Independent Sweden 🇸🇪
Population: 10 million.
No of government ministers: 22.
Nicola Sturgeon’s Scotland 🟨🟩🏴Population: 5.4 million.
No of SNP / Green government ministers: 27.
This is a costly coalition for the people of Scotland.
YESTERDAY
Nicola Sturgeon said she would answer “any and all questions” on the ferries fiasco.
TONIGHT
SNP MSPs have just used their votes to block a statement from Nicola Sturgeon this week so she can answer those questions.
NEW: I have written to the
@SP_PublicAudit
Committee calling for
@NicolaSturgeon
& Derek Mackey to be summoned to give evidence on the ferries fiasco.
After more delays and more costs they must now answer for the decisions the SNP Government made.
Never in the history of
@ScotParl
has there been a government of 27 Ministers.
The SNP & Green ministerial wage bill now stands at more than £1m+ per year.
Why should the public accept two more on the Ministerial payroll? It’s an expensive new gloss on the same old government.
SNP and Green MSPs have just voted AGAINST holding a Ministerial Statement next week on Covid Vaccine Passports.
Many people still have unanswered questions about the scheme which will be introduced next week.
Arrogant and out of touch response to refuse such a request.
Ferries 5 years late and still not built. Costs up from £97m to £250m.
When asked on Radio Scotland this morning about mistakes in the contract Kate Forbes said “hindsight is a wonderful thing”.
Getting the ferries built on time and on budget would have been a wonderful thing.
SNP & Green MSPs have just voted AGAINST
@ScottishLabour
’s amendment to waive NDA’s in place on the ferries fiasco.
We need openness and transparency not secrecy and cover-up. The people of Scotland deserve better than this.
.
@NicolaSturgeon
promises to “freeze” ScotRail fares until March 2023.
That’s after hiking up fares by 3.8% in January 2022. This was before UK rail fares went up in March.
This is not a freeze. It’s a hike and freeze.
Beware of SNP headline grabbing spin.
.
@NicolaSturgeon
said she wanted to be judged on her education record.
Working class kids aren’t being judged on theirs. This is a scandal.
#SQAResults
Angela please DM me the details and we will speak to Asda to try to make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else. All of this is hard enough for everyone so let’s try to not make it any harder.
UPDATE: Humza Yousaf has refused
@ScottishLabour
’s calls for a ministerial statement on plans for a two-tier NHS. Says its not up for debate and this was only an informal meeting of NHS Directors. Why not give a full statement to Parliament and set the record straight then?
No apology and no regret from
@NicolaSturgeon
at
#FerryFiasco
FMQs for paying a 'Turnaround' director at Fergusons £2 million.
Utterly woeful and an insult to Scotland’s islanders, the Ferguson’s workforce and taxpayers.
During a cost of living crisis, taxpayers will be left paying the cost of the SNP Government's failures.
The First Minister said she would answer "any and all questions" but 24 hours later
@NicolaSturgeon
's own MSP's have blocked a statement on the ferries fiasco.
As
@theSNP
leader & First Minister I will:
1️⃣ Invest in GP practices in deprived areas
2️⃣ Increase GP training places
3️⃣ Expand co-op GP model
4️⃣ Further increase social care wages
5️⃣ Increase use of Hospital at Home
6️⃣ Begin National Conversation on NHS
#HumzaForScotland
Nicola Sturgeon 12/7/20 “I think people across Scotland right now would expect me to have my entire focus on leading the country through the biggest crisis that any of us have ever experienced and that’s what I’m going to do.”
11 days later 👇🏻
I welcome the PM to Scotland today. One of the key arguments for independence is the ability of Scotland to take our own decisions, rather than having our future decided by politicians we didn’t vote for, taking us down a path we haven’t chosen. His presence highlights that.
10 years ago Nicola Sturgeon promised a national smart integrated ticketing travel card for all people in Scotland. We’re still waiting.
This is the same Nicola Sturgeon who said independence could be achieved in 18 months. 🤔
.
@AnasSarwar
spot on about priorities: “If Nicola Sturgeon had obsessed about fighting poverty as much as she obsessed about the constitution imagine how different Scotland would be.”
#BBCLeadersDebate
Every last Scottish Green MSP this evening joined the SNP to vote for the covid vaccine passports they so recently opposed.
Not a single one of them had the backbone to stick to their principles.
🚊 Finally, ScotRail is back in public ownership. This must be a People’s ScotRail with accessible, affordable and reliable services and run for passengers and workers.
@scotgov
have a duty now to drive positive change, not cuts to services and more of the same.
Scotland’s councils have been underfunded by the SNP / Greens for 15 years.
At the local elections in May, send them a message to stop their cuts and elect local champions by voting
@ScottishLabour
This is nothing more than a cynical attempt to drum up interest ahead of party conference.
Politics isn’t a game, it’s about serving the people and this government’s eye is off the ball.
It's official. WHO targets on Test and Protect have been missed.
Instead of trying to spin her way out of it, Nicola Sturgeon should face the facts and fix Test and Protect.
Gutted by the SNP's decision to close RAH Kids Ward and devastated for the staff & thousands of local families who Nicola Sturgeon lied to and ignored. The people of Renfrewshire can never trust a word she and the SNP say again.
Today, Graeme Dey hiked up rail fares by a brutal 3.8% for Scotland’s commuters.
Yesterday, Graeme Dey told me he hadn’t made up his mind yet.
This SNP Transport Minister shows contempt for
@ScotParl
but more importantly is completely out of touch with the traveling public.
Remember this major pledge before the election?
97 days after the election, the SNP appear set to break their own promise to refurbish EVERY play park in Scotland.
Yet another broken promise. Scotland’s children and families deserve and expect better.
Transport Minister just confirmed to
@scotparl
that only 1 in 8 young people eligible for the under 22’s bus pass have applied.
Over 800,000 young people currently missing out because of mixed messages and a complicated process.
@scotgov
must urgently get their act together.
No-one from the Scottish Government appeared on
#BBCSundayShow
to respond to the real life concerns for businesses & consumers about their Deposit Return Scheme plans.
How can we have confidence in the scheme if even the
@scotgov
hasn’t got the confidence to defend it?
Absolute shambles. Paisley Southeast council by-election is off because SNP run
@RenCouncil
didn’t do their homework.
This is unprecedented.
Postal votes & polling cards have already been sent out. How much time & public money has been wasted due to this gross incompetence?
The ship has sailed on SNP excuses.
The only chance islanders might see a new ferry this year is if they take a holiday to Marmaris.
If the delayed ferries at Ferguson’s are not ready by May and December 2023 will Kate Forbes resign?
It’s time the SNP took responsibility.
BREAKING - Renfrewshire Council passes motion calling on
@ShonaRobison
to reverse RAH Kids Ward closure. Supported by Independent & EVERY party except the SNP. It isn't too late for the Health Minister to stop ignoring and start listening to Renfrewshire families
#KidsNeedOurWard
We did it! All parties in the Scottish Parliament back the Tied Pubs Bill and a fairer deal for Scotland's tied pubs and pub-goers.
Thank you everyone who made this possible.
.
@ASLEFunion
reported there were no vacancies for train drivers advertised on the ScotRail.
SNP Transport Minister said tonight on
@BBCScotNine
this was not her “understanding”.
I’ve just checked.
@ASLEFunion
are correct.
Having questioned Kate Forbes on the ferries fiasco I can well understand
@RealMacKaySTV
’s frustration in this
#ScotNight
interview.
As he said, “this is just words Minister”.
Q. What does taking "collective responsibility" in response to the ferries fiasco actually mean?
Finance Secretary
@_KateForbes
tells
@RealMacKaySTV
the government will learn lessons, take responsibility & try to put the situation right.
The full interview on
#scotnight
10.55pm
.
@ScottishLabour
lead the SNP on Scottish Parliament party voting intentions for the first time since August 2014.
Be part of our campaign for change.
Join us:
I’m delighted to have been re-elected as a
@ScottishLabour
&
@ScotCoopParty
MSP for West Scotland.
Thanks to the 83872 people in the West who put their trust in Labour.
Congratulation also to
@KatySClark
&
@PFOKane
- looking forward to working with them in the new Parliament.
It’s a disgrace that this lost document was not given to Audit Scotland. They have now been miraculously found - but they raise more questions than they answer.
The documents show that the decision was cleared by John Swinney. Serious questions now for the Deputy First Minister.
SNP positions on General Election so far (there’s probably more!)
1. Tories will win
2. Labour will win
3. There will be a hung parliament
4. Labour & Tories are “indistinguishable”
5. “World of difference” between Labour & Tories
6. Election will be a de facto referendum (1/2)
Foolish doesn’t begin to describe Derek Mackay’s conduct. If it’s serious enough to warrant a resignation from
@scotgov
then it warrants his resignation as a MSP with immediate effect. The people of Renfrewshire North & West need the opportunity to elect a new MSP they can trust.
Delighted to be appointed
@ScottishLabour
’s new Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture.
Look forward to making the case not just for a stronger and fairer Scotland in the UK but a changed UK that works better for Scotland.
Change is coming.
Thank you to all the 11,420 people who voted for me in Paisley and thank you also to the
@Paisley_Labour
campaign team.
Although we didn’t take the seat this time, I am proud of the campaign we ran and pleased that we increase the
@ScottishLabour
vote by nearly 2000 votes.
SNP Transport Minister Graeme Dey twice refused to confirm to Parliament that he rejected a
@rmtunion
counter proposal to end rail strikes when asked by me and
@Willie_Rennie
.
Why? The traveling public deserve to know. He must urgently clarify his actions.
Well done to
@Labour_Douglas
on a great campaign in Clydebank and Milngavie and making real progress in that seat. 10% increase in the
@ScottishLabour
vote.
It’s hard to think of a proposal that would make the ferries fiasco in Scotland worse - but this is it.
If
@scotgov
are having to pay for ideas this bad- they’ve run out of steam.
@NicolaSturgeon
should immediately rule out aggressive privatisation & break up of Calmac network.
Saturday's Herald
Scotland's ferry network could be broken up under plans to revitalise the taxpayer-funded service in a move that has raised fears the most lucrative routes will be sold off.
#TomorrowsPapersToday
#scotpapers
#BuyAPaper
& subscribe:
Good luck to all children returning to school this morning after five long months - it’s been a long haul.
Particular best wishes to the newest pupils who start P1 today including my own son Sam.
I am so proud of you. Be yourself. 🏫 👩🏫
The SNP & Greens can’t talk about tackling climate change whilst cutting rail services.
Instead of spending more and more on wages and cars for their own ministers, they should be investing in transport for everyone else.🚆
Delighted
@ScotParl
has tonight voted overwhelmingly for the Tied Pubs Bill to pass Stage 1.
Thanks to MSPs from all parties who want to give Scotland’s Tied Pubs a fairer deal.
I look forward to working across parties to progress this vital legislation in the coming weeks.
📺 October 2023:
@AngusRobertson
tells me that despite reneging on previous assurances, his promise to restore £6.6million of reserves to
@creativescots
is ‘gold-plated.’
Today:
@scotgov
is unable to confirm the £6.6milion will be restored in the 24/25 budget 👇
I am delighted to have been re-selected on Labour’s West Scotland list after topping the ballot of party members.
Thank you to members for placing your trust in me, for endorsing my record & for supporting my ideas for the West.
Let's keep fighting for West Scotland, together.
Once again
@AnasSarwar
demonstrates a laser-like focus on recovery and the things that really matter to people in Scotland.
Scotland deserves better. An Opposition that works and a Government that won’t take its “eye off the ball”.
#BothVotesLabour
#STVDebate
Twice this week I have asked Shona Robison to come to Paisley and explain her decision to close the RAH Kids Ward to the families direct. Twice she has failed to answer. How can families have confidence in the Minister's decision if she doesn't have the confidence to defend it?
This is a hammer-blow to Ferguson’s and shipbuilding on the Lower Clyde.
Scotland’s ferries should be built in Scotland. More jobs and money are going overseas due the SNP’s incompetence and lack of industrial strategy.
This is simply not good enough.
Many people who don’t support a costly referendum voted for Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP last year to get us through the pandemic.
Nicola Sturgeon is mis-interpreting the mandate she was given and misjudging the mood of the Scottish people.
Today’s last minute deal means we may have dodged catastrophe - but it won’t fix they years of neglect Scotland’s railways have suffered at the hands of the SNP.
👇
@ScottishLabour
’s statement
It is clear that the SNP's merger of the BTP into Police Scotland was ideologically driven and flawed from the start. This is a merger that workers do not want and that passengers do not need. It's time for the SNP to listen and think again!
The SNP is a nationalist party that does not stand up for Scotland’s national economic interests.
Promises broken and off-shoring jobs in government. Independence would damage our economy with more austerity.
Scotland deserves better. A plan for jobs & raising living standards.
£100 million – the eye-watering repair backlog at Inverclyde Royal Hospital, according to NHS GGC figures obtained under FOI.
So much for the SNP saying they are “committed” to this hospital. Urgent investment needed and needed now.
I wasn’t able to attend because I had a medical appointment during portfolio questions.
You didn’t attend your own portfolio questions last time because….you weren’t even in the country.
People may find that more “extraordinary”.
#GlassHouses
#Stones
Given the importance of the arts sector in Scotland it is absolutely extraordinary that not a single Labour front-bencher and only one Labour back-bencher bothered to turn up for culture questions in Scottish Parliament today.
#culture
Are SNP Ministers only concerned about social distancing on cross border trains and not ScotRail ones??
Lots of reports packed carriages and too little distancing on ScotRail all weekend. Maybe ask Transport Scotland what they're doing about that?
This is unacceptable.
@LNER
services operating in Scotland should comply with the
@scotgov
public health guidance. I’ve asked Transport Scotland officials to address this point with LNER.
.
@NicolaSturgeon
has failed to justify why it’s one rule for Euro 2020 fan-zone parties & another for families.
Parents understand safety comes first but we cannot understand the inconsistencies in
@ScotGov
rules.
It’s time for consistency & clarity.
The SNP have been in power for 14 years. The First Minister for 7. Why haven’t you done this already?
The SNP have had their chance to close the digital divide - they’ve failed.
Use
#BothVotesLabour
for a Recovery Plan that works for Scotland’s young people.
🗳 👩💻 If
@theSNP
is re-elected in May, we will make sure every school pupil from P1 to S6 gets a laptop, Chromebook or tablet. In the digital age this should be as automatic as being given jotters and pencils was in years gone by.
#BothVotesSNP
2009 - SNP scrap Glasgow Airport Rail Link. Congestion on the M8 between Paisley and Glasgow gets worse. 2019 - SNP scrap a rail link to Glasgow Airport all over again.
#10YearChallenge
Brilliant speech by
@AnasSarwar
at
#Lab21
.
“The SNP are not progressive. We already have a progressive alliance across the UK - it is called the Labour Party.”
Under Labour, it won't just be COP26 delegates that get the benefit of a functioning bus system.
If elected next year, councillors across Glasgow & the West will end the privatised chaos and introduce a publicly owned, joined up bus network for all.
Great to meet with
@scottishlabour
members in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis tonight.
People here are being failed by the Tories and the SNP from the cost of living crisis to the ferries fiasco.
The road to a Labour Government runs through Na h-Eileanan an Iar.
Scottish economy was underperforming before the crisis. Now
@ONS
say our employment rate 74.1% is lower than Wales and every English region. ⬇️1.6% over the last year. ⬇️1.2% over the last quarter.
It’s clear
@scotgov
has no working plan to rescue jobs - we need one now.
Sticking with face masks on public transport protects staff and builds passenger confidence as we go to Level 0.
It's simple, it's safe and for now it's got to stay.
Outstanding speech from
@AnasSarwar
setting out the change on offer with Labour.
The Tories and SNP represent a block on progress but we can do things differently and make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up and grow old in.
Labour is on Scotland’s side.
#ScotLab23
Now more than ever, our country needs political leadership that will bring people together.
I want to rebuild Scottish Labour, and then rebuild Scotland.
That work starts now.
RESULT- I am delighted that Denzel Darku will not be deported & has been granted residency as this nightmare finally comes to an end. His life has been turned upside down for no reason and lessons must be learned by the Home Office in how they treat people in future.
#DENZELSTAYS
Mhairi Black is clearly indifferent to the present needs of her constituents.
Paisley and Renfrewshire South needs change with a Labour Government.
It’s clear the only way to make sure we boot the Tories out at the next election is to
#VoteLabour
.
It does not matter whether we have a Labour or a Tory government, independence would rid us of out of touch Labour and Tory governments forever. 🏴
This is a control-freak government where MSPs aren’t allowed to ask questions without permission.
But they expect you to believe that Derek Mackay signed a multi-million pound ferries contract without permission.
SNP accused of 'control freakery' after Holyrood questions email accidentally sent to all MSPs
Labour MSP
@NeilBibby
: "The SNP have been caught in the act of spin and cover up."
More and more people in Scotland and across the UK are demanding change.
That change is coming - with
@ScottishLabour
gaining support from both the Tories and the SNP.
#VoteLabour
for a Labour Government and to get the Tories out.
.
@AnasSarwar
spot on to
@NicolaSturgeon
“We need to focus on what we can do in Scotland, not we what we can’t do and ensure we have a recovery that works for everyone.”
#STVDebate
A rail link to Glasgow Airport should have happened long before now.
Since 2009, the SNP have cancelled three projects, when are they going to cancel the latest one?
Today I was in Glasgow, where
@Keir_Starmer
&
@AnasSarwar
laid out the simple choice facing our country at this election.
More chaos and division with the Tories and SNP, or responsible government and change with
@ScottishLabour
.
#VoteLabour
Congratulations to Humza Yousaf.
People across Scotland are hungry for change but he is the self-styled continuity candidate.
This isn’t day 1 of a new government. It’s day 5807 of a bitterly divided SNP in power.
Only
@ScottishLabour
offers the change that Scotland needs.
The new SNP Transport Minister should abandon:-
- Cutting 250 daily services
- 50,000 fewer seats on trains
- Plans to shut ticket desks
- Biggest fare rise in a decade
- Compulsory redundancy threats
My speech in
@scottishlabour
debate on ScotRail last week 👇🏻
Queen Street’s shiny new decor can’t mask the chaos at ScotRail.
Workers and passengers are fighting against massive cuts to rail services and jobs.
The First Minister will pop up for a photo-op but why won’t she listen and stop the cuts hitting rail services across Scotland?
The four rail unions are protesting at the official opening of Glasgow Queen Street this morning.
We’re calling on
@NicolaSturgeon
to intervene to stop the cuts and end the industrial relations crisis on Scotland’s railways.
Both Cones Labour! Out knocking doors talking with voters in Paisley this morning & afternoon.
@AnasSarwar
’s message of a recovery that is fair to all is gaining momentum.
Spoke with more people telling me they are switching to
@ScottishLabour
.🍦🌹
#BothVotesLabour
I have lodged a motion in
@ScotParl
to put pressure on
@ScotGov
to keep their promise not to cut Creative Scotland’s budget by 10%.
Please share and ask your MSP to back Scotland’s culture sector by signing this motion.
Congratulations to
@Alison_S_Taylor
on being selected as our fantastic
@ScottishLabour
candidate for Paisley and Renfrewshire North.
Looking forward to campaigning with Alison for a Labour Gain and a Labour Government.