Final #GE2017 result in Scotland

SNP 35
Conservatives 13
Labour 7
Lib Dems 4

#ge17 pic.twitter.com/eeTaThDjl2 https://t.co/KVmJ6Qz58Q

— ScottishPoliticsNews (@ScoPoliticsNews) June 9, 2017

Report finds Scotland has ‘unique system for improving patient care’.

(Article from www.gov.scot)

Scotland’s NHS has lessons for the rest of the UK, according to a new report by the Nuffield Trust.

The research, entitled ‘Learning from Scotland’s NHS’ is part of the health think-tank’s ongoing work looking at health and care across all four devolved nations of the UK.

It highlights the way NHS Scotland seeks to improve the quality and safety of care given to patients, and the fact that it trusts and equips clinical staff to drive that improvement.

The report also emphasises Scotland’s progress in integrating health and social care, as well as its “pioneering” work in providing healthcare to remote areas and tackling health inequalities.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said:

“I’m proud that the achievements of NHS Scotland’s staff are being recognised in this report. Our world-leading Patient Safety Programme has led to 20,000 fewer than expected deaths, the lowest recorded levels of healthcare associated infections and significant improvement in sepsis and surgical mortality.

“We are also delivering the integration of health and social care, which is one of the most significant reforms since the establishment of the NHS, and which is helping improve service delivery. By bringing these services together we are ensuring people get the right care and support for their individual needs, and that staff across health and social care are equipped to work together to make full use of their shared skills and resources.

“Our ambitions for the NHS are founded on the twin approach of investment and reform, making the changes needed for future backed by record levels of investment and staffing.”

The Scottish Government’s National Clinical Director, Professor Jason Leitch said:

“This report highlights the efforts of many thousands of dedicated staff who over a number of years have ensured that the healthcare system in Scotland is one of the best in the world.

“It is very encouraging to see the NHS in Scotland commended for the ‘continuity and consistency’ of the leadership and Scotland’s ‘emphasis on building up a cohort of staff equipped with skills for change’.

“The Health Secretary has been clear that there is no room for complacency and we are working to build on these successes and continue to improve the quality and safety of care provided to the people of Scotland, ensuring that wherever improvements are needed they are introduced and maintained.”

Article Source: https://news.gov.scot/news/scotlands-nhs-leads-by-example

Address to Scottish Parliament by Nicola Surgeon FM 23/05/17.

This afternoon, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave a statement to the Scottish Parliament about the Manchester terrorist attack.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“Presiding Officer,

“It is with great sadness that I rise to speak today.

“Last night in Manchester we witnessed a horrific attack on innocent people enjoying a music concert.

“My thoughts, those of this Parliament – indeed, the thoughts of all the people of Scotland – are with those who have lost loved ones or sustained injuries in this dreadful atrocity.

“There can be nothing more cowardly than attacking children and young people enjoying a fun night out.

“Across Scotland today we stand in solidarity with the people of Manchester – a great city with which so many people in Scotland share a close affinity.

“I have this morning also written to Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester, offering the condolences of the Scottish people and pledging any possible practical support that the Scottish Government or any of our agencies can provide.

“We also express our gratitude to the emergency services who continue to work to ensure that people in Manchester and around the country are safe – and whose dedication and bravery, running towards danger as others run away, stands in such sharp contrast to the cowardice of those who carry out such atrocities.

“Shortly after we received the first substantive reports of the incident, in the early hours of this morning, the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room was activated.

“At 8.30 this morning, I chaired a meeting of the Resilience Committee, which was attended by the Deputy First Minister, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, the Lord Advocate and senior officers from Police Scotland. In the last half hour I have received a further update from Police Scotland and will chair a further meeting of the Resilience Committee later today.

“The Scottish Government and Police Scotland have been liaising closely with colleagues in the UK Government and police colleagues in England and Wales throughout the night and during today.

“I was also updated by the National Security Adviser earlier this morning.

“At this point, as has been confirmed, 22 people have tragically lost their lives and 59 have been injured – many of whom, no doubt very seriously.

“In the last hour, an 8 year old girl has been named as one of the victims.

“We know there will be much more heartbreak like that to face in the days ahead.

“Currently, we are aware of 4 people who have presented at hospital here in Scotland. Two have already been discharged and I understand that a third is likely to be discharged during the course of today. Indeed, my information is that none of their injuries are life-threatening.

“Police Scotland are also in contact with and offering support to the families of Laura MacIntyre and Eilidh MacLeod, the two young girls from Barra who are still unaccounted for having attended the concert last night.

“It is hard for any of us to imagine the anguish that their families are going through. They are in our thoughts and the Scottish Government and Police Scotland will do all we possibly can to ensure that they have all the support they need.

“I must stress that we cannot be sure at this stage that there are no other Scots affected – but we continue to liaise closely with Police Scotland to gather information and provide all appropriate support.

“What we do know is that there may be some people travelling home today or in the days ahead who will have witnessed events last night.

“Therefore, as part of Police Scotland’s efforts to assist with the ongoing investigation, they will be present at motorway service stations and working with the British Transport Police at major train stations to identify any possible witnesses returning to Scotland from Manchester.

“What happened last night was a brutal terror attack. At times like this, it is understandable that people feel scared and anxious.

“That is why it is my priority, working with Police Scotland, to ensure that we offer reassurance, but also to ensure that all appropriate protective and precautionary measures are being taken.

“Now it is important to emphasise that at this stage the security threat level remains unchanged, at severe.

“I also want to stress that, at this time, there is no intelligence of any increased threat or risk to Scotland.

“However, as a precautionary measure, Police Scotland have increased security at key locations such as transport hubs and city centres.

“There has also been an increase in the number of armed police and armed response vehicles being deployed across Scotland.

“Police Scotland will keep these arrangements under review, as well as the arrangements for security at the various upcoming events we know about over the next few days,

“These events range from the small daily events and celebrations that make up the fabric of our society to large scale football matches, marathons and VIP events. Police Scotland are looking very closely at every event and the security around them.

“This will include reviewing every single event due to take place over the next 14 days to ensure that a consistent and appropriate approach is taken across Scotland. For example, a full review of the Scottish Cup Final will be taking place with the SFA to ensure that there is an appropriate deployment of police officers.

“This is in addition to the work that will be done to ensure public reassurance around the night time economy and crowded places more generally.

“I am being regularly briefed and updated on the police response and I am sure the public will draw assurance from the substantial uplift of visible policing on the streets.

“However, I would stress, as others have done and as it is important to do, and that such measures are precautionary.

“My message to the public is that they should also remain vigilant, and report any concerns they have to the police – but they should also go about their everyday business as normal.

“Presiding Officer,

“Last night’s attack, as you and others have said, was particularly cruel in its targeting of young people enjoying a pop concert, an event that for many of them will have been looking forward to for months.

“That they should have been confronted with such horror is utterly heartbreaking.

“There will also be many other young people across the country who will be seeing on the news and social media today the kind of images that we wish they never had to see. And many young people may feel particularly vulnerable at this time.

“So this is a time to ensure we talk to our children, at home, at school and when we hear them talking among their friends. We have been in touch with Young Scot this morning, as well as with Education Scotland and local authorities to provide guidance and support to help with those conversations.

“Young Scot have issued the details of an information line which offers a safe space for any young person in Scotland to make contact and get information.

“They are also developing an online resource with key information and content to help meet young people’s needs, emphasising the importance of respecting other people and their opinions, the emotional impact of this event and how to differentiate between accurate and false information.

“Presiding Officer,

“We know that terrorists and extremists seek to divide us and destroy our way of life.

“As human beings, we cannot comprehend the twisted motivations that lead people to carry out such atrocities, particularly when they target children and young people in such a callous way.

“Our best response now – and always – is to stand firm together with determination and in solidarity, to make clear to those who seek to undermine our values, target our children and destroy our way of life, that they will not succeed. Not now and not ever.

“There are, Presiding Officer, many people today suffering pain and grief that we can scarcely imagine. And there are others who will still be consumed by worry and uncertainty about their loved ones.

“Let us hold them firmly in our hearts, today and in the many difficult days that lie ahead.”

Source Link: https://news.gov.scot/news/first-minister-addresses-parliament-on-manchester-attack

Scotland retains top UK region status outside London for foreign direct investment.

2016 was a record-breaking year of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Scotland, according to the latest annual survey into FDI attractiveness published today by Ernst and Young.

The 2017 EY Scotland Attractiveness Survey shows that Scotland has retained its position as the top location in the UK outside London for foreign direct investment (FDI), with investment projects up 2.5% on 2015.

As well as highlighting the record level of investment projects won by Scotland, the report also notes that Scotland now takes over one in 50 of all investment projects in Europe; a clear indication that Scotland is now firmly established as a location of choice for global investors.

2016 was also a strong year for Scotland in attracting research and development inward investment; with 21 individual projects, Scotland has retained its position as number one in the UK for R&D projects.

In terms of projects secured, Scotland has three cities represented in the UK top 10, with Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen featuring in fifth, sixth and seventh place respectively.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Keith Brown said:

“These figures from Ernst & Young confirm that 2016 was a record breaking year for foreign direct investment into Scotland. For the second year in a row we have attracted more projects than ever before – with 2016 up 2.5% on 2015’s previous record – and Scotland has been the top UK region outside London in every one of the past five years.

“The statistics not only confirm Scotland’s position as the top UK region outside London for foreign direct investment, but highlight the underlying strengths of the Scottish economy. We enjoy resources few nations can match, including one of the most highly-educated workforces in Europe, a long-standing reputation for innovation and an internationally-regarded brand.

“Today’s attractiveness survey indicates these assets continue to be recognised on the world stage, with a substantial number of projects from the US, France and Germany. In fact, more than one in 50 of the investment projects across the whole of Europe are located in Scotland.

“We will continue to support the Scottish economy. And we will never fail to highlight, wherever and whenever we can, Scotland’s wealth of resources – the economic strengths that today’s figures show have proved attractive to companies from all over the world.”

Paul Lewis, Managing Director of Scottish Development International, said:

“Scotland has a great track record as a location which holds tremendous appeal to international investors, so it’s heartening to see that position reinforced by the new EY survey, and it’s particularly welcome to hear that Scotland now wins over one in 50 of all investment projects into Europe.

“In a highly competitive inward investment market, this is a huge indicator of Scotland’s global attractiveness and investment performance.

“Through our international network, we continue to promote Scotland as a country which is brilliantly connected for business, and these results reflect the strong partnerships with those who work with us in promoting Scotland as a highly competitive international business location.

“We now have an opportunity to build on Scotland’s international reach and the connections that exist across many parts of our economy, to attract even more new inward investment to the country.”

In terms of geographical source of FDI projects, the top five countries investing in Scotland in 2016 were the US (43 projects / 35%), France (14 projects / 11%), Germany (7 projects / 6%), Ireland (6 projects / 5%) and China (5 projects / 4%).

Article Source: https://news.gov.scot/news/scotland-top-for-foreign-investment

The SNP topped the poll while the Scottish Conservatives finished second.

Report From stv News:
The full results of last week’s council elections have been published by the Electoral Management Board for Scotland.

The SNP came top of the poll with 32.3% of first preference votes cast, with the Scottish Conservatives in second with 25.3%.

A total of 1,889,658 valid votes were cast on Thursday with turnout increasing to 46.9%, the highest for a local election not held on the same day as a national poll in Scotland since 1977.

Turnout was highest in the Western Isles at 56.1% while the lowest turnout was recorded in Glasgow, where 39% of voters came out to vote in the country’s largest local authority.
FULL REPORT: https://stv.tv/news/politics/1387948-full-scottish-council-election-results-published/

Local elections: Full list of Scottish results published https://t.co/VE3VugxkVx

— ScottishPoliticsNews (@ScoPoliticsNews) 10 May 2017