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Scotland’s manufacturing future By David Livey (snp) Nicola Sturgeon officially re-opened the Dalzell Scottish steel plant in Motherwell today. This follows decisive action taken by the Scottish Government earlier this year to secure a new owner, which safeguarded full manufacturing capability for the plant in the future. This isn’t the first time the Scottish Government has stepped up to protect a key national asset. With government assistance a new buyer was found for the Ferguson shipyard in Port Glasgow. Under new ownership, the yard is winning public contracts and expanding…

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Extra funding to boost A&E resilience ahead of winter. Health boards across Scotland are sharing an additional £9 million this year for emergency departments, hospitals and primary and social care teams to get ready for winter. The funding supports dedicated multi-disciplinary teams to improve patient flow in A&E, across the hospital and in the community. By enhancing staffing cover over winter, providing the same level of discharging at weekends as midweek or providing treatment in the community, patients will get the best care in the most appropriate place, preventing unnecessary…

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Former first minister Alex Salmond has suggested a second referendum on Scottish independence could be held in two years time. In a column in the National newspaper, he said he has “little doubt” the “next test is coming”. He said that his “guess” on timing is that “it is likely to be the autumn of 2018”. ARTICLE SOURCE: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-37395261

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SNP Growth Commission (By Alex Aitchison) In 2014, Scotland voted to remain in a UK that was part of the European Union. However, the result of the June 2016 referendum raises the prospect of Scotland being taken out of the EU against the stated will of the Scottish electorate. The resultant economic and social upheaval and damage to our international relationships is a material risk to the economy and the wellbeing of our citizens. Independence is one of the options open to the people of Scotland to choose a different…

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Scotland must remain in the EU single market The importance of Scotland remaining part of the European Union’s single market was a key theme during the first in a series of parliamentary debates on the implications of Brexit. The debate was led by Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe, Michael Russell, who also announced he will meet with the UK Government’s Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, David Davis, in London tomorrow. Mr Russell outlined the single market, stakeholder involvement and the importance of Scotland’s…

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Brexit: securing the best possible deal for Scotland (By Michael Russell) Scotland has benefited from membership of the European Union for decades, and I believe – as I have for all my political life – that EU membership was and remains the best option for Scotland. Now, however, that membership and those benefits are under direct and severe threat as a result of a situation not of our making, and not supported by Scottish voters. As a nation, working with others, we must find the right way to counter that…

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Nicola Sturgeon announced the National Survey below, on 02/09/16. SNP Statement: “Nicola Sturgeon launched the first phase in our new independence initiative – the biggest listening exercise in our party’s history, which will reach out to 2 million people in Scotland before St Andrew’s Day. Members of the public can take part in The National Survey to give their views on Europe, Brexit, and independence, and set out concerns and questions they have.” Source: http://www.snp.org/nicola_sturgeon_s_speech_getting_on_with_the_job Take part in the biggest ever political survey about Scotland’s Future www.survey2016.scot Take part in…

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£500m new support for businesses Scotland First Minister First Minister sets out Programme for Government. A new £500m package of financial support for private sector business investment was announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today as she set out plans to increase economic growth in her Programme for Government. The three-year Scottish Growth Scheme will see the Scottish Government unlock investment for the private sector, which is facing increased uncertainty as a result of Brexit. Individual investment guarantees, and some loans, of up to £5 million will be available to…

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