Category: Scottish Politics

Scot Gov: Current Trade Bill unacceptable

Scottish Government can’t recommend consent (Article via www.gov.scot) The Scottish Government cannot recommend that the Scottish Parliament gives legislative consent to the UK Government Trade Bill as currently drafted. The UK Government has recognised the role of the Scottish Government in implementing trade deals and the Trade Bill confers powers on Scottish Ministers to do so. But the bill imposes unacceptable constraints on the way that these powers can be used. In a letter from Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Keith Brown to Minister of State for…

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Scot Gov: Scotland’s Budget

Investing in the NHS, protecting low earners, backing Scotland’s economy (Article via www.gov.scot 14/12/17) The 2018-19 Draft Budget will protect the NHS and public services, support low earners and unlock Scotland’s economic potential, according to Finance Secretary Derek Mackay. Setting out plans to invest an additional £400 million in Scotland’s health service, protect public services, lift the public sector pay cap and provide a package of investment in growing the economy and supporting small businesses, Mr Mackay said the budget would “invest in our public services and support business to…

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John Swinney: Devolution must be protected

EU Withdrawal Bill talks continue. Speaking after today’s meeting with UK First Secretary of State Damian Green on the issues surrounding the current draft of the EU Withdrawal Bill – which was also attended by Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell and Scottish Secretary David Mundell – Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Today’s meeting was a useful opportunity for an exchange of views between ourselves and the UK Government on Brexit and to discuss the current draft of the EU Withdrawal Bill. “The discussions…

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Holyrood ‘stands to lose 111 powers’ if Repeal Bill passed

Scottish Government says devolution must be defended. Holyrood ‘stands to lose 111 powers’ if Repeal Bill passed, says Mike Russell https://t.co/1Xh2QXp0s7 pic.twitter.com/vSAYekCxIC — The Scotsman (@TheScotsman) 12 September 2017 The Scottish Government cannot recommend the Scottish Parliament give its consent to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill in its current form, the Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell has told MSPs. In a statement at Holyrood, Mr Russell set out the Government’s opposition to the Bill’s proposals to transfer responsibility for all EU law to Westminster, even…

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Education central to this year’s Programme for Government

Scot Gov News: A nation with ambition Improving the life chances of Scotland’s young people is the cornerstone of the government’s work for the coming year. Education will be the focus of the Programme for Government, the legislative programme for 2017/18. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will present her vision for Scotland’s future when she addresses the Scottish Parliament later today. The First Minister will highlight other areas of focus including the economy and health. And she will outline how she will ensure Scotland continues to demonstrate strong leadership on climate…

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Queensferry Crossing officially opens

First Minister joins The Queen on historic day. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today accompanied Her Majesty The Queen for the official opening of the Queensferry Crossing. The event marked the culmination of six years work to build the structure, involving more than 15,000 people, at a cost of £1.35 billion – £245 million under the original budget. Following a ribbon cutting ceremony on the south side of the bridge, undertaken by Her Majesty, The Queen was accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to an event on the…

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New £500 million motorway officially opened

M8 journeys cut by 20 minutes First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has officially opened the £500 million M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project, saving motorists up to 20 minutes on journey times. The project, including the new seven mile stretch of the M8 motorway, aims to tackle congestion problems in central Scotland and is the first part of a combined £1.7 billion investment by Transport Scotland in the roads network. New analysis by Transport Scotland shows journey times are significantly improved, with vehicles now travelling along the M8 at an average…

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Scotland’s economy bounces back

Oil and Gas stabilises as economy grows by 0.8%. (Article via www.gov.scot) Expansion in the manufacturing sector has helped the Scottish economy to grow by 0.8% – the highest rate of quarterly growth in Scotland since the end of 2014, new figures reveal. The positive growth figures show the Scottish economy rebounding from negative growth in the previous quarter – with a growth rate for the first quarter of 2017 that is four times the UK wide rate for the same quarter. Statistics announced by Scotland’s Chief Statistician show: •The…

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First Minister addresses parliament on Manchester attack

Address to Scottish Parliament by Nicola Surgeon FM 23/05/17. This afternoon, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave a statement to the Scottish Parliament about the Manchester terrorist attack. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Presiding Officer, “It is with great sadness that I rise to speak today. “Last night in Manchester we witnessed a horrific attack on innocent people enjoying a music concert. “My thoughts, those of this Parliament – indeed, the thoughts of all the people of Scotland – are with those who have lost loved ones or sustained injuries in…

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