Scottish Liberal Democrats News

Enforcement key to animal transport rules - Lyon

Graeme Littlejohn — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:58:52 +0000

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, will lay a number of key amendments to the Animal Welfare report currently before the European Agriculture Committee as the European Parliament meets in Strasbourg this week.

George Lyon MEPMr Lyon's amendments will remove calls for new animal transport rules and will insert in there place a demand that the EU Commission concentrate on enforcing the current rules which were updated in 2005 as the most effective way of improving the welfare of animals in transport.

He will also call for common animal welfare standards across Europe to apply to third country imports as well.

Commenting, Mr Lyon said:

"Improving animal welfare across Europe is very important but the Commission must realise that the key issue is not more rules and regulations but a renewed commitment to enforcing of the current ones, especially in relation to transport.

"The Commission must get tough with EU countries that fail to properly enforce the current rules.

"There are still too many horror stories of pigs and horses being transported across Europe with no food, water or rest stops because of a failure to police the trade properly.

"It is also important that common welfare rules across Europe are applied to third country imports and I will lay amendments to that effect.

"The Commission should drop their plans for more regulation and instead concentrate on enforcement."

Carmichael comments ahead of Parliamentary debate on fuel prices in the Isles

Andrew Reeves — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:21:00 +0000

Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael will tomorrow question HM Treasury on their unwillingness to trial a fuel duty rebate system in the Northern Isles. Mr Carmichael will be pressing Treasury ministers to offer credible reasons why a fuel duty derogation such as that used in Europe cannot be piloted across Orkney and Shetland.

Mr Carmichael has secured a 90 minute parliamentary debate on ‘Fuel duty on petrol prices in remote and peripheral areas’ on the morning of Wednesday 10 February 2010.

Commenting Mr Carmichael said;

“As prices at the local petrol pumps steadily creep up this is not a time to let up in what has been a long running campaign. It remains my view that the government not only has the opportunity to help in this issue, they in fact have a duty to do so. This is probably the single greatest disadvantage forced on to local communities. The resistance from the government to addressing it frankly makes little sense”.

Mr Carmichael has since his election in 2001 been lobbying both the Scotland Office and the Treasury to on their refusal to implement fairer fuel prices for island residents. In August 2009 Mr Carmichael met with Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy MP in Orkney to discuss the high cost of fuel which continues to punish families and businesses across the Northern Isles.

Notes:

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Sarah McCarthy Fry MP will be answering on behalf of the government.

Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy MP appeared to indicate last summer that the Government were willing to introduce a fuel duty pilot scheme. Mr Murphy later said he was misrepresented.

20 July 2009 : Column 767W

Fuels: Prices

Mr. Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when his Department’s officials last met HM Treasury officials to discuss the proposals for a reduced fuel prices pilot scheme in island communities in Scotland. [287717]

Ann McKechin: Officials in the Scotland Office have discussions with HMT officials on a regular basis on a variety of issues.

Mr. Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what steps his Department has taken to identify suitable locations for the pilot scheme for reduced fuel prices in island communities in Scotland; [287718]

(2) what plans he has for a pilot scheme for reduced fuel prices in the Highlands and Islands; and when the scheme is planned to start. [287719]

Ann McKechin: The Government have no plans to introduce such a scheme. While the Government recognise the impact of higher fuel prices on those living in island communities in Scotland and in other rural areas across the UK, such prices are set by fuel producers and suppliers as a result of their commercial judgments, driven by market forces. OFT reports have repeatedly shown that markets are functioning properly in rural areas such as North West Scotland and the Scottish islands, but any evidence of anti-competitive behaviour on the part of fuel sellers can of course be brought to their attention.

The Secretary of State met with the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute (Mr. Reid) at his request to discuss these issues.

McArthur welcomes reluctant rethink on bull hire scheme

Greg Tinker — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:30:45 +0000

Commenting on the continuation of the Government bull hire scheme, Liberal Democrat rural affairs spokesman Liam McArthur said:

“This is welcome news indeed. Liberal Democrats have been campaigning to save the bull hire scheme for over a year.

“The previous Minister tried to kill the scheme off. I am glad that under pressure from across the crofting counties and MSPs throughout the chamber Roseanna Cunningham has been dragged kicking and screaming into accepting the case for retaining this valuable scheme.”

Government must respond to student figures

Greg Tinker — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:52:40 +0000

Commenting on NUS warnings that applications for university places rose by almost a third, Liberal Democrat Education spokeswoman Margaret Smith said:

“We know that record numbers of students are being turned away from Scotland’s colleges.

“That’s why the Liberal Democrats secured more funding for more college places in the Scottish budget.

“I am not surprised that many students are struggling to find a place at university. The Scottish Government must respond to these figures.

“Scotland needs to be properly equipped with a skilled work force so the economy can not only recover but also support sustainable growth in the future.”

Quango reform is food for thought

Greg Tinker — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:51:29 +0000

Commenting on Reform Scotland’s call for wholesale quango reform, Liberal Democrat Finance spokesman Jeremy Purvis MSP said:

“These proposals should give us food for thought. Whilst it is absolutely right to look at the democratic accountability of all the quangos, we must also question their ability to deliver for the economy and better public services.

“It is deeply regrettable that the SNP, in setting up new quangos like the Scottish Futures Trust have done so more out of political hubris rather than saving the taxpayer money.”

Scotland could be winner from flat-rate funding - Lyon

Graeme Littlejohn — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:26:56 +0000

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has called on Scottish and UK Governments to consider supporting moves towards a fairer and more transparent distribution of European agricultural support funding.

Speaking at the National Sheep Association AGM, Mr Lyon outlined how Scottish farmers could be winners from a per hectare calculation of Member States national envelopes of both rural development monies and single farm payments.

2009 George LyonCommenting, Mr Lyon said:

"Initially my reaction to any redistribution of funding was to stick with the safety of the status quo. I thought it would be a bad thing for both Scotland and for the UK as we would be losers.

"However our current SFP funding package is way below the EU-27 average. The figures demonstrate starkly that if the total national envelope of funding for each Member State was allocated on a per hectare basis then Scottish farmers could be winners.

"If Scotland's national envelope of SFP money was allocated using the average EU 27 payment per hectare, as New Member States called for last week, then Scotland's total allocation would nearly double from our current £566 million.

"With rural development funding the impact would be even greater. Allocating Scotland's share of EU rural development funding based on an average per hectare payment would also see a dramatic rise in funding. The 2008 Royal Society report into Scotland's hill and upland areas recommended that a fairer settlement should be a priority for the Scottish Government.

"Scotland would not be the only beneficiary of such a change. The UK as a whole would benefit from a fairer allocation with a small boost to the UK national envelope for SFP and a substantial rise for rural development.

"The Scottish and UK Governments should examine closely if it is in our best interests to back new Members States calls for national envelopes for CAP funding to be determined on a flat rate per hectare for SFP as a fairer and more transparent way of sharing out the budget.

"This could lead to a much needed boost for Scottish farmers and rural communities, and mitigate the real threat of CAP budget cuts.

"What we need to fight tooth and nail against is the idea being floated in some quarters that Brussels decide a flat rate payment for every hectare across Europe. That is a ridiculous proposal and flies in the face of the principle of subsidiary."

Tasers are policy decision which should be debated by Parliament

Greg Tinker — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:05:45 +0000

Liberal Democrat Justice spokesman Robert Brown MSP says the use of Tasers is a policy decision to be taken by the Scottish Government.

In a Parliamentary motion lodged today, Mr. Brown says the decision to issue police officers in Strathclyde with Tasers should be debated by Parliament.

Commenting, Mr. Brown said:

“Tasers are a considerable policy issue for the Scottish Government, not just an operational matter for Chief Constables. It is of vital importance that the Justice Secretary takes control of the policy.

“Britain prides itself on being a country with an unarmed police force, which has good relationships with the communities it serves.

“This principle should not be lightly breached.

“We all know that pilot schemes are designed to be followed through with full roll out. But before there is a suggestion of a full roll out, we require an independent expert evaluation of any claimed advantages.

“I am also worried by the lack of training officers will receive before being given a Taser. Three days is nowhere near enough time, especially when firearms officers need at least 8 weeks of training before they are given a gun.”

Finnie calls for more medical provision in the community

Greg Tinker — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:02:18 +0000

Commenting on the BMA call to support the development of new GP practices as Scotland’s population grows, Liberal Democrat Health spokesman Ross Finnie MSP said:

“This report spells out the support that is required for our health service as Scotland’s population grows.

“But what is also required is better diagnostic provision in the community.

“As the population grows we must make sure that everyone in the country has access to the diagnosis and treatment they need, where they need it.”

Alcohol no subject for publicity stunt politics

Greg Tinker — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:58:03 +0000

Commenting as Labour launch their Alcohol Commission, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesman Robert Brown MSP said:

“We need to look at ways to change Scotland’s drinking culture effectively.

“More understanding is needed about why young people start drinking- whether Buckfast, beer or alcopops- in the first place.

“Simply banning one or the other will not do the trick.

“Communities ravaged by alcohol want to see the existing law enforced to the hilt.

“The alcohol challenge in Scotland is no subject for publicity stunt politics."

SNP spends money on flags as health boards consider cutting back on beds to save money

Greg Tinker — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:53:38 +0000

Liberal Democrats have revealed that the SNP Government has spent £265,007.83 on Saltire flags since taking office in 2007.

The information, obtained using Freedom of Information laws showed that in their first year of office, the SNP spent £40,000 more than the previous administration.

Meanwhile, NHS Boards are considering drastic measures like cutting the number of nurses, or hospital beds to save money as they try to cope with a funding squeeze.

Commenting, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott said:

“Despite the funding squeeze facing frontline services, it seems like there’s always money available for the SNP’s pet projects.

“The First Minister is quick to complain about the cuts coming to Scotland from the UK Labour Government. NHS Boards and schools are feeling the pinch. Some are considering getting rid of nurses and the number of teachers has plummeted, but Ministers still managed to find an extra £265,007 to spend on flags in the last two years.

“In their first year in Government, the nationalists spent £40,000 more on flags than the previous administration. They’ve already wasted up to £9 million of taxpayers’ money on their independence campaign.

“The SNP need to get a reality check, a policy of getting more life out of their Saltires would be a good start.”

Lib Dems welcome Marine Bill

Greg Tinker — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:49:26 +0000

Speaking after voting on crucial amendments in the Marine Bill in the Scottish Parliament, Liberal Democrat Environment spokesman and MSP for Orkney Liam McArthur said:

“The Marine Bill will deliver real and lasting benefits for Scotland's marine environment.

“Important improvements have been made to the legislation, which command support from a wide range of interests, including the renewables sector, the fishing industry and environmental and leisure organisations.

“I am particularly pleased that the attempt by Labour and Tory MSPs to remove responsibility for fish farm licenses from local Councils has been defeated.

“In pursuit of administrative neatness, these amendments risked undermining efficiency, local accountability and financial certainty in business planning.

“Moreover, it would have sent entirely the wrong signal about the confidence Parliament has in local councils, many of whom have invested time and resources in developing the specific expertise necessary to deal effectively and efficiently with fish farm planning procedures.”

Commenting, Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader and MSP for Shetland said:

“I was pleased that the Minister recognised that the current system is right and that Liberal Democrat and SNP MSPs defeated this centralising move, which the Labour and Conservative parties wanted to impose.”

First Minister ignores Taser threat

Jenny Stanning — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:00:51 +0000

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott challenged the First Minister about police officers who are not specialist firearms officers being issued with Tasers.

The First Minister refused to get involved, claiming it was an operational matter for the force. But when Liberal Democrat MSP Jeremy Purvis questioned the previous First Minister about the same subject, he was given a Ministerial policy answer.

In England, the Home Secretary had to give agreement before the weapons were issued to more officers.

Commenting after First Minister’s Questions, Mr Scott said:

“When Tasers were put on trial in England, within the first year they had been used 661 times. 34 children were zapped with 50,000 volts within a year.

“Before the weapons were issued to more officers in England, it was signed off by Jacqui Smith. But according to the First Minister, in Scotland this is an operational matter and he refused to get drawn in.

“The First Minister talked about specialist training for the officers who will be carrying Tasers. This “specialist training” is just three days.

“Three days training might well be enough for an officer who has already had 8 weeks of intensive firearms training and is already subject to strict regular reviews. But the First Minister seems confident that it’s also sufficient for officers who have no previous training or experience of handling weapons like this.

“Today’s announcement in Strathclyde could be a slippery slope to every officer in Scotland carrying a Taser gun, with only three days training.”

Carmichael – Government plans for feed-in tariffs lacks ambition

Andrew Reeves — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:21:41 +0000

Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael has criticised the government for its lack of ambition after the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) this week announced it plans for the feed-in tariffs from domestic renewable energy sources.

Commenting Mr Carmichael said;Alistair Carmichael MP: Orkney & Shetland

“Ministers yesterday unveiled their long awaited policy which had they been more ambitious could have contributed to cutting UK emissions and boosted the domestic renewables energy market. Instead the government maintained its aim of only 2% of our energy to be met from micro-generation by 2020. This ‘aim’ leaves the UK lagging far behind the rest of Europe with the Netherlands producing 40% of its electricity demand from decentralised energy. If this government is serious about small scale, community led energy production which would help families save money and cut carbon emission then it needs to offer greater cash back rates to counter installation costs.

A number of local people have already expressed their disappointment with me about the government’s low ambitions and I have today written to the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband MP asking him to review and upgrade the government targets.”

Additionally, Mr Carmichael has signed parliamentary motion (EDM 276) ‘Feed In-Tariffs and Renewable Energy’ which states;

– ‘is concerned that tariffs proposed by the Government’s Clean Energy Cash back Scheme will mean decentralised renewable electricity is anticipated to contribute just two per cent. of the UK’s electricity by 2020, considers this to be wholly inadequate level of ambition; supports calls for a suitably ambitious tariff which delivers a higher return on investment; and calls of the government to revise the proposed tariffs substantially to increase the level of ambition of the scheme and offer communities, households and businesses a significant role in driving UK renewable energy deployment’.

Lyon to highlight threat to Scotland's LFA areas

Graeme Littlejohn — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:36:47 +0000

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, will table amendments to the European Agriculture Committee's report on Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) calling on the Commission to include two extra criteria for defining which areas should receive LFA support in the future to better reflect the handicaps faced by Scottish farmers.

The amendments would add isolation (distance from markets and remoteness) and field capacity days (to reflect the limitations of wet unworkable soils and high rainfall) to the Commission's current list of eight which focus on soil types as the key determining factor.

The amendments would also require the Commission to allow a phasing out period for land that would no longer be included in the LFA scheme to allow farmers to adjust to new circumstances.

Mr Lyon will also work to ensure that the Scottish Government has the freedom to fine tune the areas to be included in the new map defining LFA land in Scotland.

George Lyon MEPCommenting, Mr Lyon said:

"The LFA scheme is vital to the survival of livestock farming across much of Scotland.

"There is a real threat that we could lose out under the Commissions new qualifying criteria for designating LFA land and therefore I am proposing changes to better reflect the handicaps we face here in Scotland.

"It is vital that isolation and remoteness is recognised otherwise fertile areas such as Orkney could be dropped from the new LFA map. That would make a mockery of the LFA scheme.

"It is essential that the huge handicaps faced by producers in island and remote areas of Scotland continue to be properly compensated for by LFA payments.

"I also believe that field capacity should be included to reflect the disadvantages farmers face from high rainfall and water logged fields.

"Farmers with land that is no longer included in the LFA scheme must have time to adjust to the loss of income through a proper phasing out period.

"The amendments I am proposing would ensure that farmers in Scotland who face genuine disadvantage would not lose out under the new regime.

"I am sure the European Agriculture Committee will vote for these changes and I hope the Commission, who have said they are open minded on this matter, will accept them."

Jo Swinson meets PM to discuss terrorist threat

Andrew Reeves — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:57:00 +0000

Jo Swinson MP met with the Prime Minister today to discuss the UK’s security and the terrorist threat from Al Qa’eda in Yemen.

Yemen has come into the spotlight in recent weeks following the attempted bombing of a US airliner by Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who is thought to have trained with Al Qa’eda in Yemen.

The British Government has pledged its support to help Yemen defeat Al Qa’eda. The issues discussed during Ms Swinson’s meeting with the Prime Minister included development aid to Yemen, security at Yemeni airports, and building links between communities in Britain and Yemen to foster co-operation and development.

According to the World Bank, around 42% of Yemenis live on less than $2 a day. At a meeting of international donors held in London in 2006, £3 billion of foreign aid was pledged, however only 7% of this has aid has been delivered.

Commenting, Jo Swinson said:Jo Swinson MP: East Dunbartonshire

“The terrorist threat to the UK from Al Qa’eda in Yemen is very serious, and I appreciated the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister to discuss the Government’s response.

“Economic development in Yemen is key to addressing the security situation and we should be doing all we can. This is vital both to improve the lives of Yemenis and to make us safer here in the UK.”