Whilst most people want to see the end of the outrageous inequalities of excessive pay, you don’t have to scratch too far below the surface to see that these proposals are heavily watered down from Theresa May’s promises. The Tories are so terrified of losing votes in the chamber that they’ve ditched the representation of workers at board level and rights for 25% of shareholders to trigger binding votes at company AGMs, to avoid their own backbench rebellions Meanwhile, they…
It is deeply worrying that the Open University is reportedly barring applications from Cuban students and it is paramount that the UK Government look into this matter further. There is no justification for not accepting Cuban students on a course, and any move to stop anyone would be directly at odds with current UK Government policy on cooperating with Cuba on higher education issues. The Equality Act makes it unlawful for universities to discriminate against students based on nationality when…
My SNP colleagues and I have been consistently pressing for robust scrutiny of this proposed takeover, and that the UK Government’s decision is reached in a transparent and thorough manner. Throughout the stages of the proposed takeover, my SNP colleagues John Nicolson and Brendan O’Hara have consistently called on the UK Government to ensure that this deal passes a number of public interest tests – notably, media plurality and broadcasting standards issues. There have been a number of developments in…
A number of the issues being raised by the public are either specific to London, or would be a responsibility for Scottish local authorities. However, I am aware there are concerns on the taxation of fuel – which remains a matter reserved to Westminster for the time being. The SNP have long campaigned for fairer and more transparent taxation of fuel. Last year in advance of the Budget, we joined with FairFuelUK to oppose any hike in fuel duty at…
The SNP have long been a champion for international development. In 2010, we successfully pressured the UK Government to meet the UN recommendation that 0.7% of national wealth be devoted to international development. As a result of our pressure, the UK became the first G7 nation to write a commitment to the 0.7% target into law. This will help achieve our commitment to the Millennium Development Goals, to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, to make sure everyone in the world can have…
A number of people have expressed their concern about unemployment amongst British Merchant Navy Officers and the wider problems of low wages and conditions in the industry. My SNP colleagues and I believe that it is of utmost importance to ensure that the future of the Maritime industry is guided by a strong vision and plan vis-à-vis employment, fair conditions, business and safety. Indeed, my colleagues, Drew Hendry MP, Chris Stephens MP and Martyn Day MP, spoke on this issue…
I am disappointed that no agreement has been reached at ACAS and that industrial action is taking place. The Scottish Government is committed to National Bargaining, which was included in our 2011 manifesto. Indeed, the Minister for Further Education has met separately with EIS and representatives of the sector’s employers’ association regarding this dispute and encouraged both bodies to work together constructively to reach a resolution. Significant progress towards reaching a settlement has been made so far and we encourage…
SNP MPs have consistently opposed the Higher Education Bill since it was introduced by the UK Government in July last year. In regards to your comments on the Lords Amendments, I agree with you that the TEF should not be linked to tuition fees and it is something my SNP colleagues and I have consistently opposed. As you will be aware, the SNP believe that education should be based on the ability to learn and not the ability to pay…