Evening Times: "A NEW campaign to give free school meals to all Scottish children was launched today.
It is the second time the Scottish Socialist Party has lodged a free school meals bill.
If passed, the bill would require councils to provide every school child with a free school meal which meets strict nutritional standards.
In 2002 party leader Tommy Sheridan submitted a similar bill.
Although it received widespread public support and some cross party backing, the bill was defeated.
The SSP say they decided the time was right to try again after seeing the public reaction to Jamie Oliver's Channel 4 TV series Jamie's School Dinners, which exposed the low nutritional value of many school meals.
MSP Frances Curran lodged the bill today, backed by the Free School Meals Campaign, which includes One Parent Families Scotland, the Scottish Churches Social Inclusion Network and the EIS."
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Free School Meals launch
EducationGuardian: "'The Scottish Socialist party's campaign for free school meals continued today with the launch of a consultation document seeking views from children as well as teachers and health professionals,' Frances Curran MSP, in whose name the bill will be lodged, said today. 'There has been a revolution in people's attitudes to the need to provide our school children with nutritional school meals over the past year.'"
Why we must have free school meals
I WRITE to offer unreserved support for Frances Curran's Free School Meals Bill. Apart from the obvious benefit this would have in helping to combat the increasing problem of obesity in our children (and consequently improving the health of our society for generations to come), this would be one of the most positive and effective steps that could be taken to reduce poverty. The following incident should illustrate the absolute necessity for such a measure, if indeed proof were needed.
SNP Councillor Jim Towers writes in The Scotsman
SNP Councillor Jim Towers writes in The Scotsman
Monday, June 13, 2005
Rosie Kane in Cuba
Sunday Mail
Rosie Kane
CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR
WELL, I'm back on Terra McFirma after one of the most amazing weeks of my life.
The flights to Cuba took 18 hours. It was the longest journey I've made - but not just in hours and miles.
Socialism, Cuba, and Fidel Castro may not be everyone's cup of tea - but I'm a coffee drinker and savoured every drop and enjoyed the buzz.
Being in the same room and speaking from the same platform as Fidel Castro was bizarre. But it was the other people I met who made the trip so memorable.
The presiding officer from the New South Wales Parliament, a senator from Trinidad and Tobago and a leading American lawyer, were some of the representatives from 63 countries at the event focussing on the US and their war on terror.
But my encounters with the people of Cuba were the ones that mattered.
My first was with a hotel cleaner who greeted me by saying 'Hello comrade'.
I liked that. Right away I could see there was no 'them and us' between guest and the worker - exactly as it should be.
I met many schoolkids. Most of them were around 12 years old and all spoke excellent English.
I have never seen such confident and gentle young people. They have a thirst for knowledge and did not stop asking about Britain They wanted to know my thoughts on war, poverty and justice. I told them one in four children in Scotland is born into poverty. They were stunned and asked how they could help.
After the conference we were taken to the Karl Marx Theatre where we were treated to music and poetry from all over Latin America and Cuba.
It was a great evening in one of the most amazing buildings I have seen.
Cuba is no utopia. Nowhere is. For instance, prostitution in Havana is typical of any big capital city and every bit as degrading and dangerous.
I took a wee stroll through the streets of downtown Havana, found a bar and popped in for a drink.
Over a rum and ice, I got chatting with the locals. They wanted to know about Scotland, the parliament and Rabbie Burns.
We started talking about 'freedom' and the debate gathered a crowd of about 20people - it was amazing. And everyone had something to say.
Some loved Fidel others did not - and were not afraid to say so.
One man loved Cuba and Socialism but was critical of Castro. I asked if he was free to speak up like this and he assured me the days of silence were long gone.
I chirped up: 'Raise your hand if you have been imprisoned for publicly objecting to your government's policy?'
The only hand that went up was my ownI went to the market the next day and a little boy ran up and pointed at my bag. He was trying hard to tell me something.
I assumed he wanted money and handed him some change.
But he handed it right back and pointed at a pen sticking out of my handbag.
'Stylo?' he said. The wee lamb wanted my pen.
Turns out they are in short supply, thanks to the blockade.
It was a lesson. Never assume anything about Cuba without speaking - and listening - to the people
Rosie Kane
CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR
WELL, I'm back on Terra McFirma after one of the most amazing weeks of my life.
The flights to Cuba took 18 hours. It was the longest journey I've made - but not just in hours and miles.
Socialism, Cuba, and Fidel Castro may not be everyone's cup of tea - but I'm a coffee drinker and savoured every drop and enjoyed the buzz.
Being in the same room and speaking from the same platform as Fidel Castro was bizarre. But it was the other people I met who made the trip so memorable.
The presiding officer from the New South Wales Parliament, a senator from Trinidad and Tobago and a leading American lawyer, were some of the representatives from 63 countries at the event focussing on the US and their war on terror.
But my encounters with the people of Cuba were the ones that mattered.
My first was with a hotel cleaner who greeted me by saying 'Hello comrade'.
I liked that. Right away I could see there was no 'them and us' between guest and the worker - exactly as it should be.
I met many schoolkids. Most of them were around 12 years old and all spoke excellent English.
I have never seen such confident and gentle young people. They have a thirst for knowledge and did not stop asking about Britain They wanted to know my thoughts on war, poverty and justice. I told them one in four children in Scotland is born into poverty. They were stunned and asked how they could help.
After the conference we were taken to the Karl Marx Theatre where we were treated to music and poetry from all over Latin America and Cuba.
It was a great evening in one of the most amazing buildings I have seen.
Cuba is no utopia. Nowhere is. For instance, prostitution in Havana is typical of any big capital city and every bit as degrading and dangerous.
I took a wee stroll through the streets of downtown Havana, found a bar and popped in for a drink.
Over a rum and ice, I got chatting with the locals. They wanted to know about Scotland, the parliament and Rabbie Burns.
We started talking about 'freedom' and the debate gathered a crowd of about 20people - it was amazing. And everyone had something to say.
Some loved Fidel others did not - and were not afraid to say so.
One man loved Cuba and Socialism but was critical of Castro. I asked if he was free to speak up like this and he assured me the days of silence were long gone.
I chirped up: 'Raise your hand if you have been imprisoned for publicly objecting to your government's policy?'
The only hand that went up was my ownI went to the market the next day and a little boy ran up and pointed at my bag. He was trying hard to tell me something.
I assumed he wanted money and handed him some change.
But he handed it right back and pointed at a pen sticking out of my handbag.
'Stylo?' he said. The wee lamb wanted my pen.
Turns out they are in short supply, thanks to the blockade.
It was a lesson. Never assume anything about Cuba without speaking - and listening - to the people
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Imported police cause problems
Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | Long arm of the law grasps challenge with caution: "Aamer Anwar, a human rights lawyer representing the G8 protesters, feared legal niceties would be thrown out of the window if a riot erupted, and that it could prove difficult and costly to call English and Welsh officers to account.
Many Scots are uneasy about the long arm of the law reaching several hundred miles further north.
'It's about the style of policing as well as the legal differences,' said Frances Curran, a Scottish Socialist party MSP and organiser of a protest rally against the G8.
'Met officers and the like running about Perthshire will create huge tensions. We're told they'll receive full training in Scots law but we think any protester arrested by an English or Welsh officer will have grounds to question that arrest.'"
Many Scots are uneasy about the long arm of the law reaching several hundred miles further north.
'It's about the style of policing as well as the legal differences,' said Frances Curran, a Scottish Socialist party MSP and organiser of a protest rally against the G8.
'Met officers and the like running about Perthshire will create huge tensions. We're told they'll receive full training in Scots law but we think any protester arrested by an English or Welsh officer will have grounds to question that arrest.'"
Friday, June 10, 2005
SSP pledge to exercise democratic rights, accuse SNP; "Bravehearts become Fainthearts"
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 10/06/05
SSP pledge to exercise democratic rights, accuse SNP; "Bravehearts become Fainthearts"
The Scottish Socialist Party today confirmed the pledge made by West of Scotland MSP Frances Curran to exercise the right to protest at Gleneagles. Appearing on Newsnight Scotland, Frances said that no matter what she will be exercising her right to peacefully protest against the policies of the G8 governments who are meeting at the Gleneagles hotel.
All 6 of the SSP's MSP's are committed to exercising their right to peacefully demonstrate at Gleneagles.
There will be a meeting of G8 Alternatives, the organisation which the SSP is a part of, to decide a national strategy on Tuesday 14th June with a lobby and press conference at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 16th.
Frances said today;
"The movement that demands the right to demonstrate our opposition to the policies of the G8 countries does not recognise the right of a local authority to charge a price for the right to demonstrate.
"We do not accept that democracy can be charged for and we will be exercising our right to demonstrate at Gleneagles no matter what.
"This is our country and the Scottish Parliament has already passed a vote upholding the right of peaceful demonstration at Gleneagles.
"It is now up to Perth and Kinross Council to recognise their mistake and reverse their decision not to allow the right of lawful demonstration.
"If we accept the idea that there is a price on demonstrating a precedent will have been set which will allow the crushing of democratic rights for generations to come.
"The idea that there is a danger of disorder from demonstrations is monstrous hypocrisy when on the other side of the fence will sit politicians responsible for the reduction of two countries to rubble in Iraq and Afghanistan."
Turning to the decision of Scottish National Party councillors on Perth and Kinross Council to effectively ban the democratic right of people to demonstrate at Gleneagles Frances said;
"What happened to the Bravehearts ?
"More like Fainthearts.
"You can't take our freedom. unless there's a bill for it.
"The SNP are in favour of independence unless unelected local council officials tell them they can't have it
"It's a disgrace and the SNP must hang their heads in shame that they are colluding with attempts to crush the basic democratic rights of the people of Scotland and those who come here from across the world to demonstrate their opposition to the policies of the G8 countries."
Press Release: 10/06/05
SSP pledge to exercise democratic rights, accuse SNP; "Bravehearts become Fainthearts"
The Scottish Socialist Party today confirmed the pledge made by West of Scotland MSP Frances Curran to exercise the right to protest at Gleneagles. Appearing on Newsnight Scotland, Frances said that no matter what she will be exercising her right to peacefully protest against the policies of the G8 governments who are meeting at the Gleneagles hotel.
All 6 of the SSP's MSP's are committed to exercising their right to peacefully demonstrate at Gleneagles.
There will be a meeting of G8 Alternatives, the organisation which the SSP is a part of, to decide a national strategy on Tuesday 14th June with a lobby and press conference at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 16th.
Frances said today;
"The movement that demands the right to demonstrate our opposition to the policies of the G8 countries does not recognise the right of a local authority to charge a price for the right to demonstrate.
"We do not accept that democracy can be charged for and we will be exercising our right to demonstrate at Gleneagles no matter what.
"This is our country and the Scottish Parliament has already passed a vote upholding the right of peaceful demonstration at Gleneagles.
"It is now up to Perth and Kinross Council to recognise their mistake and reverse their decision not to allow the right of lawful demonstration.
"If we accept the idea that there is a price on demonstrating a precedent will have been set which will allow the crushing of democratic rights for generations to come.
"The idea that there is a danger of disorder from demonstrations is monstrous hypocrisy when on the other side of the fence will sit politicians responsible for the reduction of two countries to rubble in Iraq and Afghanistan."
Turning to the decision of Scottish National Party councillors on Perth and Kinross Council to effectively ban the democratic right of people to demonstrate at Gleneagles Frances said;
"What happened to the Bravehearts ?
"More like Fainthearts.
"You can't take our freedom. unless there's a bill for it.
"The SNP are in favour of independence unless unelected local council officials tell them they can't have it
"It's a disgrace and the SNP must hang their heads in shame that they are colluding with attempts to crush the basic democratic rights of the people of Scotland and those who come here from across the world to demonstrate their opposition to the policies of the G8 countries."
Defend the right to protest
The Herald editorial
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. That memorable statement, attributed to Voltaire, is as relevant today as when the French philosopher is said to have uttered it in the eighteenth century. In today's increasingly litigious climate, a new clause might be added: as long as the appropriate insurance cover is in place. The right to legitimate, peaceful protest is a democratic principle to cherish, but it appears to have become conditional on an ability to provide public liability cover. It is a dangerous, as well as a depressing, development which came to light yesterday when Perth and Kinross councillors agreed to permit a rally in Auchterarder on July 6, the day leaders of the world's wealthiest countries converge on nearby Gleneagles Hotel for the G8 summit... The council has an opportunity to allow Auchterarder to make its own mark on the summit and bring influence to bear on the developed world's most powerful men. Undermining the right to protest would stand in the way of such admirable objectives.
Daily Record
Organisers said they will come back to the council with a revised plan and are considering asking a sheriff to overturn the ban. Scottish Socialist MSP Frances Curran said: 'We will need to discuss an alternative route.
'If that involves closure of the A9 then we will have to discuss that and put an application in.
'It may involve applying for a demonstration on part of the A9.'
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. That memorable statement, attributed to Voltaire, is as relevant today as when the French philosopher is said to have uttered it in the eighteenth century. In today's increasingly litigious climate, a new clause might be added: as long as the appropriate insurance cover is in place. The right to legitimate, peaceful protest is a democratic principle to cherish, but it appears to have become conditional on an ability to provide public liability cover. It is a dangerous, as well as a depressing, development which came to light yesterday when Perth and Kinross councillors agreed to permit a rally in Auchterarder on July 6, the day leaders of the world's wealthiest countries converge on nearby Gleneagles Hotel for the G8 summit... The council has an opportunity to allow Auchterarder to make its own mark on the summit and bring influence to bear on the developed world's most powerful men. Undermining the right to protest would stand in the way of such admirable objectives.
Daily Record
Organisers said they will come back to the council with a revised plan and are considering asking a sheriff to overturn the ban. Scottish Socialist MSP Frances Curran said: 'We will need to discuss an alternative route.
'If that involves closure of the A9 then we will have to discuss that and put an application in.
'It may involve applying for a demonstration on part of the A9.'
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Democracy for sale and only the rich can afford it
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 09/06/05
SSP: Democracy for sale and only the rich can afford it
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Frances Curran today said that people wanting
to protest about the fact that the poor of the world didn't have enough
money were being prevented from doing so because they didn't have enough
money.
Speaking after the meeting of Perth and Kinross Council that put a
precondition of £5 million liability insurance that will cost G8
Alternatives up to £30,000, Frances accused the authorities of placing every
possible obstacle in the way of those who wished to exercise their
democratic right to protest against the policies of the G8.
Frances said;
"This is a travesty, a threat to the democratic rights of the people of this
country; it means that democracy is for sale.
"In a civic society it is right that councils and the government waive any
financial constraints on protestors taking action.
"Children in Africa are dying because they don't have enough money to buy
food and we can't protest about it because we don't have enough money for
the liability insurance.
"I'm absolutely appalled.
"In theory we've got the right to protest but they keep putting obstacles in
our way.
"The right to freedom of assembly, of the right to demonstrate and protest
clearly comes at a price.
"Democracy is for sale and it looks like only the rich can afford it."
[ends]
Press Release: 09/06/05
SSP: Democracy for sale and only the rich can afford it
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Frances Curran today said that people wanting
to protest about the fact that the poor of the world didn't have enough
money were being prevented from doing so because they didn't have enough
money.
Speaking after the meeting of Perth and Kinross Council that put a
precondition of £5 million liability insurance that will cost G8
Alternatives up to £30,000, Frances accused the authorities of placing every
possible obstacle in the way of those who wished to exercise their
democratic right to protest against the policies of the G8.
Frances said;
"This is a travesty, a threat to the democratic rights of the people of this
country; it means that democracy is for sale.
"In a civic society it is right that councils and the government waive any
financial constraints on protestors taking action.
"Children in Africa are dying because they don't have enough money to buy
food and we can't protest about it because we don't have enough money for
the liability insurance.
"I'm absolutely appalled.
"In theory we've got the right to protest but they keep putting obstacles in
our way.
"The right to freedom of assembly, of the right to demonstrate and protest
clearly comes at a price.
"Democracy is for sale and it looks like only the rich can afford it."
[ends]
Free Speech?
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Insurance condition on G8 march: "A G8 protest rally near the Gleneagles Hotel will only go ahead if insurance cover for up to ?5m is put in place.
The condition has been imposed by Perth and Kinross councillors who want the executive to pay the cost of the premium, which could be up to ?30,000.
The G8 Alternatives group says it cannot afford the premium for the rally in Auchterarder on 6 July and branded the decision 'democracy for sale'.
Scottish Socialist MSP Frances Curran said it was a 'travesty'.
'It's a threat to the democratic rights of the people of this country,' she added.
'Children in Africa are dying because they don't have enough money to buy food and we can't protest about it because we don't have the money for the liability.'"
The condition has been imposed by Perth and Kinross councillors who want the executive to pay the cost of the premium, which could be up to ?30,000.
The G8 Alternatives group says it cannot afford the premium for the rally in Auchterarder on 6 July and branded the decision 'democracy for sale'.
Scottish Socialist MSP Frances Curran said it was a 'travesty'.
'It's a threat to the democratic rights of the people of this country,' she added.
'Children in Africa are dying because they don't have enough money to buy food and we can't protest about it because we don't have the money for the liability.'"
Let us march at Gleneagles
Daily Record
PROTESTERS staged a rally at Holyrood yesterday to demand a right to hold a demo near the G8 venue, Gleneagles Hotel.
The group, who were backed by Scottish Socialist leader Colin Fox, gathered outside the parliament to protest at the decision to block them from the roads near the Perthshire hotel during the summit. Police claim a march at Gleneagles would be 'unsafe and unsuitable'.
Eurig Scandrett, from Friends of the Earth, said: 'We are responsible people. It is our democratic right to march
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
G8 Debate in the Scottish Parliament
"Gordon Brown is not telling the truth about what such policies will mean for Africa. Free trade is a disaster for Africa. Brown says one thing publicly and does another thing privately. How should we describe that behaviour? Is it a financial conjuring trick? Who would play a trick on the starving children of Africa? Is it just two-faced? Who would be so insincere in dealing with famine? Is it just spin? Who would use poverty for public relations? How cynical would that be?"
Frances Curran sums up for the SSP in Parliament debate on G8
Colin Fox moved the SSP's amendment to the Scottish Executive's motion on G8 in the Scottish Parliament.
Frances Curran sums up for the SSP in Parliament debate on G8
Colin Fox moved the SSP's amendment to the Scottish Executive's motion on G8 in the Scottish Parliament.
Anger at Police filming of G8 protest meeting
Press and Journal: "Grampian Police were attacked last night for turning a video camera on delegates arriving for a G8 Alternatives meeting at Aberdeen University.
Aamer Anwar, a human rights lawyer and spokesman for the group, described the incident as 'a serious breach of their human rights' and will be making an official complaint.
Members of the group were arriving for one of their fortnightly meetings at the university when they spotted three police officers with a video camera filming their arrival.
Barry Reid and a friend were on their way to the meeting shortly before 7pm when they approached the officers.
After initially being ignored the 23-year-old Aberdeen College music student asked one of the officers why they were filming. He said: 'I remember his exact words, he said, 'we are compiling evidence'. I turned to the policeman who was holding the camera and he filmed me up and down. It's an invasion of privacy.'
He added: 'We have nothing to hide. If they wanted to send a representative to one of our meetings and find out what we are talking about that would be fine. But to film us without our permission, that's not democracy is it?'
Penny Howard, one of the organisers of G8 Alternatives, said that police officers spent more than an hour outside the meeting.
Members of Grampian Senior Citizens' Forum, university and college students along with teachers made up the 15-strong meeting."
Aamer Anwar, a human rights lawyer and spokesman for the group, described the incident as 'a serious breach of their human rights' and will be making an official complaint.
Members of the group were arriving for one of their fortnightly meetings at the university when they spotted three police officers with a video camera filming their arrival.
Barry Reid and a friend were on their way to the meeting shortly before 7pm when they approached the officers.
After initially being ignored the 23-year-old Aberdeen College music student asked one of the officers why they were filming. He said: 'I remember his exact words, he said, 'we are compiling evidence'. I turned to the policeman who was holding the camera and he filmed me up and down. It's an invasion of privacy.'
He added: 'We have nothing to hide. If they wanted to send a representative to one of our meetings and find out what we are talking about that would be fine. But to film us without our permission, that's not democracy is it?'
Penny Howard, one of the organisers of G8 Alternatives, said that police officers spent more than an hour outside the meeting.
Members of Grampian Senior Citizens' Forum, university and college students along with teachers made up the 15-strong meeting."
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
G8 info blackout
Veil of official secrecy imposed on G8 - The Herald: "Frances Curran, Scottish Socialist MSP for West of Scotland and an organiser of the G8 Alternatives protest coalition, said she was shocked at the extent of the move. She said: 'The executive has cancelled people's rights under FoI. They have indefinitely cancelled the process of democracy and accountability because George W Bush is visiting Scotland."
Monday, June 06, 2005
Kane in Cuba invites Castro to G8 Counter Summit
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit Press Release: 04/06/05
Kane in Cuba invites Castro to G8 Counter Summit
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane yesterday raised a rallying call for all those in the world opposed to the terrorism of the US state to descend on Scotland for the G8 summit at Gleneagles, specifically inviting Fidel Castro to join G8 Alternatives Counter Summit in Edinburgh on Sunday 3rd July.
Rosie was speaking at the International Meeting against Terrorism , for Truth and Justice, at the International Conference Centre in the Cuban capital Havana Rosie is the only UK participant in a gathering of more than 300 Cuban and international delegates.
Rosie spoke with Cuban President Fidel Castro in the chair immediately after the former President of Nicaragua Daniel Ortega had addressed the conference.
The three day event includes contributions from intellectuals, artists, union leaders, social activists, parliamentarians and politicians from various regions of the world. The gathering in Cuba has been organised to highlight the United States ongoing involvement in terrorist atrocities across the world from the death squads of Argentina and Chile in the 1970's to current plans to assassinate President Hugo Chavez in Venezuela.
Speaking by phone from Cuba on Saturday evening Rosie said; "I invited Fidel Castro to attend our G8 Alternative summit in Edinburgh and the demonstration at Gleneagles because it will be the first time in decades that he will have the opportunity to be within 5 miles of a US President.
"I believe President Castro has an important message for the people of Scotland and the wider world, a message of peace and co-operation between the peoples of the planet.
"President Bush and the other leaders of the G8 have plunged the world into a nightmare in which vast amounts of money are used to create death and destruction.
"Although a tiny country, Cuba is playing a vital role in Latin America training doctors and medical staff and they have offered to instigate a literacy programme for the Dominican Republic.
"In my remaining time in Cuba I will be visiting hospitals and schools and speaking to Cubans about how their country has successfully defied the might of the United States since that historic day in 1959 when the revolution triumphed."
Sunday Mail June 5, 2005, Sunday
KANE IN CUBA: I'VE ASKED FIDEL TO BE MY GUEST; WORLD WILL HEAR TRUTH ABOUT US 'WAR ON TERROR'
Rosie Kane
HERE I am, all the way from Govanhill, Glasgow, to Havana, Cuba, on my own. I've crossed a timeline for the first time and met a man who is truly awe -inspiring, Fidel Castro. For 50 years, the US have wanted him dead. But when I joined 600 other delegates to see him address a conference against terrorism, there were no burly security guards.
Wherever George W Bush goes, there are five-mile exclusion zones and sea-to -air missiles at the ready. But, in Havana, I didn't even have my handbag searched when I went to listen to Fidel He opened his heart to tell the American people that they should be his biggest allies but they were being kept in the dark about the truth.
Despite being 78, Fidel was razor sharp, talking with raw emotion. I have always believed him to be a hero and when I saw what he and his government have achieved under such adversity, he's even more so. He has been accused by America of being a dictator. But what I saw was exactly the opposite.
Cuba is a country that doesn't know the meaning of the word poverty and I had to explain to them our Make Poverty History campaign. You seein Cuba, everyone is born equal. They can vote and stand for election at 16. And they have elections every two and a half years. Hardly a dictatorship, really. And the make-do-and-mend spirit they have due to the US sanctions imposed on them has made Cuba a first- class example of recycling.
There's hardly a new car in sight. Instead, roads are filled with 1950s vehicles we would stop and stare at in admiration if we saw them in Argyle Street today. And the lack of advertising means young people are not obsessed with McDonald's or designer trainers, all the daft things of our Western world.
Cuba is training 70 US students to be doctors - free of charge. And while I was there, Fidel Castro offered to instigate a literacy programme for the Dominican Republic. He's an impetuous man who examines problems, then gets down to it. That's why I've invited him to Scotland to address the G8 Alternative. I'm hoping he will accept my invitation, not least because it will be the first time in decades that he will be within five miles of a US president.
I believe he will have important things to tell us and it will be an unique opportunity to see just who is the real dictator, who is brutally honest - and who is just brutal. I know who my money is on. When I get home, I'll be letting everyone know Cuba is asking for Bush to keep his word about not sheltering terrorists. If Bush is true to his word, he should be doing all he can to ensure Orlando Bosch and Luis Posada Carriles, who openly admit their part in the 1976 plane bombing that killed 73 Cubans, are brought to justice.
If he does not, he must stand down from his so-called war on terror. He can't pick his terrorists. The US government last month rejected Venezuela's request for the provisional arrest of Carriles, a first step that could lead to his extradition, on grounds of insufficient information And, with US help, Bosch escaped imprisonment in Venezuela, entered the US, where he was granted asylum and pardoned by President George Bush on July 18, 1990.
I watched astonished as these men admitted on TV they were responsible for the deaths of so many Cubans - yet they remain free. Are their crimes any less than those of September 11 or different from Bin Laden boasting about the destruction of the Twin Towers? If Fidel accepts my invitation, the world will hear the truth of what has been done to his people
Kane in Cuba invites Castro to G8 Counter Summit
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane yesterday raised a rallying call for all those in the world opposed to the terrorism of the US state to descend on Scotland for the G8 summit at Gleneagles, specifically inviting Fidel Castro to join G8 Alternatives Counter Summit in Edinburgh on Sunday 3rd July.
Rosie was speaking at the International Meeting against Terrorism , for Truth and Justice, at the International Conference Centre in the Cuban capital Havana Rosie is the only UK participant in a gathering of more than 300 Cuban and international delegates.
Rosie spoke with Cuban President Fidel Castro in the chair immediately after the former President of Nicaragua Daniel Ortega had addressed the conference.
The three day event includes contributions from intellectuals, artists, union leaders, social activists, parliamentarians and politicians from various regions of the world. The gathering in Cuba has been organised to highlight the United States ongoing involvement in terrorist atrocities across the world from the death squads of Argentina and Chile in the 1970's to current plans to assassinate President Hugo Chavez in Venezuela.
Speaking by phone from Cuba on Saturday evening Rosie said; "I invited Fidel Castro to attend our G8 Alternative summit in Edinburgh and the demonstration at Gleneagles because it will be the first time in decades that he will have the opportunity to be within 5 miles of a US President.
"I believe President Castro has an important message for the people of Scotland and the wider world, a message of peace and co-operation between the peoples of the planet.
"President Bush and the other leaders of the G8 have plunged the world into a nightmare in which vast amounts of money are used to create death and destruction.
"Although a tiny country, Cuba is playing a vital role in Latin America training doctors and medical staff and they have offered to instigate a literacy programme for the Dominican Republic.
"In my remaining time in Cuba I will be visiting hospitals and schools and speaking to Cubans about how their country has successfully defied the might of the United States since that historic day in 1959 when the revolution triumphed."
Sunday Mail June 5, 2005, Sunday
KANE IN CUBA: I'VE ASKED FIDEL TO BE MY GUEST; WORLD WILL HEAR TRUTH ABOUT US 'WAR ON TERROR'
Rosie Kane
HERE I am, all the way from Govanhill, Glasgow, to Havana, Cuba, on my own. I've crossed a timeline for the first time and met a man who is truly awe -inspiring, Fidel Castro. For 50 years, the US have wanted him dead. But when I joined 600 other delegates to see him address a conference against terrorism, there were no burly security guards.
Wherever George W Bush goes, there are five-mile exclusion zones and sea-to -air missiles at the ready. But, in Havana, I didn't even have my handbag searched when I went to listen to Fidel He opened his heart to tell the American people that they should be his biggest allies but they were being kept in the dark about the truth.
Despite being 78, Fidel was razor sharp, talking with raw emotion. I have always believed him to be a hero and when I saw what he and his government have achieved under such adversity, he's even more so. He has been accused by America of being a dictator. But what I saw was exactly the opposite.
Cuba is a country that doesn't know the meaning of the word poverty and I had to explain to them our Make Poverty History campaign. You seein Cuba, everyone is born equal. They can vote and stand for election at 16. And they have elections every two and a half years. Hardly a dictatorship, really. And the make-do-and-mend spirit they have due to the US sanctions imposed on them has made Cuba a first- class example of recycling.
There's hardly a new car in sight. Instead, roads are filled with 1950s vehicles we would stop and stare at in admiration if we saw them in Argyle Street today. And the lack of advertising means young people are not obsessed with McDonald's or designer trainers, all the daft things of our Western world.
Cuba is training 70 US students to be doctors - free of charge. And while I was there, Fidel Castro offered to instigate a literacy programme for the Dominican Republic. He's an impetuous man who examines problems, then gets down to it. That's why I've invited him to Scotland to address the G8 Alternative. I'm hoping he will accept my invitation, not least because it will be the first time in decades that he will be within five miles of a US president.
I believe he will have important things to tell us and it will be an unique opportunity to see just who is the real dictator, who is brutally honest - and who is just brutal. I know who my money is on. When I get home, I'll be letting everyone know Cuba is asking for Bush to keep his word about not sheltering terrorists. If Bush is true to his word, he should be doing all he can to ensure Orlando Bosch and Luis Posada Carriles, who openly admit their part in the 1976 plane bombing that killed 73 Cubans, are brought to justice.
If he does not, he must stand down from his so-called war on terror. He can't pick his terrorists. The US government last month rejected Venezuela's request for the provisional arrest of Carriles, a first step that could lead to his extradition, on grounds of insufficient information And, with US help, Bosch escaped imprisonment in Venezuela, entered the US, where he was granted asylum and pardoned by President George Bush on July 18, 1990.
I watched astonished as these men admitted on TV they were responsible for the deaths of so many Cubans - yet they remain free. Are their crimes any less than those of September 11 or different from Bin Laden boasting about the destruction of the Twin Towers? If Fidel accepts my invitation, the world will hear the truth of what has been done to his people
Sunday, June 05, 2005
First Minister under fire for dismissing NHS cronyism claim
FIRST Minister Jack McConnell has come under fire for his dismissal of allegations about "corrupt" relations between Lothian health board and Labour politicians.
Scottish Socialist leader and Lothians MSP Colin Fox claimed in parliament there was a "highly questionable and even corrupt relationship" between the health board and the politicians.
Edinburgh Evening News
Colin Fox attacks Labour in the Scottish Parliament
Scottish Socialist leader and Lothians MSP Colin Fox claimed in parliament there was a "highly questionable and even corrupt relationship" between the health board and the politicians.
Edinburgh Evening News
Colin Fox attacks Labour in the Scottish Parliament
Thursday, June 02, 2005
G8 - Don't Stop at Edinburgh
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 01/06/05
MSP invites Bob Geldof to join demonstration at Gleneagles
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Frances Curran has today written to Bob
Geldof inviting him to attend the demonstration at Gleneagles on
Wednesday 6th July organised by G8 Alternatives.
[see notes below]
Frances has also lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament
entitled `Don't stop at Edinburgh' welcoming Bob Geldof's call for a
million people to march against global poverty but calling on them
to continue the journey 40 miles north to Gleneagles.
[see notes below]
Frances will be having a meeting with Tayside police on Thursday 2nd
June as preparations continue for the G8 Alternatives demonstration
at Gleneagles which starts at 12 noon, Wednesday 6th July.
Frances said;
"Wednesday 6th July is an opportunity for millions of people to be a
part of history, to make their voices heard to the leaders of the G8.
"We welcome Bob Geldof's call for a million people to demonstrate
against global poverty but we ask them to continue their journey to
Gleneagles and join us in our mass rally on the doorstep of the G8
conference.
"I call on the people of Scotland to open their hearts and their
homes to protestors who will come from all over the world to protest
against poverty and inequality.
"Together we can change the world."
[ends]
Notes
Letter to Bob Geldof
Dear Bob,
One million people coming to Scotland for the start of the G8 Summit
on Wednesday 6 July! That would be fantastic, and an event that
those taking part would never forget. I think the people of
Scotland will open our doors and our hearts to accommodate those who
want to change the world.
I have taken part in a million person protest on the streets of
Florence and it was an inspiration made all the more memorable by
the warmth of the local people who were passing food and drinks out
of their kitchen windows and by the offer o a bed for the night for
5 of us from a complete stranger.
As one of the organisers of the G8 demonstration at Gleneagles on
Wednesday 6 July, an event that has been months in the planning with
the police and local authorities, I would like to invite you to come
a few miles further North and take part in this peaceful protest. G8
Alternatives is an umbrella of local grass roots organisations
including the Scottish Trades Union Council who have permission for
a mass rally on the doorstep of the world leaders at Gleneagles. Our
voices will be heard on the opening day of the Summit.
If a music event is part of the plan, there is a nearby venue in
Balado which is used for the music festival "T in the Park", which
protestors could make their way to after the rally.
This is once in a lifetime opportunity for ordinary people to make a
difference, to have our voices heard by the 8 leaders of the world,
please don't stop at Edinburgh let's take the message right up to
Gleneagles.
Frances Curran MSP
Scottish Parliament
The following motion has been submitted to the Scottish Parliament by SSP MSP Frances Curran.
Scottish Parliament - Business Bulletin: "*S2M-2897 Frances Curran: Don’t Stop at Edinburgh—That the Parliament welcomes the call by Bob Geldof for a million people to take a day off work or study to come to Edinburgh on Wednesday 6 July 2005, the opening day of the G8 summit in Gleneagles; calls on them, however, not to stop at Edinburgh, but to continue a few miles north to Gleneagles to take part in the mass demonstration called by G8 Alternatives against global poverty, climate change and fair trade; notes that G8 Alternatives is an umbrella for many of the Scottish grassroots organisations protesting at the summit and is already supporting the call for people to take to the streets of Edinburgh on 2 July for the Make Poverty History demonstration, and calls on all those coming to Scotland on 6 July to come to Gleneagles to let their voice be heard and extends that invitation to Bob Geldof and Midge Ure."
Press Release: 01/06/05
MSP invites Bob Geldof to join demonstration at Gleneagles
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Frances Curran has today written to Bob
Geldof inviting him to attend the demonstration at Gleneagles on
Wednesday 6th July organised by G8 Alternatives.
[see notes below]
Frances has also lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament
entitled `Don't stop at Edinburgh' welcoming Bob Geldof's call for a
million people to march against global poverty but calling on them
to continue the journey 40 miles north to Gleneagles.
[see notes below]
Frances will be having a meeting with Tayside police on Thursday 2nd
June as preparations continue for the G8 Alternatives demonstration
at Gleneagles which starts at 12 noon, Wednesday 6th July.
Frances said;
"Wednesday 6th July is an opportunity for millions of people to be a
part of history, to make their voices heard to the leaders of the G8.
"We welcome Bob Geldof's call for a million people to demonstrate
against global poverty but we ask them to continue their journey to
Gleneagles and join us in our mass rally on the doorstep of the G8
conference.
"I call on the people of Scotland to open their hearts and their
homes to protestors who will come from all over the world to protest
against poverty and inequality.
"Together we can change the world."
[ends]
Notes
Letter to Bob Geldof
Dear Bob,
One million people coming to Scotland for the start of the G8 Summit
on Wednesday 6 July! That would be fantastic, and an event that
those taking part would never forget. I think the people of
Scotland will open our doors and our hearts to accommodate those who
want to change the world.
I have taken part in a million person protest on the streets of
Florence and it was an inspiration made all the more memorable by
the warmth of the local people who were passing food and drinks out
of their kitchen windows and by the offer o a bed for the night for
5 of us from a complete stranger.
As one of the organisers of the G8 demonstration at Gleneagles on
Wednesday 6 July, an event that has been months in the planning with
the police and local authorities, I would like to invite you to come
a few miles further North and take part in this peaceful protest. G8
Alternatives is an umbrella of local grass roots organisations
including the Scottish Trades Union Council who have permission for
a mass rally on the doorstep of the world leaders at Gleneagles. Our
voices will be heard on the opening day of the Summit.
If a music event is part of the plan, there is a nearby venue in
Balado which is used for the music festival "T in the Park", which
protestors could make their way to after the rally.
This is once in a lifetime opportunity for ordinary people to make a
difference, to have our voices heard by the 8 leaders of the world,
please don't stop at Edinburgh let's take the message right up to
Gleneagles.
Frances Curran MSP
Scottish Parliament
The following motion has been submitted to the Scottish Parliament by SSP MSP Frances Curran.
Scottish Parliament - Business Bulletin: "*S2M-2897 Frances Curran: Don’t Stop at Edinburgh—That the Parliament welcomes the call by Bob Geldof for a million people to take a day off work or study to come to Edinburgh on Wednesday 6 July 2005, the opening day of the G8 summit in Gleneagles; calls on them, however, not to stop at Edinburgh, but to continue a few miles north to Gleneagles to take part in the mass demonstration called by G8 Alternatives against global poverty, climate change and fair trade; notes that G8 Alternatives is an umbrella for many of the Scottish grassroots organisations protesting at the summit and is already supporting the call for people to take to the streets of Edinburgh on 2 July for the Make Poverty History demonstration, and calls on all those coming to Scotland on 6 July to come to Gleneagles to let their voice be heard and extends that invitation to Bob Geldof and Midge Ure."
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
SSY Protest 'Hoodies' Ban
Scotsman
A group of youngsters are to hold a protest – over fears of a ban on “hoodies” and baseball caps in a city shopping centre.
Members of the Scottish Socialist Youth (SSY) will meet outside the Eastgate shopping centre in Inverness on Saturday to protest at Tony Blair’s “hats off” policy, which is being backed by Northern Constabulary.
...
Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) leader Colin Fox described the measures as an attack on young people.
He said: “It is time that young people were treated with respect instead of being criminalised.
“The SSP and the SSY have no time for loutish, threatening or anti-social behaviour, but the real solutions to these problems lie in offering a real future to our young people – not exploiting them as workers, ripping them off as consumers, or scapegoating them “en masse” for society’s ills.”
A group of youngsters are to hold a protest – over fears of a ban on “hoodies” and baseball caps in a city shopping centre.
Members of the Scottish Socialist Youth (SSY) will meet outside the Eastgate shopping centre in Inverness on Saturday to protest at Tony Blair’s “hats off” policy, which is being backed by Northern Constabulary.
...
Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) leader Colin Fox described the measures as an attack on young people.
He said: “It is time that young people were treated with respect instead of being criminalised.
“The SSP and the SSY have no time for loutish, threatening or anti-social behaviour, but the real solutions to these problems lie in offering a real future to our young people – not exploiting them as workers, ripping them off as consumers, or scapegoating them “en masse” for society’s ills.”
Monday, May 30, 2005
Rosie Kane visits Cuba
The Scotsman
Socialist Kane to give Castro Scots 'support'
SCOTTISH Socialist MSP Rosie Kane will travel to Cuba this week - where she hopes to meet President Fidel Castro "to deliver a message of solidarity and unity from the Scottish Socialist Party to the people of Cuba against the US blockade".
She is to address an international conference urging the US to extradite two men with alleged links to the bombing of a Cuban airliner that claimed 73 lives three decades ago.
"I am going in the spirit of international solidarity for truth and justice," said the Glasgow MSP, "taking the message that the people of Scotland stand alongside the people of Cuba in opposition to the warmongers in the White House.
"The brutality and greed of capitalism can be seen easily with the naked eye. The same speeches can be translated from community to community, from motorway to blockade; same problem and same solution."
Socialist Kane to give Castro Scots 'support'
SCOTTISH Socialist MSP Rosie Kane will travel to Cuba this week - where she hopes to meet President Fidel Castro "to deliver a message of solidarity and unity from the Scottish Socialist Party to the people of Cuba against the US blockade".
She is to address an international conference urging the US to extradite two men with alleged links to the bombing of a Cuban airliner that claimed 73 lives three decades ago.
"I am going in the spirit of international solidarity for truth and justice," said the Glasgow MSP, "taking the message that the people of Scotland stand alongside the people of Cuba in opposition to the warmongers in the White House.
"The brutality and greed of capitalism can be seen easily with the naked eye. The same speeches can be translated from community to community, from motorway to blockade; same problem and same solution."
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Cuba calls for SSP’s Rosie
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 28/05/05
The Scottish Socialist Party is proud to announce that Rosie Kane, an SSP member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow, has been invited to Cuba to speak at an international conference ‘Against terrorism, for truth and justice’, to be held in Havana from 2nd to 3rd June 2005.
The conference has been called to demand justice from the US government in relation to two men accused of being involved in terrorism including the bombing of a Cubana flight in 1976 that claimed the lives of 73 people.
While she is in Cuba Rosie will seek a meeting with Fidel Castro to convey the Scottish Socialist Party’s solidarity greetings in defence of Cuba and against the US blockade.
Rosie said today;
“I am going to Cuba in the spirit of international solidarity for truth and justice and I’ll be taking the message that the people of Scotland stand alongside the people of Cuba in opposition to the warmongers in the White House.
“From Cambuslang to Cuba the brutality and greed of capitalism can be seen easily with the naked eye.
“The same speeches can be translated from community to community; from motorway to blockade, same problem and same solution.
“I will be seeking a meeting with Fidel Castro so that I can deliver a message of solidarity and unity from the Scottish Socialist Party to the people of Cuba against the US blockade.”
[ends]
Press Release: 28/05/05
The Scottish Socialist Party is proud to announce that Rosie Kane, an SSP member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow, has been invited to Cuba to speak at an international conference ‘Against terrorism, for truth and justice’, to be held in Havana from 2nd to 3rd June 2005.
The conference has been called to demand justice from the US government in relation to two men accused of being involved in terrorism including the bombing of a Cubana flight in 1976 that claimed the lives of 73 people.
While she is in Cuba Rosie will seek a meeting with Fidel Castro to convey the Scottish Socialist Party’s solidarity greetings in defence of Cuba and against the US blockade.
Rosie said today;
“I am going to Cuba in the spirit of international solidarity for truth and justice and I’ll be taking the message that the people of Scotland stand alongside the people of Cuba in opposition to the warmongers in the White House.
“From Cambuslang to Cuba the brutality and greed of capitalism can be seen easily with the naked eye.
“The same speeches can be translated from community to community; from motorway to blockade, same problem and same solution.
“I will be seeking a meeting with Fidel Castro so that I can deliver a message of solidarity and unity from the Scottish Socialist Party to the people of Cuba against the US blockade.”
[ends]
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
BBC Strike
Scotsman
Tommy Sheridan, the Scottish Socialist MSP for Glasgow, injected some traditional class-war rhetoric into proceedings.
The BBC, he declared at Richter-scale volume, was "one of the few nationalised treasures left" to Britain, while, periodically, delivery vans and other vehicles turned away amid cheers from the pickets.
Tommy Sheridan, the Scottish Socialist MSP for Glasgow, injected some traditional class-war rhetoric into proceedings.
The BBC, he declared at Richter-scale volume, was "one of the few nationalised treasures left" to Britain, while, periodically, delivery vans and other vehicles turned away amid cheers from the pickets.
Monday, May 23, 2005
SSP: Scottish Power “getting fat on the backs of pensioners living in poverty”
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 23/05/05
SSP: Scottish Power “getting fat on the backs of pensioners living in poverty”
The Scottish Socialist Party today called for Scottish Power to be brought back into public ownership as the company prepares to announce record profits to the Stock Exchange.
SSP national convenor Colin Fox accused Scottish Power of “getting fat on the backs of pensioners living in poverty”.
Colin said today;
“Scottish Power’s obscene profits are an absolute disgrace.
“This is a company making itself and its shareholders fat on the backs of Scottish pensioners living in poverty.
“Every winter Scottish pensioners are dying prematurely because they can’t afford to heat their homes adequately.
“Scottish Power must be brought back into public ownership to end the obscenity of pensioners dying through lack of adequate heating while a private company gloats over its profits.”
“The Scottish Socialist Party fights for the establishment of a publicly owned Scottish national energy company.”
[ends]
Notes
Research for the SSP shows that 134,000 (39%) single pensioners and 83,000 (26%) Scottish pensioner couples live in fuel poverty, which means that they must spend 10% or more of their income to adequately heat their homes.
Poverty is the main cause of premature death among the elderly in Scotland according to a study by Energy Action Scotland.
Between 1997-2002, Scotland registered 16,600 more deaths for over-65s between Dec & March than in the rest of the year.
Premature deaths are highest among OAPs in Glasgow with one-in-36 of those aged over 65 dying during the winter months.
Press Release: 23/05/05
SSP: Scottish Power “getting fat on the backs of pensioners living in poverty”
The Scottish Socialist Party today called for Scottish Power to be brought back into public ownership as the company prepares to announce record profits to the Stock Exchange.
SSP national convenor Colin Fox accused Scottish Power of “getting fat on the backs of pensioners living in poverty”.
Colin said today;
“Scottish Power’s obscene profits are an absolute disgrace.
“This is a company making itself and its shareholders fat on the backs of Scottish pensioners living in poverty.
“Every winter Scottish pensioners are dying prematurely because they can’t afford to heat their homes adequately.
“Scottish Power must be brought back into public ownership to end the obscenity of pensioners dying through lack of adequate heating while a private company gloats over its profits.”
“The Scottish Socialist Party fights for the establishment of a publicly owned Scottish national energy company.”
[ends]
Notes
Research for the SSP shows that 134,000 (39%) single pensioners and 83,000 (26%) Scottish pensioner couples live in fuel poverty, which means that they must spend 10% or more of their income to adequately heat their homes.
Poverty is the main cause of premature death among the elderly in Scotland according to a study by Energy Action Scotland.
Between 1997-2002, Scotland registered 16,600 more deaths for over-65s between Dec & March than in the rest of the year.
Premature deaths are highest among OAPs in Glasgow with one-in-36 of those aged over 65 dying during the winter months.
SSP defends a womans right to choose
Pro-life extremist to hound top MSPs - [Sunday Herald]: "The Scottish Socialist Party have promised “non-violent direct action” to disrupt Dowson’s campaign by following the trailer around the country, throwing sheets across “offensive” posters and drowning out any high-octane pro-life message"
Monday, May 16, 2005
For a Life Free From Violence
Rosie Kane MSP
Sunday Mail, 15/05/05
WORDS might not come easy when someone dies but they should still be spoken with care and consideration.
The discovery of Emma Caldwell's body last week provoked some predictable but inappropriate words. Emma had been missing for a month - her body was found in a wood near Biggar, Lanarkshire, on the anniversary of her sister's death seven years before.
The trauma of losing her sister, we are told, played a part in how Emma's life unfolded.
Emma has no secrets any more. Her recent past is out there for all to see - she had been a drug addict, lived in a hostel in Govanhill, Glasgow, slept rough and worked as a prostitute.
But drugs and prostitution were only a sad part of her life. They're not what she was or who she was.
She was a beautiful young woman who met a brutal end at the age of 27. Emma was a daughter, a sister, a friend, a real person. To sum up her too-short life with the two-word epitaph 'murdered prostitute' is wrong.
Emma was a woman and she was murdered by a man, killed because she was vulnerable.
They say 104 women are killed in Britain every year by their partner or ex-partner. Let's change the wording on that, too, because the fact is that 104 men kill their female partner or ex-partner every year. It's men who are using their power or strength to take the life of a woman and the way we describe this should reflect that, because the way we describe things in public can shape attitudes.
Another headline last week read 'PC stabbed wife 97 times'. The article went on to describe how PC Graham Jones had stabbed his wife Maria after finding out she was having an affair with a toyboy. The real story is 'man kills woman'. Yes, he was a policeman and, perhaps, she was seeing a younger man. So, split up, see a lawyer, sell the house, arrange access. Don't kill the woman just because you can.
The final and awful tragedy last week was the devastating story about Mary-Ann Leneghan, the 16-year-old who was sexually assaulted, tortured and murdered.
She was young, wilful and 'hanging about with a bad crowd' apparently. There are suspects and, hopefully, there will be convictions... and they will be men.
I only hope that when the men responsible for these three atrocious deaths appear in court we will not have to bear their lawyers making subtle - and not so subtle - references to what their victims wore or who they hung about with No one will say that Emma Caldwell deserved any of the tough blows she received in life. None of these women did or ever could.
Emma experienced loss, drug addiction, homelessness, mental health problems and men's violence - all because she was a vulnerable woman. What she needed was the proper care, resources and support services to mend her fractured life.
The men who attacked and killed these women had a choice - the women did not.
Thankfully, not all men are violent and the decent men are part of the solution.
Men can challenge other men when they are disrespectful in any way towards women. Men must challenge other men they know who are violent towards female partners.
Men should join women in challenging these attitudes in memory of these women and the many more like them.
Women should be able to go where they like, wear what they like and be safe.
So choose your words carefully, pull up those who do not and let us try to ensure these women have dignity in death, even when it was denied in life.
Sunday Mail, 15/05/05
WORDS might not come easy when someone dies but they should still be spoken with care and consideration.
The discovery of Emma Caldwell's body last week provoked some predictable but inappropriate words. Emma had been missing for a month - her body was found in a wood near Biggar, Lanarkshire, on the anniversary of her sister's death seven years before.
The trauma of losing her sister, we are told, played a part in how Emma's life unfolded.
Emma has no secrets any more. Her recent past is out there for all to see - she had been a drug addict, lived in a hostel in Govanhill, Glasgow, slept rough and worked as a prostitute.
But drugs and prostitution were only a sad part of her life. They're not what she was or who she was.
She was a beautiful young woman who met a brutal end at the age of 27. Emma was a daughter, a sister, a friend, a real person. To sum up her too-short life with the two-word epitaph 'murdered prostitute' is wrong.
Emma was a woman and she was murdered by a man, killed because she was vulnerable.
They say 104 women are killed in Britain every year by their partner or ex-partner. Let's change the wording on that, too, because the fact is that 104 men kill their female partner or ex-partner every year. It's men who are using their power or strength to take the life of a woman and the way we describe this should reflect that, because the way we describe things in public can shape attitudes.
Another headline last week read 'PC stabbed wife 97 times'. The article went on to describe how PC Graham Jones had stabbed his wife Maria after finding out she was having an affair with a toyboy. The real story is 'man kills woman'. Yes, he was a policeman and, perhaps, she was seeing a younger man. So, split up, see a lawyer, sell the house, arrange access. Don't kill the woman just because you can.
The final and awful tragedy last week was the devastating story about Mary-Ann Leneghan, the 16-year-old who was sexually assaulted, tortured and murdered.
She was young, wilful and 'hanging about with a bad crowd' apparently. There are suspects and, hopefully, there will be convictions... and they will be men.
I only hope that when the men responsible for these three atrocious deaths appear in court we will not have to bear their lawyers making subtle - and not so subtle - references to what their victims wore or who they hung about with No one will say that Emma Caldwell deserved any of the tough blows she received in life. None of these women did or ever could.
Emma experienced loss, drug addiction, homelessness, mental health problems and men's violence - all because she was a vulnerable woman. What she needed was the proper care, resources and support services to mend her fractured life.
The men who attacked and killed these women had a choice - the women did not.
Thankfully, not all men are violent and the decent men are part of the solution.
Men can challenge other men when they are disrespectful in any way towards women. Men must challenge other men they know who are violent towards female partners.
Men should join women in challenging these attitudes in memory of these women and the many more like them.
Women should be able to go where they like, wear what they like and be safe.
So choose your words carefully, pull up those who do not and let us try to ensure these women have dignity in death, even when it was denied in life.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
SSP Condemns Labour Attack on PR
Labour trying to ‘destroy’ PR vote
In 2003, the system delivered all seven Green MSPs, all six SSP MSPs and Margo MacDonald, the Independent Lothians MSP. Under plans from the SNP and LibDems, it would disappear, while Labour wants the end of a separate vote for list MSPs. The SSP said Labour wanted to "destroy" proportional representation (PR) at the Scottish Parliament, while the Greens said Labour was "running scared of the new politics".
Letter to Herald
Don't Let Labour Narrow Scottish Democracy
HARD on the heels of obtaining a 67-seat majority at Westminster with only 35% of the vote, New Labour now wants to slash any significant proportionality in the Scottish Parliament. In its submission to the Arbuthnott Commission, New Labour is arguing for three to four members to be elected from new multi-member constituencies under the STV system. This seems precisely designed, at present levels of support, to try to ensure that the four establishment parties of Labour, LibDems, SNP and Conservatives would hold a monopoly on the election of MSPs. At a stroke, the Scottish Green Party and Scottish Socialist Party would be largely excluded from the Scottish Parliament.
That the exclusion of these two parties would produce a democratic deficit is self-evident. In the election just past, the four establishment parties had a near-monopoly of national media coverage in Scotland, partly due to a BBC ruling which boosts incumbents and hobbles aspirants. As a result there was a pitiful lack of public debate on the vital issues of mitigating climate change and redistributing wealth, issues of principle and urgency which these two parties hold dear.
In 1991, at the Labour conference in Aberdeen, I seconded the first-ever successful Labour motion on PR, which stated that "seats gained in a Scottish Parliament should be broadly proportional to votes cast". Labour was not prepared to move to full proportionality at that time. The Scottish Parliament has 129 seats; to be fully proportional, it would need 146.
Now New Labour wants Arbuthnott to bow the knee and diminish proportionality in the Scottish Parliament. The main reason given is the usual pettifogging nonsense about "two classes of MSP". If New Labour gets its way, there will certainly be two new classes of MSP: those who have obtained or retained their place by arguing for a narrowing of democracy; and those who would have been elected for the Green and Socialist parties, but who will instead have to increase their street presence to drive their message home.
John Aberdein, Scottish Socialist Party candidate, Orkney and Shetland, Quoys, Hoy, Orkney.
In 2003, the system delivered all seven Green MSPs, all six SSP MSPs and Margo MacDonald, the Independent Lothians MSP. Under plans from the SNP and LibDems, it would disappear, while Labour wants the end of a separate vote for list MSPs. The SSP said Labour wanted to "destroy" proportional representation (PR) at the Scottish Parliament, while the Greens said Labour was "running scared of the new politics".
Letter to Herald
Don't Let Labour Narrow Scottish Democracy
HARD on the heels of obtaining a 67-seat majority at Westminster with only 35% of the vote, New Labour now wants to slash any significant proportionality in the Scottish Parliament. In its submission to the Arbuthnott Commission, New Labour is arguing for three to four members to be elected from new multi-member constituencies under the STV system. This seems precisely designed, at present levels of support, to try to ensure that the four establishment parties of Labour, LibDems, SNP and Conservatives would hold a monopoly on the election of MSPs. At a stroke, the Scottish Green Party and Scottish Socialist Party would be largely excluded from the Scottish Parliament.
That the exclusion of these two parties would produce a democratic deficit is self-evident. In the election just past, the four establishment parties had a near-monopoly of national media coverage in Scotland, partly due to a BBC ruling which boosts incumbents and hobbles aspirants. As a result there was a pitiful lack of public debate on the vital issues of mitigating climate change and redistributing wealth, issues of principle and urgency which these two parties hold dear.
In 1991, at the Labour conference in Aberdeen, I seconded the first-ever successful Labour motion on PR, which stated that "seats gained in a Scottish Parliament should be broadly proportional to votes cast". Labour was not prepared to move to full proportionality at that time. The Scottish Parliament has 129 seats; to be fully proportional, it would need 146.
Now New Labour wants Arbuthnott to bow the knee and diminish proportionality in the Scottish Parliament. The main reason given is the usual pettifogging nonsense about "two classes of MSP". If New Labour gets its way, there will certainly be two new classes of MSP: those who have obtained or retained their place by arguing for a narrowing of democracy; and those who would have been elected for the Green and Socialist parties, but who will instead have to increase their street presence to drive their message home.
John Aberdein, Scottish Socialist Party candidate, Orkney and Shetland, Quoys, Hoy, Orkney.
Friday, May 06, 2005
SSP responds to General Election result
Scottish Socialist Party General Election 2005
SSP responds to General Election result
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox today responded to the SSP's general election results saying that they were disappointing but not unexpected. Colin said; "We were the only party who said from the outset that we had no chance of winning a seat in this election and the Westminster elections are always going to be an away game for us. "As former Manchester United manager Tommy Docherty said; "We got beat four nil and were lucky to get the nil."
Colin continued; "The SSP team is ready for the next game against the leaders of the G8 however. This month we contested 58 out of 59 Scottish Westminster seats, distributing over 3 million election addresses and increasing our membership by ten percent. "In July we will mobilise tens of thousands against the criminal policies of G8 leaders like George Bush and Tony Blair. "In doing that we will link up with all those who used their vote to protest in these elections and explore with them the future of all forces in favour of a collective solution to the future of our planet."
Taking up the question of the voting system Colin said; "The biggest obstacle for smaller parties contesting the Westminster elections is the first past the post system that gives just three establishment parties a monopoly on media coverage and means that not a single Scottish vote for radical minority parties can have any result whatsoever."
Colin went on to thank the candidates, organisers and supporters who had worked hard over the past four weeks to spread the message of socialism across Scotland; "I'd like to pay tribute to all those activists, candidates and supporters who have mobilised more than 42,000 people to come out and vote for the Scottish Socialist Party."
SSP responds to General Election result
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox today responded to the SSP's general election results saying that they were disappointing but not unexpected. Colin said; "We were the only party who said from the outset that we had no chance of winning a seat in this election and the Westminster elections are always going to be an away game for us. "As former Manchester United manager Tommy Docherty said; "We got beat four nil and were lucky to get the nil."
Colin continued; "The SSP team is ready for the next game against the leaders of the G8 however. This month we contested 58 out of 59 Scottish Westminster seats, distributing over 3 million election addresses and increasing our membership by ten percent. "In July we will mobilise tens of thousands against the criminal policies of G8 leaders like George Bush and Tony Blair. "In doing that we will link up with all those who used their vote to protest in these elections and explore with them the future of all forces in favour of a collective solution to the future of our planet."
Taking up the question of the voting system Colin said; "The biggest obstacle for smaller parties contesting the Westminster elections is the first past the post system that gives just three establishment parties a monopoly on media coverage and means that not a single Scottish vote for radical minority parties can have any result whatsoever."
Colin went on to thank the candidates, organisers and supporters who had worked hard over the past four weeks to spread the message of socialism across Scotland; "I'd like to pay tribute to all those activists, candidates and supporters who have mobilised more than 42,000 people to come out and vote for the Scottish Socialist Party."
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Battle over Pfi demand for £30m extras - The Herald
Battle over Pfi demand for £30m extras - The Herald: "Carolyn Leckie, Scottish Socialist health spokesperson, said she feared other PFI operators would attempt similar price hikes.
'Once you sell schools and hospitals to companies which exist to promote the bottom line, you undermine the whole philosophy of public service, and expose the taxpayer to ever more demands for profit.'"
'Once you sell schools and hospitals to companies which exist to promote the bottom line, you undermine the whole philosophy of public service, and expose the taxpayer to ever more demands for profit.'"
Vote SSP
The Herald: "The Scottish Socialist Party stressed redistribution and anti-war activism, while attacking LibDems, who are expected to do well out of anti-war votes. Colin Fox, the SSP's new leader, said LibDems were 'phoney radicals. At election time they claim to be radical but when it comes down to it, they are as right- wing as all the other mainstream parties.'"
Monday, May 02, 2005
SSP: Police spying on visitors to Scotland
Scottish Socialist Party General Election 2005
SSP: Police spying on visitors to Scotland
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox today accused Scottish police of spying on visitors to Scotland after it was revealed that hotels, bed and breakfasts, camping and caravan sites in Fife were being asked to provide details of bookings coinciding with the G8 summit between 6-8th July. The request was contained in a form letter, dated 23rd February 2005, from Supt. Ian Hutton to owners of hotels, bed and breakfasts, camping and caravan sites in Fife.
Colin said; "This is a major assault on civil liberties and amounts to nothing less than police spying on visitors to Scotland. "There will be hundreds of thousands of people from across the UK, Europe and the wider world who will come to Scotland to exercise their lawful right to peaceful protest at the G8 summit and yet the police are treating everyone of them as if they were law breakers and troublemakers. "The people of Scotland will be outraged that our reputation as a country that gives a warm welcome to visitors is being tarnished by Big Brother police and security services."
Scottish Socialist Party candidate for Glenrothes Constituency, Morag Balfour, has raised the issue in her campaigning work in the constituency.
Morag said; "This is a shocking development. "First we get fortress Gleneagles to protect political leaders responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths, now Big Brother invades Fife. "The message this gives out is that if you are visiting Fife in early July then you are a possible troublemaker, hardly the traditional Fife welcome." [ends]
Morag Balfour (31) is the SSP's Peace and Disarmament spokesperson, Regional Chair of Mid-Scotland & Fife SSP and a member of the Iona Community. She is on the Executive of Scottish CND and is actively involved in Trident Ploughshares. She has taken part in numerous high profile demonstrations against the illegal Iraq war.
SSP: Police spying on visitors to Scotland
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox today accused Scottish police of spying on visitors to Scotland after it was revealed that hotels, bed and breakfasts, camping and caravan sites in Fife were being asked to provide details of bookings coinciding with the G8 summit between 6-8th July. The request was contained in a form letter, dated 23rd February 2005, from Supt. Ian Hutton to owners of hotels, bed and breakfasts, camping and caravan sites in Fife.
Colin said; "This is a major assault on civil liberties and amounts to nothing less than police spying on visitors to Scotland. "There will be hundreds of thousands of people from across the UK, Europe and the wider world who will come to Scotland to exercise their lawful right to peaceful protest at the G8 summit and yet the police are treating everyone of them as if they were law breakers and troublemakers. "The people of Scotland will be outraged that our reputation as a country that gives a warm welcome to visitors is being tarnished by Big Brother police and security services."
Scottish Socialist Party candidate for Glenrothes Constituency, Morag Balfour, has raised the issue in her campaigning work in the constituency.
Morag said; "This is a shocking development. "First we get fortress Gleneagles to protect political leaders responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths, now Big Brother invades Fife. "The message this gives out is that if you are visiting Fife in early July then you are a possible troublemaker, hardly the traditional Fife welcome." [ends]
Morag Balfour (31) is the SSP's Peace and Disarmament spokesperson, Regional Chair of Mid-Scotland & Fife SSP and a member of the Iona Community. She is on the Executive of Scottish CND and is actively involved in Trident Ploughshares. She has taken part in numerous high profile demonstrations against the illegal Iraq war.
SSP calls for radical action to tackle crime at the roots
Scottish Socialist Party General Election 2005
SSP calls for radical action to tackle crime at the roots
As Labour turn the election focus to weapons misuse and crime, the Scottish Socialist Party today called for an end to the war on young people, and action to tackle the real causes of crime - poverty, alcohol abuse and hard drug addiction.
Scottish Socialist Party convenor Colin Fox MSP said: "Labour and the Tories both like to say that they're tough on crime. "Cheered on by the media, Labour have declared all-out war on young people - blaming the youth for the problems our communities face. "Scotland's prison population has hit record highs under Labour, yet people still live in fear of crime. "Labour's policies just aren't working. We need to tackle crime at the roots - poverty, alcohol abuse and hard drug addiction. "It costs far more to keep a single young person behind bars than it does to fund an apprenticeship or keep a community centre open. "Yet Labour Councils have presided over the closure of community facilities in some of Scotland's poorest areas - then turned around and blamed young people for having nothing to do. "The SSP would start by reversing this trend, giving young people more to do than hang about outside off licences and empty shops. "The SSP would put more police on the beat, with democratic community control of local policing."
SSP calls for radical action to tackle crime at the roots
As Labour turn the election focus to weapons misuse and crime, the Scottish Socialist Party today called for an end to the war on young people, and action to tackle the real causes of crime - poverty, alcohol abuse and hard drug addiction.
Scottish Socialist Party convenor Colin Fox MSP said: "Labour and the Tories both like to say that they're tough on crime. "Cheered on by the media, Labour have declared all-out war on young people - blaming the youth for the problems our communities face. "Scotland's prison population has hit record highs under Labour, yet people still live in fear of crime. "Labour's policies just aren't working. We need to tackle crime at the roots - poverty, alcohol abuse and hard drug addiction. "It costs far more to keep a single young person behind bars than it does to fund an apprenticeship or keep a community centre open. "Yet Labour Councils have presided over the closure of community facilities in some of Scotland's poorest areas - then turned around and blamed young people for having nothing to do. "The SSP would start by reversing this trend, giving young people more to do than hang about outside off licences and empty shops. "The SSP would put more police on the beat, with democratic community control of local policing."
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Fox takes SSP message to Scotland's countryside
Scottish Socialist Party General Election 2005
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor will this week focus attention on the SSP's support in rural areas as the election campaign moves into its final week. Colin will be highlighting the fact that the SSP's election manifesto contains a detailed section on SSP policy over rural issues entitled `For a new rural revolution'. On Monday night Colin will speak at an election rally in Lochgilphead with Argyll and Bute SSP candidate Deirdre Henderson and on Tuesday night he'll be in Galashiels alongside SSP candidate for Berwickshire, Roxburgh & Selkirk, Graeme McIver.
Colin said today; "The traditional, rosy-cheeked image of country life is in sharp contrast to the reality. "Farm and rural workers are amongst the lowest paid sectors in the Scottish workforce. "The Borders and Galloway are the low pay capitals of Scotland. "Rural communities are being run down: local shops driven out of business by giant, predatory retailers; village schools shut down because PPP investors see no profit margin in small-scale construction and maintenance; health services centralised and deregulated by remote NHS bureaucrats; and private bus services abandoning the quieter routes where money cannot be made. "All of this leaves the rural population increasingly stranded, and increasingly alienated from urban dominated politics. "The SSP offers solutions to this rural crisis and our active membership in areas as far apart as the Western Isles and the Borders illustrates the growing influence of socialism in the Scottish countryside."
SSP manifesto rural policies
The SSP stands for:
* Full trade union rights and protection for farm workers.
* Stiff penalties and substantial compensation pay-outs for employers who sack agricultural workers because of the new minimum wage.
* Subsidies, where justified by an independent audit, to support employers upon the introduction of the new minimum wage.
* Public and community ownership of Scotland's vast landed estates and corporately-controlled farms.
* An elected accountable body to safeguard wilderness, natural habitats and other landscape of special interest.
* A construction programme of at least 10,000 affordable new rural homes for rent or part purchase by 2008.
* An end to the right-to-buy policy to preserve remaining rural council housing. * Reinstatement of the full Borders rail link.
* A Road Equivalent Tariff scheme to aid Scotland's island communities, with a special Shetland weighting to compensate for the vast distance between Shetland and mainland Scotland
* Immediate withdrawal from the Common Fisheries Policy with a 25 mile offshore limit, within which only Scottish fishermen can fish.
* Local management of fishing policy, based on the Faroes model, where fishermen, representatives of the local community and environmental scientists work together to fashion a fishing industry that sustains both people and marine life.
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor will this week focus attention on the SSP's support in rural areas as the election campaign moves into its final week. Colin will be highlighting the fact that the SSP's election manifesto contains a detailed section on SSP policy over rural issues entitled `For a new rural revolution'. On Monday night Colin will speak at an election rally in Lochgilphead with Argyll and Bute SSP candidate Deirdre Henderson and on Tuesday night he'll be in Galashiels alongside SSP candidate for Berwickshire, Roxburgh & Selkirk, Graeme McIver.
Colin said today; "The traditional, rosy-cheeked image of country life is in sharp contrast to the reality. "Farm and rural workers are amongst the lowest paid sectors in the Scottish workforce. "The Borders and Galloway are the low pay capitals of Scotland. "Rural communities are being run down: local shops driven out of business by giant, predatory retailers; village schools shut down because PPP investors see no profit margin in small-scale construction and maintenance; health services centralised and deregulated by remote NHS bureaucrats; and private bus services abandoning the quieter routes where money cannot be made. "All of this leaves the rural population increasingly stranded, and increasingly alienated from urban dominated politics. "The SSP offers solutions to this rural crisis and our active membership in areas as far apart as the Western Isles and the Borders illustrates the growing influence of socialism in the Scottish countryside."
SSP manifesto rural policies
The SSP stands for:
* Full trade union rights and protection for farm workers.
* Stiff penalties and substantial compensation pay-outs for employers who sack agricultural workers because of the new minimum wage.
* Subsidies, where justified by an independent audit, to support employers upon the introduction of the new minimum wage.
* Public and community ownership of Scotland's vast landed estates and corporately-controlled farms.
* An elected accountable body to safeguard wilderness, natural habitats and other landscape of special interest.
* A construction programme of at least 10,000 affordable new rural homes for rent or part purchase by 2008.
* An end to the right-to-buy policy to preserve remaining rural council housing. * Reinstatement of the full Borders rail link.
* A Road Equivalent Tariff scheme to aid Scotland's island communities, with a special Shetland weighting to compensate for the vast distance between Shetland and mainland Scotland
* Immediate withdrawal from the Common Fisheries Policy with a 25 mile offshore limit, within which only Scottish fishermen can fish.
* Local management of fishing policy, based on the Faroes model, where fishermen, representatives of the local community and environmental scientists work together to fashion a fishing industry that sustains both people and marine life.
Friday, April 29, 2005
SSP: Report shows Labour the party of the millionaires
Scottish Socialist Party General Election 2005
SSP: Report shows Labour the party of the millionaires.
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox said today that the paper published in the British Medical Journal showing life expectancy in Glasgow is ten years less than that in Kensington and Chelsea in London was shocking proof that New Labour was the party of the millionaires. The paper also showed that the poorest 10% in society now receive 3% of the nation's total income, whereas the richest tenth get more than a 25%. Colin said;
"This election campaign has seen New Labour boasting about its success managing the economy. "That may be true if you are one of the richest ten percent living in Kensington or Chelsea but if you are low waged or unemployed living in Glasgow it is fiction. "For the people that the Scottish Socialist Party represents there is a cost to the wealth that is accumulating nicely for the richest ten percent and it is ten years off your life. "This is an absolute disgrace and proof that New Labour is carrying on the work that Margaret Thatcher started on behalf of the millionaires. "New Labour is very clearly the party of the millionaires, not the millions."
SSP: Report shows Labour the party of the millionaires.
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox said today that the paper published in the British Medical Journal showing life expectancy in Glasgow is ten years less than that in Kensington and Chelsea in London was shocking proof that New Labour was the party of the millionaires. The paper also showed that the poorest 10% in society now receive 3% of the nation's total income, whereas the richest tenth get more than a 25%. Colin said;
"This election campaign has seen New Labour boasting about its success managing the economy. "That may be true if you are one of the richest ten percent living in Kensington or Chelsea but if you are low waged or unemployed living in Glasgow it is fiction. "For the people that the Scottish Socialist Party represents there is a cost to the wealth that is accumulating nicely for the richest ten percent and it is ten years off your life. "This is an absolute disgrace and proof that New Labour is carrying on the work that Margaret Thatcher started on behalf of the millionaires. "New Labour is very clearly the party of the millionaires, not the millions."
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Scottish Socialist Party call for £8 an hour minimum wage
Scottish Socialist Party General Election 2005
Scottish Socialist Party call for £8 an hour minimum wage
As Labour highlight the minimum wage as a key achievement of the Blair government, Scottish Socialist Party convenor Colin Fox MSP called for the minimum wage to be raised to £8 an hour to lift thousands of Scots out of poverty.
Colin Fox said:
"Low pay and long hours are Scotland's national disgrace. "The UK has the longest working hours in Europe and a mountain of personal debt - unsurprising when you consider than 1 in 3 Scots earns less than £6.50 an hour.
"An £8 an hour minimum wage, equivalent to two-thirds of male median earnings, would lift thousands of families out of poverty, and would actually save money in benefits such as Working Families Tax Credit.
"It is a disgrace that a quarter of low paid workers are found in the public sector, including vital hospital workers, school caterers, and the civil servants paid to administer benefits such as WFTC who end up claiming the benefits themselves.
"Perhaps Tony Blair should reflect on the human price of low pay and long hours when he's relaxing with the G8 leaders in Gleneagles, surrounded by an invisible army of housekeeping staff who work a 48 hour week for £4.85 an hour."
Scottish Socialist Party call for £8 an hour minimum wage
As Labour highlight the minimum wage as a key achievement of the Blair government, Scottish Socialist Party convenor Colin Fox MSP called for the minimum wage to be raised to £8 an hour to lift thousands of Scots out of poverty.
Colin Fox said:
"Low pay and long hours are Scotland's national disgrace. "The UK has the longest working hours in Europe and a mountain of personal debt - unsurprising when you consider than 1 in 3 Scots earns less than £6.50 an hour.
"An £8 an hour minimum wage, equivalent to two-thirds of male median earnings, would lift thousands of families out of poverty, and would actually save money in benefits such as Working Families Tax Credit.
"It is a disgrace that a quarter of low paid workers are found in the public sector, including vital hospital workers, school caterers, and the civil servants paid to administer benefits such as WFTC who end up claiming the benefits themselves.
"Perhaps Tony Blair should reflect on the human price of low pay and long hours when he's relaxing with the G8 leaders in Gleneagles, surrounded by an invisible army of housekeeping staff who work a 48 hour week for £4.85 an hour."
SSP attack two faced Lib Dems over Iraq
Scottish Socialist Party General Election 2005
SSP attack two faced Lib Dems over Iraq
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox today attacked the Liberal Democrats over the Iraq war as another example of their "two faced" politics; saying one thing on a UK wide basis and doing another in the Scottish Parliament.
Colin said;
"The Liberal Democrats are at it again.
"On a UK basis they say they want to abolish the Council Tax but won't support the SSP's bill in the Scottish Parliament to do just that.
"They say they want to abolish prescription charges but won't support the SSP's bill in the Scottish Parliament to do just that.
"Now they are calling for troops to be withdrawn from Iraq by the end of the year but in the Scottish Parliament debate on Iraq on 9th December last year the Liberal Democrats attacked the SSP's demand for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq as "utterly irresponsible".
"The Scottish Socialist Party is the only party standing in this election in Scotland which has consistently and fearlessly called for the withdrawal of all troops from Iraq.
"The Liberal Democrats are nothing but two faced opportunists who deserve contempt from the hundreds of thousands who took to the streets to oppose the illegal war on Iraq."
SSP attack two faced Lib Dems over Iraq
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox today attacked the Liberal Democrats over the Iraq war as another example of their "two faced" politics; saying one thing on a UK wide basis and doing another in the Scottish Parliament.
Colin said;
"The Liberal Democrats are at it again.
"On a UK basis they say they want to abolish the Council Tax but won't support the SSP's bill in the Scottish Parliament to do just that.
"They say they want to abolish prescription charges but won't support the SSP's bill in the Scottish Parliament to do just that.
"Now they are calling for troops to be withdrawn from Iraq by the end of the year but in the Scottish Parliament debate on Iraq on 9th December last year the Liberal Democrats attacked the SSP's demand for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq as "utterly irresponsible".
"The Scottish Socialist Party is the only party standing in this election in Scotland which has consistently and fearlessly called for the withdrawal of all troops from Iraq.
"The Liberal Democrats are nothing but two faced opportunists who deserve contempt from the hundreds of thousands who took to the streets to oppose the illegal war on Iraq."
Monday, April 25, 2005
Voters’ concern over poverty triggers promises of more aid
The Herald
The Scottish Socialists said the sudden focus on world poverty was largely cynical tokenism.
Colin Fox, SSP leader, said: "For one day of the year Scotland's establishment political parties are paying lip service to the fight against poverty. Every other day of the year they attack those who make the fight against poverty the central plank of policy as being extremists and troublemakers. The only way to make poverty history is to make capitalism history."
He added: "Labour may promise more spending on aid but we are all used to Tony Blair's Labour manifesto promises being broken."
The Scottish Socialists said the sudden focus on world poverty was largely cynical tokenism.
Colin Fox, SSP leader, said: "For one day of the year Scotland's establishment political parties are paying lip service to the fight against poverty. Every other day of the year they attack those who make the fight against poverty the central plank of policy as being extremists and troublemakers. The only way to make poverty history is to make capitalism history."
He added: "Labour may promise more spending on aid but we are all used to Tony Blair's Labour manifesto promises being broken."
SSP Calls for 12 Months Maternity Leave with Full Pay
School Gate Mum has power to swing biggest election issue - The Herald: "'There's not a massive difference between the parties on maternity leave and pay, except the Scottish Socialist Party's proposal of 12 months' maternity leave with full pay would be fantastic. I have a friend – a male friend – in Sweden, who has 12 months on full pay.'"
Friday, April 22, 2005
Scottish Socialist Party Election Broadcast
Scottish Socialist Party Election Broadcast
The SSP Election broadcast will be shown tonight at the following times:
* 5.55pm BBC 2
* 6.55 pm BBC 1
* 11.10 pm STV
The SSP Election broadcast will be shown tonight at the following times:
* 5.55pm BBC 2
* 6.55 pm BBC 1
* 11.10 pm STV
SSP convenor brands Nationalist campaign 'two faced'
Scottish Socialist Party General Election 2005
SSP convenor brands Nationalist campaign 'two faced'
Scottish Socialist Party convenor Colin Fox MSP today branded the SNP's campaign 'two faced', as the Nationalist leader Alex Salmond outlined SNP plans for North Sea oil.
Colin Fox said: "On Tuesday, the SNP are the party of business. They want to slash corporate taxes, boost profit and ape Ireland's Celtic Tiger economy, fuelled by multinationals and low wages. "On Wednesday, the SNP are the party of the trade unions, laying claim to the socialist principles of Labour abandoned by Blair and Brown. "The SNP want to be all things to all people. "Their proposal to create a Scottish Oil Fund would keep billions of pounds in the Scottish economy, but billions more would continue to pour into the coffers of Shell, BP and the oil conglomerates reaping profits from the North Sea. "The SNP would even boost these profits by giving businesses even bigger tax breaks. "The Scottish Socialist Party are 100% committed to our principles. "Our proposals for the public ownership of North Sea oil would see all of the revenue from North Sea oil used for the benefit of the people of Scotland. "We would also ring-fence a proportion of the revenue for research into alternative energy sources, ensuring jobs and energy resources for future generations."
SSP convenor brands Nationalist campaign 'two faced'
Scottish Socialist Party convenor Colin Fox MSP today branded the SNP's campaign 'two faced', as the Nationalist leader Alex Salmond outlined SNP plans for North Sea oil.
Colin Fox said: "On Tuesday, the SNP are the party of business. They want to slash corporate taxes, boost profit and ape Ireland's Celtic Tiger economy, fuelled by multinationals and low wages. "On Wednesday, the SNP are the party of the trade unions, laying claim to the socialist principles of Labour abandoned by Blair and Brown. "The SNP want to be all things to all people. "Their proposal to create a Scottish Oil Fund would keep billions of pounds in the Scottish economy, but billions more would continue to pour into the coffers of Shell, BP and the oil conglomerates reaping profits from the North Sea. "The SNP would even boost these profits by giving businesses even bigger tax breaks. "The Scottish Socialist Party are 100% committed to our principles. "Our proposals for the public ownership of North Sea oil would see all of the revenue from North Sea oil used for the benefit of the people of Scotland. "We would also ring-fence a proportion of the revenue for research into alternative energy sources, ensuring jobs and energy resources for future generations."
Lib Dem Council Tax Fiasco
Scottish Socialist Party General Election 2005
Lib Dem Council Tax Fiasco
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox today poured scorn on the Liberal Democrats saying that they could fulfil their election pledge to abolish the council tax tomorrow morning by signing the SSP's bill before the Scottish Parliament.
Colin said; "Is Charlie Kennedy aware of the constitutional arrangements in the UK ? "Local government finance in Scotland is a devolved issue under the control of the Scottish Parliament. "The Liberal Democrats could fulfil their promise to abolish the council tax tomorrow morning if they instruct their MSP's to sign the bill currently going through the Scottish Parliament to abolish the council tax. "Last week the Lib Dems were spouting hot air about the environment, this week they are proving they don't even understand the constitutional arrangements of the United Kingdom. "Charlie Kennedy and the Liberal Democrats are practising exactly the kind of two faced politics that is destroying people's confidence in the political process."
Lib Dem Council Tax Fiasco
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox today poured scorn on the Liberal Democrats saying that they could fulfil their election pledge to abolish the council tax tomorrow morning by signing the SSP's bill before the Scottish Parliament.
Colin said; "Is Charlie Kennedy aware of the constitutional arrangements in the UK ? "Local government finance in Scotland is a devolved issue under the control of the Scottish Parliament. "The Liberal Democrats could fulfil their promise to abolish the council tax tomorrow morning if they instruct their MSP's to sign the bill currently going through the Scottish Parliament to abolish the council tax. "Last week the Lib Dems were spouting hot air about the environment, this week they are proving they don't even understand the constitutional arrangements of the United Kingdom. "Charlie Kennedy and the Liberal Democrats are practising exactly the kind of two faced politics that is destroying people's confidence in the political process."
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Free TV licences, housing and heat for OAPs
Evening Times
THE Scottish Socialist Party today launched its manifesto promising free travel, free heating, free social housing, free phone rental and free TV licences for all pensioners.
Retirement would be at 60 with full pension rights on a basic state pension of £160 a week index-linked to earnings.
The party would also replace the Council Tax with an income-based Scottish Service Tax which it says would benefit four out of five households.
Spending on nuclear weapons would shift to hospitals, houses and schools, the rail industry would be taken back into public ownership and the M74 extension through the south side of Glasgow cancelled.
But the manifesto calls for the extension of Glasgow's underground network to Easterhouse, Castlemilk, Drumchapel and Pollok.
The party's spending plans would be funded by taking full control for Scotland over revenues from corporation tax, income tax and North Sea oil and rises in tax for high earners.
The manifesto pledges to tax the rich to redistribute wealth and introduce a two-tier VAT system.
Luxury goods such as sports cars would be rated at 20% while the tax on all other goods would be slashed to 8%
Party leader Colin Fox said: "Glasgow has some of the worst social problems in Europe. The SSP will increase public spending to start dealing with the social exclusion that blights the city."
Policy co-ordinator Alan McCombes, who admitted the party did not expect to win any seats, said the manifesto was not for the "faint-hearted".
KEY PLEDGES:
PENSIONERS: Retirement at 60, basic weekly state pension of £160, free travel, heating, housing and TV licences
COUNCIL TAX: scrapped, with new Scottish Service Tax to be income-based - those earning under £10,.000 will not pay
NUCLEAR ARMS: scrapped, money to go to hospitals, houses, schools and community facilities
NHS: employing thousands more staff
EDUCATION: reducing class sizes to 20, more teachers to be recruited
TRANSPORT: rail industry to be nationalised, M74 extension to be cancelled
PAYING FOR IT: Increase revenue from corporation tax, income tax and North Sea oil; redistribute wealth by taxing rich - two-tier VAT with 20% for luxury goods such as Rolex watches, private yachts and sports car and 8% for all other goods.
THE Scottish Socialist Party today launched its manifesto promising free travel, free heating, free social housing, free phone rental and free TV licences for all pensioners.
Retirement would be at 60 with full pension rights on a basic state pension of £160 a week index-linked to earnings.
The party would also replace the Council Tax with an income-based Scottish Service Tax which it says would benefit four out of five households.
Spending on nuclear weapons would shift to hospitals, houses and schools, the rail industry would be taken back into public ownership and the M74 extension through the south side of Glasgow cancelled.
But the manifesto calls for the extension of Glasgow's underground network to Easterhouse, Castlemilk, Drumchapel and Pollok.
The party's spending plans would be funded by taking full control for Scotland over revenues from corporation tax, income tax and North Sea oil and rises in tax for high earners.
The manifesto pledges to tax the rich to redistribute wealth and introduce a two-tier VAT system.
Luxury goods such as sports cars would be rated at 20% while the tax on all other goods would be slashed to 8%
Party leader Colin Fox said: "Glasgow has some of the worst social problems in Europe. The SSP will increase public spending to start dealing with the social exclusion that blights the city."
Policy co-ordinator Alan McCombes, who admitted the party did not expect to win any seats, said the manifesto was not for the "faint-hearted".
KEY PLEDGES:
PENSIONERS: Retirement at 60, basic weekly state pension of £160, free travel, heating, housing and TV licences
COUNCIL TAX: scrapped, with new Scottish Service Tax to be income-based - those earning under £10,.000 will not pay
NUCLEAR ARMS: scrapped, money to go to hospitals, houses, schools and community facilities
NHS: employing thousands more staff
EDUCATION: reducing class sizes to 20, more teachers to be recruited
TRANSPORT: rail industry to be nationalised, M74 extension to be cancelled
PAYING FOR IT: Increase revenue from corporation tax, income tax and North Sea oil; redistribute wealth by taxing rich - two-tier VAT with 20% for luxury goods such as Rolex watches, private yachts and sports car and 8% for all other goods.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Manifesto & Campaign Launch
Manifesto & Campaign Launch
Monday 18th April
Glasgow Film Theatre
12 Rose Street,
Glasgow G3 6RB
10.45 for an 11.00am start
BBC: SSP's give-to-the-poor manifesto
The Scottish Socialist Party is launching its general election manifesto with the central theme of the re-distribution of wealth.
It will call for an independent, socialist Scotland and promise enhanced benefits to pensioners
Scotsman - SSP vows to reverse privatisation
Green Left Weekly - SSP gears up for Westminster elections
Monday 18th April
Glasgow Film Theatre
12 Rose Street,
Glasgow G3 6RB
10.45 for an 11.00am start
BBC: SSP's give-to-the-poor manifesto
The Scottish Socialist Party is launching its general election manifesto with the central theme of the re-distribution of wealth.
It will call for an independent, socialist Scotland and promise enhanced benefits to pensioners
Scotsman - SSP vows to reverse privatisation
Green Left Weekly - SSP gears up for Westminster elections
Friday, April 15, 2005
SSP Joins RMT `Rail Against Privatisation' Demo
Scottish Socialist Party
General Election 2005
SSP Joins RMT `Rail Against Privatisation' Demo
The Scottish Socialist Party will this weekend take part in the RMT
trade unions `Rail Against Privatisation' Glasgow to London mobile
demonstration.
Starting in Glasgow on April 16 and culminating with a rally in
London on April 30, there will be events, meetings and rallies along
the route, as well as in other towns and cities around Britain,
involving every RMT region.
Re-nationalisation of rail is an immensely popular policy, supported
by a massive public majority and the trade union movement, and is
Labour Party policy ˆ and RMT believes the time has come to put it at
the top of the political agenda.
The Scottish Socialist Party is proud that the RMT is an affiliated
trade union and both Colin Fox, SSP national convenor, and Tommy
Sheridan SSP MSP for Glasgow will be taking part in the Scottish
Events.
Alan McCombes, SSP national policy co-ordinator, has written a
pamphlet that will be available on the demonstration; "Reclaim our
railways; show the rail profiteers the red signal".
Colin Fox said today;
"The Scottish Socialist Party is proud to be participating in the
RMT's Glasgow to London demonstration to demand the return of the
railways to public ownership.
"Rail subsidy now exceeds that provided to British Rail, yet services
are substantially worse.
"Since privatisation, private train operating companies alone have
received £10 billion in public subsidy and banked £1 billion in
profits.
"The SSP stands unequivocally behind the call of the RMT for the rail
industry to be taken back into public ownership and for an end to the
plundering of public money by the rail profiteers."
[ends]
GLASGOW
Rally & March - Saturday 16 April 2005
Assemble 12:30pm, St Enoch Square
Rally 1:00pm
Speakers - Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT
Bill Spiers, General Secretary, STUC
Tommy Sheridan, MSP
March to Duke Street Railway Station - move off 1:45pm
EDINBURGH
March - Sunday 17 April 2005
Assemble 11:45am, Market Street
Move off 12:15pm
Supporters' Meeting - CWU Club, Brunswick Street
Speakers - Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT
Colin Fox MSP (Convener SSP)
Time - 2:30pm
General Election 2005
SSP Joins RMT `Rail Against Privatisation' Demo
The Scottish Socialist Party will this weekend take part in the RMT
trade unions `Rail Against Privatisation' Glasgow to London mobile
demonstration.
Starting in Glasgow on April 16 and culminating with a rally in
London on April 30, there will be events, meetings and rallies along
the route, as well as in other towns and cities around Britain,
involving every RMT region.
Re-nationalisation of rail is an immensely popular policy, supported
by a massive public majority and the trade union movement, and is
Labour Party policy ˆ and RMT believes the time has come to put it at
the top of the political agenda.
The Scottish Socialist Party is proud that the RMT is an affiliated
trade union and both Colin Fox, SSP national convenor, and Tommy
Sheridan SSP MSP for Glasgow will be taking part in the Scottish
Events.
Alan McCombes, SSP national policy co-ordinator, has written a
pamphlet that will be available on the demonstration; "Reclaim our
railways; show the rail profiteers the red signal".
Colin Fox said today;
"The Scottish Socialist Party is proud to be participating in the
RMT's Glasgow to London demonstration to demand the return of the
railways to public ownership.
"Rail subsidy now exceeds that provided to British Rail, yet services
are substantially worse.
"Since privatisation, private train operating companies alone have
received £10 billion in public subsidy and banked £1 billion in
profits.
"The SSP stands unequivocally behind the call of the RMT for the rail
industry to be taken back into public ownership and for an end to the
plundering of public money by the rail profiteers."
[ends]
GLASGOW
Rally & March - Saturday 16 April 2005
Assemble 12:30pm, St Enoch Square
Rally 1:00pm
Speakers - Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT
Bill Spiers, General Secretary, STUC
Tommy Sheridan, MSP
March to Duke Street Railway Station - move off 1:45pm
EDINBURGH
March - Sunday 17 April 2005
Assemble 11:45am, Market Street
Move off 12:15pm
Supporters' Meeting - CWU Club, Brunswick Street
Speakers - Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT
Colin Fox MSP (Convener SSP)
Time - 2:30pm
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
MSPs set to chew over pupils' play
Evening News
MSPs set to chew over pupils' play
SCHOOL pupils are being given the chance to put their views on healthy eating to MSPs when they take part in the first play to be staged at the Scottish Parliament.
The youngsters, from secondary schools in West Lothian, have been invited to perform their play "Life’s a Pizza" by Scottish Socialist MSP Frances Curran.
And the young actors may find themselves playing to a packed house of MSPs, including First Minister Jack McConnell.
Mrs Curran organised the performance as part of her campaign to pass a Bill to deliver free school meals to all Scottish pupils.
All of the country’s 129 MSPs have been invited to attend the show, being held in a conference room of the Parliament tomorrow night.
The nine secondary school pupils taking part in the play, are all members of the West Lothian Youth Theatre.
And during a section of the show they will be discussing the themes raised by the show with members of the audience.
The play itself is about healthy eating and aims to show youngsters that making the right choices, in everything from friends to food, can have a huge impact on someone’s life.
It is split into three ten-minute segments with titles including ‘The Fat Family’ and ‘Life’s a Pizza’.
MSPs set to chew over pupils' play
SCHOOL pupils are being given the chance to put their views on healthy eating to MSPs when they take part in the first play to be staged at the Scottish Parliament.
The youngsters, from secondary schools in West Lothian, have been invited to perform their play "Life’s a Pizza" by Scottish Socialist MSP Frances Curran.
And the young actors may find themselves playing to a packed house of MSPs, including First Minister Jack McConnell.
Mrs Curran organised the performance as part of her campaign to pass a Bill to deliver free school meals to all Scottish pupils.
All of the country’s 129 MSPs have been invited to attend the show, being held in a conference room of the Parliament tomorrow night.
The nine secondary school pupils taking part in the play, are all members of the West Lothian Youth Theatre.
And during a section of the show they will be discussing the themes raised by the show with members of the audience.
The play itself is about healthy eating and aims to show youngsters that making the right choices, in everything from friends to food, can have a huge impact on someone’s life.
It is split into three ten-minute segments with titles including ‘The Fat Family’ and ‘Life’s a Pizza’.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Poll support for tax rises to fund services
The Herald:
"The findings were welcomed by the Scottish Socialist party, which has policies on tax and redistribution of wealth most closely aligned with the findings.
Colin Fox, the SSP leader, said: 'Scots are in tune with the SSP's policies of redistributing Scotland's wealth to deal with the grotesque situation of abject poverty existing alongside incredible wealth.
'Scots are canny folk and they know fine well that wealth doesn't trickle down to the poorest. It has to be redistributed by government policy.
'The SSP's policies would ensure that high earners are taxed accordingly and that the mega rich and corporations currently evading paying taxes through dodges and schemes are brought to book.'"
"The findings were welcomed by the Scottish Socialist party, which has policies on tax and redistribution of wealth most closely aligned with the findings.
Colin Fox, the SSP leader, said: 'Scots are in tune with the SSP's policies of redistributing Scotland's wealth to deal with the grotesque situation of abject poverty existing alongside incredible wealth.
'Scots are canny folk and they know fine well that wealth doesn't trickle down to the poorest. It has to be redistributed by government policy.
'The SSP's policies would ensure that high earners are taxed accordingly and that the mega rich and corporations currently evading paying taxes through dodges and schemes are brought to book.'"
£40m spent buying land before M74 extension got go-ahead
Scotsman: "Glasgow Socialist MSP Rosie Kane branded the Executive-appointed inquiry into the motorway extension a 'sham' and claimed the news gave a 'green light for direct action' by those opposed to the construction.
She said: 'The truth about the inquiry is that it was a charade - three quarters of a million pounds of public money spent as a pretence.
'The whole episode is an affront to democracy. The Scottish Liberal Democrats should hang their heads in shame that one of their ministers was complicit in this deception.'"
She said: 'The truth about the inquiry is that it was a charade - three quarters of a million pounds of public money spent as a pretence.
'The whole episode is an affront to democracy. The Scottish Liberal Democrats should hang their heads in shame that one of their ministers was complicit in this deception.'"
Monday, April 11, 2005
SSP stand down candidate to back Rose Gentle in East Kilbride
Scottish Socialist Party
General Election 2005
Press Release: 11/04/05
SSP stand down candidate to back Rose Gentle in East Kilbride
The Scottish Socialist Party has agreed not to contest the East Kilbride constituency in the Westminster election.
Instead the SSP will be backing anti-war campaigner, Rose Gentle, in the seat of Armed Forces Minister, Adam Ingram.
Rose is the mother of Gordon Gentle, the soldier from Pollok, Glasgow, who was killed in Iraq.
East Kilbride will be the only constituency in Scotland that the SSP will not contest.
In line with the party constitution, party members at branch, regional and Executive Committee levels all agreed that the party should stand down.
Cathy Pederson, who had been selected as the SSP candidate in East Kilbride said:
“The party locally and nationally has tremendous admiration for the principles and courage of Rose Gentle in her campaign to bring the troops home from Iraq.
"We will be enthusiastically campaigning to hold Adam Ingram to account for the lies, death and destruction resulting from the Iraq war.”
Carolyn Leckie MSP, member of the local East Kilbride SSP branch said:
"I would normally be against the party standing down for independent candidates.
"Cathy Pederson would have been a great candidate and I'm sorry she's no longer standing.
"Rose Gentle lost her son in the carnage in Iraq and she is standing on an anti war, troops out platform.
"Rose Gentle not only deserves the support of the SSP but of all parties that claim to be anti-war.
"The Greens, Lib-Dems and the SNP should also stand down their candidates.
"This is a tremendous opportunity to strike a blow at the heart of Tony Blair’s war cabinet."
Colin Fox, SSP convener said:
"We are proud to back Rose Gentle in East Kilbride.
"Nor will we let Labour run a “Basil Fawlty” campaign in the other Scottish seats.
"Every time they try not to mention the war, we will shout out; “You lied to get us in to this illegal, unjust war” and we will demand “Bring the troops home!”."
[ends]
General Election 2005
Press Release: 11/04/05
SSP stand down candidate to back Rose Gentle in East Kilbride
The Scottish Socialist Party has agreed not to contest the East Kilbride constituency in the Westminster election.
Instead the SSP will be backing anti-war campaigner, Rose Gentle, in the seat of Armed Forces Minister, Adam Ingram.
Rose is the mother of Gordon Gentle, the soldier from Pollok, Glasgow, who was killed in Iraq.
East Kilbride will be the only constituency in Scotland that the SSP will not contest.
In line with the party constitution, party members at branch, regional and Executive Committee levels all agreed that the party should stand down.
Cathy Pederson, who had been selected as the SSP candidate in East Kilbride said:
“The party locally and nationally has tremendous admiration for the principles and courage of Rose Gentle in her campaign to bring the troops home from Iraq.
"We will be enthusiastically campaigning to hold Adam Ingram to account for the lies, death and destruction resulting from the Iraq war.”
Carolyn Leckie MSP, member of the local East Kilbride SSP branch said:
"I would normally be against the party standing down for independent candidates.
"Cathy Pederson would have been a great candidate and I'm sorry she's no longer standing.
"Rose Gentle lost her son in the carnage in Iraq and she is standing on an anti war, troops out platform.
"Rose Gentle not only deserves the support of the SSP but of all parties that claim to be anti-war.
"The Greens, Lib-Dems and the SNP should also stand down their candidates.
"This is a tremendous opportunity to strike a blow at the heart of Tony Blair’s war cabinet."
Colin Fox, SSP convener said:
"We are proud to back Rose Gentle in East Kilbride.
"Nor will we let Labour run a “Basil Fawlty” campaign in the other Scottish seats.
"Every time they try not to mention the war, we will shout out; “You lied to get us in to this illegal, unjust war” and we will demand “Bring the troops home!”."
[ends]
M74 Consultation a Sham
BBC NEWS | Scotland: "The Scottish Executive has defended spending ?41m on land along the route of the planned M74 extension before it gave the project the go-ahead.
The executive has decided to press ahead with the project despite a public inquiry ruling against it.
The land purchase aimed to minimise disruption to businesses forced to relocate because of the extension.
However, protesters said the move showed that public consultation on the plan had been a sham.
The Scottish Socialist MSP, Rosie Kane, said the emergence of the land purchases had given campaigners the green light to go ahead with direct action against contractors on the M74.
'If the Scottish Executive has no regard for the law and due process, why should we?,' she asked."
The executive has decided to press ahead with the project despite a public inquiry ruling against it.
The land purchase aimed to minimise disruption to businesses forced to relocate because of the extension.
However, protesters said the move showed that public consultation on the plan had been a sham.
The Scottish Socialist MSP, Rosie Kane, said the emergence of the land purchases had given campaigners the green light to go ahead with direct action against contractors on the M74.
'If the Scottish Executive has no regard for the law and due process, why should we?,' she asked."
System Fails Refugees
The Herald
HUNDREDS of asylum seekers are being left destitute because of simple administrative errors and delays by the Home Office, a new report claims today.
With asylum and immigration issues topping the election agenda, the Oxfam-funded study reveals how the system is failing refugees in Scotland...
Rosie Kane, of the Scottish Socialist party, said: "At the moment, I am aware of an Ethiopian woman, three men from Sudan and recently a woman and child from Sri Lanka – all destitute.
"It beggars belief as the words Sri Lanka should be enough at the moment. At the very same time, we are sending out emergency aid, a Sri Lankan family gets kicked on to the streets of Glasgow – which is as far as anyone needs to go for evidence.
"I am horrified by all this but not surprised. The majority of the time when I am dealing with this, Nass has made a mistake or been negligent. The system is not working."
HUNDREDS of asylum seekers are being left destitute because of simple administrative errors and delays by the Home Office, a new report claims today.
With asylum and immigration issues topping the election agenda, the Oxfam-funded study reveals how the system is failing refugees in Scotland...
Rosie Kane, of the Scottish Socialist party, said: "At the moment, I am aware of an Ethiopian woman, three men from Sudan and recently a woman and child from Sri Lanka – all destitute.
"It beggars belief as the words Sri Lanka should be enough at the moment. At the very same time, we are sending out emergency aid, a Sri Lankan family gets kicked on to the streets of Glasgow – which is as far as anyone needs to go for evidence.
"I am horrified by all this but not surprised. The majority of the time when I am dealing with this, Nass has made a mistake or been negligent. The system is not working."
Sunday, April 10, 2005
M77 Struggle Remembered
The united state of pollok - [Sunday Herald] A look back at Pollok Free State and the struggle to stop the M77 back in 1995. Now we face a new fight against the M74.
"Which brings us back to the proposed extension of the M74. Although a £1m public inquiry found against it, the Scottish Executive has given it the green light. Rosie Kane has been campaigning on the issue for a decade now. No trees will be felled, but it will be a loud, brightly lit, 50ft high, eight-lane highway, affecting many residential communities along its five-mile route. Its construction will disturb earth used for chemical fly-tipping in the past century. Protesters believe there are grounds for a judicial review. If this fails, 100 activists are ready to engage in non-violent disruption. American and German campaigners demonstrating at the G8 summit may get involved. Tommy Sheridan and Lindsay Keenan will join the protest."
"Which brings us back to the proposed extension of the M74. Although a £1m public inquiry found against it, the Scottish Executive has given it the green light. Rosie Kane has been campaigning on the issue for a decade now. No trees will be felled, but it will be a loud, brightly lit, 50ft high, eight-lane highway, affecting many residential communities along its five-mile route. Its construction will disturb earth used for chemical fly-tipping in the past century. Protesters believe there are grounds for a judicial review. If this fails, 100 activists are ready to engage in non-violent disruption. American and German campaigners demonstrating at the G8 summit may get involved. Tommy Sheridan and Lindsay Keenan will join the protest."
Friday, April 08, 2005
Radio SSP: Streaming Web Radio from the Scottish Socialist Party
Radio SSP: Streaming Web Radio from the Scottish Socialist Party. The Scottish Socialist Party is proud to bring you our first internet radio broadcast. We kick off with a meeting organised by the Scottish Socialist Youth against the forthcoming meeting of the G8 in Scotland with speakers including Rosie Kane MSP and Donnie Nicholson, SSY national organiser.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Rose Gentle in Election Challenge to New Labour
THE mother of a British soldier killed in Iraq launched her campaign yesterday to take the seat of a Labour minister and denied her grief was being exploited by politicians.
Rose Gentle's 19-year-old son, Gordon, was killed in a roadside attack last June. Now Mrs Gentle will contest the East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow seat against Adam Ingram, the armed forces minister.
Mrs Gentle, 40, from Pollok, Glasgow, said: "Adam Ingram and all those other MPs who voted for war in the House of Commons share the blame for the death of Gordon and all the other victims of Bush and Blair's war for oil.
"I am calling on all those who oppose this war to unite behind me in sending a clear message to Tony Blair – end the occupation of Iraq and bring the troops home now."
Rose Gentle's 19-year-old son, Gordon, was killed in a roadside attack last June. Now Mrs Gentle will contest the East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow seat against Adam Ingram, the armed forces minister.
Mrs Gentle, 40, from Pollok, Glasgow, said: "Adam Ingram and all those other MPs who voted for war in the House of Commons share the blame for the death of Gordon and all the other victims of Bush and Blair's war for oil.
"I am calling on all those who oppose this war to unite behind me in sending a clear message to Tony Blair – end the occupation of Iraq and bring the troops home now."
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
SSP stands on radical left wing manifesto
Scottish Socialist Party
General Election 2005
Press Release: 05/04/05
SSP stands on radical left wing manifesto
The Scottish Socialist Party today announced its campaign plans and candidates for the General Election campaign 2005.
The SSP will contest every seat in Scotland with a detailed, radical, 20,000 word manifesto that includes calls for an independent Scottish republic, the return of the rail industry into public ownership and an £8 an hour minimum wage.
While not expecting to win a Westminster seat, the SSP will be appealing to the same left-wing voters who delivered 6 SSP representatives to the Scottish Parliament in 2003 to keep up the pressure on the mainstream political parties who are moving rapidly rightwards.
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox said today;
“The Scottish Socialist Party will contest this General Election with a socialist manifesto that would transform the lives of millions of Scots.
“The SSP will contest every seat in Scotland, offering a socialist alternative to the mainstream establishment parties who are heading further to the right with every passing day.
“The SSP is proud of our socialist vision which includes support for an independent Scottish republic, the bringing back of the rail industry into public ownership and an eight pounds an hour minimum wage.
“This election gives voters the opportunity to voice their anger at the continuing lies and deception that surround the war on terror and the occupation of Iraq.
“A big SSP vote will give an impetus to those who will converge on the G8 Summit in July to protest against globalisation and in favour of fair trade, international aid and policies that promote real justice across the globe.”
[ends]
General Election 2005
Press Release: 05/04/05
SSP stands on radical left wing manifesto
The Scottish Socialist Party today announced its campaign plans and candidates for the General Election campaign 2005.
The SSP will contest every seat in Scotland with a detailed, radical, 20,000 word manifesto that includes calls for an independent Scottish republic, the return of the rail industry into public ownership and an £8 an hour minimum wage.
While not expecting to win a Westminster seat, the SSP will be appealing to the same left-wing voters who delivered 6 SSP representatives to the Scottish Parliament in 2003 to keep up the pressure on the mainstream political parties who are moving rapidly rightwards.
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox said today;
“The Scottish Socialist Party will contest this General Election with a socialist manifesto that would transform the lives of millions of Scots.
“The SSP will contest every seat in Scotland, offering a socialist alternative to the mainstream establishment parties who are heading further to the right with every passing day.
“The SSP is proud of our socialist vision which includes support for an independent Scottish republic, the bringing back of the rail industry into public ownership and an eight pounds an hour minimum wage.
“This election gives voters the opportunity to voice their anger at the continuing lies and deception that surround the war on terror and the occupation of Iraq.
“A big SSP vote will give an impetus to those who will converge on the G8 Summit in July to protest against globalisation and in favour of fair trade, international aid and policies that promote real justice across the globe.”
[ends]
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Defuse health time bomb by giving every schoolchild free dinners
FRANCES CURRAN says healthy meals for all would let parents control children’s eating habits
Sunday Herald
Sunday Herald
Friday, April 01, 2005
MSP Kane for trial over Trident demo
Evening Times SCOTTISH Socialist MSP Rosie Kane is to stand trial accused of blocking Edinburgh's Royal Mile during a protest against Trident nuclear submarines. Her appearance at the city's Sheriff Court today with others facing similar charges caused chaos when it emerged legal paperwork was not in order.
Some of those who took their seats in the dock should not have been there, while some of those fiscal Karey Henderson thought should be there were missing. Finally Ms Kane, 43, of Govanhill, Glasgow, and three companions pleaded not guilty to charges of obstructing or endangering road users. A trial date was fixed for September.
Some of those who took their seats in the dock should not have been there, while some of those fiscal Karey Henderson thought should be there were missing. Finally Ms Kane, 43, of Govanhill, Glasgow, and three companions pleaded not guilty to charges of obstructing or endangering road users. A trial date was fixed for September.
Rasta musician takes on Speaker - Evening Times
Rasta musician takes on Speaker - Evening Times THE Scottish Socialist Party has chosen a Jamaican Rastafarian musician to stand against Michael Martin.
Trade union activist Graham Campbell plans to stand against the Westminster Speaker in the Glasgow North East constituency.
Mr Campbell said: "I will be the SSP's first ever Afro-Caribbean candidate and relish the chance to attack Labour's record on asylum and immigration."
Trade union activist Graham Campbell plans to stand against the Westminster Speaker in the Glasgow North East constituency.
Mr Campbell said: "I will be the SSP's first ever Afro-Caribbean candidate and relish the chance to attack Labour's record on asylum and immigration."
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Monday, March 28, 2005
M74 protesters vow to fight link
"We will cause maximum disruption, targeting their show homes and disrupting their AGMs"
Rosie Kane, Socialist MSP
Campaigners opposed to the M74 motorway extension in Glasgow have vowed to take their fight to the companies who will build the controversial link.
The five-mile stretch of road has been given the go-ahead despite a public inquiry ruling against it.
Supporters said the link would tackle Glasgow's traffic problems.
But protesters have promised to "up the ante" and take direct action which would cause "maximum disruption" to the firms involved in the project.
The campaign set up to oppose the new road, Jam 74, is also planning direct action similar to the treetop protest against the M77 which ended in 1995.
Jam 74 (Joint Action Against the M74 ) said the new link was a waste of £500m of public money and would only lead to more traffic congestion.
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane said: "These firms will be profiting from the misery of communities and so we're going to up the ante and pay them a visit.
"We will cause maximum disruption, targeting their show homes and disrupting their AGMs.
"We will also take direct action against the Scottish Executive and chambers of commerce who back the road."
She said the road would pass over a community with one of the lowest car ownership rates in Europe.
"This road is not built for them and won't benefit them," said the MSP, whose Govanhill home lies beneath the proposed route.
BBC Scotland News Online
Rosie Kane, Socialist MSP
Campaigners opposed to the M74 motorway extension in Glasgow have vowed to take their fight to the companies who will build the controversial link.
The five-mile stretch of road has been given the go-ahead despite a public inquiry ruling against it.
Supporters said the link would tackle Glasgow's traffic problems.
But protesters have promised to "up the ante" and take direct action which would cause "maximum disruption" to the firms involved in the project.
The campaign set up to oppose the new road, Jam 74, is also planning direct action similar to the treetop protest against the M77 which ended in 1995.
Jam 74 (Joint Action Against the M74 ) said the new link was a waste of £500m of public money and would only lead to more traffic congestion.
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane said: "These firms will be profiting from the misery of communities and so we're going to up the ante and pay them a visit.
"We will cause maximum disruption, targeting their show homes and disrupting their AGMs.
"We will also take direct action against the Scottish Executive and chambers of commerce who back the road."
She said the road would pass over a community with one of the lowest car ownership rates in Europe.
"This road is not built for them and won't benefit them," said the MSP, whose Govanhill home lies beneath the proposed route.
BBC Scotland News Online
G8 protestors urged to join M74 protests
Sunday Herald
CAMPAIGNERS against the M74 extension are planning to involve G8 protesters from around the world in non- violent direct action to stop the motorway being built...
JAM74, the group that is co-ordinating opposition to the M74 extension, has already been approached with offers of help by campaigners from America and Germany planning to come to Scotland for the G8 summit of world leaders at Gleneagles in July.
Although organisers are reluctant to reveal their precise plans in advance, it is possible buildings could be occupied, construction vehicles prevented from starting work and protest camps set up.
“People might be looking for some some fun on their way to Gleneagles,” said Will Jess, chair of JAM74. “This is the most destructive motorway in Europe, so hopefully other Europeans will help us, too.”
This is not the end of the road... It's just the beginning
One of the first to the barricades will be Rosie Kane, the Glaswegian Scottish Socialist MSP who cut her political teeth protesting against the M77 extension in the 1990s. “If the bulldozers arrive, I will be standing there side by side with the community,” she declared.
“That’s my promise, and I will keep it. If the Scottish Executive is determined to trample over our communities, we have got to start shouting louder.”
She accused ministers of taking “violent direct action” by allowing the motorway to destroy impoverished neighbourhoods. “They have blocked our right to social and environmental justice. If anyone’s being violent and brutal, it is them,” she said.
This weekend thousands of pledge cards are being circulated by JAM74, an umbrella organisation for anti-motorway groups, encouraging people to sign up to “beat the bulldozers”. This is the first step in what organisers promise will be “a highly orchestrated campaign which will bring maximum disruption to construction of the motorway”.
Comparisons are already being drawn with the M77 campaign, which involved thousands of protesters marching, setting up camps and clinging to trees in Pollok Park in 1994 and 1995. The opposition was ended only with the help of scores of arrests, hundreds of police and many millions of pounds of public money.
CAMPAIGNERS against the M74 extension are planning to involve G8 protesters from around the world in non- violent direct action to stop the motorway being built...
JAM74, the group that is co-ordinating opposition to the M74 extension, has already been approached with offers of help by campaigners from America and Germany planning to come to Scotland for the G8 summit of world leaders at Gleneagles in July.
Although organisers are reluctant to reveal their precise plans in advance, it is possible buildings could be occupied, construction vehicles prevented from starting work and protest camps set up.
“People might be looking for some some fun on their way to Gleneagles,” said Will Jess, chair of JAM74. “This is the most destructive motorway in Europe, so hopefully other Europeans will help us, too.”
This is not the end of the road... It's just the beginning
One of the first to the barricades will be Rosie Kane, the Glaswegian Scottish Socialist MSP who cut her political teeth protesting against the M77 extension in the 1990s. “If the bulldozers arrive, I will be standing there side by side with the community,” she declared.
“That’s my promise, and I will keep it. If the Scottish Executive is determined to trample over our communities, we have got to start shouting louder.”
She accused ministers of taking “violent direct action” by allowing the motorway to destroy impoverished neighbourhoods. “They have blocked our right to social and environmental justice. If anyone’s being violent and brutal, it is them,” she said.
This weekend thousands of pledge cards are being circulated by JAM74, an umbrella organisation for anti-motorway groups, encouraging people to sign up to “beat the bulldozers”. This is the first step in what organisers promise will be “a highly orchestrated campaign which will bring maximum disruption to construction of the motorway”.
Comparisons are already being drawn with the M77 campaign, which involved thousands of protesters marching, setting up camps and clinging to trees in Pollok Park in 1994 and 1995. The opposition was ended only with the help of scores of arrests, hundreds of police and many millions of pounds of public money.
Alasdair Gray calls for a Republic
Sunday Herald
THE monarchy should be abolished and all parts of Britain should declare themselves republics in order to become true democracies.
The call from leading writer and artist Alasdair Gray makes the controversial case for republicanism in a new political pamphlet called How We Should Rule Ourselves due to be published by Edinburgh-based Canongate in advance of this year’s general election.
The document, which has been co-written with Adam Tomkins, Professor of Public Law at the University of Glasgow, argues that the nations of the United Kingdom can only become truly democratic by axing the Queen and restoring power to the people through properly elected parliaments that are not answerable to the Crown.
The pamphlet is set to reignite the monarchy debate especially as some states, including Australia, are reconsidering their membership of the commonwealth following revelations that after the forthcoming royal wedding Camilla Parker Bowles will technically become Queen upon Prince Charles’s succession.
Gray told the Sunday Herald: “The notion of having government by a royal family is ludicrous. The royal family are the least free human beings in Britain. It’s practically impossible for them to act sanely.”
Although Gray has written pamphlets before, in 1992 and 1997 on the theme of Scottish independence, this is his first overtly republican tract.
He was inspired to write it after hearing Tomkins speak at a demonstration on Calton Hill organised by the Scottish Socialist Party in protest at the Queen’s opening of the new Scottish parliament in October 2004.
Gray e-mailed the academic two weeks after the event and they decided to get together to collaborate on this work. Tomkins, an Englishman living in Scotland, is a committed republican. He published a book earlier this year called Our Republican Constitution...
Like Tomkins, Gray is not part of any political party, although he has supported the Scottish Nationalist Party in the past. He now plans to vote for the Scottish Socialist Party, who share his republican views.
THE monarchy should be abolished and all parts of Britain should declare themselves republics in order to become true democracies.
The call from leading writer and artist Alasdair Gray makes the controversial case for republicanism in a new political pamphlet called How We Should Rule Ourselves due to be published by Edinburgh-based Canongate in advance of this year’s general election.
The document, which has been co-written with Adam Tomkins, Professor of Public Law at the University of Glasgow, argues that the nations of the United Kingdom can only become truly democratic by axing the Queen and restoring power to the people through properly elected parliaments that are not answerable to the Crown.
The pamphlet is set to reignite the monarchy debate especially as some states, including Australia, are reconsidering their membership of the commonwealth following revelations that after the forthcoming royal wedding Camilla Parker Bowles will technically become Queen upon Prince Charles’s succession.
Gray told the Sunday Herald: “The notion of having government by a royal family is ludicrous. The royal family are the least free human beings in Britain. It’s practically impossible for them to act sanely.”
Although Gray has written pamphlets before, in 1992 and 1997 on the theme of Scottish independence, this is his first overtly republican tract.
He was inspired to write it after hearing Tomkins speak at a demonstration on Calton Hill organised by the Scottish Socialist Party in protest at the Queen’s opening of the new Scottish parliament in October 2004.
Gray e-mailed the academic two weeks after the event and they decided to get together to collaborate on this work. Tomkins, an Englishman living in Scotland, is a committed republican. He published a book earlier this year called Our Republican Constitution...
Like Tomkins, Gray is not part of any political party, although he has supported the Scottish Nationalist Party in the past. He now plans to vote for the Scottish Socialist Party, who share his republican views.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Socialists terminate BNP street campaign in Edinburgh
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 26/03/05
Socialists terminate BNP street campaign in Edinburgh
Scottish Socialist Party members, including two prospective candidates in the coming General Election, today reduced a Scottish wide British National Party pre-election mobilisation to chaos and drove the fascists off the streets of central Edinburgh.
The BNP members had set up a stall on Edinburgh’s world renowned Princes Street which included an Inverness BNP banner.
Alerted by text messages, SSP activists were on the scene within minutes and surrounded the fascist activists who were attempting spread their message of hate.
After attempting to intimidate the SSP members with threats of violence, the BNP were eventually forced to abandon their stall in the face of the SSP’s non violent direct action tactics which included surrounding their stall and drowning out their racist chants.
Two of the SSP activists are prospective candidates in the General Election; Morag Robertson for Edinburgh South and Steven Nimmo in Livingston.
Steven Nimmo was previously involved in direct action which left the BNP’s Scottish Election campaign launch in ruins.
Speaking after today’s events Steven Nimmo said;
“We won’t allow the purveyors of racism and hatred pavement space to peddle their poison in Scotland during the course of this election.
“If they think they are going to be treated as a respectable political party they can think again.
“The SSP stands in this forthcoming election with the message that racism and hatred towards asylum seekers and the traveller and Roma community is completely unacceptable.”
[ends]
Press Release: 26/03/05
Socialists terminate BNP street campaign in Edinburgh
Scottish Socialist Party members, including two prospective candidates in the coming General Election, today reduced a Scottish wide British National Party pre-election mobilisation to chaos and drove the fascists off the streets of central Edinburgh.
The BNP members had set up a stall on Edinburgh’s world renowned Princes Street which included an Inverness BNP banner.
Alerted by text messages, SSP activists were on the scene within minutes and surrounded the fascist activists who were attempting spread their message of hate.
After attempting to intimidate the SSP members with threats of violence, the BNP were eventually forced to abandon their stall in the face of the SSP’s non violent direct action tactics which included surrounding their stall and drowning out their racist chants.
Two of the SSP activists are prospective candidates in the General Election; Morag Robertson for Edinburgh South and Steven Nimmo in Livingston.
Steven Nimmo was previously involved in direct action which left the BNP’s Scottish Election campaign launch in ruins.
Speaking after today’s events Steven Nimmo said;
“We won’t allow the purveyors of racism and hatred pavement space to peddle their poison in Scotland during the course of this election.
“If they think they are going to be treated as a respectable political party they can think again.
“The SSP stands in this forthcoming election with the message that racism and hatred towards asylum seekers and the traveller and Roma community is completely unacceptable.”
[ends]
Friday, March 25, 2005
SSP Convener urges executive to help free whistleblower Vanunu
SSP leader urges executive to help free whistleblower Vanunu - The Herald THE Scottish Executive was asked yesterday to help put pressure on the Israeli government to secure the freedom of Mordechai Vanunu, the Israeli whistleblower.
Colin Fox, leader of the Scottish Socialist party, asked Jack McConnell, the first minister, what representations he would make to allow Mr Vanunu to visit Scotland to take up his role as rector of Glasgow University.
In December last year, the former technician, jailed for 18 years for leaking Israel's nuclear secrets in 1986, was elected to the role at the institution.
He was freed from prison last April but is forbidden from leaving east Jerusalem or speak to foreigners.
Last week, he was indicted – three days after giving an interview to The Herald – for violating the terms of his release. The charges relate to his interviews with foreign media and defying a travel ban.
Mr McConnell said the executive had had no representation from Glasgow University on the issue, but that any response to such a representation would involve consultation with the Foreign Office.
The Socialist party leader told the chamber Mr Vanunu's bail conditions were up for review on April 21 and asked the first minister if he would make representations to UK and EU parliaments, urging them to make every effort to ensure Mr Vanunu's human right to return to Europe is recognised.
Mr Fox said of the first minister's response: "I'm disappointed he can't be more forthright. This is the second time he has opted out of an opinion on the matter."
Looking ahead to July's G8 summit in Perthshire, the Lothians MSP said there could be "no better sight to greet the arrival in Scotland in July of thousands of visitors to these shores" than to see Mr Vanunu at the head of the protests expected to target the event.
Colin Fox, leader of the Scottish Socialist party, asked Jack McConnell, the first minister, what representations he would make to allow Mr Vanunu to visit Scotland to take up his role as rector of Glasgow University.
In December last year, the former technician, jailed for 18 years for leaking Israel's nuclear secrets in 1986, was elected to the role at the institution.
He was freed from prison last April but is forbidden from leaving east Jerusalem or speak to foreigners.
Last week, he was indicted – three days after giving an interview to The Herald – for violating the terms of his release. The charges relate to his interviews with foreign media and defying a travel ban.
Mr McConnell said the executive had had no representation from Glasgow University on the issue, but that any response to such a representation would involve consultation with the Foreign Office.
The Socialist party leader told the chamber Mr Vanunu's bail conditions were up for review on April 21 and asked the first minister if he would make representations to UK and EU parliaments, urging them to make every effort to ensure Mr Vanunu's human right to return to Europe is recognised.
Mr Fox said of the first minister's response: "I'm disappointed he can't be more forthright. This is the second time he has opted out of an opinion on the matter."
Looking ahead to July's G8 summit in Perthshire, the Lothians MSP said there could be "no better sight to greet the arrival in Scotland in July of thousands of visitors to these shores" than to see Mr Vanunu at the head of the protests expected to target the event.
M74 Extension Must Be Stopped
The Herald
The M74 inquiry put the brakes on – but the link goes ahead
THE Scottish cabinet drove their ministerial Mondeos through a forest of stop signs and into hostile territory yesterday, pressing ahead with the M74 link in the face of a critical report from an official inquiry.
In a move which could yet end in court or with protesters chained to bulldozers, the Scottish Executive provoked the fury of the environmental movement and opposition MSPs by deciding to ignore the detailed case for scrapping the road plan...
But Rosie Kane, Scottish Socialist MSP for Glasgow, who entered politics on the back of early protests against the M74, said the executive had treated MSPs with contempt, holding back publication of the report until the eve of the Easter recess, six months after it had received it.
"This road will be a five-mile, six-lane monster defacing Glasgow. The M74 campaigners will now be looking at a judicial review, and we warn the executive that its contempt for the democratic process will cost it dearly."
The Scotsman
The M74 inquiry put the brakes on – but the link goes ahead
THE Scottish cabinet drove their ministerial Mondeos through a forest of stop signs and into hostile territory yesterday, pressing ahead with the M74 link in the face of a critical report from an official inquiry.
In a move which could yet end in court or with protesters chained to bulldozers, the Scottish Executive provoked the fury of the environmental movement and opposition MSPs by deciding to ignore the detailed case for scrapping the road plan...
But Rosie Kane, Scottish Socialist MSP for Glasgow, who entered politics on the back of early protests against the M74, said the executive had treated MSPs with contempt, holding back publication of the report until the eve of the Easter recess, six months after it had received it.
"This road will be a five-mile, six-lane monster defacing Glasgow. The M74 campaigners will now be looking at a judicial review, and we warn the executive that its contempt for the democratic process will cost it dearly."
The Scotsman
Thursday, March 24, 2005
M74 extension given green light
BBC NEWS: "Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane was 'furious' at the announcement.
She said: 'This is an absolute outrage.
'The Scottish Executive has driven a coach and horses through the whole concept of independent inquiries.
'The Reporter has recommended that the M74 should not proceed and yet the Scottish Executive has treated his report with contempt.'
She said: 'This is an absolute outrage.
'The Scottish Executive has driven a coach and horses through the whole concept of independent inquiries.
'The Reporter has recommended that the M74 should not proceed and yet the Scottish Executive has treated his report with contempt.'
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Vanunu cause to be raised at Holyrood
Vanunu cause to be raised at Holyrood - The Herald: "Colin Fox, leader of the Scottish Socialist Party, said last night he would be asking Jack McConnell, Scotland's first minister, what representations the Scottish Executive would make to the Israeli government to allow Mr Vanunu to visit Scotland to take up his role as rector of Glasgow University"
Monday, March 21, 2005
Tartan Day row over right-wing views of US host
Sunday Herald Scottish Socialist Party convener Colin Fox said it was outrageous that ministers were meeting politicians from the US right. “Tom McCabe appears to have taken leave of his senses. Scottish taxpayers are funding a Labour minister to pay his respects to the vilest form of right-wing, anti-abortion zealot. The meeting should be cancelled,” he said.
Protesters demand troops out of Iraq
Scotland on Sunday THOUSANDS of anti-war protesters took to the streets of Glasgow and London yesterday to demand a return of British troops on the second anniversary of the start of the conflict in Iraq.
The Glasgow rally, organised by the Scottish Coalition for Justice not War and the Justice for Gordon Gentle Campaign, followed a march by up to 1,000 demonstrators through the city centre to St Enoch Square.
The names of some of those who have died during the conflict were read out, along with a so-called "name and shame" list of Scottish MPs who gave their backing to the war.
Maxine Gentle, the sister of 19-year-old soldier Pte Gordon Gentle, a Royal Highland Fusilier who was killed in a roadside bomb attack in Basra in June last year, called on the Prime Minister not to send any more troops.
The 15-year-old said: "I miss my big brother very much and think Tony Blair should be put out because I don’t want him to send in any more troops to help George Bush. My brother died for no good reason."
The Glasgow rally, organised by the Scottish Coalition for Justice not War and the Justice for Gordon Gentle Campaign, followed a march by up to 1,000 demonstrators through the city centre to St Enoch Square.
The names of some of those who have died during the conflict were read out, along with a so-called "name and shame" list of Scottish MPs who gave their backing to the war.
Maxine Gentle, the sister of 19-year-old soldier Pte Gordon Gentle, a Royal Highland Fusilier who was killed in a roadside bomb attack in Basra in June last year, called on the Prime Minister not to send any more troops.
The 15-year-old said: "I miss my big brother very much and think Tony Blair should be put out because I don’t want him to send in any more troops to help George Bush. My brother died for no good reason."
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Trident protester Kane given fine
BBC NEWS Scottish Socialist MSP Rosie Kane has been fined £150 following her arrest at the Faslane naval base on the Clyde.
She was charged with breach of the peace, resisting arrest and blocking the highway during a protest against Trident nuclear submarines in August.
After the case at Helensburgh Sheriff Court, the Glasgow MSP said: "Trident is illegal, immoral and wrong.
"We should use the vast sums of money these weapons swallow up to educate our young and fund the health service."
The sheriff said that if Ms Kane refused to pay the fine she would impose a supervised attendance order.
She was charged with breach of the peace, resisting arrest and blocking the highway during a protest against Trident nuclear submarines in August.
After the case at Helensburgh Sheriff Court, the Glasgow MSP said: "Trident is illegal, immoral and wrong.
"We should use the vast sums of money these weapons swallow up to educate our young and fund the health service."
The sheriff said that if Ms Kane refused to pay the fine she would impose a supervised attendance order.
US socialist to lead May Day parade
Edinburgh Evening News AMERICA’S only socialist congressman is to lead this year’s May Day parade through Edinburgh.
Bernie Sanders, who sits for the state of Vermont in the US House of Representatives, is one of his country’s most outspoken critics of the war in Iraq. And he has led opposition to a spate of corporate scandals rocking America.
Congressman Sanders says he champions "the cause of ordinary hard working American families".
And as the only member of the House of Representatives who does not belong to the Democrat or Republican parties, he occupies a unique position in US political life.
Scottish Socialist Party leader and Lothians MSP Colin Fox said he expected the visit to spark huge interest. He added: "Many people will be surprised to hear that there is a socialist sitting in the US Congress.
"Bernie Sanders is a truly remarkable figure. In 1991 he became the first Independent to be elected to Congress in 40 years. He is now the longest serving ‘Independent’ in American history.
"He has been re-elected six times since to represent the people of Vermont. Bernie is living proof that promoting socialist ideas can win popular support Stateside."
The Edinburgh May Day parade will take place on Saturday, April 30. Mr Fox said: "It is quite a coup for us to get Bernie to come over here and lead our parade."
Bernie Sanders, who sits for the state of Vermont in the US House of Representatives, is one of his country’s most outspoken critics of the war in Iraq. And he has led opposition to a spate of corporate scandals rocking America.
Congressman Sanders says he champions "the cause of ordinary hard working American families".
And as the only member of the House of Representatives who does not belong to the Democrat or Republican parties, he occupies a unique position in US political life.
Scottish Socialist Party leader and Lothians MSP Colin Fox said he expected the visit to spark huge interest. He added: "Many people will be surprised to hear that there is a socialist sitting in the US Congress.
"Bernie Sanders is a truly remarkable figure. In 1991 he became the first Independent to be elected to Congress in 40 years. He is now the longest serving ‘Independent’ in American history.
"He has been re-elected six times since to represent the people of Vermont. Bernie is living proof that promoting socialist ideas can win popular support Stateside."
The Edinburgh May Day parade will take place on Saturday, April 30. Mr Fox said: "It is quite a coup for us to get Bernie to come over here and lead our parade."
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
SSP: British troops must join Italians in leaving Iraq
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit Press Release: 15/03/05
SSP: British troops must join Italians in leaving Iraq
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox tonight called for the immediate withdrawal of all British troops from Iraq following the announcement that the 3,000 Italian troops taking part in the occupation are to leave the country.
Colin said tonight; "The illegal occupation of Iraq is unravelling before our eyes. "Tony Blair will soon be the only ally that George Bush has left in the complete disaster that has unfolded in Iraq over the past two years. "I would urge all Scots who marched against this illegal war and who have been proved absolutely right to join the demonstration in Glasgow this Saturday marking the second anniversary of the invasion. "No more blood must be spilled in the name of George Bush's war for oil; bring the troops home now."
Saturday 19th March
Glasgow Anti-War March and Rally
Assemble Royal Exchange Square 12 noon, march off 12.30 pm to a Rally in St Enoch Square at 1pm where the names of the victims of those killed in Iraq and the names of those responsible will be read out. Speakers including Rose Gentle.
Organised by the Scottish Coalition for Justice not War and the Campaign for Justice for Gordon Gentle.
SSP: British troops must join Italians in leaving Iraq
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox tonight called for the immediate withdrawal of all British troops from Iraq following the announcement that the 3,000 Italian troops taking part in the occupation are to leave the country.
Colin said tonight; "The illegal occupation of Iraq is unravelling before our eyes. "Tony Blair will soon be the only ally that George Bush has left in the complete disaster that has unfolded in Iraq over the past two years. "I would urge all Scots who marched against this illegal war and who have been proved absolutely right to join the demonstration in Glasgow this Saturday marking the second anniversary of the invasion. "No more blood must be spilled in the name of George Bush's war for oil; bring the troops home now."
Saturday 19th March
Glasgow Anti-War March and Rally
Assemble Royal Exchange Square 12 noon, march off 12.30 pm to a Rally in St Enoch Square at 1pm where the names of the victims of those killed in Iraq and the names of those responsible will be read out. Speakers including Rose Gentle.
Organised by the Scottish Coalition for Justice not War and the Campaign for Justice for Gordon Gentle.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
CalMac staff back strike action
BBC News Online
The Scottish Socialist Party also joined in the condemnation of the government.
Its national convenor Colin Fox pledged his party's support for the CalMac workers and said: "They have the complete backing of the SSP in their fight to defend jobs, pay, conditions and pensions.
"The SSP has done everything we can in parliament to back the CalMac workers and we will continue to do so alongside practical solidarity by our members on the ground and in the RMT.
"By putting west coast ferry services to competition the executive is going against the democratic will of the Scottish people expressed in parliament by a vote not to put the routes out to tender."
The Scottish Socialist Party also joined in the condemnation of the government.
Its national convenor Colin Fox pledged his party's support for the CalMac workers and said: "They have the complete backing of the SSP in their fight to defend jobs, pay, conditions and pensions.
"The SSP has done everything we can in parliament to back the CalMac workers and we will continue to do so alongside practical solidarity by our members on the ground and in the RMT.
"By putting west coast ferry services to competition the executive is going against the democratic will of the Scottish people expressed in parliament by a vote not to put the routes out to tender."
Monday, March 14, 2005
SSP pledges support for CalMac strike
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 14/03/05
SSP pledges support for CalMac strike
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox MSP today pledged the support of the SSP for the CalMac workers who have voted to strike to defend jobs, pay, conditions and pensions.
Colin said today;
“The CalMac workers have the complete backing of the Scottish Socialist Party in their fight to defend jobs, pay, conditions and pensions.
“The SSP has done everything we can in the Scottish Parliament to back the CalMac workers and we will continue to do so alongside practical solidarity by our members on the ground and in the RMT.
“By putting west coast ferry services to competition the Scottish Executive is going against the democratic will of the Scottish people expressed in the Parliament by a vote not to put the routes out to tender.
“If public sector unions go ahead with planned industrial action on March 23rd they will be joined by CalMac workers in the biggest show of trade union militancy for many years.
“The SSP is proud to stand alongside all workers taking action to defend their, wages, pensions and conditions against the Thatcherite onslaught of Tony Blair’s New Tory party.”
[ends]
Press Release: 14/03/05
SSP pledges support for CalMac strike
Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox MSP today pledged the support of the SSP for the CalMac workers who have voted to strike to defend jobs, pay, conditions and pensions.
Colin said today;
“The CalMac workers have the complete backing of the Scottish Socialist Party in their fight to defend jobs, pay, conditions and pensions.
“The SSP has done everything we can in the Scottish Parliament to back the CalMac workers and we will continue to do so alongside practical solidarity by our members on the ground and in the RMT.
“By putting west coast ferry services to competition the Scottish Executive is going against the democratic will of the Scottish people expressed in the Parliament by a vote not to put the routes out to tender.
“If public sector unions go ahead with planned industrial action on March 23rd they will be joined by CalMac workers in the biggest show of trade union militancy for many years.
“The SSP is proud to stand alongside all workers taking action to defend their, wages, pensions and conditions against the Thatcherite onslaught of Tony Blair’s New Tory party.”
[ends]
President of Venezuela's Women's Development Bank speaks at Scottish Parliament
SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit Press Release: 14/03/05
President of Venezuela's Women's Development Bank speaks at Scottish Parliament
This meeting is organised by Rosie Kane MSP and Global Women's Strike. GWS demands a change in economic priorities and the return of military budgets to the community, beginning with women the first carers. Women in over 60 countries, and men who support our goal that society Invest in Caring Not Killing, take Strike action on/around 8 March, International Women's Day.
Scottish Parliament: 1.30-2.30pm, Tuesday 15 March (Room T22, Holyrood).
Speakers:
* Nora Castañeda, President of the Women's Development Bank (Banmujer) in Venezuela. A renowned economist committed to grassroots women, she was appointed by President Chavez to head the Women's Bank in response to women's demands.
* Angélica Alvarez, originally from Chile, fled to Venezuela after the 1973 military coup against President Allende. As Banmujer's promoter-co-ordinator, she provides crucial support and direction to the Red Popular de Usuarias – the users' autonomous organisation.
Motion to Scottish Parliament:
US plot to assassinate President Chavez and visit to Scotland of Women's Development Bank
This Parliament notes that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has accused the US government of plotting to assassinate him for refusing to privatise and hand over to US corporations the oil and water that belong to the Venezuelan people; condemns any attempt to overthrow popular elected governments whilst preaching democracy; and welcomes to Scotland as part of their European tour Venezuela's Women's Development Bank, which aims to "eliminate poverty by giving power to the poor, creating a caring economy, an economy at the service of human beings, rather than human beings at the service of the economy". ROSIE KANE MSP
WHY VENEZUELA? The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is the world's 5th largest oil exporter, yet the majority of people, mainly people of colour, live in poverty. They elected President Hugo Chávez to get the oil revenue back to tackle poverty, and passed a revolutionary constitution which includes Article 88, which recognizes that housewives create added value and must be compensated with social security. In 2002 they defeated a US-backed coup and then an oil sabotage. In 2004, elections ratified Chavez in power and won 20 out of 22 states. Literacy, education, healthcare, housing, land rights and food security have leapt forward. The users of Banmujer, housewives and mothers who form co-operatives and associations, have been key in every initiative. Defying US attempts to intervene and discredit this "participatory democracy" based on grassroots self-activity, the Bolivarian revolution is a beacon of hope for people everywhere who demand an end to the twin terrors of poverty and war.
President of Venezuela's Women's Development Bank speaks at Scottish Parliament
This meeting is organised by Rosie Kane MSP and Global Women's Strike. GWS demands a change in economic priorities and the return of military budgets to the community, beginning with women the first carers. Women in over 60 countries, and men who support our goal that society Invest in Caring Not Killing, take Strike action on/around 8 March, International Women's Day.
Scottish Parliament: 1.30-2.30pm, Tuesday 15 March (Room T22, Holyrood).
Speakers:
* Nora Castañeda, President of the Women's Development Bank (Banmujer) in Venezuela. A renowned economist committed to grassroots women, she was appointed by President Chavez to head the Women's Bank in response to women's demands.
* Angélica Alvarez, originally from Chile, fled to Venezuela after the 1973 military coup against President Allende. As Banmujer's promoter-co-ordinator, she provides crucial support and direction to the Red Popular de Usuarias – the users' autonomous organisation.
Motion to Scottish Parliament:
US plot to assassinate President Chavez and visit to Scotland of Women's Development Bank
This Parliament notes that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has accused the US government of plotting to assassinate him for refusing to privatise and hand over to US corporations the oil and water that belong to the Venezuelan people; condemns any attempt to overthrow popular elected governments whilst preaching democracy; and welcomes to Scotland as part of their European tour Venezuela's Women's Development Bank, which aims to "eliminate poverty by giving power to the poor, creating a caring economy, an economy at the service of human beings, rather than human beings at the service of the economy". ROSIE KANE MSP
WHY VENEZUELA? The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is the world's 5th largest oil exporter, yet the majority of people, mainly people of colour, live in poverty. They elected President Hugo Chávez to get the oil revenue back to tackle poverty, and passed a revolutionary constitution which includes Article 88, which recognizes that housewives create added value and must be compensated with social security. In 2002 they defeated a US-backed coup and then an oil sabotage. In 2004, elections ratified Chavez in power and won 20 out of 22 states. Literacy, education, healthcare, housing, land rights and food security have leapt forward. The users of Banmujer, housewives and mothers who form co-operatives and associations, have been key in every initiative. Defying US attempts to intervene and discredit this "participatory democracy" based on grassroots self-activity, the Bolivarian revolution is a beacon of hope for people everywhere who demand an end to the twin terrors of poverty and war.
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