Bedroom tax becoming test of Lamont's leadership

Friday, 29 March 2013 22:40

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By a Newsnet reporter

The SNP has claimed that the failure of Labour councils to act on the Bedroom Tax is rapidly becoming a test of Johann Lamont's leadership after another Labour dominated council refused to protect people affected by the new legislation, from eviction.

North Lanarkshire Council yesterday became the latest Labour local authority to refuse to back the SNP on a non-eviction policy for those affected by the Bedroom Tax. The SNP group on the council had moved an amendment backing a no-eviction policy at yesterday's full council meeting, but were voted down by the Labour group.

Break up of UKBA will not address 'fundamental problems'

Friday, 29 March 2013 21:51

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By a Newsnet reporter

The impending breakup of the UK Border Agency has sparked calls for reform, with SNP MSP Christina McKelvie having written to Theresa May calling for the changes taking place to be used as an opportunity to change the UK's approach to immigration.

Earlier this week Ms May announced that the troubled agency will now be split into parts focusing on the visa system and on immigration law enforcement – both reporting directly to ministers.

The hypocrisy of millionaires imposing the bedroom tax

Friday, 29 March 2013 17:37

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By Tommy Sheridan

Would you trust a motor mechanic to perform heart surgery on you? A bricklayer to apply a spray-tan? No of course you wouldn’t. So why on earth would anyone trust the millionaire toffs in the ConDem government to devise social housing policy?

These political space cadets wouldn’t know a council or housing association house if it fell on their swollen heads. Their cruel and economically illiterate bedroom tax proposal proves just out of touch with ordinary lives they really are.

More devolution for Scotland but only after UK-wide vote

Thursday, 28 March 2013 15:21

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By a Newsnet reporter

A report has been published by the House of Commons Constitutional Reform Committee which recommends that no further devolution be granted to Scotland until Westminster has dealt with devolution for England.

The Committee also recommends a UK-wide vote on a further devolution settlement, meaning that the Scottish Parliament may only gain additional powers if voters in England, Wales and Northern Ireland approve.

Labour accused of 'shameless hypocrisy' and 'grandstanding' over bedroom tax

Wednesday, 27 March 2013 22:58

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By a Newsnet reporter

In a heated exchange in Holyrood, Labour's Jackie Baillie has been accused by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of misrepresentation, grandstanding, and hypocrisy over the bedroom tax.

Ms Sturgeon's comments were made during the debate on an emergency motion Ms Baillie had put forward on behalf of Labour calling on the Scottish government to make up to £50 million available to mitigate the effects of the housing benefits cut on Scottish local authorities and housing associations.

NI First Minister: Scotland can only have more fiscal autonomy through independence

Wednesday, 27 March 2013 17:32

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By a Newsnet reporter

The SNP has highlighted comments by Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson that the treatment of the province by David Cameron shows that the only way for Scotland to achieve more powers is to vote 'Yes' in next year’s referendum.

The Northern Irish First Minister's comments followed a long-awaited meeting with David Cameron where the Prime Minister refused to devolve corporation tax to Northern Ireland, deferring the issue until after the Scottish independence referendum.

Labour MSP grabs BBC headlines again with yet another NHS attack

Wednesday, 27 March 2013 17:02

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By a Newsnet reporter

A Labour MSP who once falsely claimed that Scottish NHS Hospitals were the most infected in Europe, has launched yet another attack on the Scottish Health Service.

Jackie Baillie, who is Scottish Labour’s Health spokesperson, has attacked a lack of guarantees over secondary treatment for cancer patients, claiming that waiting time targets should be introduced in order to ensure patients are seen within 31 days.