new home she moved to.
'I wanted to come back here,' she said. 'I just love it that much. I made it my home.'
SSP councillor Jim Bollan has joined the pensioners' protest and is sleeping on the home's conservatory floor.
'This dispute is about giving senior citizens the choice of where they receive their care,' he said.
'They have decided, quite rightly, that this is their home and they want to see it stay here.'
He pointed out that Leven Cottage was the only council-owned care home for the whole of Leven.
'It is critical that it's kept, not just for Annie and Robert but for future generations,' he said. 'This home will not close'
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Back Our Bill to Scrap Prescription Charges
The Herald
A prescription for change
Editorial Comment January 12 2006
To join up with Wales, or stay with England? That is the question confronting Scotland's political class on the thorny issue of prescription charges. Colin Fox, the Scottish Socialist Party leader, has promoted a bill to abolish these charges. These will be phased out by the Welsh Assembly in 2007. The Scottish Executive is against abolition on grounds of cost, £45.4m a year and rising, and that those who can afford the £6.50 fee for each subscription should continue to pay (pre-payment is cheaper). One route out of this political impasse would be for the Scottish Parliament to debate and vote on Mr Fox's bill.
Evening Times
LABOUR MSPs in Glasgow were today challenged to throw their weight behind abolishing prescription charges after the move was backed by Holyrood's health committee.
In a new report, the Parliament's influential health committee recommended the £6.50 charge should be ditched and replaced with free medicines.
SSP leader Colin Fox said scrapping prescription charges would be of particular benefit to people in Glasgow.
He issued this challenge: "Will Labour MSPs in Glasgow, the city with the highest levels of disability allowance and incapacity benefits in Britain, vote to deny their constituents free prescriptions?"
He urged them to follow their party colleagues in the Welsh Assembly who abolished prescription charges three years ago.
Mr Fox said: "The level of need in Glasgow and the west of Scotland means thousands of people are going without their prescription because they can't afford it."
He claimed 75,000 Scots were going without some or all of their medicines because they could not afford the £6.50 charges and an "overwhelming" proportion of them were in Glasgow.
A prescription for change
Editorial Comment January 12 2006
To join up with Wales, or stay with England? That is the question confronting Scotland's political class on the thorny issue of prescription charges. Colin Fox, the Scottish Socialist Party leader, has promoted a bill to abolish these charges. These will be phased out by the Welsh Assembly in 2007. The Scottish Executive is against abolition on grounds of cost, £45.4m a year and rising, and that those who can afford the £6.50 fee for each subscription should continue to pay (pre-payment is cheaper). One route out of this political impasse would be for the Scottish Parliament to debate and vote on Mr Fox's bill.
Evening Times
LABOUR MSPs in Glasgow were today challenged to throw their weight behind abolishing prescription charges after the move was backed by Holyrood's health committee.
In a new report, the Parliament's influential health committee recommended the £6.50 charge should be ditched and replaced with free medicines.
SSP leader Colin Fox said scrapping prescription charges would be of particular benefit to people in Glasgow.
He issued this challenge: "Will Labour MSPs in Glasgow, the city with the highest levels of disability allowance and incapacity benefits in Britain, vote to deny their constituents free prescriptions?"
He urged them to follow their party colleagues in the Welsh Assembly who abolished prescription charges three years ago.
Mr Fox said: "The level of need in Glasgow and the west of Scotland means thousands of people are going without their prescription because they can't afford it."
He claimed 75,000 Scots were going without some or all of their medicines because they could not afford the £6.50 charges and an "overwhelming" proportion of them were in Glasgow.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Prescription Charges Unfair - Health Committee Verdict on Colin Fox's Bill
Scottish Parliament News Report
The Health Committee today published its report on the Abolition of NHS Prescription Charges Bill, and has come down narrowly in favour of the Bill.
The Member's Bill which is being promoted by Colin Fox MSP seeks to remove the need to pay a prescription charge from those who currently do.
Committee Convener, Roseanna Cunningham MSP said:
”Our Committee was unanimous in agreeing that the status quo on prescription charges is not an option.
“We believe that the current prescription charging regime is inequitable. It exempts individuals suffering from some chronic illnesses, but not others, and it exempts some people on low incomes, but not others. There are too many inconsistencies and anomalies in the current system.
“The Deputy Minister's suggestion that the Executive may extend the remit of the review of the prescription charging scheme is welcomed, but there are concerns that the Executive appeared to be making very slow progress with this important work.”
Full Health Committee Report at the Scottish Parliament Website.
Scrap Prescription Charges Website
The Health Committee today published its report on the Abolition of NHS Prescription Charges Bill, and has come down narrowly in favour of the Bill.
The Member's Bill which is being promoted by Colin Fox MSP seeks to remove the need to pay a prescription charge from those who currently do.
Committee Convener, Roseanna Cunningham MSP said:
”Our Committee was unanimous in agreeing that the status quo on prescription charges is not an option.
“We believe that the current prescription charging regime is inequitable. It exempts individuals suffering from some chronic illnesses, but not others, and it exempts some people on low incomes, but not others. There are too many inconsistencies and anomalies in the current system.
“The Deputy Minister's suggestion that the Executive may extend the remit of the review of the prescription charging scheme is welcomed, but there are concerns that the Executive appeared to be making very slow progress with this important work.”
Full Health Committee Report at the Scottish Parliament Website.
Scrap Prescription Charges Website
SSP Prescription Charges Bill Backed by Health Committee
BBC News
Prescription campaign gets boost
A campaign by the Scottish Socialists to abolish NHS prescription charges has received a significant boost.
Holyrood's health committee has given its backing to MSP Colin Fox's bill.
Ministers remain totally opposed to the idea but have accepted that they will have to address flaws in the present set-up.
The SSP claims 75,000 Scots go without some or all of the medicine they require because of the cost of prescriptions, currently £6.50 each.
The party believes prescription charges undermine the core principal of the NHS - a service free to all in need.
However, it is known that 92% of Scottish prescriptions are already free.
On Wednesday, the health committee voted narrowly in favour of the abolition of charges.
Scottish National Party MSP Roseanna Cunningham said all members agreed that the status quo on prescription charges was not an option.
They believed there were too many inconsistencies and anomalies, with some people suffering from chronic illnesses and on low incomes eligible for free prescriptions, while others were not.
However, in its report, the committee criticised some of the financial evidence offered by SSP leader Mr Fox, claiming he had overestimated savings and underestimated costs.
As ministers have rejected the idea of abolishing charges it is thought to be unlikely that the bill will reach the statute book.
Prescription campaign gets boost
A campaign by the Scottish Socialists to abolish NHS prescription charges has received a significant boost.
Holyrood's health committee has given its backing to MSP Colin Fox's bill.
Ministers remain totally opposed to the idea but have accepted that they will have to address flaws in the present set-up.
The SSP claims 75,000 Scots go without some or all of the medicine they require because of the cost of prescriptions, currently £6.50 each.
The party believes prescription charges undermine the core principal of the NHS - a service free to all in need.
However, it is known that 92% of Scottish prescriptions are already free.
On Wednesday, the health committee voted narrowly in favour of the abolition of charges.
Scottish National Party MSP Roseanna Cunningham said all members agreed that the status quo on prescription charges was not an option.
They believed there were too many inconsistencies and anomalies, with some people suffering from chronic illnesses and on low incomes eligible for free prescriptions, while others were not.
However, in its report, the committee criticised some of the financial evidence offered by SSP leader Mr Fox, claiming he had overestimated savings and underestimated costs.
As ministers have rejected the idea of abolishing charges it is thought to be unlikely that the bill will reach the statute book.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Scrap Prescription Charges Bill backed by Holyrood Health Committee
Sunday Herald
THE abolition of prescription charges in Scotland will move a step closer this week when an influential group of MSPs backs the measure.
The Scottish parliament’s health committee has endorsed plans to scrap the £6.50 charge that critics say is a tax on the poor.
Ministers have so far opposed the move but the cross-party support will put pressure on the Executive to adopt a policy costed at £40 million.
The committee report, expected within days, follows scrutiny of Scottish Socialist Party leader Colin Fox’s bill to end prescription charges.
He argued that the £6.50 charge penalised people on low incomes and those with conditions such as asthma, and cited research showing that 75,000 Scots go without medicines because they can’t afford them.
Prescription charges are to be abolished in Wales from 2007.
But opponents argue that the bill fails to target scarce resources at Scotland’s needy and is expensive. They say that vulnerable groups, such as pensioners and children, already receive free drugs, a flexibility that the bill’s supporters fail to recognise.
Now the health committee, after evidence from health professionals and other interest groups, has backed the “general principles” of Fox’s bill.
The nine-member group voted to back the move by a narrow majority. It is understood Labour members, with the exception of one rebel, were unmoved. One committee source said: “There was a debate on whether to delay supporting the bill, or to push ahead. The people who argued for pushing ahead were in the majority.”
Their endorsement will put pressure on the Executive to respond to a bill that ministers privately concede is popular.
Scrap Prescription Charges Website
Thursday, January 05, 2006
SSP Criticises Nuclear WMD Base Expansion
Herald
"The Royal Navy has unveiled a £125m plan to upgrade accommodation facilities at Faslane naval base on the River Clyde amid an uncertain future for Britain's ageing Trident missiles and Vanguard submarine fleet based there.
The plans were criticised by the Scottish Socialist Party, which is opposed to Britain's nuclear deterrent. A spokesman for the party said last night: "This shows that any debate on upgrading Trident is a sham. The decision has been taken and the taxpayer is already paying for it in these expanded facilities."
"The Royal Navy has unveiled a £125m plan to upgrade accommodation facilities at Faslane naval base on the River Clyde amid an uncertain future for Britain's ageing Trident missiles and Vanguard submarine fleet based there.
The plans were criticised by the Scottish Socialist Party, which is opposed to Britain's nuclear deterrent. A spokesman for the party said last night: "This shows that any debate on upgrading Trident is a sham. The decision has been taken and the taxpayer is already paying for it in these expanded facilities."
Scotland: A Nation of Poverty and Inequality
The Scotsman
HEALTH campaigners, charities and politicians have reacted with shock and dismay after an investigation by The Scotsman laid bare the true extent of inequality across the country in the 21st century.
The report revealed that a boy born in the poorest part of Glasgow can expect to die at 54 - the lowest life expectancy in the UK. By contrast, someone born in Bearsden, Milngavie, Lenzie, Clarkston or Kilmacolm can expect to live to over 80, while in parts of Livingston, life expectancy is nearly 88.
Colin Fox, the leader of the Scottish Socialist Party, said: "The Scotsman is to be congratulated for its comprehensive and damning report on poverty and inequality in Scotland today."
Mr Fox recommended universal free school meals, scrapping the council tax and abolishing prescription charges.
And he added: "These are practical measures that are within the devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament and could be enacted within a short time to make a start on tackling the poverty and inequality so graphically illustrated."
HEALTH campaigners, charities and politicians have reacted with shock and dismay after an investigation by The Scotsman laid bare the true extent of inequality across the country in the 21st century.
The report revealed that a boy born in the poorest part of Glasgow can expect to die at 54 - the lowest life expectancy in the UK. By contrast, someone born in Bearsden, Milngavie, Lenzie, Clarkston or Kilmacolm can expect to live to over 80, while in parts of Livingston, life expectancy is nearly 88.
Colin Fox, the leader of the Scottish Socialist Party, said: "The Scotsman is to be congratulated for its comprehensive and damning report on poverty and inequality in Scotland today."
Mr Fox recommended universal free school meals, scrapping the council tax and abolishing prescription charges.
And he added: "These are practical measures that are within the devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament and could be enacted within a short time to make a start on tackling the poverty and inequality so graphically illustrated."
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
A nation still divided by poverty and inequality
Scotsman
"In a devastating study showing the country's wealthiest suburb has a life expectancy of 87.7 years, while a boy born in the poorest area of Glasgow can expect to die at 54.
A child born in Calton, in the East End of Glasgow, is three times as likely to suffer heart disease, four times as likely to be hospitalised and ten times as likely to grow up in a workless household than a child in the city's prosperous western suburbs."
"In a devastating study showing the country's wealthiest suburb has a life expectancy of 87.7 years, while a boy born in the poorest area of Glasgow can expect to die at 54.
A child born in Calton, in the East End of Glasgow, is three times as likely to suffer heart disease, four times as likely to be hospitalised and ten times as likely to grow up in a workless household than a child in the city's prosperous western suburbs."
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