Scotland-Ireland relationship to strengthen in years ahead.

Scotland’s response to the vote to leave the EU will define the country for generations to come, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the upper house of the Irish Parliament today.

She made the remarks during a speech to the Seanad, marking the end of a two-day visit to Ireland to further political, economic and cultural links between Scotland and Ireland.

She said that the shared history between Scotland and Ireland had created inextricable links and a bond of mutual co-operation that a consequence of Brexit in Scotland was an even sharper focus on social justice.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Although we share more than a thousand years of history, I hope and believe that relations between Scotland and Ireland are now stronger, warmer and more harmonious than they have ever been.

“And of course these political, economic and cultural links draw strength from, and reinforce, the most important connection of all: the friendship and kinship which is shared by millions of Scottish and Irish people, across these islands and around the world.

“I believe that all of these ties will strengthen further – to our mutual benefit – in the years ahead.

“There is no doubt that the UK-wide vote to leave the EU was deeply unwelcome. For Scotland, as for Ireland, it creates a challenge which is not of our choosing.

“For Scotland, too, we know that how we – and indeed the UK as a whole – respond to June’s vote will define us for generations to come.

“We can choose to turn inwards or we can choose to stand strong for the principles of an open economy and a progressive, liberal democracy.

“I choose the latter. But in doing so, I recognise that we mustn’t just assert the benefits of these values – we must be able to demonstrate them.

“Ireland provides an interesting example. The decisions you took after 1958 to open your economy to the world were transformational. You are a wealthier, more open and more diverse society as a result.

“But recent years have demonstrated that all open, trading nations, and certainly including Scotland – need to ensure that growth is truly sustainable; that all parts of our society have a fair chance to contribute to it; and that everyone can fairly share the fair benefits it.

“There need be no contradiction between being an open, dynamic and competitive economy, and a fair, inclusive and welcoming society. In fact, what we are seeing around the world demonstrates that the two must go together – a fair society is essential, if we are to sustain support for an open economy.

“My hope is that Scotland and Ireland – sharing as we do an open heart for newcomers; and a faith in dialogue’s power to move minds – will work even more closely together in the years ahead. And I hope we will make new works, new meanings, new impacts from our ancient ties and our shared values. If we do so, we can ensure that our small nations send a powerful signal to others. And we can bring benefits throughout these islands, across the continent, and maybe even around the world.”

Background:
A full text of the speech is available here: http://news.gov.scot/speeches-and-briefings/first-minister-address-to-seanad

Source: http://news.gov.scot/news/first-ministers-address-to-seanad

By Alex Aitchison SNP
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) have confirmed that data published last week on MP expenses was incorrect.

The incorrect figures, which under-reported the expenses of Scottish Labour and Lib Dem MPs in 2014/15, were used by Scottish Labour to launch an attack on SNP MPs.

Here are the facts.

SNP MPs are costing less than their predecessors – by over £1 million

IPSA issued a written acknowledgement and apology to the SNP, and new figures published on their website confirm that in 2015/16 SNP MPs in fact cost over £1 million (£1,140,801.64) less than their predecessors did in 2014/15. On average SNP MPs cost over £21,000 less than their Scottish Labour and Lib Dem predecessors.

SNP MPs are working harder than their Labour and LibDem predecessors too.

New figures from House of Commons Library research show that SNP MPs work harder than their Scottish Labour and LibDem predecessors, and are some of the most active MPs at Westminster:

In 2015-16, SNP MPs spoke in an average of 61 debates. This compares to an average of just 27 for their predecessors in 2014-15.
Since the 2015 General Election, SNP MPs have each tabled an average of 80 written parliamentary questions. In total, SNP MPs have tabled over 4,000 written parliamentary questions – holding UK government ministers to account.
Since the 2015 General Election, SNP MPs have tabled over 1,000 EDMs – helping bring attention to the important issues facing local communities, the people of Scotland and the UK.
Since the 2015 General Election, SNP MPs have contributed to the work of 77 Select Committees, Sub-Committees, Bill Committees and Commissions – including chairing 3 Select Committees.

Source: http://www.snp.org/fact_check_snp_mps_cost_less_and_work_harder_than_their_predecessors

By David Livey (SNP)

The Tories are claiming a £820 million Autumn Statement giveaway to Scotland.

To paraphrase the former Tory leader William Hague, it’s a bit like stealing someone’s car and coming back the next day with the hubcaps.

The £820 million announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond is capital spending (in plain English that’s money that can be spent on things like big infrastructure projects like hospitals, schools and new roads) and is spread over the next five years.

While welcome, here’s the bit Chancellor left out: this new funding pales in comparison to the whopping cuts already being made by the Tories to Scotland’s budget.

The reality is that in the ten year period to 2019-20 the UK government – both the Tory-led coalition and the current Tory government – will have cut Scotland’s budget by a huge £2.9 billion in real terms. That’s after the ‘extra’ £820 million is added.

Article Source: http://www.snp.org/fact_check_the_tories_820_million_whopper

Autumn statement a ‘missed opportunity to end austerity’.

Commenting on the first Autumn Statement in the wake of the EU referendum, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said the Chancellor’s plans laid bare the real cost of leaving Europe. The statement also failed to end damaging austerity, does not go far enough to get the economy on track and provide no additional funding for our public services.

Mr Mackay said:

“The truth about Brexit – and the UK’s financial and economic future – was laid bare by the Chancellor today. The real cost of Brexit has now been revealed – and it is a cost which will be paid through lower growth, lower tax revenues, higher borrowing, higher debt and higher inflation. That is the future the Autumn Statement revealed the UK faces as a result of leaving the European Union.

“Above all, this was a massive missed opportunity to end austerity. The Chancellor has failed to ease the punitive cuts that are hitting so many Scottish families. Instead he has continued the damaging austerity that is slashing the budget for public services, hammering family finances and failing to revive the economy.

“Under these plans, Scotland will see a real terms cut to the day-to-day budget that pays for public services. By 2019/20 it is expected to be almost 9% lower over the decade, reducing the scope we have to mitigate against Westminster austerity and invest in growing our economy.

“Even on the much heralded investment in infrastructure, all we have seen is the Chancellor moderating cuts already imposed on Scotland. As a result, Scotland’s capital budget will still be around 8% lower in real terms across this decade.

“Most shocking, perhaps, is the Chancellor’s failure to commit a single extra penny for the NHS today. This blatant disregard of our public services is deeply worrying. I am also concerned by the lack of commitment to the single market which would have provided a level of certainty in light of the weak economic outlook created by Brexit. The Chancellor’s forecast reflects the impact of EU exit with reduced growth forecast and higher borrowing of over £100 billion required over the forecast period.

“Today’s Autumn Statement is effectively tinkering around the edges and while I welcome the focus on capital expenditure, which I have been calling for, there is still not enough to help hard pressed families.

“It is deeply disappointing that the Chancellor has chosen not implemented the strong package of support needed for the North Sea, and affected communities, which continues to be impacted by low oil prices.

“I will publish the Scottish Draft Budget next month that will support our economy, tackle inequality and provide high quality public services for all – underlining the very different approaches our two governments take.”

Background

The Scottish Government has set out key commitments in its Programme for Government around the NHS, early years, attainment, policing and support for business – aimed at supporting the economy, tackling inequality and providing high quality public services. http://www.gov.scot/programme2016

The Scottish Draft Budget 2017-18 will be published on 15th December.

ARTICLE SOURCE: http://news.gov.scot/news/true-cost-of-brexit-revealed

Funding to reduce hospital appointment waiting times
Article by Scot gov 21/11/16

Over £10 million of additional funding is being allocated to health boards to support improvements in first outpatient waiting times.

The investment will allow the NHS to see thousands of patients that are waiting for an appointment more quickly, as well as helping to build additional capacity into the system ahead of winter.

It will fund an estimated 40,000 additional outpatient appointments across Scotland over the next few months, in areas such as orthopaedics, ophthalmology and gastroenterology.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “It is important to us that people are seen as quickly as possible when they are waiting for a hospital appointment. This £10 million investment is designed to get those patients who are currently waiting for a first appointment, and potentially a diagnosis, seen more quickly.

“It will also help to reduce waiting lists and help ease pressure on our outpatient services as we head in to winter.

“Demand has increased, with a 13.2% increase in outpatient activity under this Government. When I speak to staff on the frontline they stress to me just how important good planning can ensure waiting lists are managed effectively.

“That is why, as well as these short-term measures, we are also developing a long-term strategy to transform our outpatient care which will be published shortly.

“This will complement work on our new £200 million network of diagnostic and elective treatment centres to be delivered over the next few years – helping the NHS to meet the demands of the future.”

Article Source: http://news.gov.scot/news/gbp-10-million-for-outpatients

First Minister: Outward-looking, welcoming approach key to growth and opportunity

Address to investors at AAM conference in London.

The First Minister today contrasted the Scottish Government’s “Welcome in Scotland” approach with the approach being taken by the UK government.

Nicola Sturgeon set out her determination to keep Scotland in the Single Market even if the rest of the UK leaves, following the Brexit vote.

The First Minister addressed 200 investors at AAM’s annual investment conference in London on the themes of growth, empowerment, and the importance of investing in an inclusive economy.

Ms Sturgeon said

“Scotland voted very strongly to remain in the European Union – by 62% to 38%. Every local authority area in Scotland voted to retain EU membership.

“It is my job, and the job of the whole Scottish Government, to protect our vital national interests. We are currently exploring all options that will enable us to do that.

“More than anything else our long-term economic success will depend on nurturing the talent of those already in Scotland and of those who believe ours is the kind of welcoming country that allows ambition to flourish.

“That’s why I am so personally committed to reducing the attainment gap in Scotland’s schools. Education and skills will always be at the heart of how individuals’ fulfil their potential.

“We also believe freedom of movement helps to enhance and enrich our country. It creates opportunity for those born here and for those who move here.

“The position of the UK Government and some others is very different. From the refusal to guarantee the status of fellow EU nationals living in Scotland and the UK, to the threat to draw up lists of foreign workers, the UK Government seems intent on sending out a “not welcome here” message.

“I am determined that we send out a different message: one that says to all those living, working and studying in Scotland that they are most definitely welcome.

“We want to trade as freely as possible with our EU partners; to continue to welcome people from across the EU and around the world; to maintain ties which have enhanced our prosperity and enriched our society.

“And we want to ensure that Scotland remains an open, internationalist country. Our relationship with Europe has become part of Scotland’s sense of itself. So we will argue for an approach to Brexit which retains as much of that relationship as possible.”

Background:

The First Minister’s speech is available here: http://news.gov.scot/speeches-and-briefings/aberdeen-asset-management-annual-investment-conference

ARTICLE SOURCE: http://news.gov.scot/news/first-minister-outward-looking-welcoming-approach-key-to-growth-and-opportunity

Our history with Europe. (Scot Govt Publication)

A document outlining Scotland’s extensive historical engagement with Europe and its present democratic and constitutional position in relation to the UK, Europe and Brexit has been published today.

The document, for an international audience, explains the historical, political and legal reasons why Scotland’s voice needs to be heard following the EU Referendum. In addition the Scottish Government has set out our intention to publish plans to maintain Scotland’s relationship with Europe in the coming weeks.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said:

“Scotland has benefitted tremendously from our EU membership in terms of trade, skills, funding, people and rights. And, individuals, businesses and communities have gained from the ability to live, study, work and travel across 28 Member States.

“In turn the EU has benefitted from years of partnership working with Scotland on areas ranging from climate change, social policies and research.

“A clear majority of people in Scotland voted to maintain their relationship with Europe and we will continue to pursue all options to protect Scotland’s interests.

“This document is to help partners across Europe to understand Scotland’s distinct position.

“Scotland has had a strong and committed relationship with the EU for over 40 years and we want to continue a positive relationship for many more.”

Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell added:

“Since the Scottish Parliament was re-established in 1999 the people of Scotland have exercised their democratic right to have a government that represents their needs.

“The rest of the United Kingdom acknowledged and respected the right of the people of Scotland, within the Union, to make these decisions themselves.

“EU law stands at the centre of these arrangements, shaping the powers of the Scottish Parliament, and providing rights to the citizens of Scotland.

“However, following the EU referendum their rights in areas that are devolved to the Scottish Parliament are now under threat.

“Whilst we accept that the formal EU negotiating role belongs constitutionally to the UK, it is also clear that Scotland’s political history and current constitutional framework make it imperative that our distinctive voice and views are heard loud and clear in London and throughout Europe.”

To read the full document visit http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2016/11/4961

ARTICLE SOURCE: http://news.gov.scot/news/scotland-a-european-nation

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