 Gil Paterson MSP CONSTITUENTS with direct experience in the current social security system are being encouraged to help shape Scotland’s new system.
MSPS Gil Paterson is encouraging people in Clydebank to get involved – and have slammed the UK’s system as a heartless regime. Experience Panels made up of people from across the country who use the current system will give their views on the design of Scotland’s new system and how to build and refine a better model. Registration is now live and people can do so online and by post, while a phone-line will also be available for those who do not have online access or need additional support. The panels will work closely with the Expert Advisory Group on Disability and Carers’ Benefits, chaired by Dr Jim McCormick, associate director for Scotland with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Mr Paterson, MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, said: “I am making a direct appeal to the people of Clydebank to get involved with this historic experience, I know there are many people in the area whose knowledge and experience would be invaluable to the process of shaping a new social security system. “People who have to use the social security system should be treated with dignity and respect – and these will be the core principles guiding this reformation. “Horror stories have been plastered over the media since David Cameron mutated the social security system into a heartless regime that has forced the disabled and seriously ill into work, lead to dozens of directly linked suicides and garnered a reputation for treating human beings like animals. This must change.” ENDS People can register online: www.gov.scot/socialsecurity Email: SocialSecurityExperience@gov.scot Freephone: 0800 029 4974 (includes language line translation) Text: Prefix 18001 SMS: 07467 447375 British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact us via http://contactscotland-bsl.org HUNDREDS of new jobs will come to Clydebank as a result of the SNP government’s budget, Clydebank’s MSP has said.
A multi-million-pound expansion of the Golden Jubilee National Hospital will see 700 new jobs — not transfers — when the job is complete. It comes as the SNP government passes its budget at Holyrood, which also invests in West Dunbartonshire Council to protect local services. Constituents in Clydebank will also benefit from free education, free care for the elderly, free education, free bus passes and free prescriptions. He said: “It is excellent news for people in Clydebank that 700 brand new jobs will come to the Golden Jubilee Hospital as a result of this investment by the SNP government. These are real new jobs, not transfers from other parts of the NHS. “Constituents will benefit locally from the many positive aspects of Scottish life – free education, care for the elderly, childcare, prescriptions and bus passes – as a result of our commitment to helping people in Scotland. “The people of Clydebank will also benefit from the spate of infrastructure projects progressing in the wider area, like motorway upgrades. All serve to benefit Scotland’s economy. “I was sad to see the Tories argue for a tax break on the top 10 per cent of earners, like their colleagues in England are overseeing. “It is unfair and illogical at a time of austerity administered by the UK Tory government that we give tax breaks to the most privileged earners. “It is simply untrue that Scotland will be the highest part taxed of the UK now, because as independent research by SPICe has found out, any increase will be off-set by a lower council tax across Scotland.” ENDS VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHKdj8b9rss KEY POINTS:
This budget delivers on the promises this SNP government was elected on. This is a budget created by Scotland for Scotland. Not dictated to us by Westminster. Of course – Scotland’s finances are still being strangled by the UK Tory Government. However, we will not bend to their plan of total austerity. We will not sell off Scotland’s public services. We will not bow to privatisation. We will ensure:
This is a solid economic plan. We all found out yesterday from independent research that Scotland is not the highest taxed part of the United Kingdom. This destroys complaints from the Tories that this was the case. SPICe found out that any tax rises are mitigated by the lower council tax in Scotland. And it is important to mention all council tax will be spent locally. Nationally, Labour is saying increase tax. But last night Labour West Dunbartonshire Council voted to freeze the council tax – after years of complaining about this freeze. We have the business bonus but we also have the social bonus: free further education, free prescriptions and free bus passes, among other benefits exclusive to Scotland. But I am sad to see the Tories demand a tax reduction for the highest paid. Should we not maintain the principle, the more you earn the more you return? Thankfully, there are many higher earners who will gladly contribute their fair share. The party of the fortunate, whose Westminster cabinet is jam-packed with millionaires. Presiding Officer, the only purse that matters to me is the public purse. This Scottish budget protects Scottish services. We have invested in education. Funds set to be given to all schools in Clydebank. But importantly, MORE funding will go to under privileged pupils. This will help improve the life chances for many young people. And it will help reduce the attainment gap, as the Government has vowed to do. The funding increase for universities and colleges is also excellent news. And as I said, free education will continue. If the Tories had their way, everyone would have to pay the huge fees seen down south. But I believe that every person, no matter what their background is, should get a chance for a great education if they so choose it. The SNP is delivering on its promises. Presiding officer, poverty scars Scotland. The problem is historic. But we are tackling it. Many of my constituents will benefit from the Scottish Government continuing to mitigate the impact of the hated Bedroom Tax. Many in my constituency also benefit from the Scottish Welfare Fund. A fund that will clear up the mess left by the UK Government’s punitive welfare programme. The wheels are in motion for a new Scottish social security system. With the powers we will have, we will run welfare with dignity and respect. Presiding Officer, economic growth is the key to prosperity in Scotland. With the few tools we have, we are still driving economic growth. Four billion pounds invested into our infrastructure. Most of us will have seen the amazing developments taking place. For example, the motorway projects on the M8 and M74. The stunning Queensferry Crossing. And there are many more progressing across the country. These are all drivers of economic growth and will improve the lives of millions. This SNP government is building our economy. In Clydebank, we boast one of the finest heart and lung surgery hospitals in the world. The Golden Jubilee National Hospital is to receive a multi-million-pound expansion, and 700 new jobs. Not transfers – brand new jobs into the local economy. Health and Social Care Partnerships help some of our most vulnerable constituents. Presiding Officer, this budget is about economic growth, investment in our public services and social justice. Protecting our most vulnerable from the class war waged by the Tories. This budget is about making Scotland’s economy prosper. This budget is about investing in and protecting public services. I call on all MSPs to show consensus and back this budget. END  Gil Paterson has praised the work of local historians in preserving and showcasing the rich history of Old Kilpatrick in a community-spirited venture.
The motion reads: That the Parliament congratulates A Walk Through the Past: Memories of Old Kilpatrick on the group's £7,500 Heritage Lottery Fund grant; understands that this will be used to develop a history trail through the town from the 1940s to the present day; recognises the work of Susanne Hall and Elizabeth Pitts in promoting community history in the Clydebank and Milngavie constituency, and welcomes the support that the Heritage Lottery Fund programme provides.  A MOTION has been lodged by Gil Paterson in the Scottish Parliament recognising the work of Norma Docherty and her family. The Dochertys tragically lost their son Scott at just 17 years old. It turns out, he could have been saved by a defibrillator. Now, the family has dedicated huge amounts of time to making sure busy local places have this life-saving technology.
The motion lodged to the Scottish Parliament reads: That the Parliament praises Norma Docherty from Old Kilpatrick for spearheading fundraising for defibrillators; understands that Scott Docherty, died when aged 17 from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) in 2011 and that since then his mum Norma, her husband Andy and sister Lilian have fundraised more than £12,000 to install defibrillators in schools and community venues across Scotland with SADS UK; believes that they have helped donate defibrillators to the Clyde Shopping Centre, Clydebank Town Hall, Old Kilpatrick Bowling Club, Gavinburn and Linnvale primary schools, both Clydebank high schools and Our Lady of Loretto primary, and acknowledges the courage that the family has shown in the years following Scott's untimely passing, as well as the help that SADS UK has given during the fundraising campaign.  MSP Gil Paterson's speech during the Scottish Budget debate on Thursday, February 23 2017.
This budget delivers on the promises this SNP government was elected on. This is a budget created by Scotland for Scotland. Not dictated to us by Westminster. Of course – Scotland’s finances are still being strangled by the UK Tory Government. However, we will not bend to their plan of total austerity. We will not sell off Scotland’s public services. We will not bow to privatisation. We will ensure:
This is a solid economic plan. We all found out yesterday from independent research that Scotland is not the highest taxed part of the United Kingdom. This destroys complaints from the Tories that this was the case. SPICe found out that any tax rises are mitigated by the lower council tax in Scotland. And it is important to mention all council tax will be spent locally. Nationally, Labour is saying increase tax. But last night Labour West Dunbartonshire Council voted to freeze the council tax – after years of complaining about this freeze. We have the business bonus but we also have the social bonus: free further education, free prescriptions and free bus passes, among other benefits exclusive to Scotland. But I am sad to see the Tories demand a tax reduction for the highest paid. Should we not maintain the principle, the more you earn the more you return? Thankfully, there are many higher earners who will gladly contribute their fair share. The party of the fortunate, whose Westminster cabinet is jam-packed with millionaires. Presiding Officer, the only purse that matters to me is the public purse. This Scottish budget protects Scottish services. We have invested in education. Funds set to be given to all schools in Clydebank. But importantly, MORE funding will go to under privileged pupils. This will help improve the life chances for many young people. And it will help reduce the attainment gap, as the Government has vowed to do. The funding increase for universities and colleges is also excellent news. And as I said, free education will continue. If the Tories had their way, everyone would have to pay the huge fees seen down south. But I believe that every person, no matter what their background is, should get a chance for a great education if they so choose it. The SNP is delivering on its promises. Presiding officer, poverty scars Scotland. The problem is historic. But we are tackling it. Many of my constituents will benefit from the Scottish Government continuing to mitigate the impact of the hated Bedroom Tax. Many in my constituency also benefit from the Scottish Welfare Fund. A fund that will clear up the mess left by the UK Government’s punitive welfare programme. The wheels are in motion for a new Scottish social security system. With the powers we will have, we will run welfare with dignity and respect. Presiding Officer, economic growth is the key to prosperity in Scotland. With the few tools we have, we are still driving economic growth. Four billion pounds invested into our infrastructure. Most of us will have seen the amazing developments taking place. For example, the motorway projects on the M8 and M74. The stunning Queensferry Crossing. And there are many more progressing across the country. These are all drivers of economic growth and will improve the lives of millions. This SNP government is building our economy. In Clydebank, we boast one of the finest heart and lung surgery hospitals in the world. The Golden Jubilee National Hospital is to receive a multi-million-pound expansion, and 700 new jobs. Not transfers – brand new jobs into the local economy. Health and Social Care Partnerships help some of our most vulnerable constituents. Presiding Officer, this budget is about economic growth, investment in our public services and social justice. Protecting our most vulnerable from the class war waged by the Tories. This budget is about making Scotland’s economy prosper. This budget is about investing in and protecting public services. I call on all MSPs to show consensus and back this budget. END  Floating dry dock at Coulport Naval Base (by Vic Sharp) CLYDEBANK’S MSP has condemned the MoD after a recent report suggested it is downplaying the number of nuclear incidents.
Findings by the Nuclear Information Service (NIS) listed 110 major incidents in the last 65 years, compared to the MoD’s 27. SNP MSP Gil Paterson has insisted human error could lead to “untold misery” in the central belt of Scotland. The report includes eight explosions, 21 security-related incidents and 45 accidents relating to nuclear submarines, ships and aircraft. The NIS dossier comes not long after it was revealed the UK government failed to disclose a serious malfunction in a Trident test launch just before Westminster voted on its renewal last year. Mr Paterson has spoken out at every opportunity in the Scottish Parliament, calling for nuclear disarmament. Gil Paterson, MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, said: “It is clear those running the British State’s nuclear weaponry cannot be trusted to either keep the public safe or tell the truth. "The very fact there are 110 major incidents is terrifying, when Trident is kept just a few miles from my constituency. "Human error could cause untold misery to the people of Scotland should there be an accident at Coulport, where they are stored, or as nuclear weapons are transported there. "We must disarm ourselves of these obscene weapons before it is too late.” ENDS The NIS report is looked at here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4238532/Britain-s-110-nuclear-alerts-revealed.html  Gil Paterson MSP A DECISION to halt lone child refugees from entering the UK has been branded “callous” by MSP Gil Paterson.
The SNP has demanded a meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May after the move earlier in February. A letter, sent on behalf of the SNP’s 54 MPs, has also called on the Prime Minister to reverse the shameful decision to stop receiving unaccompanied refugee children from Europe through the Dubs amendment at the end of March – warning that the humanitarian crisis “will not just go away” and that the UK government has a moral responsibility to act. The Clydebank and Milngavie MSP and the SNP have called for greater refugee resettlement since the start of the crisis, and wants the UK government to live up to its promises to receive at least 3,000 of the estimated 90,000 unaccompanied child refugees in Europe. Mr Paterson, who is lodging a motion to the Scottish Parliament commending integration efforts with Syrian refugees by Clydebank FC, has laid into the Tory government over the move. He said: “I was absolutely disgusted at this cold-hearted move by this increasingly twisted government run by arch-Tory Theresa May. “Long has she been zealously against immigration, and we all remember the callous ‘Go Home’ vans she sanctioned towards immigrants. “But for the Tories to go after the children is sickening to me, for these youngsters are some of the most vulnerable children of whom we are able to help. “The move is inhumane and I do not know how the Prime Minister can sleep at night knowing the fate she has doomed unaccompanied children to, many of whom are sadly orphans. “I hope Theresa May can bow to the pressure put on her by the SNP as well as many other well respected charities and organisations, and reverse this outrageous ruling.” ENDS Notes for Editors: The Scottish Government has so far welcomed approximately 1,300 Syrian refugees under the Syrian Resettlement Programme, 35 unaccompanied children from France via the Dubs amendment, a further 110 unaccompanied children from clandestine routes, and is working with the Home Office and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) to welcome further unaccompanied children. Last week First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called on Theresa May to reverse the decision to close the Dubs scheme: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-38937288  MSP Gil Paterson (SNP) MSP Gil Paterson has responded to an appeal that saw four years taken off the prison sentence of Paige Doherty’s killer.
At the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, Lord Turnbull issued his judgement on the appeal by John Leathem – and reduced the sentence. Leathem murdered the 15-year-old in a deli in Whitecrook, Clydebank on March 19 last year, and was sentenced to 27 years in prison. A judge at the time described the murder as “savage and frenzied”. Mr Paterson, the SNP MSP for Clydebank, slammed the ruling and told how it would have a serious impact on the family’s recovery He said: “I am utterly astonished and disappointed the murderer of Paige Doherty has had his sentenced reduced by four years. “The crimes he pled guilty to are those nightmares are made of. To reduce the sentence for this merciless attack on a 15-year-old girl is unbelievable. “The aftermath of Paige’s murder has been horrendous for her family. I can only imagine this will a very serious negative impact on them and their recovery from this traumatic and tragic chapter in their lives. “There is nothing I see which merits cutting four years off his time behind bars — Paige’s friends are rightly furious.” ENDS  MSP Gil Paterson has called on his experiences living in poverty as a youth to explain why the new Child Poverty Bill is so important to Scotland.
The Clydebank and Milngavie MSP welcomed the bill and said Scotland has “a duty to end” the problem – where one in five youngsters are living below the breadline. Mr Paterson said his experiences living in poverty as a child caused him to understand the true effect deprivation can have on children. The Bill, published on Friday February 10, will see Scotland become the only part of the UK with statutory targets to reduce the number of children experiencing the damaging effects of poverty by 2030. The government will publish a three-year child poverty delivery plan by April 2018, updated every five years, and annual reports to measure the progress. Mr Paterson said: “The Child Poverty Bill is a hallmark of what this SNP government is all about – ending great injustice put upon those through no fault of their own. Now, we must take drastic action as a society to reduce and stamp out child poverty. “This moment is special to me, having personal experience as a youngster living in poverty. It can be incredibly damaging to many, and cause great shame to those children who find themselves in this situation. As a child, I took free school dinners only until I became too embarrassed to by the bullying of others in the school. The good thing now is no one knows who gets free dinners and who doesn’t. “The collapse of industry has thrust so many communities into poverty and marred the lives of many. The life expectancy statistics for parts of Clydebank and Glasgow, for example, are utterly shameful. We have a duty to end this, and we have to take radical action to mend the communities society has failed over decades of negligence.” ENDS Background The Child Poverty (Scotland) Bill: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/576.aspx The Fairer Scotland Action Plan includes actions being taken to create a fairer and more prosperous Scotland, including eradicating child poverty  A WORK fair for employers to engage with and recruit disabled people has been praised by MSP Gil Paterson.
On Friday, February 10, the Golden Jubilee National Hospital and the Department for Work and Pensions hosted Disability Confident. It involved a host of employers meeting with and speaking to disabled members of the public to find out more on how to attract, retain and recruit people living with disabilities. Mr Paterson, the MSP for Clydebank, was delighted to attend with Martin Docherty-Hughes MP and meet those attending. He said: “Well done to the Golden Jubilee Foundation and the Department for Work and Pensions for hosting this excellent event – I am sure the employers found it incredibly useful. I certainly did when I was speaking to the exhibitors and visitors. “People living with disabilities in Clydebank and Milngavie, I know, have so much to offer the world of work. I am glad the many workplaces who exhibited at the Golden Jubilee recognised that.” ENDS  TRANSPORT officials have answered calls from the SNP to establish an independent body to tackle aircraft noise.
The news has been welcomed by MSP Gil Paterson, who has campaigned against aircraft noise for Clydebank, Milngavie and Bearsden householders. The Independent Aviation Noise Authority (IANA) is to be set up by the UK Government’s Department for Transport along with a consultation on aircraft noise. Mr Paterson said: “The foundation of the IANA is a victory for those who have been working to mitigate the noise made by planes flying in and out of Glasgow Airport. In Westminster, SNP MPs have been lobbying the UK Government in a bid for an independent body to be set up to tackle the problem. “For too long, people in Whitecrook, Clydebank especially have suffered from extremely loud aircraft engines flying low over their homes at unsociable hours. “I hope this is the beginning of some serious action from the UK Government to deal with aircraft noise and the problems it causes the public the length and breadth of Britain.” ENDS  Gil Paterson, a veteran of the anti-Trident movement. HUMAN error with nuclear weapons of mass destruction could be “cataclysmic” for Scotland, MSP Gil Paterson has warned. In a speech in the Scottish Parliament, the Clydebank and Milngavie MSP highlighted how mistakes and miscalculations by Trident’s engineers could cause “untold misery”. He pointed out the cover-up made by the UK Government over last June’s malfunction of the Trident missile system when testing near America. In the speech he blasted Trident scientists as “playing God” and called for Scotland to lead the way in nuclear disarmament. In the chamber, Mr Paterson said: “In the event of human error, the consequences could be cataclysmic. “My constituency, Clydebank and Milngavie, would be utterly eradicated in the event of a detonation – along with the whole of the central belt all the way through to Edinburgh. “The aftermath in such an event would wipe out almost the entire Scottish nation. “It might seem ludicrous, standing here in the Scottish Parliament talking about a nuclear holocaust in Clydebank. But the notion of a thousand bomber raids over Clydebank also seemed eccentric before World War Two. “If there were to be a radiation leak when these weapons are being driven through my constituency, thousands of people would be exposed to it. It would cause untold misery. The point I am making is human error is inevitable. It is just a matter of time. We must surrender these weapons before it is too late.” ENDS Once again we stand in this chamber making the case against nuclear weapons of mass destruction. I am sure we will all agree, for the sake of our small planet that we must find a way to disarm. What these weapons of mass destruction are designed to do is almost unimaginable to us. Bombs we have built to reduce cities to ashes... A missile designed to fly thousands of miles then split into twelve individual warheads… …Each bomb containing enough destructive power to destroy all life in its target and beyond. At supersonic speeds, they tear through the sky in a trail of fire. Scientists call this wicked sight the ‘Fingers of God’. It does seem more like these people are trying to play God. The madness of the Trident nuclear missile programme is beyond comprehension. It is for that reason I do not believe nuclear bombs will ever be used again. It would be mutually assured destruction. But what invokes horror in me is the potential for human error. Just last month we were told of how a Trident missile malfunctioned. A miscalculation caused by its human engineers. History is littered with the mistakes of mankind. When arrogance overtook rationality. When ignorance eclipsed sanity. We should not be so arrogant to presume nuclear weapons will end well. It is unwise to suppose we can contend with such apocalyptic forces. Just a few miles from my constituency, a vast underground arsenal of nuclear warheads is stored. In the event of human error, the consequences could be cataclysmic. My constituency, Clydebank and Milngavie, would be utterly eradicated in the event of a detonation – along with the whole of the central belt all the way through to Edinburgh. The aftermath in such an event would wipe out almost the entire Scottish nation. It might seem ludicrous, standing here in the Scottish Parliament talking about a nuclear holocaust in Clydebank. …But the notion of a thousand bomber raids over Clydebank ALSO seemed eccentric before World War Two. If there were to be a radiation leak when these weapons are being driven through my constituency, thousands of people would be exposed to it. It would cause untold misery. The point I am making is human error is inevitable. It is just a matter of time… We must surrender these weapons before it is too late. All sides need to strive for nuclear disarmament. For the sake of our small planet… Scotland must make her voice heard. We are a nation known for our resistance to the British State’s nuclear programme. A forward-looking and conscientious people who reject these immoral weapons. ENDS A letter appearing in The Herald making some outrageous claims on wind power was debunked after I read it out to industry experts. And here is the renewables-denying letter itself.   CONTINUED support should be given to ‘selling brand Scotland’ as Brexit uncertainty looms over Scottish businesses, MSP Gil Paterson has said.
It comes as the Clydebank and Milngavie MSP’s committee at the Scottish Parliament, the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee, publishes a report on the impact of the decision to leave the EU on the Scottish economy. In particular, the report looks at exports, inward investment and labour and employment rights. The committee is now asking the Scottish Government to continue its support for businesses in Scotland. Mr Paterson said: “Scotland’s economy is under threat from the instability the departure from the European Union is causing – so we really have to encourage brand Scotland. “This report sets out what we can do to shield Scotland from the ever-growing shambles the Tory government in Westminster is creating on a daily basis. “It includes suggestions that will help promote small and medium enterprises in Clydebank, Milngavie and Bearsden – as well as the whole of Scotland. “The promotion of brand Scotland needs to be at the front and centre of our economy policy in Scotland, because we have so much to offer, and so much to lose from the UK Government’s chaotic departure from our European allies.” ENDS Background
 MSPs in East Dunbartonshire have welcomed the planned launch of a new fair trade shop just weeks after the oldest in Scotland closed in the area.
Gavin’s Mill in Milngavie is currently being transformed into a fair trade shop and café – making use of the disused landmark. Gil Paterson, the MSP for Milngavie, has welcomed the new community venture in a parliamentary motion. In a similar move, MSP Rona Mackay in Strathkelvin and Bearsden marked the end of an era for the Balmore Coach House, Scotland’s oldest fair trade shop, which closed in January. The enterprise will be run by Gavin’s Mill Community Project, a consortium from East Dunbartonshire’s fair trade groups and is set to open on February 27 during Fairtrade Fortnight. John Riches, former owner of Balmore Coach House, is now helping kick start Gavin’s Mill as a fair trade centre. He said: “I would like to thank MSPs Gil Paterson and Rona Mackay for their kind words and giving us a shout in the Scottish Parliament. We need all of the promotion we can get for the fair trade cause, and especially for encouraging volunteers to get involved.” Gil Paterson said: “We are certainly going through a miniature fair trade renaissance in Milngavie with the rejuvenation of Gavin’s Mill for the cause. I am looking forward to attending the launch event when the project is ready to go up and running.” Rona Mackay said: “John and Nena Riches ran what is said to be Britain’s oldest fair trade shop for more than 37 years, and I thought it right they should be congratulated for their hard work. I am glad they can lend their expertise to help get the Gavin’s Mill project up and running.” Gavin’s Mill Project is seeking volunteers, email volunteer@gavinsmill.org to lend a hand. ENDS
 SCHOOLS in Clydebank and Milngavie are set to benefit from extra funding to close the attainment gap, it has been revealed.
MSP Gil Paterson welcomed additional funding of £1,862,400 as part of the Pupil Equity Fund. A total of £1,351,200 will go to primary schools, £459,600 to secondary and £51,600 to Kilpatrick School. A total of £1,564,800 to schools in East Dunbartonshire Council. Teachers will be in direct control of the cash, which was divided up off the number of pupils in P1 to S3 eligible for free school meals. Mr Paterson, MSP for Milngavie, said: “I am thrilled schools in Clydebank and Milngavie will be benefiting from additional funding from the SNP government. It shows the SNP government’s commitment to helping our most disadvantaged young people. “This new announcement will let parents, teachers and school leaders across Clydebank and the whole of Scotland drive up standards in education. “Too many young people are limited in their life chances by having a poor start to life. The flagship promise from the SNP is to close the attainment gap and ensure no child is left behind.” ENDS Background
MSP Gil Paterson: Councils in Clydebank and Milngavie bolstered by Scottish Government budget3/2/2017  COMMUNITIES in Clydebank are set to benefit from extra funding after the first phase of the Scottish budget was passed.
Gil Paterson MSP welcomed the £2.7 million boost to West Dunbartonshire Council’s coffers for 2017-18, and £3.2 million for East Dunbartonshire.. He also thanked the government for the £200 million investment to expand the Golden Jubilee National Hospital. The second phase of the budget comes on Wednesday, February 8 as it gets scrutinised by the Scottish Parliament’s finance committee. Former Better Together allies Tory, Labour and Liberal Democrats joined forces again to oppose the Scottish Government’s plans. However, the Scottish Greens voted with the SNP in the Scottish Parliament to approve the first phase of the Budget Bill. Mr Paterson said: “The additional funding to East and West Dunbartonshire councils from the SNP government will certainly help maintain frontline services. "It was tragic to see the Tories, Labour and Lib Dems reignite their toxic pact from their Better Together days. “It’s hard to believe they voted against £200 million expansion of the Golden Jubilee Hospital, £1 billion for mental health services and £55 million into the regeneration of disadvantaged communities – along with other incredibly important provisions. “These political parties are more interested in point scoring than finding consensus with Scotland’s government. “However, there’s still time for the likes of regional MSPs Maurice Golden, Maurice Corry, Jamie Greene, Mary Fee and Neil Bibby — who are meant to represent West Dunbartonshire — to change their tune and help the Scottish Government get on with the job of running the country. They have to back the Budget Bill when it comes back to the Scottish Parliament for its third phase.” ENDS In the press: Gil due to meet cabinet secretary on St Margaret of Scotland Hospice situation1/2/2017  Coverage in the Clydebank Post on February 1 2017. In the Clydebank Post today (February 1) Gil revealed his meeting with the cabinet secretary for health, Shona Robison, is on Thursday, February 2 2017. Gil's statement to the newspaper was as follows:
“The charitable status, and more importantly ethos, should not in danger. The work they carry out has been exemplary and we’re seeking a solution that recognises that fact. I welcome the support the Clydebank Post has given in informing the public on an ongoing basis – I’m really grateful for it.” ENDS  Kilbowie Road sinkhole. Photo courtesy of Clydebank Post. Gil Paterson MSP was asked by the Clydebank Post for a comment on the sinkhole situation in Kilbowie Road, Clydebank. At 62 metres deep, the old mine shaft is going to cost more than a million pounds to fix and take a substantial amount of time. Mr Paterson told the Post: “Although this is a West Dunbartonshire Council responsibility, I have had a number of people contacting me seeking my assistance. I have had written to chief executive Joyce White asking for clarification so when constituents contact me I can inform them. A further inquiry may be needed to allay the fears of the public, but I will first wait on the response I get from the council’s chief executive.” ENDS Below is Gil's letter to Joyce White, the CE of West Dunbartonshire Council, sent on January 31.   CLYDEBANK and Milngavie's MSP is appealing to constituents to make their views on fracking heard.
On January 31, the Scottish Government launched a consultation on unconventional oil and gas extraction after gathering reports on the health, economic and environmental impact of fracking. A moratorium on unconventional oil and gas development in Scotland was put in place in January 2015, which prevents hydraulic fracturing for shale oil and gas, and coal bed methane extraction taking place while the Scottish Government investigate evidence on potential impacts. MSP Gil Paterson is urging constituents to take part in the consultation, which can be accessed at www.talkingfracking.scot. Mr Paterson said: “For four months, the Scottish Government is looking for the views of householders, businesses and interest groups on whether to allow unconventional oil and gas extraction in Scotland. There are strong arguments against and in favour of fracking, but we need the view of the public as we come closer to making a final decision.” ENDS |
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