Consent of the Scottish Parliament must be sought on Brexit

Date: 24/01/17

A statement about the impact of the UK Supreme Court (UKSC) ruling will be made to Parliament tomorrow (Wednesday).

Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell confirmed that he would make the statement in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling that the UK government must seek the consent of the Westminster Parliament ahead of triggering Article 50.

The judgment said leaving the EU would alter the powers of the Scottish Parliament.

The UKSC also said the Sewel Convention, by which the Westminster Parliament does not normally legislate in devolved areas without the consent of Holyrood, was a political mechanism and not a matter for the courts to enforce.

Speaking after meeting the Standing Council on Europe earlier this morning, Mr Russell said:

“The Supreme Court made it clear that the UK Government cannot take us out of the European Union without at least a vote of the Westminster Parliament.

“Triggering Article 50 will have profound effects on devolved matters and on the powers of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government.

“The UK Government, in its submission to the court, went out of its way to emphasise that the Sewel Convention could not be enforced by the courts.

“But it has never sought to change the powers of the Parliament or the Scottish Government without the consent of the Scottish Parliament.

“It must not renege on that constitutional requirement.

“A hard Brexit would be disastrous for Scotland – and it is clear that an overwhelming majority across Scotland and in the Scottish Parliament are opposed to the UK Government’s plans.

“The Prime Minister has made numerous statements and commitments there would be a UK approach to Brexit. We published our proposals to protect Scotland’s interests in Europe at the end of last year and we have yet to have any detailed response, or any indication of whether or how the UK Government intends to take them forward as part of its forthcoming negotiations.

“Time is running out for the UK Government to show how it intends to respect Scotland’s interests. If it does not, the Scottish people will face a choice as to whether we continue down the damaging path of a hard Brexit, or choose a better way for Scotland.”

Article Source: http://news.gov.scot/news/uk-supreme-court-ruling

Scotland must be treated as full partner in process.

Date: 19/01/17
Article Source: http://news.gov.scot/news/jmc-meeting-on-brexit

Speaking after the latest meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee on Brexit, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell said:

“I made it absolutely clear at today’s meeting that Scotland must not be treated with contempt but as an equal partner in the negotiating process.

“The people of Scotland overwhelmingly rejected a hard Brexit and it is absolutely crucial that this is respected to avoid an economic catastrophe.

“We need to see clear evidence from the UK government that they will take forward the objective of keeping Scotland in the single market even if the rest of the UK leaves, and time is running out for them to do so.

“There was agreement in the meeting today to undertake further detailed work on that objective and I look forward to that process.

“It is extremely disappointing that the Prime Minister chose to disregard the process and make a significant announcement about her position two days before the JMC even considered our paper. It is now clear that single market membership for the whole of the UK is no longer an option and this is hugely disappointing.

“However, there are other options set out in our paper Scotland’s Place in Europe and our focus now is to ensure the UK Government takes seriously our objective of keeping Scotland in the European Single Market.

“They need to demonstrate that this is the case because the clock is ticking. The views and economic interests of the people of Scotland cannot be disregarded and brushed aside.”

Scotland’s Place in Europe.

Date: 17/01/17
Article via: http://news.gov.scot/news/scottish-parliament-welcomes-scottish-government-paper

Following the vote in the Scottish Parliament welcoming the Scottish Government’s proposals on Scotland’s place in Europe – and supporting the call for the UK to remain in the Single Market, or in the event that it leaves, for options to be explored that would keep Scotland within the single market Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said:

“On the date the UK Prime Minister has set out her plans for a hard Brexit the Scottish Parliament has signalled its overwhelming support for remaining within the single market and for exploring distinct solutions for Scotland.

“The views of the Scottish Parliament and the people of Scotland cannot simply be ignored in this process.

“The Scottish Government has been working hard to protect Scotland’s Place in Europe and our approach has been to listen and to seek consensus – so and I am pleased that Parliament has today backed our efforts to secure Scotland’s interests as part of the Article 50 process.

“On Thursday, we will present our paper at the Joint Ministerial Committee on European Negotiations, and to the subsequent discussion with Ministers from the UK Government and other devolved administrations.

“Those proposals are aimed at securing Scotland’s continued place in the single market within a UK context – the Prime Minister today reiterated her pledge to give our plans proper consideration, and we will hold her to that commitment.

“We’ll continue to work to mitigate and overcome the damage Brexit will cause to jobs, trade, education and to our public services. In everything we do, we’ll continue to seek agreement in the best interests of the people of Scotland.”

Associated Document: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2016/12/9234/downloads

First Minister opens new funding for communities and third sector.

Community and third sector projects that try new ways to tackle poverty and improve people’s lives can now apply for a share of £29 million ‎funding, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

The Scottish Government will direct £18.9 million into a new Aspiring Communities Fund to help organisations find new, long lasting community led solutions to poverty, by increasing economic activity or enhancing services to meet local needs.

‎The £9.7 million Growing the Social Economy Programme will enable third sector organisations to try new ideas and approaches by collaborating with research organisations or supporting people to improve their skills.

The £29 million funding over the next two years supports the Fairer Scotland Action Plan, published last October. £12 million of the total funding comes from the European Social Fund.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was today at Plantation Productions, an arts charity in Govan, to take part in art, media and craft projects.

The First Minister said:

“We are doing everything possible to create a more equal Scotland, and our Fairer Scotland Action Plan features 50 concrete actions to tackle poverty and inequality. This funding of £29 million will support communities and the third sector in developing new ways to help people overcome disadvantage.

“Over the next two years, the investment in these two Funds will deliver positive and innovative approaches to improve people’s lives through boosting skills or delivering new services to meet community needs – and crucially, giving people the power to take charge and make changes in their own communities.

“Almost half of this funding comes from the European Social Fund which promotes inclusive growth and supports those who are disadvantaged – and the best way to continue that support beyond 2020 is by maintaining Scotland’s relationship with Europe.”

Moya Crowley, Project Manager at Plantation Productions said:

“As a Community Arts and Media Charity embedded in the heart of Govan, Glasgow, Plantation Productions very much welcomes this news. It is extremely encouraging to see the commitment of the Scottish Government in strengthening the third sector and local communities through this funding. “For organisations like Plantation Productions, the Aspiring Communities Fund and Growing Social Economy Programme promise a very optimistic view for the future. With strained resources, this funding offers an opportunity to maintain, develop and grow community led initiatives, respond to local aspirations and needs and support the most deprived communities in Scotland.”

Article Source: http://news.gov.scot/news/gbp-29-million-to-build-fairer-scotland

First Minister highlights importance of “putting people at the heart of treatment”.

An extra £107 million that will ensure more people are able to be cared for safely in their own homes and avoid preventable admissions to hospital is set to transform patient care in Scotland.

The money will be invested into health and social care partnerships which bring together NHS and local council care services for patients, in particular the elderly, and reduce the need for them to go into hospital for treatment.

This new investment means NHS spending on social care and investment will increase to almost half a billion pounds in the coming year, and will go towards delivering our living wage commitment to adult social care workers.

The First Minister discussed the investment during a visit to Midlothian Community Hospital in Bonnyrigg, which she opened in 2011.

It is a community based facility providing intermediate care with a particular focus on frailty and dementia. The First Minister met patients receiving physiotherapy at the purpose-built gym and older people attending a day centre at the hospital.

Speaking earlier, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“Integration is one of the most ambitious programmes of work this Government has ever undertaken and one which we believe will deliver health and social care services that work more efficiently, putting people at the very heart of treatment decisions.

“That is why this £107 million additional funding across Scotland is so important. Not only does it ensure that patients can receive more treatment in their communities where we know they are more comfortable, but it also reduces demand for acute hospital usage by reducing avoidable admissions, lengths of stay and delayed discharges.

“Our social care system is world renowned and envied across the UK and, as a shared priority between the Scottish Government and local government, spend on this has been protected in Scotland. This additional funding maintains that for 2017/18.

“This is in direct contrast to the situation in England and Wales where six consecutive years of cuts to local authority budgets have seen 26 per cent fewer people get the help they need.

“Across Edinburgh and the Lothians, funding for integrated health and social care has now topped £1 billion for next year which yet again enforces this government’s focus on ensuring health care remains a priority for the future.”

Director of Adult Health and Social Care in Midlothian, Eibhlin McHugh said:

“The Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership’s vision is that people will lead longer and healthier lives by getting the right advice, care, and support, in the right place, at the right time. We’re delighted to hear of the extra funding as our share of that £107 million will help us achieve those aims.”

Article Source: http://news.gov.scot/news/gbp-107m-for-health-and-social-care-integration

New hospitals and health centres due to open in 2017-18

Nearly £500 million of new healthcare facilities, including two new hospital buildings, are expected to open to patients in 2017-18.

Funded through Scottish Government investment, these new NHS and local council facilities will provide patients across Scotland with treatment in purpose-built, 21^st century settings.

The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will, tomorrow, visit the site of the new £212 million Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary to see progress with the project – as part of a series of engagements with a specific focus on investment in Scotland’s health service.

It is one of four projects due to open in the next financial year and forms part of a programme of capital investment in the NHS estate worth over £2 billion between 2013-14 and 2017-18.

This has seen the completion or expected completion of six new health and social care facilities in 2016-17, including a new community hospital in Ayrshire & Arran, two health centres in Glasgow and a new national centre for Scotland’s blood transfusion service.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said the continued investment in new healthcare facilities would ensure NHS Scotland remains at the forefront of providing safe, effective and high-quality care.

Ms Robison said: “As we enter a new year, it seems apt to reflect on the significant progress made in delivering some key new facilities, which are already beginning to transform the care thousands of patients receive every day.

“Looking ahead, nearly half a billion pounds of hospitals and health centres will be completed in 2017-18 – making care more effective, efficient and safe.

“Our investment in these new facilities will help us to achieve our ambition of transforming the way health and social care services are delivered, keeping NHS Scotland at the forefront of delivering world-class care.”

Projects due for completion in 2017-18 are:

• The new Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, replacing the existing, ageing hospital and providing 344 single bedded en-suite rooms and purpose built wards and theatres using the most advanced technology. The £212 million facility is due to open at the end of 2017.
• The new Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Clinical Neurosciences based at Little France in Edinburgh. The £230 million NHS Lothian project is due to open to patients in early 2018.
• The refurbishment and upgrade of seven operating theatres and a new Intensive Care Unit at Monklands Hospital. The £20 million project is being run by NHS Lanarkshire and is expected to complete in early 2018.
• Three new health and care centres in Blackburn, north-west Edinburgh and Firhill, providing new facilities for local healthcare and council-run services in the community. The £25 million project is expected to complete in 2018.

Projects completed or expected to be completed in 2016-17 are:

• The Phase 1 redevelopment of the Royal Edinburgh Campus, providing new accommodation for a range of NHS Lothian mental health services, as well as the Robert Fergusson national brain injury unit. The £48 million project was completed in December 2016.
• NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s £28 million Building for Better Care programme, which includes the redevelopment of University Hospital Ayr’s A&E department and the expansion of the intensive care and high dependency units at Crosshouse Hospital and University Hospital Ayr. This is expected to be fully complete in early 2017.
• The new Woodland View Hospital serving east, north and south Ayrshire, providing acute and community mental health services (with 206 inpatient beds). The £55 million project opened in May 2016.
• The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service National Centre, providing new state-of-the art facilities for the processing and storage of blood products, as well as allowing NHS National Services Scotland to develop its research potential. The £38 million project is expected to be finished in early 2017.
• The Eastwood and Maryhill Health Centres which bring together a range of local services under one roof, including GP practices, physiotherapy, mental health, sexual health and social care. The NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde projects, which total £27 million, both opened to patients in summer 2016.