Slider
parliament1.jpg
parliament2.jpg
parliament3.jpg
News
ANTI-INDEPENDENCE MSPs UNITE TO TAKE BACK CONTROL FOR WESTMINSTER
VOTE WILL ‘HAUNT LABOUR FOR YEARS’ AS THEY CONTINUE THEIR DEMISE IN SCOTLAND
The SNP has accused anti-independence politicians of supporting taking back control from the Scottish Parliament and handing it to Westminster after they failed to condemn UK Tory government power grabs.
In a sign of contempt for devolution, Tory MSP Donald Cameron claimed during a Holyrood debate that there should be ‘no limit’ on where Westminster decides to spend money in Scotland, even in the face of devolved responsibilities.
MICHELLE THOMSON WELCOMES A9 COMMITMENT FROM FALKIRK COUNCIL
UPGRADES TO A9 AT CADGER’S BRAE DUE TO BEGIN IN 2022
Falkirk Council have confirmed to Falkirk East MSP, Michelle Thomson, that plans are in place to improve Grandsable junction on the A9. This follows recent concerns from residents over a series of incidents at the junction, including the recent fatal accident at East Beancross access which is still under investigation.
In a letter received by the local MSP, Falkirk Council advise that improvement of the junction of the A9 and Grandsable Road and Junction 5 Cadgers Brae roundabout has been included in Falkirk Council’s approved TIF (Tax Incremental Financing) submission.
MICHELLE THOMSON MSP ANNOUNCES LIVING WAGE AND CARER POSITIVE EMPLOYMENT STATUS
LOCAL MSP ENCOURAGES BUSINESSES TO SIGN UP THIS CHALLENGE POVERTY WEEK
Falkirk East MSP Michelle Thomson has gained Living Wage and Carer Positive Employer accreditation and is encouraging other employers to sign up to both initiatives.
Living Wage accreditation formally recognises and celebrates employers who choose to go further than the government minimum, while Carer Positive accreditation aims to create a supportive working environment for carers in the workplace.
October 4-10 is Challenge Poverty week, focusing on how small changes can make a big difference.
Michelle Thomson MSP commented saying: “I am proud to be both a Living Wage and Carer Positive employer. Over 45,000 workers in over 2,100 businesses are paid the Real Living Wage of £9.50 per hour. Not only is this good for business, increasing morale and productivity, but it is also a boost in confidence to any employee that their employer values them to pay them a decent wage for the work they do.
“While being Carer Positive allows for flexibility for people who want to work but have caring responsibilities that often mean they have to give up work. Being both Carer Positive and Living Wage accredited provides an opportunity for a happier and, therefore, a more productive workforce.
“I would encourage any employer who is considering taking these steps to go for it – you will not regret making these decisions. We should all strive for a better environment for our employees and these are great steps in the right direction towards doing just that.”
Notes:
Information on the Scottish Living Wage can be found here: https://scottishlivingwage.org/
Information on Carer Positive can be found here: https://www.carerpositive.org/
SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT DEMANDS TORIES HALTS UNIVERSAL CREDIT CUTS
MICHELLE THOMSON MSP CONDEMNS SCOTTISH TORIES FOR BACK “SHAMEFUL CUTS TO UNIVERSAL CREDIT”
The Scottish Parliament has voted overwhelming to support cancelling the Tory UK Government’s planned £20 cut to Universal Credit next month. Following the vote, Falkirk East MSP, Michelle Thomson, condemned the Scottish Tories for backing the cut which will remove over £1,000 from over 12,200 households across the wider Falkirk district.
Hundreds of anti-poverty campaigners, human rights experts, cross-party committees and the devolved Governments have all urged the UK Government to keep the lifeline, with the Tories now under pressure to support people who have been worst affected by the pandemic.
MICHELLE THOMSON MSP SELECTS SUSTAINABLE THINKING SCOTLAND CIC AS LOCAL HEROES
STEVE MCQUEEN & SEAN KERR WILL ATTEND PARLIAMENT’S OPENING CEREMONY
The SNP’s Michelle Thomson MSP has announced that Bo’ness based Sustainable Thinking Scotland CIC will attend the Scottish Parliament’s opening ceremony having been nominated as Local Heroes.
Steve McQueen will attend as the lead nominee for the social enterprise and will be accompanied by business partner Sean Kerr for the official opening of the Scottish Parliament’s sixth session.
Founded in 2016, Sustainable Thinking Scotland CIC have piloted a project to grow fruit and vegetables on Kinneil Estate to provide nutritious food to local foodbanks for free, while operating a truly circular system to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere by producing biochar using natural waste from forestry.
Falkirk East MSP, Michelle Thomson, said: “While I received several nominations of truly heroic constituents, I am delighted to announce that Steve and Sean will be attending the Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament. These two gentlemen are true local heroes, working day and night in difficult conditions to provide food and real sustainable solutions to the local communities.
“Food poverty is a serious issue and simply meeting Steve and Sean you get a feel for how serious they are about it. I am proud to say that they are part of my constituency and applaud them for their effort and contribution over the past 5 years.
“I am excited to see where their vision will take them, not only in the fight against food poverty but in their efforts to reduce carbon emissions. They are a real inspiration and hope they enjoy a rare day off at the opening ceremony of the Parliament.”
Note:
More information on Sustainable Thinking Scotland CIC can be found at their Facebook page
