Month: August 2019

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news

TORIES MUST APOLOGISE OVER BANNED BREXIT ADVERTS

TORIES MUST APOLOGISE OVER BANNED BREXIT ADVERTS

The UK government must apologise to EU citizens after the Advertising Standards Authority branded official adverts “misleading” and banned their broadcast.

As reported by Buzzfeed, the ASA found that adverts telling EU citizens how to apply for settled status wrongly claimed that “all you need is your passport or ID card” to apply. In 27% of cases, applicants have been required to provide further evidence.

Commenting, SNP Justice and Home Affairs spokesperson Joanna Cherry QC MP said:

“It is a damning indictment of the UK Government’s treatment of EU nationals that these adverts have been banned for being misleading.

“The settled status scheme has been a shambles from day one – forcing EU citizens living in the UK to apply for the rights they already have. 

“The bare minimum should be for the Home Office to be honest with the public – a low bar they’ve failed to clear. 

“The Tories must apologise for these adverts – and once for all remove the fear, anxiety and uncertainty they are causing to millions of people, by guaranteeing the full rights of EU nationals resident in the UK once and for all.”

A Government Advertising Campaign Telling EU Citizens How To Stay In The UK After Brexit Has Been Banned For Being “Misleading” – https://www.buzzfeed.com/alexwickham/government-eu-citizens-brexit-adverts-banned

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RUTH DAVIDSON IN HIDING.

RUTH DAVIDSON IN HIDING.
SCOTTISH TORIES’ SHAMEFUL RADIO SILENCE OVER NO DEAL CONDEMNED.

STOP PRESS;

RUTH DAVIDSON TO STEP DOWN SPELLS DISASTER FOR SCOTTISH TORY PARTY!

The SNP has called on the Scottish Tories to make clear whether or not they will support cross-party efforts to block Boris Johnson’s plan to shut down Parliament to force through an extreme Brexit – or instead continue to hide in their bunker.

After the Prime Minister announced plans for a Queen’s Speech in October – which would result in Parliament being suspended – the Scottish Secretary Alister Jack cancelled a planned visit to Edinburgh and questions from journalists.

The Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson has also reportedly refused to do any interviews following the Prime Minister’s plans and has refused to comment on the move to prorogue Parliament.

Commenting, SNP Depute Leader Keith Brown said:

“On the day Boris Johnson has made clear he is willing to bypass and stifle democracy to force through an extreme no-deal Brexit, the Scottish Tory leader and her group of MPs have gone into hiding.

“If Ruth Davidson was at all serious about opposing a no deal Brexit she would be ordering her MPs to stand up to Boris Johnson. Her failure to do so makes her every bit as culpable for this sorry mess.

“The Scottish Tories are too scared to defend the shocking and unprecedented actions of their own government – choosing to hide in their bunker rather than answer to the public.

“For all her feigned protests, we know that Ruth Davidson is completely incapable of standing up to her boss Boris Johnson.

“But she cannot stay in hiding forever – sooner or later she is going to have to surface and start answering questions.

“The SNP will continue to work with opposition MPs to prevent this Prime Minister from forcing through a catastrophic no deal Brexit, and it is vital that MPs from all parties come together to prevent this undemocratic manoeuvre which would drag Scotland and the UK off the cliff-edge.”

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Ebay Funny Of The Day

EBAY FUNNY OF THE DAY.

EBAY FUNNY OF THE DAY.

 

 

ebay funny of the day.
check the description and see how silly this ebay seller is?

 

Every day people look for bargains and funnies of the day on EBAY today is no other day and stupid sellers try and hoodwink silly buyers I wonder if you can spot the EBAY funny of the day?

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Scottish Care Review Body.

UPDATE ON PETITION NUMBER 1673 SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT.

UPDATE ON PETITION NUMBER 1673 SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT.

I presented Petition Number 1673 to the Petitions Committee of the Scottish Parliament on 23rd November, 2017.    The original Petition was based on my personal experiences of the current system and called for an independent QC led investigation into every aspect of child protection in Scotland.   Since then a number of submissions have been made by Scottish Government.   Their response shows that there is either a cover up in the current system that has approximately 15000 children in care not at home or that the Government have no idea of the reality of the current situation.   Twice in debate of the Petition, the Convener  Johann Lamont, MSP has asked the question “is it the case that there is no support for families or is it a mind set that says children must go into care”.

Petiti9on 1673 is due to be back in front of the Committee on 5th September, 2019.    This year with the knowledge and information gleaned from the Petition 1673 network, I have made three further submissions to the Petition Committee.   IN the last submission the clerks adapted two further Petitions to be submissions in order that the issues could get before MSP quicker.    The latest submission requests that the Care Inspectorate be given powers to investigate individual complaints in child protection.    and for the law to be changed to make it a criminal offence for anybody to deliberately give misleading and false information to a Sheriff or a Childrens Hearing.

I would hope that you will watch the live debate re the Petition as well as circulating this email around your collegause and contacts.

Petition 1673 can be located at
http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01673

Regards,

James A Mackie

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news

TORY-TRUMP TRADE DEAL A THREAT TO SCOTLAND’S NHS.

TORY-TRUMP TRADE DEAL A THREAT TO SCOTLAND’S NHS.

AGGRESSIVE TRADE DEMANDS COULD BE DEVASTATING.

The SNP has said that a Tory-Trump trade deal could seriously threaten Scotland’s NHS and future prosperity – warning that this is too high a price to pay to placate Donald Trump.

Speaking after a meeting with Boris Johnson, US advisor John Bolton said the UK will be “first in line” for a trade deal and claimed the prime minister and Donald Trump have got their relationship off to a “roaring start.”

Mr Bolton also told reporters that America would “enthusiastically” support a no-deal Brexit, which could cost 100,000 jobs in Scotland alone.

The Trump administration has taken an aggressive stance towards post-Brexit trade talks with the UK – raising fears that the UK could soon be swamped with imports of US produce including hormone-injected beef and chlorinated chicken, which are currently banned under EU rule.

SNP MSP Emma Harper said:

“Scotland’s NHS should not be up for negotiation in a trade off between Boris Johnson and Donald Trump.

“In three years, the Tories have secured just a handful of trade deals – giving little to no thought to Scotland’s needs, and consistently failing to provide assurances to our booming food and drink sector.

“This Tory government wants to rip us out of the world’s largest single market under the illusion they can win fantastic trade deals with the US and a long queue of others.

“But Donald Trump has made clear that any trade deal will come up at a price, with ‘everything on the table’ ‘

“Our trade links are stronger than ever, with demand for Scottish produce increasing across the world, including in the US. An extreme Tory Brexit would completely undermine the Scottish Government’s efforts to boost Scotland’s trading position, and seriously threaten our international reputation.

“The UK government simply must not be allowed to negotiate away the rights of Scottish food producers, our exporters, and our NHS.

“No matter how desperate the UK government is, Scotland’s future prosperity must not be sacrificed in order to kowtow to Donald Trump’s aggressive trade demands.”

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news

PLAN FOR FISH EXPORTS AFTER NO DEAL.

PLAN FOR FISH EXPORTS AFTER NO DEAL.

SNP WARNS OF BREXIT THREAT TO SHETLAND’S THRIVING SEAFOOD INDUSTRY.

Boris Johnson’s plans for a No Deal Brexit must not be allowed to jeopardise Shetland’s fishing trade with Europe, SNP candidate Tom Wills has said.

Speaking from Scalloway, alongside SNP MEP Alyn Smith, Wills branded the Tory government’s advice for exporting fish and seafood to Europe in the event of a No Deal as “shambolic”.

Published last week, the plan confirms that Scottish fishermen could be required to obtain an eyewatering six documents before they can export goods to Europe.

If the UK crashes out of Europe on 31st October without a deal, local seafood business in Shetland may have to obtain a catch certificate, an export health certificate, a prior notification form, a pre-landing declaration, a storage document and a processing statement before they can even send their catch to an EU border inspection post.

Currently, Scotland exports 75% of fish caught in our waters, with three quarters of that going to the EU.

Commenting after a visit to local business QA Fish, Tom Wills said:

“Shetland has a really successful and sustainable seafood industry. This plan published by the Tories underlines the devastating impact a No Deal Brexit will have on the local industry. We need to keep tariff free access to Europe.

“Our seafood is renowned across Europe, and here in Shetland, hundreds of people are employed in the industry which is worth millions to Scotland’s economy.

“Boris Johnson doesn’t have a clue – he’s more than prepared to sell out our local fishing industry to satisfy a small group of right-wing Brexiteer Tories.

“The SNP has always stood up for Scotland’s fishing industry. We oppose a one-size-fits-all approach and we will continue to support the decentralisation of decision making on local fisheries.”

Alyn Smith MEP, who is on the campaign trail with Wills in Shetland, added:

“This tells you all you need to know about who really cares about Scotland’s fishing industry.

“The Tories have consistently sold out Scotland’s fishing industry and any notion that Boris Johnson cares about the local industry here in Shetland has been well and truly busted.

“The SNP will continue to speak up for fishing in Europe to ensure local fishermen here in Shetland, and across Scotland, aren’t hammered by a No Deal Brexit.

“The best thing for fishing is to stop Brexit.”

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exporting-and-importing-fish-if-theres-no-brexit-deal#contents

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news

BREXIT REAL DANGER FOR NEXT GENERATION.

BREXIT REAL DANGER FOR NEXT GENERATION.

SCOTLAND MUST HAVE THE CHOICE OF A BETTER FUTURE.

The future prosperity of the next generation of Shetlanders is being put in danger by hard-line Brexiteers now in power at Westminster, according to SNP depute leader Keith Brown.

Mr Brown made the comments as he joined SNP candidate Tom Wills, Deputy First Minister John Swinney and SNP Euro-MP Christian Allard for a weekend of campaigning across the islands.

Commenting from the SNP’s campaign office in Lerwick, Keith Brown said:

“The by-election on August 29 is Shetland’s chance to make its voice heard. An SNP win here will send the new Prime Minister a very clear message – Shetland’s not for Brexit.

“With the hard-line Brexiteers and eye-popping Tory right-wingers now in charge at Westminster, the future prosperity of the next generation of Shetlanders is being put in very real danger.

“Throughout the Brexit process, Scotland has been treated with contempt by Westminster, and our efforts to find compromise and protect the interests of the people of Scotland, who voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU, have been ignored.

“The SNP will always fight to stop Brexit. And if the UK can’t be persuaded to change course then Scotland must have the choice of a better future, the choice of an independent future. All of us in Scotland have the right to make that choice. We will not allow the Tories to block it.

“The SNP has consistently worked across party lines to prevent the threat posed by Brexit, and we will continue to work with others in preventing the greatest act of self-harm to our economy.

“On August 29 islanders have the opportunity to elect an SNP MSP who will fight tirelessly for Shetland. No-one else can be trusted to oppose the Tories and have real influence with our Scottish Government.”

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news

LEVENMOUTH RAIL LINK SET TO REOPEN.

LEVENMOUTH RAIL LINK SET TO REOPEN.

JENNY GILRUTH HAILS VITAL INVESTMENT FOR FIFE.

The railway link to Levenmouth is to reopen after 50 years, after the SNP government confirmed that the £70 million project is to go ahead.

Today’s announcement is a huge step forward for Fife’s rail networks – and comes following a determined campaign led by local MSP Jenny Gilruth.

The Mid Fife and Glenrothes politician has lobbied hard for the line to be reopened, including a Holyrood debate, following which the Scottish Government instructed appraisal work to be undertaken.

The new railway, with stops in Leven and Cameron Bridge, will be combined with improved bus services as well as new cycling and walking infrastructure.

The SNP government has a strong record of investing in Fife – with £45.3 million for the new Levenmouth Academy, £400 million in superfast broadband, the £1.35 billion Queensferry Crossing, £4.5 million of spending on the new Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit at Stratheden Hospital, and £86 million for the new Fife College campus.

Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP Jenny Gilruth said:

“After exactly 50 years since it closed, the Leven Railway will reopen under an SNP government – I could not be more proud or delighted by this news.

“This announcement has the potential to change lives and give the Levenmouth area a new lease of life. It will bring jobs, it will bring investment and it will create huge opportunities for future generations.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that the project has been given the green light by the Scottish Government. There will be lasting benefits for people across my constituency and beyond for years to come.

“Convenient, green transport links are essential for our future economy but also for getting more people on public transport as we tackle climate change.

“For local residents, for businesses, for visitors, for everyone – the impact the Levenmouth rail will have cannot go understated.”

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news

PLAN TO CUT TRAVEL COSTS FOR ISLANDERS.

PLAN TO CUT TRAVEL COSTS FOR ISLANDERS

Shetland’s SNP candidate aims to secure major new savings for islanders if he wins the August 29 by-election.

Publishing his proposals today [Wednesday 7th August] Tom Wills has outlined a five-point plan to slash travel costs for Shetlanders:

·         Free travel for foot passengers on all SIC ferries

·         A 20% Islander Discount on NorthLink cabins

·         A three-year freeze on NorthLink fares

·         Increase in peak-season mainland sailings to meet freight demand and reduce pressure on passenger capacity

·         Ensure a long term extension of the Air Discount Scheme

With just 18 months until the next election, the SNP hopeful believes he can prove that a new face with new ideas can do so much better for Shetland in Holyrood.

Commenting, Tom Wills said:

“The SNP has already delivered a 50% discount on flights, 20% discount on NorthLink fares and provided £5m year for SIC ferries.

“Over the last few weeks I’ve heard people’s concerns about the rising costs of island life and had many discussions about what we can do to address this. The plan I’ve put forward today is the first step towards securing lower travel costs for Shetlanders.

“We need a local ferry service that meets the needs of our islands and a link to the mainland that is affordable for families. Making inter-island ferries free for foot passengers would help the poorest in our society and encourage greater use of public transport and car sharing. I believe that we should be able to secure additional funding for this progressive change.

“I can’t solve these problems overnight, but if elected as your MSP, I’ll be at Nicola Sturgeon’s door on day one to make sure the Scottish Government backs my plan to cut travel costs. I’ve already taken the opportunity to bend the ear of senior figures in the Scottish Government and it’s clear to me that they’re interested in new ideas to help islanders.

“It won’t be easy with the Tories slashing the Scottish budget year on year, but by working with the Scottish Government instead of against them I am confident it can be done.

“I’m asking voters for 18 months to prove myself and show Shetlanders what can be achieved by an SNP MSP. I will stand on my record in 2021 when the choice will again be for islanders. Of course I’d hope to represent Shetland for years to come. But, vote for me now, and let me prove what can be done.”

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SURGE IN EU CITIZENS WRONGLY REFUSED UNIVERSAL CREDIT.

SURGE IN EU CITIZENS WRONGLY REFUSED UNIVERSAL CREDIT.

EU NATIONALS LEFT HOMELESS AND DESTITUTE BY DWP’S HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT.

The SNP has slammed the Tories for overseeing a surge in EU citizens being wrongly and unfairly refused Universal Credit despite having the legal right to reside in the UK, leaving them homeless and destitute.

They have called for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to immediately investigate why there has been an increase in these cases and for statistics to be published on the number of successful and unsuccessful applications made by EU citizens for Universal Credit since June 2015, and for what reason the unsuccessful applications were rejected.

Today The Guardian reported a surge in cases in which EU nationals without UK citizenship have ended up in debt or sleeping rough because of incorrect decisions to refuse their application for universal credit, cutting off their benefits overnight. The scandal is being referred to as the ‘hostile environment of the benefits system.

In June the SNP’s Work and Pension spokesperson, Neil Gray MP, and Immigration spokesperson, Stuart McDonald MP, jointly wrote to Amber Rudd to raise concerns about the increase in cases SNP MPs had seen in their constituency offices whereby EU citizens were being denied universal credit after being told they had failed the Habitual Residency Test (HRT). They also asked for the relevant statistics to be made available to the public. Mr Gray and Mr McDonald have yet to receive a response and the statistics have not been published.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has stated that there had been no change to policy on EU and EEA nationals’ eligibility for Universal Credit since June 2015. However, two Statutory Instruments came into force in May this year forcing pre-settled EU nationals to demonstrate their right to reside under different and much more complicated rules than settled-status EU nationals in order to access Universal Credit, Child Benefit or Tax Credits.

Commenting, Neil Gray MP said:

“What is happening to our EU citizens under the Tories’ watch is nothing short of a disgrace – the UK government must investigate the situation without delay and make available the relevant figures to ensure there is no mal-practice in assessing universal credit claims made by EU nationals.

“My SNP colleagues and I raised our concerns on this issue with Amber Rudd almost 2 months ago and we have yet to receive a response, which quite frankly, is outrageous given the seriousness of the situation.

“It is little wonder that the situation is being referred to as the ‘hostile environment’ of the benefits system – potentially thousands of EU citizens entitled to claim universal credit are being unfairly rejected and the DWP are refusing to tell us why.

“This is on top of the recent rules the Tories sneakily introduced in the last recess period without debate that forces pre-settled EU nationals to demonstrate their right to reside under different and much more complicated rules than settled-status EU nationals in order to access Universal Credit, essentially creating a cohort of second-class EU citizens.

“It is time this Tory government started treating EU citizens with the respect they deserve. If they will not, Scotland must have the full powers of independence so that we can put in place a system that treats our EU citizens with dignity and respect.”