Scottish Conservative MSP, Jamie McGrigor, has secured a debate in the Scottish Parliament to raise the concerns of Barra fishermen who oppose plans to designate local fishing grounds as conservation areas. This follows a previous debate on the same issue in 2002 which led to similar proposals bein...
The Scottish Conservatives are urging the SNP to amend the draft budget by re-thinking the cuts to colleges to prioritise growth for the Scottish economy. Finance spokesman Gavin Brown has held a series of meetings with Finance Secretary John Swinney asking him to make improvements to his 2012-13 d...
Evidence given to the Justice Committee this morning has raised doubts over the effectiveness of the SNP Government's planned legislation to release documents detailing the reasons behind the release of Abdelbaset Al-Megrahi. Sir Gerald Gordon QC, a member of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Comm...
National Australia Bank has announced a review of Clydesdale Bank and is looking for options to either sell or radically reform the business. Murdo Fraser MSP, Convenor of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, has written to John Swinney highlighting concerns of the review leading to a signifi...
The Scottish Government's Spring Budget revision has shown that they are planning a massive increase in the amount spent on communications in 2011-12. This is despite a previous pledge from Finance Secretary John Swinney to cut spending on promoting the work of ministers. The SNP stated that the c...
Three leading credit rating agencies have stated that if Scotland separated from the UK it would not be guaranteed triple A status. Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch all indicated that Scotland would not automatically inherit the UK's top-notch rating. It comes after the SNP previously claim...
In 2007, the SNP published a document asserting that an "independent Scotland would continue in the EU". Today, Alex Salmond once again stated that Scotland would not be an accession country to the EU and that it would simply renegotiate its position within Europe. However, a wealth of legal opini...
Alex Salmond has reportedly criticised the BBC after he was told he could not appear on the broadcaster's coverage of yesteday's Six Nations match between Scotland and England. He described it as the kind of decision made by tin-pot dictatorships. The BBC said it had an obligation to ensure impart...
The Scottish Conservatives are urging the SNP to amend the budget to prioritise growth for the Scottish economy. Finance spokesman Gavin Brown has held a series of meetings with Finance Secretary John Swinney asking him to make improvements to his 2012-13 draft budget. He has made the case for act...
FOI research carried out by Scottish Conservative MSP Margaret Mitchell has revealed the number of hours of overtime carried out in Scottish public sector organisations. The figures show that over the last five years they have paid out for more than 4million hours of overtime. It comes after the Sc...
The Scottish Conservatives have urged Alex Salmond to rein in his ministers and MSPs after a series of insulting comments. First, Joan McAlpine, a parliamentary aide to the First Minister, branded anyone who interferes in the referendum process as "anti-Scottish". Then, during a debate yesterday a...
Teachers have called for schools to be able to delay the implementation of the new Curriculum for Excellence national exams. Scottish Conservative Education Spokesman, Liz Smith, has said the SNP must act urgently to address the concerns of the many schools which feel they are not fully prepared for...
Today at the Finance and Sustainable Growth Question Time, Scottish Conservative MSP Margaret Mitchell pressed the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism for more details on their proposed retail levy. In his response he failed to explain how the levy, which will take more than £100 mill...
Ahead of a lecture in Edinburgh, John Swinney has indicated that in an independent Scotland they will keep the pound until well into the mid-2020s. The party's position on what currency to adopt has continually changed in the past decade from keeping the pound to joining the Euro. This latest U-tu...
The Scottish Conservatives have demanded that John Swinney re-thinks his budget proposals for college funding, which by 2014/15 will see a cut of £74million. There is deep-seated concern across the further education sector that there will now be additional cuts in staffing and in student place...
Education Secretary Mike Russell today accused opposition parties of promoting "anti-Scottish" education policies. The comment came during a Scottish Conservative debate about the Scottish Government's plans to slash college funding. SNP MSP Joan McAlpine, a parliamentary liaison officer to Alex S...
The Scottish Conservatives brought forward a debate in the Scottish Parliament today on Prison Visiting Committees. The Committees provide vital and independent service and advice to prisoners but the SNP Government seeks to abolish them. Annabel Goldie MSP, who opened the debate, said: "The SNP G...
Alex Salmond today refused to guarantee the jobs of thousands of defence personnel in an independent Scotland. The SNP opposition to nuclear powered and armed submarines casts a major doubt on the future of the Faslane naval base, which as home to 6,500 workers is the largest single-site employer i...
Tomorrow, the Scottish Conservatives will demand that John Swinney has a major re-think of his budget proposals for college funding, which by 2014/15 will see a cut of £74million. There is deep-seated concern across the further education sector that there will now be additional cuts in staffin...
Following the publication today of both the Griggs and Von Prondzynski Reports on college and university governance structures, the Scottish Conservatives have warned that Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) modernisation must not be used as an excuse to pave the way for government inte...
Official data for the fourth quarter of 2011 has shown that the retail sector has grown, with the volume of sales up by 0.7% on the last three months. The value of sales also rose by 0.8% from the previous quarter. Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesman, Gavin Brown MSP said: "Despite these figur...
The Scottish Conservatives will tomorrow morning bring forward a debate in the Scottish Parliament on Prison Visiting Committees. The Committees provide vital and independent service and advice to prisoners but the SNP Government seeks to abolish them. This is despite a recent Scottish Government c...
Labour's confused position on welfare reform has put them on the wrong side of the argument in Scotland. Ed Miliband backed a cap on benefits in principle, but he was unable to prevent Labour Lords from voting to block the cap. Meanwhile, Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont has remained silent on...
The Scottish Conservatives are urging the SNP to amend the budget to prioritise growth the Scottish economy. Finance spokesman Gavin Brown has held a series of meetings with Finance Secretary John Swinney asking him to make improvements to his 2012-13 draft budget. He has made the case for action ...
The Scottish Government has today announced £10million of housing funding provided from Barnett consequentials. The Scottish Conservatives welcome the extra money, but it is only a small step towards reversing a cut of more than £100million in the housing budget. The SNP has already mi...
The Scottish Government has published the aggregate Total Income From Farming (TIFF) and Farm Business Income (FBI) estimates for 2010/11 along with revisions for previous years. The report shows that TIFF increased by £23million to £596million between 2010 and 2011, and the average FBI...
The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has today published its first progress report of 2012, which shows that total emissions in Scotland fell by 7% in 2009 due to the recession. However, it indicated that pollution levels appear to have increased in 2010, while emissions were also likely to have r...
A campaign was launched today by various civic organisations in Scotland to gather views on the country's constitutional future. This included the option of so-called devo-max, which would give Scotland further powers just short of independence. Scottish Conservative Constitution Spokesman, David ...
UCAS has today published data showing the number of applications to Scottish universities. Applications from England and Wales have dropped by 5% and 15% respectively from last year, while applications from EU countries have risen by 6%. The Scottish Conservatives warned that charging students from...
Today, Alex Salmond has once again claimed that an independent Scotland in Europe would be able to cut corporation tax to attract more businesses to come here. However, he glosses over the fact that France and Germany have called for common corporation and financial transaction taxes. In Germany, ...
A Parliamentary question lodged by Mary Scanlon has revealed that absenteeism across some Scottish public sector organisations is remarkably high with an average of nine working days lost per full-time employee over one year. Disclosure Scotland lost a staggering 17.8 days on average in one year, a...
Ahead of this week's ministerial statement on college and university governance structures, the Scottish Conservative's Education Spokesperson, Liz Smith MSP, has issued a stark warning to the SNP about the dangers of more government control over the further and higher education sectors. She claime...
Mike Russell has today written to Scotland's college principals detailing plans for the £15m Transformation Fund. In it, he has given colleges just one month to submit their proposals on how structural changes can be made within the further education sector. Scottish Conservative Education Sp...
Scottish Conservatives have called for the Scottish Government to examine further the possibility of adopting a recycling scheme, similar to the waste medicine recycling schemes operating in some European countries. Under current regulations, returned and unused medicines cannot be reused and are d...
A Parliamentary Question from Alex Johnstone revealed that the Scottish Government has missed its target on the number of houses to be built under phase one of the National Housing Trust. Some 1025 were originally pledged to be built under phase one, contributing to the Scottish Government's commit...
The First Minister was today asked for some clarity on the substantive principles upon which the people of Scotland will vote in an independence referendum. Ruth Davidson pressed Alex Salmond on what currency would be in use if Scotland was to separate from the rest of the UK. However, during Firs...
The UK Government has announced that athletes competing in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will not have to pay income tax. The exemption will make it more likely that star athletes such as Usain Bolt will compete in the games. Scottish Conservative leader and Glasgow MSP, Ruth Davidson said...
Stage 1 of the Scottish Government's Budget Bill took place this afternoon. Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesman, Gavin Brown MSP said: "This needs to be a budget for economic growth to get Scotland working again but it has fallen short so far. The unemployment rate in Scotland is rapidly incre...
The Scottish Government today published their consultation document for a referendum on independence. Since the UK Government published its consultation paper on the referendum a few weeks ago there has been progress on defining the terms of how the vote would be organised. The SNP Government now ...
It has emerged that Alex Salmond will be using Edinburgh Castle to host the press conference following the launch of the consultation process on the referendum. It comes after criticism in the past for using Edinburgh Castle to host events far more frequently than any of his predecessors. Scottish...
The Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) has called for the Small Business Bonus to be abolished in a report published today. Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesman, Gavin Brown MSP said: "Scottish Conservative votes helped secure the Small Business Bonus and we still firmly believe that it is a ...
A report from the Taxpayers' Alliance has revealed that the equivalent of £1 in every £5 of Council Tax raised in the UK is spent on Council pensions. Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesman, Gavin Brown MSP said: "Many people will be very surprised upon hearing this statistic. It demo...
A poll has shown that the Coalition's benefits cap is even more popular in Scotland than in other parts of the UK. Almost 69 per cent of those polled by YouGov in England and Wales support a cap at or below the level set by the Government - in Scotland that figure rises to 72 per cent. Tonight the...
Two new emails detailing an exchange between referendum expert Dr Matt Qvortrup and Alex Salmond's senior Special Adviser have been published today. Commenting, Murdo Fraser said: "This just gets murkier and murkier. There are serious questions raised about the conduct of the First Minister's Speci...
In the week that Sir Fred Goodwin is once again in the headlines the SNP have said that an independent Scotland would not take a share of the debt resulting from the bailout of Royal Bank of Scotland. Alex Salmond encouraged the bank's bid to buy ABN Amro – a deal that helped push the bank in...
In 2007 the SNP published a document asserting that an "independent Scotland would continue in the EU". Today, Alex Salmond once again stated that Scotland would not be an accession country to the EU and that it would simply renegotiate its position. However, a wealth of legal opinion has stated t...
Figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives have shown that administration costs in the NHS have doubled over the past 12 years. Since the SNP came to power there has been an increase of nearly £100m. Dr Nanette Milne MSP, Scottish Conservative Spokesperson for Public Health said: "At a t...
At last week's First Minister's Questions, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson urged Alex Salmond to use the independent Electoral Commission to oversee the referendum on independence. Commenting on reports by the BBC that the Scottish Government is ready to accept the UK Government's offer ...
The SNP have said a separate Scotland would have one naval base, one army base and one mobile armed brigade. Alex Salmond previously fought to retain all three of Scotland's air force bases and his latest vision of how a Scottish defence would look seems to have been made on the hoof with little or...
At First Minister's Questions last month Scottish Conservative leader asked Alex Salmond why his Council of Economic Advisers has failed to meet since September of 2010. When Alex Salmond announced the formation of the Council he described it as "our best chance in several generations to tackle the...
The Scottish Conservatives are urging the SNP to introduce a budget for economic growth to get Scotland working again. Finance spokesman Gavin Brown has written to Finance Secretary John Swinney asking him for a meeting to make improvements to his 2012-13 draft budget, ahead of next week's debate. ...
Figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives have shown that administration costs in the NHS have doubled over the past 12 years. Since the SNP came to power there has been an increase of nearly £100m. Dr Nanette Milne MSP, Scottish Conservative Spokesperson for Public Health said: "At a t...
During today's Scottish Government debate the SNP made the case for devolving all powers for running the Scottish Parliamentary elections in Scotland. This includes a proposal to change the voting franchise, enabling 16 and 17-year-olds to vote. The Scottish Conservatives remain opposed to this as...
A written answer from the Scottish Government to a Parliamentary Question has revealed that nearly 48,000 prisoners have been liberated from prison under unconditional automatic early release since 2006-07. Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesman, David McLetchie MSP said: "These figures highlight...
In 2007 the SNP published a document asserting that an "independent Scotland would continue in the EU". Today, at First Minister's Questions, it emerged that Štefan Füle, Commissioner for enlargement for the EU, has received no correspondence from the Scottish Government on whether a se...
The Local Government and Regeneration Committee yesterday took evidence on the possible introduction of building MOTs. Scottish Conservative Local Government spokesperson, Margaret Mitchell MSP said: "No one could argue against the benefits of preventative spending to help stop housing deteriorati...
In the last Justice and the Law Officers question time of 2011, Margaret Mitchell MSP, pressed the case for the retention of Visiting Committees with the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill MSP. This came after the announcement in early December that they were to be replaced by a new dedi...
The Scottish Conservatives are urging the SNP to introduce a budget for economic growth to get Scotland working again. Finance spokesman Gavin Brown has written to Finance Secretary John Swinney asking him for a meeting to make improvements to his 2012-13 draft budget, ahead of next week's debate. ...
A ruling yesterday from the European Court of Human Rights stated that whole life orders set by English courts were not in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Scottish Conservatives are now calling for whole life orders to be introduced in Scotland. Scottish Conservative Just...
Unemployment figures released today have revealed that unemployment in Scotland has risen by 19,000 to 231,000. It means that Scotland's unemployment rate is 8.6% which for the second quarter in a row is above the UK average of 8.4%. Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesman, Gavin Brown MSP said: "...
The Scottish Government has published the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill, which will set up new national police and fire services. Accordingly, it will abolish local police boards and replace them with meetings between local Councillors and Police Commanders. Scottish Conservative Justice S...
CBI Scotland today called for an early vote on Scottish independence in order to focus attention on getting people back to work and getting the economy back in good shape. Ruth Davidson said: "This is yet further proof that the continuing constitutional uncertainty is damaging business in Scotland...
A YouGov poll commissioned by Channel 4 has shown that a significant majority of Scots want Scotland to remain a part of the United Kingdom. Ruth Davidson said: "Poll after poll has consistently shown that the majority of Scots want to remain part of the United Kingdom. Scotland is better off in B...
Responding to various polls published today, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has reiterated her belief that Scotland is better off in Britain. Ruth Davidson said: "Polls have consistently shown that the majority of Scots believe as I do that we should remain part of the United Kingdom. ...
The Scottish Conservatives are calling for all of Scotland's four million voters on the official electoral register to be given a vote in any referendum on independence. If Alex Salmond SNP fails to take up David Cameron's offer of holding a fair and legal referendum and instead attempts to organis...
The SNP will next week launch their Budget Bill for 2012/13 but their efforts so far have failed to prioritise growth and the economy. While they have talked a good game, they have not managed to match deeds with words. The Scottish Government has extra money to spend, both for revenue and capital,...
The Scottish Government is expected to announce details of a new funding package to boost physical education in Scottish schools. Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, Liz Smith MSP said: "Physical education plays a crucial role in a child's health and wellbeing, and that is why we broadly...
As the British Irish council got underway in Dublin Castle today, Alex Salmond told RTE that Westminster had tried to bully and intimidate Scotland. David Cameron has offered to give the SNP the legal powers to hold a fair and decisive vote but Alex Salmond has so far rejected this. Ruth Davidson ...
Answers received by David McLetchie MSP in response to Parliamentary Questions have revealed that more than 34% of those convicted of domestic abuse in 2010/11 are admonished in court. In addition, only 12% of those convicted are given a custodial sentence, of whom 80% are given short-term sentence...
In this morning's debate and in First Minister's Questions, Ruth Davidson put pressure on Alex Salmond to use the independent Electoral Commission to oversee the referendum on independence. Despite the First Minister's senior special advisor telling journalists that the body was politicised, Alex S...
Tunnock's, the iconic teacake and caramel log makers, have become the latest business to express concern that the SNP's delay in holding the referendum on independence will have a damaging effect on the economy. The warning from the Uddingston-based company comes after the Chairman of ice cream mak...
The Parole Board for Scotland's annual report for 2010-11 has shown that 117 of those granted early release had to be recalled after their behaviour in the community was 'giving rise for concern'. Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesman, David McLetchie MSP said: "This is the inevitable consequenc...
A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) and commissioned by ASDA has established that the Scottish Government's planned retail levy will strip supermarkets of up to 10% of their profits and deter new stores opening and further jobs being created. Scottish Conservative Fina...
The First Minister's senior special advisor has told journalists that the SNP refuses to allow the independent Electoral Commission to oversee the independence referendum and accuses it of being politicised. He also questioned the independence of the body despite the SNP giving its support at Westm...
The UK Government has today set out its position on the referendum on Scottish independence and launched a consultation designed to ensure that any referendum is fair, decisive and legal. Commenting on the statement, Ruth Davidson said: "What the UK Government is offering is to empower the Scottis...
Ruth Davidson has joined David Cameron in urging the SNP to get on with holding the referendum on independence. Ruth Davidson said: "Last year's election result gave the SNP a mandate to hold a referendum, but it's clear that two thirds of Scots want a vote on independence to be held before 2014. ...
Statistics released by the Scottish Government have shown that there has been a 10% drop in the number of agricultural tenancies since 2005. The total number of holdings with tenancy agreements has decreased by 727 (10%) from 7,470 in 2005 to 6,743 in 2011. Scottish Conservative Rural Affairs spoke...
Union members have rejected a deal designed to ensure that Ambulance crews respond to calls while on a break. They were offered a deal that would have seen them paid £100 for each time they were interrupted. Scottish Conservative Health Spokesman, Jackson Carlaw MSP said: "It is ludicrous th...
Speaking today in Glasgow, Ruth Davidson has outlined plans for a wholesale review of Scottish Conservative policy across local, national and UK level. Ruth Davidson said: "In order to improve the way in which our message is advanced to the people of Scotland, we must make clear what that message ...
Documents released under a freedom of information request have shown that Education Secretary Mike Russell received a full brief on the proposed merger between Dundee University and Abertay University before allowing it to go forward. It rubbishes the SNP's attempts to distance themselves from the ...
Statistics from Audit Scotland have revealed that there is an estimated backlog of £500m in maintenance and repair to NHS properties in Scotland. It also stated that due to the financial pressures ahead it might make it even more difficult to maintain these properties in the future. Scottish ...
A Freedom of Information Request by the Scottish Conservatives has revealed that Scottish local authorities have paid out nearly £2 million to motorists as compensation for damage to vehicles sustained due to potholes. Speaking in response to the figures, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader J...
The Scottish Conservatives are calling on the Scottish Government to take more seriously the alarm voiced by foreign diplomats about the sharp decline in foreign language assistants (FLAs) coming to teach in Scotland's schools. Consul Generals in Edinburgh from France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Chi...
The latest Scottish samples of regular YouGov polling of Westminster voting intentions shows that the Conservatives in Scotland have ended 2011 on a high. Two months after new leader Ruth Davidson took office and as Scotland backs the Prime Minister's stance on Europe by 2:1, the data shows that th...
Scottish Conservative leader, Ruth Davidson, has issued her New Year's message. In it she pledges to make the case that Scotland is better off in Britain and calls upon the First Minister to stop acting like an Agitator in Chief and to get on with what he was elected to do. Ruth says: "Times have ...
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has backed the 'Talking Bus' initiative, a scheme whereby there is an audible announcement given on buses of the current stop, next stop and final destination. A similar system is already present on most trains, and pilot schemes for these buses have alrea...
The public should have a greater say in the work carried out by people doing community service. Scottish Conservatives are calling for local groups to be given the power to 'bid' for those avoiding a prison sentence to undertake specific work, such as gritting pavements or painting fences. It come...
The Scottish Conservative Party is calling for the creation of an EU compliant successor to the Air Route Development Fund to help boost the Scottish economy and tourism. The fund, to help airlines launch new direct flights to Scotland was scrapped when the SNP came to power in 2007. Under the pre...
Scottish Conservatives have called on the Scottish Government to release more information on the reasons that led to the release of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi. The Scottish Government is introducing primary legislation to enable the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission publish the Statement of Reas...
Scottish Conservative leader, Ruth Davidson, is urging Scots to remember to give blood during the festive period to prevent stocks dropping dangerously low. Christmas and New Year is traditionally a time when donations drop dramatically because of the weather and with many people going off on holid...
All of Scotland's 32 local authorities have agreed to freeze council tax for next year. This will continue the freeze that has been in place since 2007-08. Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesman, Gavin Brown MSP said: "The council tax freeze was only made possible in the first place thanks to Sco...
Scottish Conservatives have called on the SNP to match commitments made south of the border to tackle overcrowding on trains. Over the last year the UK Government has agreed to introduce extra peak-time capacity into major cities, and will provide an extra 11,000 morning train seats by next summer. ...
Scottish Conservatives have called on the Scottish Government to better incentivise business start-up targets for local authorities. Under the business rates scheme that has been announced by the SNP, local authorities are likely to be given incredibly high targets to reach, and will only receive 50...
Scottish Conservatives have called on the SNP to enact another tranche of the Town Centre Regeneration fund. It comes after a report into the High Street by Mary Portas stated that urgent action was needed to stop the death of our high street, and as shoppers begin to return to the shops after Chris...
An FOI request carried out by the Scottish Conservatives has shown that local authorities and police constabularies handed out thousands of fines over the Christmas period last year. With a similar number of fines due to be handed out this year, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader Jackson Carlaw ha...
The tragic case of toddler Declan Hainey, who was left to die in his cot by his drug addict mother, was raised at First Minister's Questions today. The importance of early intervention in determining future health, social well-being and educational achievement is widely recognised. The role of a h...
Ambulance staff are to be offered a new deal to end a stand-off over paramedics and technicians being called out during rest breaks. Scottish Conservative MSP, Murdo Fraser said: "This issue has been dragging on for far too long and this deal is to be welcomed especially before Christmas. "This w...
The STUC this week revealed that eight out of ten of the worst areas for rising long-term unemployment across the UK are in Scotland. The number of people out of work is now proportionately higher north of the border than other parts of Britain. Rather than simply dismiss the STUC report, Scottish...
In the Scottish Government debate today on welfare reform, Jackson Carlaw has spoken out against the SNP and Labour's decision to vote against the proposed changes. Speaking after the debate, Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Jackson Carlaw MSP said: "By using their majority to reject t...
Today's finance committee heard from the Scotch Whisky Association that the introduction of minimum pricing by the SNP could reduce exports by £500million a year. Whisky exports are worth £3billion a year to the Scottish economy and ministers have set a target of increasing all exports ...
Today's meeting of the Local Government and Regeneration Committee saw interesting evidence from Scotland Excel, Thompson's Solicitors and the Scottish Government concerning the living wage. This morning the committee focused on the issue of procurement and its relationship to the living wage. Comm...
Alan Pollock, who allegedly intervened in an argument between a student and a ticket collector on a ScotRail train, has today been charged with assault. Nicknamed the 'Big Man', internet footage of the incident has made headlines around the world. Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesman, David McL...
Alex Salmond has written to the Prime Minister about the European veto. Scottish Conservative leader, Ruth Davidson said: "I have said it before, but it is worth repeating: Alex Salmond is on the wrong side of this argument and is quickly becoming a lone voice in his opposition to the Prime Minist...
The Scottish Government has announced an extra £1.5million to expand childcare for vulnerable two-year-olds. The move came just hours before a meeting today between Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson and First Minister Alex Salmond on the issue. Ruth Davidson said: "Three weeks ago ...
Transport Scotland has grudgingly decided to match-fund the Caledonian Sleeper service. In the Rail 2014 Consultation document, released on November 15th 2011, Transport Scotland discussed reducing or even removing some of the sleeper services. In the UK Chancellor's Autumn Statement, George Osbor...
The Scottish Crime and Justice Survey estimates that up to 113,000 adults experienced psychological or physical partner abuse and another 42,000 experienced both over the previous 12 months. The results are estimates based on self-assessed incidents, but they do suggest a high number of cases go unr...
Today's Criminal Justice Social Work statistics show an alarming percentage of Community Service Orders and Supervised Attendance Orders are breached. The numbers suggest that a third of Community Service Orders and around a half of Supervised Attendance Orders are breached. In addition, it confirm...
Papers from the Scottish Court Service have revealed that they might close 15 of Scotland's 49 Sheriff Courts. The downgrading of the remaining Sheriff Courts could then lead to only 14 being able to host jury trials – a drop of 70%. Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesman, David McLetchie MS...
The Scottish Government has announced that they will advise the Scottish Funding Council that Universities should increase the number of student teachers in 2012-2013, so they are ready to become probationary teachers by 2013. Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, Liz Smith MSP said: "The ...
Fishing fleets in Scotland are set to be allowed larger catch quotas, but fewer days at sea after fisheries negotiations in Brussels were concluded last night. Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson said: "The UK and the Scottish Government have worked together to achieve this deal an...
Johann Lamont has been elected as the new leader of the Scottish Labour Party. Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson said: "Congratulations to Johann Lamont on becoming the first leader of the entire Scottish Labour Party. I know that she will bring her inestimable qualities of decen...
The Scottish Fishing Federation (SFF) has supported David Cameron's decision to reject closer ties with the European Union. They also dismissed Alex Salmond's suggestion that the fishing industry will be damaged by the decision. Bertie Armstrong, the Chief Executive of the SFF said that "we wish no...
The RMT today confirmed that there will be a 72-hour strike of their members at the West of Scotland Signalling Centre. The strikes, which are due to be held between the 24th and 27th of December will cause disruption to thousands of rail travellers. Scottish Conservative Transport Spokesman Alex J...
The First Minister desperately attempted to hide his pro-Europe credentials during today's First Minister's Questions. This was simply a tactic to divert attention away from the fact that he is a Euro enthusiast. Ruth Davidson said: "Alex Salmond is on the wrong side of this argument and is quick...
At First Minister's Questions today Ruth Davidson asked Alex Salmond why his Council of Economic Advisers has failed to meet since September of 2010. When Alex Salmond announced the formation of the Council he described it as "our best chance in several generations to tackle the problem of systemic...
The Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill has been passed by the Scottish Parliament after the Scottish Conservatives voted against it. Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesman David McLetchie MSP said: "From the outset we have taken a constructive approach ...
The Scottish Government has published statistics on the number of homicides in the last year. They show that the number of homicide cases has increased and that the percentage of crimes carried out with a sharp instrument is at a ten year high. These statistics come after figures yesterday revealed...
Unemployment figures released today show that the Scottish unemployment rate is at 8.5%, which is above the UK average of 8.3%. Commenting on the figures, Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesman Gavin Brown MSP said: "These are deeply alarming figures which reveal that a worrying number of people ...
The Scottish Government has published statistics on the number of homicides in the last year. They show that the number of homicide cases has increased and that the percentage of crimes carried out with a sharp instrument is at a ten year high. These statistics come after figures yesterday revealed...
Stage 3 of the debate on the Offensive Behaviour and Threatening Communications at Football (Scotland) Bill is due to take place tomorrow. Speaking ahead of the debate, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesman David McLetchie MSP said: "The Scottish Conservative Party has taken a constructive appro...
The Scottish Government have published statistics on court proceedings and sentencing in Scotland for 2010-11. They show a higher percentage of serious crimes are resulting in a community sentence, and that the number of people convicted for rape and attempted rape fell by a third. Scottish Conserv...
An Ipsos MORI poll has shown that 33% of Scots want a referendum on independence to be held immediately, while a further 31% want it to be held within the next two years. Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson said: "There is nowhere in the SNP manifesto that states there will be a re...
A populous poll has shown that of those who expressed an opinion, two thirds of Scots were in favour of the Prime Minister's decision to use the veto regarding the proposed EU treaty. Scottish Conservative MP, David Mundell said: "The use of the veto by the Prime Minister was a strong vote for the...
As Eurozone countries look set to inflict even greater financial controls over its members, Alex Salmond's Euro enthusiasm is coming under increased scrutiny. The First Minister said in 2009: "...I think the argument for having strong fiscal powers, powers over revenue, powers to expand the econom...
The man who speaks for the SNP in Europe, Alyn Smith MEP, has today confirmed that SNP policy is to join the Euro. Speaking on Good Morning Scotland he said it is "not the case" that the UK position would be worse if it was in the euro. When asked if the SNP still wants the euro for Scotland, he sa...
Following the vote on Regulatory Framework at today's decision time, the SNP Government supported an amendment in the name of Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesman, Gavin Brown, to carry out full and proper business impact assessments on both the proposed retail levy and the reform of empty proper...
In today's debate on Violence Against Women in the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesman David McLetchie has highlighted the tiny percentage of reported cases that result in a prison sentence. Over 50,000 incidents of domestic abuse were reported last year and yet less than 2...
Following the Scottish Government's Local Government Finance Settlement Statement this afternoon, Scottish Conservative Local Government Spokesman Margaret Mitchell MSP, asked John Swinney if the Scottish Government had considered the impact of the recent landmark appeal won by shop-owners and the l...
Today in First Minister's Questions leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson, called into question the economic viability of the SNP's energy plans. A report published by Audit Scotland this week showed that the price to Scotland of meeting the 2020 Carbon targets will cost £11bill...
A report by Audit Scotland looking into the Scottish Government's emissions targets has said that it could cost billions to meet them. The report states that in order to meet the SNP's plans to reduce emissions by 42% by 2020 it could cost over £10billion. Commenting on the report, Jamie McGr...
Scottish Conservatives have filed an amendment calling on the Scottish Government to implement Business and Regulatory Impact Assessments (BRIA) on the SNP's planned retail tax and the reform of empty property relief on business rates. It comes after the Scottish Government's own review called for t...
Daryn Maxwell, who admitted to the murder of Reamonn Gormley has been sentenced to at least 19 years in jail at the High Court in Perth today. Barry Smith was also jailed for culpable homicide. At the time of the murder, Daryn Maxwell was out on bail having carried out another knife attack. Speakin...
Following the Ministerial Statement on the Beauly to Denny power line, local MSP Murdo Fraser has attacked the SNP for favouring multi-national companies over the views of local people. Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, Murdo Fraser MSP said: "The announcement by the Minister to...
The annual summary statistics for schools in Scotland has been published. They show that truancy levels in schools have risen by more than 50%. This means they are now at their highest levels since the SNP came to power, with over 1.6 million school days missed thanks to truancy. Scottish Conserva...
Statistics published by the Scottish Government have revealed that the average class size has increased over the last year. They also reveal that the total number of teachers has dropped, and that the pupil to teacher ratios have also increased. Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, Liz Sm...
A £15m fund is being set up to help Scotland's colleges adapt for the future. Colleges can also top up the fund from their own reserves to pay for reforms - like possible mergers - to improve efficiency. Funding for colleges in the SNP Scottish government budget was cut by £74m, from &p...
The SNP have announced that Angela Constance has been named as the Minister for Youth Employment. Commenting on the announcement, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, Liz Smith MSP, has called on them to stop the SNP's planned cuts on colleges. Liz Smith MSP said: "If the new Minister is ...
Edinburgh Council is to investigate the legality of a 'tourist tax'. The plans, which were voted against by Conservative Councillors, would see a levy charged of between £1 and £2 on visitor accommodation. Scottish Conservative MSP for the Lothians, David McLetchie MSP said: "This tour...
The latest Police Officer Quarterly Strength Statistics have shown that there has been a drop of 106 police officers in Scotland over the last year leaving the total at 17,265. Despite the drop the target to maintain 1,000 extra police has been maintained, with there being 1,031 more officers than i...
The Scottish Government's Infrastructure and Investment Plan has set out a timetable for delivery in the dualling of the A9. It states that the A9 will see a 'phased programme of schemes from 2017 onwards'. In terms of 'finance and delivery' for the scheme, the document states "Specific additional ...
The Scottish Government have announced an ambitious Infrastructure and Investment plan that will require £60bn of spending up until 2030. Commenting on the plan, Scottish Conservative Transport and Housing Spokesman, Alex Johnstone MSP, said: "These spending plans set out a hugely ambitious ...
A study by the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey has shown that 65% of people would vote for independence if it would result in them being better off financially, while only 21% would vote in favour if it meant they would be worse off. Commenting on the poll, Scottish Conservative Constitution Spoke...
Citigroup has released a revised version of a report into the impact of the uncertainty independence is having on Scotland. The report again highlights the potential problems of subsidising the SNP's renewable energy target should Scotland become separated from the United Kingdom. It also offers re...
The SNP have produced a pocket-sized guide outlining their vision of an independent Scotland. The booklet makes claims that they could cut corporation tax, raise benefits and introduce tax breaks for Scottish employers. Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesman, Gavin Brown MSP said: "These proposal...
Children's charities have hit out after plans to extend free childcare south of the border will not apply to Scotland. Sarah Burton from Children in Scotland told the Scotland on Sunday that "The Chancellor's announcement shows the UK Government is beginning to understand the importance of investing...
The Scottish Government has published the Criminal Cases (Punishment and Review) (Scotland) Bill. The bill seeks to resolve the sentencing anomaly which surrounds mandatory life sentences, and to try and force the disclosure of information relative to the Al-Megrahi case. Scottish Conservative Just...
This afternoon during First Minister's Questions, Ruth Davidson pressed the First Minister to offer Scottish parents the same guaranteed level of free childcare that is available south of the border. Speaking after First Minister's Questions, Ruth Davidson said: "The First Minister today refused t...
During this morning's debate on Youth Unemployment, Liz Smith MSP attacked the Scottish Government's assault on college funding. She stated that the disproportionate cuts placed upon colleges were unacceptable, especially when colleges have done so much to develop the focus of their own regional an...
The Scottish Parliament is debating Public Sector Pensions this afternoon. The proposed changes by the UK Government would see many lower and middle income earners in fact earn larger pensions. Gavin Brown MSP, who is leading the debate for the Scottish Conservatives, said: "This is a highly sensi...
Please find below facts on the changes to public sector pensions proposed by the UK Government: Public sector pensions will remain among the very best available – a guaranteed level and inflation proofed. Most will see no reduction in the pension income they receive at retirement and many ...
The Chancellor, George Osborne, has given his Autumn Statement this afternoon in the House of Commons. Scottish Conservative MP and Scotland Office Minister, David Mundell said: "The UK Government's credible plan to clear up Labour's mess and to let Britain live within its means has ensured we are...
The Scottish Government have released updated housing statistics for Scotland, which have detailed that there was a 7% drop in housing production for the quarter, and a 14% drop for the year. It also reveals that there was a 17% drop in Right to Buy for the last year. It comes on the same day that ...
NHS Scotland workforce statistics have shown that over 4,000 staff have been let go from the NHS in Scotland since 2009, with over 2,000 nurse and midwife positions being cut. Scottish Conservative Public Health Spokesperson, Nanette Milne MSP said: "These are worrying statistics and confirm what ...
A report from the Information Services Division (ISD) has revealed that the estimated number of problem drug users has risen by 4,300. In the 35 to 64 year age bracket the number of drug users has risen by a third. Commenting on the figures, Scottish Conservative Communities Spokesperson, Annabel G...
BBC Scotland has learned that the Scottish Government are due to announce a timetable for the dualling of the A9 from Perth to Inverness. The news has been welcomed by Mid-Scotland & Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser who held a debate calling for it dualled, and also set up the 'Dual the A9' c...
Formal documents discovered by the Scottish Conservatives reveal that the SNP Government's official submission to the Hutton enquiry suggested that the UK Government remove pension guarantees to public sector workers. Under one of the SNP plans, the actual level of pension an employee received woul...
A commission established by Reform Scotland and the Centre for Scottish Public Policy will today begin looking into all areas of schooling in Scotland. The Commission on School Reform is designed to ensure that young people in Scotland are able to fulfil their potential and is to be chaired by Keir...
Iain McMillan CBE will deliver the key-note speech this evening at the Institution of Civil Engineers Annual Dinner in Glasgow. In the speech he calls on the Scottish Government to answer questions about their plans for independence. Scottish Conservative Constitution Spokesman, David McLetchie MSP...
The Smith Group which advises Ministers on education policy, enterprise in education and youth employment issues, has published its 2011 report. In the report they recommend that more could be done to improve pupils in the transition from primary to secondary school. Scottish Conservative Education...
Visit Scotland bosses have been accused of equivocating over the achievability of the Scottish Government's growth target for Scottish tourism. At the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee on the 26th of October, Visit Scotland Chief Executive Malcolm Roughead said that "It is realistic to say that...
The Institution of Civil Engineers has called for the Scottish Government to use a greater mix of energy sources to deal with the immediate energy challenge facing Scotland. They noted that with the timescales involved in progressing new technologies, Scotland cannot rely solely on renewable energy...
A poll by the Daily Mail of more than 1,200 voters has shown that 53% reject independence while just over a quarter are in favour of it. Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson said: "This is more evidence of why Alex Salmond refuses to answer any of the big questions about his plan to...
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has called for a radical review to be launched into the prospect of extending the funding for part-time pre-school education from 12.5 hours to 15 per week, and to extend the entitlement for it to two-year-olds who are from the poorest families. Both these ...
Mary Scanlon MSP, who led the debate at Holyrood this week on public sector pensions, has issued details of how many public sector workers could see their pensions increase by a third or more under the Government proposals. Mary Scanlon said: "In five years' time, the United Kingdom is due to spen...
The Scottish Government has published statistics that detail the number of religious hate crimes across Scotland. Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesman David McLetchie said: "This data shows that sectarianism is a constant thorn in Scotland's side. Although the number of recorded incidents has r...
Labour leadership candidate Ken Macintosh MSP has unveiled plans to scrap the Small Business Bonus Scheme. Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, Jackson Carlaw MSP said: "Red Ken strikes again in another confusing and ever desperate grab for votes in the Labour leadership election. His proposals wo...
A new inquiry has been ordered into the fire service involved in the attempt to rescue Alison Hume, who fell down a disused mineshaft in Galston, Ayrshire. Scottish Conservative MSP for Ayr, John Scott said: "The death of Alison Hume is desperately tragic and made worse by the fact that if better ...
A report by orbit Communications has found that 41% of employers recruiting straight from secondary school found their new recruits were not either well or very well prepared to start work. This is in comparison to only 22% of employers who recruited from university who found such employees to not ...
A joint statement released today has revealed that Dundee University, Abertay University and Dundee College shall not merge. A joint comment by the three establishments and the Scottish Funding Council confirmed the news. Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, Liz Smith MSP said: "I very mu...
In their amendments to respond to a Conservative Housing motion debated in the chamber today, the SNP, Labour and the Liberal Democrats all chose to delete the reference to tackling anti-social behaviour. The Conservative motion also argued for the need for legislative reform not just to re-instate...
In First Minister's Questions today, Ruth Davidson has criticised the SNP Government on it's plans to wreck Scotland's railways. The Rail 2014 document not only proposed more crowding and longer journeys for passengers – but also admitted that they might only be able to get a short term deal ...
Lord Carloway has published his set of recommendations aimed at overhauling Scots criminal law. Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesman David McLetchie MSP, said: "This is a very significant piece of research which highlights how Scots law could be improved by changing rules of evidence. If abolis...
Part of tomorrow's Scottish Conservative business in Parliament will concentrate on the proposed reform to public sector pensions and the planned strikes. Ahead of the debate Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, Jackson Carlaw MSP said: "Everybody understands the importance of public sector pensio...
In today's meeting of the finance committee, Scottish Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone has questioned the startling rise in the budget for MSP pay despite the apparent pay freeze. The draft budget shows a £171,000 increase in this area and when member of the SPCB Liam McArthur was asked to exp...
Unemployment figures from the Office for National Statistics have shown that unemployment in Scotland rose by 5,000 over the past quarter, putting the total number of jobless in Scotland at 215,000. Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesman, Gavin Brown MSP said: "These are disappointing figures and...
John Swinney has accused the Chancellor George Osborne of talking down Scotland, and discouraging businesses from investing in Scotland. Scottish Conservative Constitution Spokesman, David McLetchie MSP said: "The Chancellor made it absolutely clear that he has always encouraged businesses to inve...
Transport Scotland has published a consultation document for the rail service in Scotland. The report makes a series of suggestions including that journey times should be extended and that they reduce the number of people allowed to stand on trains. The report also suggests that certain routes be r...
Vincent Waters from the Association of Scottish Community Councils (ASCC) has this morning warned that Scotland's community councils could be 'dead' within 10 years. This comes after a BBC investigation revealed that a fifth of community councils are currently suspended. The ASCC has requested a la...
During this afternoon's question time, Margaret Mitchell MSP, quizzed John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, about the amount of money spent on gifts by Scotland's enterprise agencies over the last five years. Commenting on his response, Scottish Conservativ...
The Kinnaird Review of Scottish Government Veterinary Surveillance has been published and recommends a programme of reduction of Disease Surveillance Centres and the centralisation of laboratory testing services at one location. Currently Veterinary surveillance is provided by the Scottish Agricult...
At her first FMQs as leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson forced Alex Salmond to confirm that not only is he confident of winning an independence referendum if it were held tomorrow, but also that there will be a straight 'yes or no' question. The admission comes as a poll on The Sco...
The new leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, Ruth Davidson, has announced the new roles and responsibilities for the Scottish Conservative MSPs. Ruth Davidson MSP said: "I am delighted to unveil my parliamentary team. I believe it's a strong team which plays to the talents of the members, an...
This evening's Member's Business debate discussed Scottish Conservative MSP Margaret Mitchell's motion regarding prescription medicine wastage in Scotland. Speaking in the debate MSP for Central Scotland Margaret Mitchell said: "According to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society the cost of providing m...
A report drawn up for the Commons library has stated that an independent Scotland may be required to join the Euro if it is treated as an accession state by the other EU members. Commenting on the report, Scottish Conservative Constitution Spokesman David McLetchie MSP said: "It is astonishing tha...
The Fraser of Allander Institute have downgraded their forecasts for economic growth and have said that the recovery in Scotland will be weaker than in the UK. Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesman, Gavin Brown MSP, said: "This forecast emphasises yet again how important it is that the Scottish ...
Scottish Conservative leader, Ruth Davidson, has met with Prime Minister David Cameron in Downing Street today. Following the meeting Ruth said: "It was a pleasure to meet the Prime Minister again today to discuss our shared agenda of moving our Party and Scotland forward. "We recognise that the ...
Following criticism of the UK Government's plans to open up regulation on outdoor education, Scottish Conservative Education Spokeswoman Liz Smith has said that the UK Government is right to redress the balance between safety and the opportunity for pupils to participate. The report by Lord Young, ...
New leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson, today announced that she has appointed Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell MP, as interim Party Chairman. She also announced that John Lamont MSP will be directing the party's local government election campaign, along with Co...
New leader Ruth Davidson today pledged to make the Scottish Conservatives the party that gives back hope and aspiration to Scots of all ages and backgrounds. Hailing her victory as the first step in an exciting new era for the party in Scotland, she said her aim was to reach out to the hundreds of ...
Annabel Goldie has congratulated Ruth Davidson on being elected as the new leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Upon hearing the result of the leadership contest, Annabel Goldie said: "I warmly congratulate Ruth Davidson on being elected as the new leader of the Scottish Conserv...
New Scottish Conservative & Unionist leader Ruth Davidson tonight hailed her victory as the first step in 'an exciting new era for the party and the hundreds of thousands of Scots who share our values'. And she appealed to the whole party – from the grassroots to MSPs and grandees –...
Ruth Davidson has been elected as leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. A total number of 5676 votes were cast meaning that there was a 63.4% turnout. Number of First Preferences: Jackson Carlaw - 830 Ruth Davidson - 2278 Murdo Fraser - 2096 Margaret Mitchell - 472 &n...
The Scottish Conservatives have been joined by the other three opposition parties and independent MSP Margo MacDonald in releasing a joint statement following the Scottish Parliament debate on the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill. The statement points t...
Today marks Annabel Goldie's last full day as leader of the Scottish Conservative Party. Annabel Goldie said: "It has been a great privilege to be the Scottish Conservative leader for the last six years. While there have undoubtedly been challenges and the occasional pothole in the road, these hav...
A poll commissioned by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers has found that around two-thirds of householders would refuse to pay pay more for energy if prices were hiked as a result of renewable energy costs. It also found that 63% of respondents believed that the Government should not close nuc...
In her last FMQs as leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Annabel Goldie has demanded that the SNP admit that their plans for independence would lead to an intolerable increase in energy bills for Scots. It follows the report from Citigroup that stated that Scottish households would have to pay nea...
Former Scottish Conservative MSP, John Young, has passed away. Leader of the Scottish Conservatives Annabel Goldie said: "I was very sad to hear of the death of John Young. He was a tremendous supporter of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party both as a Councillor in Glasgow for many years,...
The assistant secretary of the STUC has told the Scottish Parliament's economy committee that the Small Business Bonus Scheme was 'money wasted'. Scottish Conservative Enterprise Spokesman Gavin Brown MSP said: "Scottish Conservatives were proud to have accelerated the Small Business Bonus as a me...
The report by financial giant Citigroup into the prospect of an independent Scotland has shown that the annual cost incurred to Scottish households as a result of paying for Scottish renewable subsidies would rise to £875 per household. Commenting on the report, Gavin Brown MSP said: "The re...
Official figures published today by the Scottish Government show that retail sales in Scotland at basic and current prices fell by 0.3% and 0.6% respectively. Commenting on the figures, Gavin Brown MSP said: "These statistics are worrying for the retail industry and show that retail sales are goin...
A report by financial giant Citigroup has advised those who are interested in investing in renewables in Scotland to 'exercise extreme caution' due to the possibility of increasing uncertainty over independence in Scotland. Commenting on the report, David McLetchie MSP said: "This is further evide...
This morning the SNP Government published the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Bill. Scottish Conservative Health Spokesman Murdo Fraser MSP said: "Scottish Conservatives have consistently opposed blanket minimum pricing as it is an indiscriminate policy that will do little to attack the cause...
A YouGov poll published in the Scotland on Sunday has revealed a majority of Scots remain against independence with no one age group having a majority of respondents supporting independence. Commenting on the figures, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, Murdo Fraser MSP said: "This poll proves th...
Campbell Christie has passed away at the age of 74. Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Annabel Goldie said: "I am very sad to hear of the passing of Campbell Christie. He was not just an effective and doughty fighter within trade union circles; he was a very significant contributor to public li...
Speaking after the First Minister's climbdown in the chamber this evening, Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid-Scotland & Fife, said: "This was a humiliating apology from the First Minister. He misled Parliament on this vital issue and his press spokesman invented quotes from a ...
Ken Macintosh has launched his campaign for the leadership of the Scottish Labour Party with a bizarre demand to return Scotland to the long lost days of trade union supremacy and incompetence by re-nationalising the railways. Scottish Conservative Transport spokesman Jackson Carlaw MSP, said: "Th...
The Chief Executive of VisitScotland has told the Scottish Parliament's Economy, Energy & Tourism Committee that the Scottish Government's target to boost tourism revenues by 50% by 2015 is "not achievable". Gavin Brown MSP, Scottish Conservative Tourism Spokesperson and Convener of the Committ...
In her last FMQs with Alex Salmond, Annabel Goldie has called on the SNP to follow through on polices delivered by the Scottish Conservatives. She highlighted that the new drugs strategy is not being rolled out at ground level, that businesses are being hit with higher business rates and that the w...
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament Chamber today on Raising Attainment and Ambition for all Scotland's Young People, Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "As Gerry McCormac said in his report we need to do much more to tackle some of the disturbing HMIe and internatio...
Scottish Conservatives have discovered that local authorities are failing to pay their invoices within ten days, with the Scotland-wide average showing only 31% of bills being paid within this timeline. Gavin Brown MSP, Scottish Conservative Economy Spokesperson – who uncovered the informatio...
The Scottish Government has published an overview of fire statistics for Scotland over the last ten years. The figures show that alcohol and drugs are thought to have contributed to 16% of the total of accidental fires. They also showed that in 49% of house fires there was either no smoke alarm pre...
In today's meeting of the Finance Committee the Royal Society of Edinburgh called for an immediate review into whether some fully publicly funded policies should be continued in their current form. They continued to say that no policy should be protected until the costs and benefits had been verifi...
Official figures have shown that complaints against hospital treatment reached the highest point in recent history at 3,581, while complaints about NHS staff have risen by over 10% in the last decade. Scottish Conservative Health Spokesman, Murdo Fraser MSP said: "These statistics are deeply worry...
Official government statistics have shown that over 15,000 Scots died from cancer last year. While they show that cancer death rates have decreased over the last decade, skin cancer mortality rates are at a 26 year high. This in addition to female lung cancer death rates having risen by over 11%. T...
Transport Scotland has published a report detailing road accident and casualty statistics for Scotland in 2010. They showed that, although progress was made in several areas, young car drivers still account for 25% of reported and fatal accidents, and that 14% of all fatalities were estimated to be ...
The Scottish Government has released statistics detailing the number of recorded offences in Scotland involving firearms. While the number of offences decreased on the whole, the number incidents where the victim was under the age of 15 increased to over half in some instances. Scottish Conservativ...
Annabel Goldie has addressed the Scottish Conservative West of Scotland Conference for the last time as leader. Speaking to the members in attendance in Giffnock she called on Alex Salmond to call a referendum on independence immediately and stated that she would fight the case for the United Kingdo...
In his speech to the SNP annual conference in Inverness, Kenny MacAskill has defended the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Bill. Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesman, John Lamont MSP said: "No one doubts that the evils of sectarianism need to be eliminated, but the...
A freedom of information request by Margaret Mitchell MSP, Conservative member for Central Scotland, has revealed that over the last five years (2006/7 – 2010/11) Scotland's councils have paid employees nearly 3 million hours of overtime. This overtime, which is paid at either double or tripl...
The latest GDP figures published by the Scottish Government have shown a fall in growth to just 0.1% for Q2. Furthermore, on an annual basis GDP grew by only 1.1% in Scotland compared with a 1.5% increase in the UK. In addition to this Scottish Insolvency Statistics show the total number of corporat...
North Lanarkshire Council has warned that it could be forced to stop gritting roads because of regular attacks carried out on its gritters during previous winters. Scottish Conservative Transport Spokesman, Jackson Carlaw MSP said: "Last winter people's lives literally depended on the speed at whi...
BAA has announced that they are to sell Edinburgh Airport, with a view to completing a deal by summer 2012. Scottish Conservative Transport Spokesman, Jackson Carlaw MSP said: "It is a great compliment to the work that has been carried out at Edinburgh Airport that it has grown to be the largest a...
In an interview with Holyrood Magazine Alex Salmond has stated that "There is no one on the Scottish Affairs Select Committee, apart from Eilidh Whiteford, that has a mandate to say anything about a referendum" and that the Committee had no "legitimacy" to question him on independence. Scottish Con...
The SNP's business convenor Derek Mackay has stated he expects "a referendum on Scotland's future towards the end of this Parliament". This pushes the prospective date even further back to late in 2015 or even early in 2016. Scottish Conservative Constitution Spokesman, David McLetchie MSP said: "...
The Scottish Government's troubled spending review has taken another hit as it has been revealed that their grand plan to boost the economy involved plundering the resource budgets of the Enterprise Agencies. They claimed a few weeks ago that they were transferring over £750m from resource to...
An FOI request by Central Scotland MSP, Margaret Mitchell into the amount spent on gifts and prizes by various Executive Non-Departmental Government Bodies, Advisory Non-Departmental Government Bodies, executive agencies and other significant bodies has revealed that over the last five years (from 2...
An Audit Scotland report published today identified the expansion of Telehealth as having the potential to deliver certain services more efficiently and efficiently. The report encourages the further development of such schemes across Scotland. Scottish Conservative Health Spokesman, Mary Scanlon M...
The Scottish Corporate Sector Statistics have been published today and show that the number of private sector registered enterprises decreased by 1,425; meaning that the number has fallen for three years in a row. Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesman Gavin Brown MSP said: "It is disappointing t...
An FOI request by Margaret Mitchell MSP into the amount spent on gifts and prizes by local health boards has revealed that several NHS Boards spend tens of thousands of pounds every year on gifts. NHS Highland for example has spent £322,723 on gifts and prizes over the last five years – ...
Unemployment figures from the Office for National Statistics have shown that unemployment in Scotland rose by 7,000 over the past quarter, putting the total number of jobless in Scotland at 212,000. Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesman, Gavin Brown MSP said: "These are disappointing figures and...
Daryn Maxwell has admitted to the murder Reamonn Gormley carried out in February this year. At the time of the attack Mr. Maxwell was out on bail having appealed a sentence handed to him for stabbing another man three times. Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesman, John Lamont MSP said: "The fact ...
Alex Salmond has stated in an interview that he plans to offer voters a further option of full fiscal autonomy in the referendum on Scottish independence. David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Constitution Spokesman said: "These are desperate moves from the SNP and act as proof that they know...
A freedom of information request to mainland NHS Boards carried out by Mary Scanlon MSP has revealed dramatic figures regarding waiting times for mental health treatment in Scotland. Some children can face a wait of up to three and a half years before receiving treatment for mental health problems w...
The Head of the Civil Service, Sir Gus O'Donnell, has sent a reply to Annabel Goldie following her letter questioning the impartiality and conduct of the Civil Service. In a letter of response, Annabel Goldie MSP wrote: Dear Sir Gus, Re: The Civil Service code for Scotland I have received your l...
A Review of school management has stated that existing guidelines on Devolved School Management should be revised to give schools more autonomy, giving headteachers much more control over their budgets, staffing and material resources and equipment. Elizabeth Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Educat...
The Scottish Government has published a document that outlines plans to devolve excise duty. Commenting on the paper, member of the Scotland Bill Committee David McLetchie MSP said: "The SNP has finally acknowledged that you cannot devolve the right to set alcohol duty rates in Scotland without ha...
In light of Annabel Goldie's question to the First Minister today, the Scottish Government have now released details on when the level 4 detail of the budget will be made available. Commenting on the details, leader of the Scottish Conservatives Annabel Goldie MSP said: "This really is remarkable....
John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, has dissented to the recommendation in the Justice Committee's report on The Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill and the recommendation that there is a need for new legislation to tackle the probl...
Speaking after FMQs today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "The First Minister and his Government are already characterised by arrogance and complacency. However there is a new element of smugness which is Scottish Government speak for 'we can do what we like in this Parliam...
Mary Scanlon has been speaking in the Scottish Government debate on the welfare reforms currently being considered by the UK Parliament. Speaking after the debate, Mary Scanlon MSP said: "The current system is a mess of multiple benefits paid at varying rates and is open to widespread abuse, the r...
Reports state that the Scottish Ambulance Service has come to an agreement with unions to pay staff to respond to calls while on a break, as an interim measure until talks resume in December. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson said: "This is very welcome news, as this farc...
The Scottish Government have released estimates for manufactured exports in the second quarter of 2011 that show a slowdown in the growth of exports from 3.9% in the previous quarter, to 1.1%. Commenting on the figures, Alex Johnstone, Scottish Conservative MSP for North East Scotland, said: "Thes...
The Scottish Government's own report has warned of a shortfall in the legal aid budget in the years ahead. John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "This is worrying, as even the most optimistic figures from the Scottish Government will prove to be wrong, ...
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland has published his annual report. John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "It is clear from this report that we have real issues with rehabilitation and drug abuse in our jails. The report highlights problems with engaging prison...
The Scottish Government have released figures that detail the amount of facility time their employees have taken to perform trade union activities. They show that over the last two years an equivalent of nine Scottish Government employees have taken 100% facility time. Alex Johnstone, Scottish Con...
Speaking in the main hall at UK Conservative Party Conference, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said (check against delivery): Good Afternoon. This will be my last speech to Conference as leader of the Scottish Conservatives. Now don't cheer too enthusiastically! I want ...
The SNP have dismissed the growing row over Sir Peter Housden as an "absurd gripe" and accused the opposition parties of engaging in "silly stunts". A Scottish Conservative Spokesperson said: "Maybe the SNP should have checked what they parroted in opposition before resorting to de...
Below is the text of the letter which Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, has sent to Sir Gus O'Donnell, the UK Cabinet Secretary. The attachments referenced can be found further below. Dear Sir Gus, Re: The Civil Service Code for Scotland. I attach ...
Research by the TaxPayers' Alliance has revealed how much local councils have spent on award ceremonies in the last financial year. The money went towards tickets, accommodation, travel and catering for events such as the Loo of the Year and the Magic Of Motown. Of all the Councils...
The SNP Government has confirmed to Jackson Carlaw MSP that the competition process for Borders Railway has been ditched and the project will now be "delivered in a new partnership with Network Rail". Jackson Carlaw MSP, Scottish Conservative Transport & Infrastructure Spokesperson, sai...
At FMQs today Alex Salmond suggested in response to Annabel Goldie's questioning that there would no longer be football in Scotland unless all parties backed his proposed legislation on sectarianism. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "This whole episode reflec...
From 1st October 2011, retailers in Scotland cannot offer discounts on multiple bottles of alcohol, yet as we move towards this date some suppliers are using loopholes to get around the new laws, by processing online sales in warehouses based south of the border. Other retailers are looking...
Speaking ahead of tomorrow's Scottish Conservative debate on Cancer Drugs and their availability in Scotland, Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said: "The action taken by the UK Government in setting up a Cancer Drugs Fund has been warmly received by cancer suffer...
Speaking ahead of tomorrow's Scottish Conservative debate on Scotland's Colleges, Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "The Convenor of Scotland's Colleges said last week that it was inconceivable that colleges would be able to absorb more cuts without harm bei...
Robert Foye, who raped a schoolgirl in 2007 while on the run from an open prison – where he was serving time for attempting to kill a policeman – has had his minimum jail term halved. John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "People will be agh...
Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, has called on Mike Russell to provide a full explanation of why the universities of Abertay and Dundee have been asked to provide their responses to the proposed merger of these two institutions in a mere six weeks. Following evid...
Mary Scanlon MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokeswoman, has condemned the SNP Government's failure to meet promised targets for tackling people's reliance on antidepressants. Figures released today show that the number of pills dispensed for depression is at a record high of 4,658,708. ...
Alex Salmond wants to spend over £200,000 a year to pay for a new "Separation Tsar". Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "What will nurses, teachers and other hard pressed public sector workers make of Alex Salmond's appointment of an independence guru on ...
Speaking after FMQs today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "The First Minister likes to wax lyrical at every opportunity about the powers he doesn't have – like Corporation Tax, which he wants devolved. "The fact is that, according to the Scottish Parl...
Commenting on the local government settlement contained in today's spending review, Ruth Davidson MSP, Scottish Conservative Local Government Spokesperson, said: "Here we see John Swinney balancing his books on the back of local authorities. The £1billion reduction in the DEL Resource...
The SNP's spending review demonstrates that they are not matching rhetoric with reality. Gavin Brown MSP, Scottish Conservative Economy Spokesperson, said: "This is a smoke and mirrors budget from the SNP. As the UK Government pointed out, spending on frontline public services will...
Mary Scanlon MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, has discovered that in 2011 the SNP Scottish Government is still not meeting a recommendation – set in 2005 – to have 60 psychiatric inpatient places for young people in Scotland. Mary Scanlon MSP said: "Six y...
The SNP has to involve Audit Scotland in analysing efficiency savings, just as they demanded when in opposition. Gavin Brown MSP, Scottish Conservative Economy Spokesperson, said: "Whilst in opposition the SNP railed against efficiency target performances because they were having t...
Yet more questions have arisen about the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Bill. Following the Community Safety Minister's performance at Justice Committee today, John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "The evidence given tod...
Speaking ahead of the Strategic Spending Review tomorrow, Gavin Brown MSP, Scottish Conservative Economy Spokesperson, said: "Tomorrow is the day the SNP's single transferable excuse comes to an end. They have known the spending totals since the UK Government published its comprehensive spe...
Rather than moan about the powers they don't have, the SNP should use the ones they do have to better effect, such as cutting business rates which has a proven record of success. Speaking during the Scottish Government's debate on Corporation Tax, David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative ...
Speaking after FMQs today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Last week I asked the First Minister what would be his personal preference for a separate Scotland's currency: the British Pound or the Euro. Twice he ducked it, twice he wouldn't tell us - no doubt out of e...
Audit Scotland has issued a report, Modernising the planning system, which highlights the growing gap between income received by planning departments and the costs of running them. It also reveals that the number of planning applications is falling, and that the cost to a household of submi...
Speaking after the Scottish Government statement on post-16 reform, Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "We need to provide clearer choices and increased aspirations for all students, but Mike Russell and the SNP have utterly failed to deal with the key issue ...
The SNP Government has restored Transport Scotland to its role in overseeing the Edinburgh trams fiasco. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Scottish Conservative Transport Spokesperson, said: "The SNP doesn't fool anybody. They took Transport Scotland out of its overseeing role in the first place...
An IPPR Report has found that 32.1 per cent of those employed in Scotland are in the public sector. The report has also found that between 1998 and 2007, 77,000 jobs were created in the private sector, whereas 168,000 jobs were created in the public sector. Gavin Brown MSP, Scottis...
The McCormac Review into the working conditions of teachers has been published today. Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "I warmly welcome this report which I believe has provided a very thorough analysis of the main challenges facing the teaching pr...
A special conference of the Scottish Conservatives in Perth today has overwhelmingly approved a new constitution, which was laid out by the Sanderson Review of 2010. Andrew Fulton, Scottish Conservative Chairman, said: "I am delighted that the Party has been able to take the events...
Speaking after the Justice Secretary's statement on Police and Fire Reform, John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "We can well understand the concern local people have with the issue of emergency service reform, which is why we will only support the Scottish Gov...
Ambulance workers in the GMB union have voted to reject a deal proposed by management to try to resolve the ongoing dispute over rest breaks. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said: "This farcical situation has dragged on for long enough now. Alex Salmond...
Speaking after FMQs today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Yesterday the First Minister told us that we must move away from the European model of deficit driven states. Of course the European states with the biggest deficit problems are in the Eurozone – their...
Speaking in the Chamber on the Scottish Government's Legislative Programme, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said (check against delivery): This legislative programme is not lacking quantity but that doesn't cut any ice with me. It is quality which matters. Indeed, much of ...
The latest crime statistics have been published, along with figures which show there were 17,339 police officers (full-time equivalent) in Scotland on 30 June 2011. John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "It would be churlish not to point out the positiv...
Audit Scotland has published its report into Scotland's criminal justice system, and whilst it highlights inefficiencies in the system it also points out the high cost of offender re-offending. John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative justice spokesman says: "This report underlines y...
The Chairman of CBI Scotland has voiced concern about the timing of the SNP's separation referendum. David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Constitution Spokesperson, said: "The SNP Government spent four years as a minority government calling for a referendum. Now they have the...
An Ipsos-MORI poll has found that 55% now believe the SNP Government was wrong to release the Lockerbie Bomber. 46% "strongly disagree" with the decision. 19% "strongly agree", down from 22% in 2009. John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "The S...
Kenny MacAskill has today told Sky News that when he released Al Megrahi he "followed the guidelines set out by the Scottish Prison Service." He also said that Megrahi had not broken the conditions of his release. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "The SN...
BBC show Waterloo Road is moving north and will be filmed in Scotland from next year. Ruth Davidson MSP, Scottish Conservative Culture Spokesperson, said: "I am glad that the BBC has made this move and speeded up the transfer of network programming to Scotland. "This is a ...
Police have called for the public's help in their hunt for a registered sex offender, Paul Hunter Redpath, who is feared to be on the loose in Scotland. He was last seen in Aberdeen on July 19th but went missing after failing to check in with police. John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conse...
The SNP's policy of charging students from the rest of the UK to study in Scotland is facing a legal challenge. Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "This is yet further proof of the shambles which is the SNP's policy on higher education funding. I am ...
As the latest unemployment statistics are published, the UK Government has announced a new raft of Enterprise Zones in England and a new boost to broadband. The UK Government is also keen to support the introduction of Enterprise Zones in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, if the Devolve...
An FOI request has shown that the majority of NHS boards in Scotland do not hold any information regarding how much prescription medicine wastage costs them each year. A Freedom of Information request lodged by Margaret Mitchell MSP , Conservative & Unionist MSP for Central Scotland, as...
Lord Steel has made public his reasons for resigning as a member of the First minister's Advisory Panel on the Ministerial Code. Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, Murdo Fraser MSP said: "This is an extraordinary broadside from Lord Steel. "The First Minister is fond of ...
Scottish Conservatives are calling on the SNP Government to introduce a Scottish Citizen Service Programme, similar to the scheme that is being rolled out south of the border. Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "We have argued for some time that more...
A judge has ruled against campaigners trying to block the building of Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. Nanette Milne, Scottish Conservative MSP for North East Scotland, said: "I welcome the decision by the Court of Session to reject attempts to block the construction of the Aberd...
There were 485 drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2010 – a fall from 2009 but still the third-worst figures on record. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said: "Yet again there has been a welcome fall in drug-related deaths but these are still the th...
The Scottish Road Works Commissioner has criticised councils for failing to take action against utility companies over delays to repairs. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Scottish Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, said: "After a decade of neglect and...
An Ofcom report has found that Scots are the least likely in the UK to have a broadband internet connection. 61% of Scots have broadband, compared with 74% of people across the whole of the UK. In the Greater Glasgow area the figure is just 50%. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Scottish Conserv...
The managing director of Edinburgh Airport, Kevin Brown, has resigned after a year in post. He will be replaced by Jim O'Sullivan, who currently works at Heathrow Airport, which does not have the much-criticised 'Drop Off Rip Off' charge. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Scottish Conservative Transport ...
Scottish Conservatives are stepping up calls for Home Reports to be scrapped after the latest figures from the Registers of Scotland show that the number of homes sold during April-June 2011 fell by more than 10% on the same period last year. David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Chief...
Scottish Conservatives are calling on any change in bus lane regulations to allow cars with multiple occupancy to use the lanes as well. Transport Scotland has confirmed it is working on draft legislation which could grant local authorities powers to enforce bus lane restrictions. ...
Renewed pressure is being heaped on the SNP after the Lockerbie Bomber was filmed at a rally in support of Libyan dictator Colonel Gadaffi. John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "When the SNP released the Lockerbie Bomber they claimed he only had three ...
The latest figures show that, of approximately 4.68 million needles/syringes distributed in 2009/10, just 2.62 million were returned to IEP services – meaning that over 2 million were not returned. In 2008/9, there were 4.38 million needles/syringes distributed and 2.48 million return...
Figures today show that the number of cancelled operations has risen from 15,282 in 1999 to 16,717 in 2010 – an increase of 10%. Nanette Milne MSP, Scottish Conservative Public Health Spokesperson, said: "These figures are very concerning, and show that over the past decade w...
As the Eurozone continues its descent into crisis, pressure is growing on the SNP to admit what they would do in a separate Scotland – where of course we would have no choice but to join the Euro. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "It has not been p...
Scottish Conservatives are calling on the Health Secretary to take personal responsibility and get involved in the dispute between the Scottish Ambulance Service and unions over tea breaks and disturbed meal payments. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said: ...
The SNP has issued an astonishing claim that separation could make Scots feel more British. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "This is another bizarre claim by the SNP. If Shetland were to leave Scotland, would that make Shetlanders feel more Scottish? Do...
The Heritage Lottery Fund has pledged £3.69m towards the new £10m Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre. Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid-Scotland & Fife, said: "This is a very welcome development at a crucial time for a hugely important project. &nbs...
Ambulance crews in the GMB union have joined those in Unite and Unison by rejecting an offer of extra payment if they are called out while on a break. The payment was designed to end controversies such as an ambulance technician refusing to attend a critically ill person because he was on a...
Ruth Davidson MSP, Scottish Conservative Culture Spokesperson, has called on Alex Salmond to release details of high-level meetings with the media, tabling a parliamentary question to this effect. Ruth Davidson MSP said: "As the UK Government has acted with transparency to outline ...
The Scottish Government has published a report on Phase 1 of the National Housing Trust, showing that it will deliver fewer than 700 houses, compared to the SNP's promise of 1,200. Alex Johnstone MSP, Scottish Conservative Housing & Communities Spokesperson, said: "I warned tim...
The latest figures show that GDP grew by 0.1% between the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011. On an annual basis to the end of March 2011 (four quarter on four quarter basis) it grew by 1.3%, although output in the construction sector fell by 3.6%. Liz Smith, Scot...
The Defence Secretary has today made a statement on 'Defence Transformation', including the future of RAF Bases in Scotland. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "We wish the circumstances had been different, that there had been no £38bn black hole inherite...
The UK Government has announced that coastguard stations in Shetland and Stornoway will be kept open. This announcement follows a campaign by all Scottish parties and a meeting in London between Jackson Carlaw MSP, Scottish Conservative Transport Spokesperson, and Mike Penning MP, UK Under ...
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce have released their Business Survey results for the second quarter of 2011. Jackson Carlaw, Scottish Conservative MSP for West of Scotland, said: "We all know these are tough times so it would be foolish to jump the gun and become complacent. But t...
The latest figures show that, in the three months to May, unemployment in Scotland fell by 11,000 to 205,000. The unemployment rate in Scotland was 7.6%, below the UK average of 7.7%. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid-Scotland & Fife, said: "A fall in unempl...
An independent report for the Scottish Government has found that, between 2006-10, more than one in five prisoners released on Home Detention Curfew were recalled. The report also states that "there are almost no mechanisms or services in place to support or supervise prisoners." J...
A report issued by the Office For Fair Access (OFFA) has stated that the average tuition fee south of the border will be more than £8,000 per year. This means the true extent of the funding gap Scotland faces will be £263million per year by 2014/15. Therefore, the SNP G...
Figures obtained by Scottish Conservatives show that between 1999 and 2009: Cases of genital herpes in Scotland rose by 181%, from 933 to 2627. Cases of genital chlamydia in Scotland rose by 222%, from 5,676 to 18,277. Cases of gonorrhoea rose by 89%, from 538 to 1,021. &...
Landlords owning all care homes in the Southern Cross Group have said they want to leave the group. Trading in the company's shares has been suspended and it is believed the existing group will cease to be an operator of homes. Nanette Milne MSP, Scottish Conservative Public Health...
The SNP's lack of clear thinking on higher education has been further exposed today, after two separate Sunday papers report that: i) A YouGov poll finds almost 80% believe the SNP's policy of charging students from the rest of the UK for their higher education, but not those from Scotland ...
A ComRes survey for BBC's Newsnight and Radio 4's World at One has found that almost half – 48% - of people in England want Scotland to remain in the United Kingdom. David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Chief Whip, said: "This poll shows that support for a United Kingdo...
Reports today state that 16 of Scotland's 32 local authorities are missing the Scottish Government's 40% waste recycling target, including our three largest cities. The national average is 37.8%, behind England on 39.7% and Wales on 40%. The SNP had set a target of reaching 40% by ...
Glasgow 2014 has announced the BBC as the Domestic Broadcast Rights Holder but has not disclosed how much they are paying for the rights. Ruth Davidson, Scottish Conservative Culture Spokesperson and MSP for Glasgow, said: "It is very important that these figures are made public an...
The SNP have U-turned today, as the Energy Minister has announced the life of Hunterston B Power Station may yet be extended. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Scottish Conservative Climate Change Spokesperson, said: "This is an unexpected yet welcome U-Turn from the SNP Government. Coming after...
The Christie Commission has today published its final report. Gavin Brown MSP, Scottish Conservative Economy Spokesperson, said: "Obviously Scottish Conservatives wish to consider the report fully before commenting in greater detail. We note the Commission were critical of the fact...
The Education Secretary has confirmed that the black hole in higher education funding in Scotland will be plugged by charging students from the rest of the UK who want to come and study here. Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "Mike Russell says he w...
The Christie Commission has recommended that the health and social care budgets are merged, to improve service and reduce financial pressures. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said: "We warmly welcome this recommendation. Scottish Conservatives have for ...
The latest Provisional Outturn 2010-11 and Budget Estimates 2011-12 show that Councils are set to reduce spending on roads from £533m last year to £475m this year, a cut of almost 11%. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Scottish Conservative Transport Spokesperson, said: "Whilst we re...
The Christie Commission has confirmed there has been no noticeable improvement in educational attainment since devolution, despite extra spending. Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "The Christie Commission sends a very clear signal that there has be...
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife and Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, has written to the Minister for Community Safety after it was revealed that police carrying out safety checks on school buses ordered three off the road immediately after finding "sever...
Official figures show NHS Scotland has 712 fewer nurses and midwives than in September 2010. Nanette Milne MSP, Scottish Conservative Public Health Spokesperson, said: "Following on from BMA Scotland's criticisms yesterday, these figures tell the worrying story of the SNP's misuse ...
There are now serious questions for the SNP Government to answer, following their failure to provide straight information over the resignation of the Organising Committee's Chief Executive. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "The Chief Executive's resignat...
The Transport Minister has admitted the SNP Government is kicking the issue of dualling the A9 into the long grass. Speaking on BBC Good Morning Scotland today, he said it could take decades for the Scottish Government to deliver, he sought to blame the UK Government and he tried to suggest...
The Chairman of BMA Scotland has used his address at the BMA Annual Conference in Cardiff to warn the SNP Government that its high spend agenda in the NHS could jeopardise frontline services. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said: "The SNP would be wise ...
The latest school leavers statistics show that fewer youngsters are going into employment and more youngsters are going into further education. Unless the SNP Government comes up with a realistic funding formula for higher and further education, they are creating a ticking time-bomb. Liz Sm...
The First Minister has announced the anti-sectarianism Bill will be delayed by six months. Speaking after FMQs today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "The Scottish Government has showed some much needed common sense and humility in acknowledging the wide ran...
Despite giving a statement in Holyrood today, the SNP Government has still not spelt out its position on public sector pension contributions. Gavin Brown MSP, Scottish Conservative Economy Spokesperson, said: "Once again the SNP Government has ducked a serious issue. Their own Inde...
The latest Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland figures show that, even including a geographical share of North Sea revenue, Scotland would have had a deficit of £8.966 billion last year if we were a separate country. Gavin Brown MSP, Scottish Conservative Economy Spokesperson,...
Reports state the British Olympic Association has announced an agreement for Scottish and Welsh players to play in a British Football Team at the 2012 Olympics. Both the Scottish Football Association and Welsh Football Association have denied this. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conser...
The latest rape conviction figures have been published, showing a 4% drop. Just 7% of reported rapes, less than 1 in 15, end in a conviction. John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "Rape is a horrific, harrowing crime and must always be prosecut...
The latest Council Tax collection figures show that, despite a 0.2% increase in the collection rate from last year, over £1billion of Council Tax has now been uncollected since it was first introduced. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "The increase...
The Chief Executive of CoSLA has said that the rising demand for public services is "killing" Scotland and called for a debate on the future of public service provision. David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Chief Whip, said: "These comments underline what we said in the elect...
The Scottish Government has published its proposals for legislation to tackle sectarianism related to football, amid concerns that these reforms could be rushed through too quickly. John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesman, said: "We all want to tackle sectarianism ...
Speaking after First Minister's Questions today, Gavin Brown MSP, Scottish Conservative Economy Spokesperson, said: "At the weekend five top enterprise organisations joined together in calling for a business-led National Entrepreneurial Action Plan. This call came after yet another disappoi...
Speaking after First Minister's Questions today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Alex Salmond's attitude to the legion of critics who have rightly questioned the appropriateness of his conduct to senior judges and lawyers was arrogant, evasive and dismissive. That i...
Alex Salmond's rant at two Scottish legal figures has backfired – it fails to address the key issues as well as the SNP's enthusiastic support for ECHR and its incorporation into Scots Law. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "It is becoming increasingly c...
Mary Scanlon MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, has received a Parliamentary response which shows the number of people cared for in their own home fell by 3,041 during the term of the first SNP government. Mary Scanlon MSP said: "Despite the 14% increase in the number ...
In the three months to the end of April 2011, the number of people who were not in work in Scotland fell by 10,000 to 207,000. The unemployment rate is 7.7% - the same as across the rest of the UK. Gavin Brown MSP, Scottish Conservative Economy Spokesperson, said: "A fall ...
The SNP's unworkable concordat is damaging the prospects of Scotland's newly qualified teachers. The General Teaching Council for Scotland's annual survey of probationer teacher employment shows that: The ratio of respondents obtaining a full-time Permanent Contract is down from 48...
A Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) spot-check has criticised Ninewells hospital in Dundee for failing to improve hygiene standards six months after an inspection raised concerns. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Health & Wellbeing Spokesperson, said: "It is extr...
The UK Government has unveiled an enhanced Scotland Bill with plans to give the Scottish Parliament more financial powers. David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Constitution Spokesperson, said: "The UK Government is to be commended on taking on board many of the constructive p...
Ed Miliband's poll ratings are worse in Scotland than across the rest of the United Kingdom. The only area where he polls better in Scotland than the rest of the UK is on whether he has a credible plan to sort out the economy – where his ratings are minus 30 in Scotland, compared to m...
The SNP must admit the truth on the future of higher education funding and stop conning students. They have hit out today following former Labour MSP Des McNulty's comments on his party's u-turn before the election. Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: ...
Delegates at the Educational Institute for Scotland (EIS) conference in Perth have agreed to hold a ballot to boycott the development of the Scottish Government's Curriculum for Excellence and to delay any further proposed changes in schools. Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education S...
Scottish Conservatives will be selecting local resident and local councillor David Wilson as their candidate for the forthcoming Inverclyde by-election for Westminster. Cllr Wilson will be formally adopted at a meeting of local members on Thursday 9th June 2011. Cllr David Wilson s...
The Finance Secretary has today claimed that British warships would still be built in a separate Scotland. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "John Swinney is talking absolute drivel. "Scottish shipbuilding has benefited hugely from our membership...
Speaking ahead of this evening's SCVO reception in the Scottish Parliament, where she will address those attending, Ruth Davidson, Scottish Conservative MSP for Glasgow, said: "I am privileged to be speaking at this event. Voluntary sector organisations are vital cogs in our communities, of...
The latest Global Entrepreneurship Monitor shows that fewer people are likely to set up in business in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK. Rates of entrepreneurial activity north of the Border stop growing beyond the age of 29. Fewer people in Scotland who are in their 30s are likely to have...
The latest police office numbers have been published. John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "We forced the SNP Government to deliver 1000 extra police in the last parliament, rather than the 500 they wanted. At the recent election our fully costed and c...
Mary Scanlon MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, is calling on the SNP Scottish Government to take action after a Parliamentary Question she submitted revealed a huge increase in the number of children being admitted to adult psychiatric wards. Mary Scanlon MSP said: "Among the proposa...
Speaking as the Scottish Parliament debated 'Contribution of Sport to Scotland' today, Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "If we were to speak to the many Scottish sports stars – men and women from many different parts of the country and from many diffe...
Speaking after FMQs today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "The SNP cannot be allowed to peddle these same four myths which Alex Salmond and his party again spouted at First Minister's Questions today. "The SNP says Nat Fraser's appeal was made under crimina...
Speaking as the Scottish Parliament debated 'Green Energy' today, Jackson Carlaw MSP said: "There is one question which the SNP Government must clear up right now – does it already have the powers in place to deliver on its renewables pledge, which was such a centrepiece of the recent...
Audit Scotland has published a highly critical review of Community Health Partnerships (CHPs). Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said: "This is a very worrying report which confirms the management and governance of CHPs is extremely poor. They have no ide...
Scottish Conservatives are calling on the SNP Government to explicitly and comprehensively rule out any new taxes in Scotland. Gavin Brown MSP, Scottish Conservative Economy Spokesperson, said: "These are tough economic times and it is vital we don't hit hard-working Scots with any...
Last night on Newsnight Scotland, the First Minister launched a scathing attack on the Supreme Court and its Scottish judges and spoke up in favour of the European Court in Strasbourg. He claimed that: "The idea that you need a court with a majority of judges from England to tell us how to ...
The care home operator Southern Cross has announced it is in a critical financial situation. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said: "These are worrying developments which will cause a great deal of concern and distress to elderly residents and their fami...
The Scottish Government is calling for a one year moratorium on all rural school closures in Scotland. Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "We support this call for a moratorium. Extensive concerns have been expressed across the country that several d...
The Scottish Government is continuing to complain about the UK Supreme Court's decision regarding Nat Fraser's appeal and is discussing the matter at its Cabinet meeting this evening. John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "This rare appeal is based on t...
Reports today state that the SNP Government will give local authorities the power to prevent people under the age of 21 from buying alcohol from many off-sales, corner shops and supermarkets. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said: "No one denies that Sco...
Announcing that he would be giving the proceeds of his Presiding Officer pension to charity, former Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson MSP said: "I fully recognise that the Presiding Officer pension was put in place with an expectation that the retiring Presiding Officer would be stepping dow...
Commenting on the conclusion of the Gourock-Dunoon ferry tender, Jackson Carlaw MSP, Scottish Conservative Transport Spokesperson, said: "I welcome the fact that the new tender, after years of delay and inaction, has finally been confirmed. However, the cynic in me questions the motives of ...
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament chamber this morning, Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said (check against delivery): The new Cabinet Secretary for Education, when he was the old Cabinet Secretary for Education, told us, in his usual quiet, unassuming and modest way ...
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament chamber this morning, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said (check against delivery): Presiding officer, we all want to take Scotland forward. The questions are which Scotland, and how? It is fantastic to be Scottish. It is great to be British. ...
The Scottish Government Cabinet is meeting to discuss new anti-sectarian measures. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "As I have said previously, the day when Scotland finally gets to grips with the scourge of bigotry is when the decent majority speaks out reso...
The Draft Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill has been presented to the UK Parliament. Scottish Conservatives have long called for an 'independent supermarket ombudsman' since the Competition Commission report of 2008. Alex Fergusson MSP, Scottish Conservative Rural Affairs Spokesperso...
Amazon has announced it will set up a customer services centre in Edinburgh, creating 500 permanent and 400 temporary jobs. Gavin Brown, Scottish Conservative Economy Spokesperson and MSP for Lothians, said: "Following on from the jobs that will be created in Dunfermline and Gouroc...
An FOI has shown that the Scottish Prison Service is being tied down by more than 1,200 prisoner complaints a month, or 40 every day. John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "No one disputes that there must be a proper process for prisoner grievances. How...
Research by Clydesdale Bank has shown that small businesses in Scotland are struggling to cope with complicated business regulation. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "There is no doubt that in order to boost our economy we have to help small business flo...
If Alex Salmond believes that injunctions are "impractical" and "untenable" then he should apologise for the taxpayer funded lawsuits designed to stop voters learning the real details of the SNP's Local Income Tax. David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Chief Whip, said: "Alex ...
From June 8th, BBC Alba will be available to Freeview viewers in Scotland. Ruth Davidson MSP, Scottish Conservative Culture Spokesperson, said: "I welcome the announcement that BBC Alba is to be made available on Freeview. I hope this will help to boost the numbers of this channel,...
Speaking about CoSLA's submission to the McCormac Review – which is assessing the 2001 McCrone deal for teachers – Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "The CoSLA submission must not be seen as an attack on teachers but as an attack on the system. I...
Speaking about the increase in size and cost of Alex Salmond's cabinet, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "This is not a good example of belt tightening when many families face uncertainty over jobs, paying their bills and making ends meet. "Alex Salmond shoul...
The Chief Executive of Edinburgh's beleaguered tram project has resigned. David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Chief Whip, said: "This project now resembles Holyrood on rails. It is nothing short of a nightmare for Edinburgh's SNP-Lib Dem Council, which signed the tram deal o...
Speaking after Alex Salmond was nominated by the Scottish Parliament as First Minister, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Presiding Officer, the First Minister has achieved a remarkable election result and I congratulate him on his election as First Minister for a sec...
Speaking after Willie Rennie was appointed leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "I congratulate Willie Rennie on his appointment as Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats. "He is a well-respected individual across the p...
Following its recent warning that Scotland is in danger of producing a generation of inadequately trained doctors and compromising patient safety, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) has published a new Charter for Medical Training. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative He...
An IPSOS-Mori poll for the Open University in Scotland has found that a quarter of Scots are put off studying part-time because of tuition fees. Of those who were unemployed, around half said they would like to return to university, but 73% said the prospect of fees prevented them from doin...
A study by Professor James Mitchell of the University of Strathclyde has found that the SNP is trying to change its definition of independence. David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Constitution Spokesperson, said: "The SNP was formed in 1934. It is extraordinary that 77 years...
The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA) is to debate taking industrial action over a pay deal which has already been accepted by the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS). Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "This is a stark warning for ...
Two convicted sex offenders at Peterhead Prison have won a landmark legal victory after a judge ruled that slopping out breached their privacy rights. Other cases are thought likely to follow. John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "Whilst it is...
Following the Scottish Parliament election, there have been some changes to Scottish Conservative portfolios. Ruth Davidson MSP takes on the Culture and External Relations brief. David McLetchie MSP takes on the Constitution brief. Alex Fergusson MSP ta...
Speaking in the aftermath of events at Tynecastle Stadium last night, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "The day when Scotland finally gets to grips with the scourge of bigotry is when the decent majority finds its voice and says 'not in our name' and 'enough is enough...
Speaking after the election of Tricia Marwick as Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Business Manager, said: "I warmly congratulate Tricia Marwick on her election as the first woman Presiding Officer of the Parliament. Tricia has always b...
Reports today state that Strathclyde University is planning to end some degree courses, following similar moves by other Scottish universities – including Glasgow, Dundee and Stirling. Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "Unfortunately, these la...
A study for the UK Ministry of Justice has shown that criminals jailed for longer are less likely to reoffend after being released than those serving shorter sentences. The report also shows that offenders released from longer sentences also go on to commit fewer crimes after being released than tho...
Speaking in Edinburgh today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "The Scottish election result was seismic. Nobody, not even Alex Salmond, thought that the SNP would win an overall majority at Holyrood. "I am of course disappointed that the Conservatives are ret...
Tomorrow Scotland goes to the polls – and a vote on the peach ballot paper for more Scottish Conservative MSPs means more common sense in the next Scottish Parliament. Speaking from Edinburgh, where she was joined by Campaign Manager David McLetchie, and where she was photographed wit...
The latest TNS-BMRB poll for STV shows that the Scottish Conservatives have increased our share of the vote from the previous poll at the end of March. David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative Campaign Manager for the Scottish Parliament election, said: "This is further proof that Annabel's common s...
In less than 48 hours Scotland goes to the polls – and in a parliament of minority parties, we need someone to stand up to the excesses of nationalism and socialism. More Scottish Conservative MSPs means more common sense in the next Scottish Parliament. Speaking from Eastwood, where she was...
The SNP's plans to rip Scotland out of Britain could mean a basic rate taxpayer paying almost half their earnings in tax. [see notes] Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Alex Salmond would turn Scotland into the highest taxed part of Britain. "His dangerous plans to rip Scotland ...
In less than 72 hours Scotland goes to the polls – and in a parliament of minority parties, we need someone to stand up to the excesses of nationalism and socialism. Speaking from Dumfries, where he was joined by local candidates Gill Dykes and Alex Fergusson, David Mundell, Scotland ...
As we enter the final week of the campaign, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, has urged all voters to get out and vote for what they want. Annabel Goldie said: "My message to all voters is clear – 'our country needs you'. You decide the balance of the next parliament. You decide ...
Today's Scotland on Sunday reports that the family of an eighteen year old boy, Jamie Marshall Macdonald, who is suffering from a rare type of bone cancer, have been forced to pay tens of thousands of pounds to access a life-prolonging drug – one which is available to cancer patients in Englan...
Alex Salmond has forgotten he only wanted 500 extra police and the 1000 extra police were only delivered because of Scottish Conservative pressure. Scottish Conservatives have already stated we will back no budget which does not maintain the funding for our 1000 extra police. Annab...
The latest YouGov opinion poll in Scotland on Sunday yet again shows that Scottish Conservatives will be pivotal in the next parliament. David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative Campaign Manager for the Scottish Parliament election, said: "Scotland needs someone to stand against the ...
Scottish Conservatives want a £200 Council Tax discount for all pensioner households in Scotland. Speaking on Buchanan Street in Glasgow, where she was joined by top ranked Glasgow candidate Ruth Davidson, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "The Council Tax f...
Congratulating the new Royal couple – now Earl and Countess of Strathearn – on their marriage today, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "I'm Scottish, I'm British and I'm a fan of the Royal Family, so William and Kate's wedding is the tops. What a lovely young c...
Perthshire Conservatives are welcoming the Queen's decision to create Prince William Earl of Strathearn. He will also take the titles Duke of Cambridge and Baron Carrickfergus. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative Candidate for Perthshire South & Kinross-shire, said: "The Earldom of Strat...
Scottish Conservatives want to grow Scotland's vital tourism industry. Speaking outside the Tourist Information Centre in St Andrews, Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "The tourism industry is vital to Scotland's economy – it employs over 200,000 people...
The SNP's local income tax cover-up gets murkier and murkier, after an SNP press release on the subject issued this afternoon had to be retracted. The initial release denied that a Scottish Government solicitor had used the term "lurid headlines" in relation to the SNP's bid to prevent a document o...
The row over Alex Salmond and the SNP's Local Income Tax cover-up has intensified today. The Telegraph reports today that court papers lodged by Scottish Government lawyers – paid for by the taxpayer – state Alex Salmond wanted details of his local income tax plans kept secret s...
On the second day of her tour of North East Scotland, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, set out our plans to boost the voluntary sector in Scotland. Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Voluntary sector organisations are vital cogs in our communities, offering a...
Following childish exchanges between the SNP and Labour regarding an ASDA visit, Scottish Conservative Campaign Manager David McLetchie, said: "This is pathetic stuff. Whilst Labour and the SNP play their infantile game of hide and seek, Alex Salmond and Iain Gray squabble like two spoilt s...
A YouGov poll has shown that a majority of Scots believe that the decision to release the Lockerbie bomber was wrong. Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesman John Lamont said: "This poll clearly shows that the majority of Scots agree that the SNP made a bad decision, and that it was made b...
Scottish Conservatives have unveiled plans for another round of Town Centre Regeneration Funding, totalling £140m over the course of the next Scottish Parliament. In the last parliament, Scottish Conservatives delivered a £60m Town Centre Regeneration Fund, which benefited commu...
A YouGov poll in today's Scotsman shows that 75% of people want the Council Tax freeze extended. In the last parliament, Scottish Conservative votes ensured a four year Council Tax freeze, with Labour and the Lib Dems refusing to back it. Scottish Conservatives are committed to extending t...
Scottish Conservatives will bring back short sentences, which were abolished by the SNP and Lib Dems in the last parliament. Speaking from outside Barlinnie Prison – where she was joined by top ranked Glasgow candidate Ruth Davidson – Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader...
This week our third and final Party Election Broadcast will be aired, on Thursday 28th April. Please find below a transcript of the PEB. ANNABEL GOLDIE "Scotland is a place of such diverse beauty and character whether it's in the countryside with our rivers, our mountains, our loc...
Only a vote for Annabel and the Scottish Conservatives will bring balance and common sense to Holyrood Iain Gray has tried to relaunch Labour's disastrous campaign with an attack on SNP spending plans – when in fact neither party has fully costed its proposals. Only the Scott...
Responding to criticism from COSLA of transferring the social care budget to the NHS, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesman Murdo Fraser said: "Scottish Conservatives have for a long time supported the merger of the health and social care budgets as a means of delivering a faster response ...
Speaking as we launched our fit4life sports manifesto in Edinburgh this morning, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "With the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and two Opens coming to Scotland in the next few years, and of course the Olympic Games in London, the next few years will...
The latest YouGov poll in today's Scotland on Sunday shows that Labour's disastrous campaign has plumbed new depths. Only Annabel and the Scottish Conservatives can keep Salmond in check - voting Scottish Conservative on the peach ballot paper will give Scotland the balance we need. ...
Following analysis of voting returns and canvassing across Scotland, Scottish Conservatives are now actively targeting Lib Dem list votes. David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative Campaign Manager for the Scottish Parliament election, said: "We know from the doorsteps of Scotland tha...
Scottish Conservatives want rigorous literacy and numeracy testing by P7 in our schools, to address a worrying decline in standards. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "In recent years, it is clear that the standard of literacy and numeracy for many scho...
Following a chaotic campaign which has lurched from one disaster to the next, reports today state that Labour are set to attempt to relaunch on Monday. David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative Campaign Manager for the Scottish Parliament election, said: "Labour left our country with ...
Scottish Conservatives want to provide extra respite care, to enable our dedicated carers to enjoy some much-deserved time off. Speaking from Bridge of Weir in Renfrewshire, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Carers do a phenomenal job – if you are not one y...
The latest "ScotPulse 1000" survey on the STV website – showing attitudes towards the Scottish party leaders during the election campaign – reveals that nearly 40% of respondents have a more positive view of Annabel Goldie than when the campaign began. This is streets ahead of both othe...
Scottish Conservatives have today launched our Common Sense on the Economy manifesto. Speaking as she launched the manifesto from the Tunnock's factory in Uddingston, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "I am delighted to be launching this manifesto from one of Scotland's g...
In an interview with STV today, Alex Salmond has continued the other parties' fantasy pledges on higher education by promising to find the money to "plug the gap" for the whole of the next parliament. Derek Brownlee, Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesperson, said: "However much w...
A poll in today's Scotsman has shown that two-thirds of Scots back a graduate contribution of up to £4,000 to the cost of their university education. David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative Campaign Manager for the Scottish Parliament election, said: "This is more evidence, af...
The SNP's ludicrous claims about Scottish Conservative policies in the wake of today's CPPR report cannot hide the massive black hole in their own spending plans. Derek Brownlee, Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesperson, said: "Local Government would be better off under Scottish ...
Glasgow University's Centre for Public Policy for Regions has produced an analysis of political party manifestos for the 2011 Scottish Parliament election. The report states that "Much of the current funding difficulties are being wished away through general efficiency savings" (p.3) ...
Scottish Conservatives want to introduce free universal health checks for 40-74 year olds. Speaking from Lloyds Pharmacy in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader and Health Spokesman, said: "We are proud of the excellent service provided by our N...
Iain Gray and Scottish Labour have gaffed again, by announcing a new musical instrument fund as they today visit an area where the Labour-run Council wanted cut funding for music tuition. Jackson Carlaw, Scottish Conservative candidate for Eastwood, said: "Labour's chaotic campaign...
Addressing the Scottish Police Federation in Aviemore this morning, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "I am proud of my role in giving you 1,000 extra colleagues, out on our streets, detecting, deterring, arresting and helping. "And yes, that means I won a battle with the...
Tomorrow (Tuesday 19th April 2011), Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, will address the Scottish Police Federation in Aviemore. She will say: "I am proud of my role in giving you 1,000 extra colleagues, out on our streets, detecting, deterring, arresting and helping. "And yes, ...
Speaking as she launched our Common Sense on Tax manifesto in Inverness this morning, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "We live in tough economic times. Labour's catastrophic debt legacy poses real challenges for Scotland. "At Holyrood, what we need now, more tha...
Labour has blundered in the costings for their Council Tax policy. The SNP cannot tell us how they would fund their projected five year Council Tax freeze. Only the Scottish Conservatives are credible and can be trusted on tax. Derek Brownlee, Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesperson, said: "W...
Tomorrow, Monday 18th April 2011, Scottish Conservatives will launch our Common Sense on Tax manifesto. Speaking ahead of the launch, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Only the Scottish Conservatives can be trusted on tax. "During the recent Scottish Bud...
Scottish Conservatives are putting audio versions of our manifesto "Common Sense for Scotland" on our website so partially sighted and visually impaired people can access them. The audio is split into six separate parts: Annabel Goldie – Common Sense for Scotland (read by Annabel Goldie) Co...
Scottish Conservatives want a framework for local authorities to open Council Counters in Post Office branches. Speaking from Colinton Post Office in Edinburgh, David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative Campaign Manager for the Scottish Parliament election, said: "With the closures ca...
Only the Scottish Conservatives are telling it like it is and have produced a manifesto that is fully costed and credible. The other parties are indulging in fantasy economics and misleading voters. Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Trying to pick betwee...
The latest YouGov poll for the Scottish Parliament election has again shown that the Scottish Conservatives will be pivotal after May 5th. David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative Campaign Manager for the Scottish Parliament election, said: "We know from the doorsteps of Scotland tha...
The SNP have tried to gloss over their catalogue of broken promises since 2007 by producing a document outlining some of the pledges they claim they have met. Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "People will not be fooled by this document. They remember that in...
The first word out of Ed Miliband's mouth in Scotland today should be 'sorry', for landing us with Labour's legacy of debt. David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative Campaign Manager for the Scottish Parliament election, said: "If Ed Miliband really cares about Scotland the first word out of ...
Scottish Conservatives are pledging a £10m Cancer Drugs Fund so drugs available south of the border are also available in Scotland. Speaking from Ayr today, where she was joined by local candidate John Scott, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Scottish Conservatives...
At the SNP manifesto launch today, Alex Salmond said it was possible to maintain student numbers and still offer 'free' higher education. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "This just simply does not add up. Alex Salmond and the SNP have got to stop trying to ho...
The SNP must tell us where they are finding the money for their key manifesto pledges, rather than relying on imaginary efficiency savings. Derek Brownlee, Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesperson, said: "Scottish Conservative votes delivered a 4 year Council Tax freeze because we wanted...
The SNP's 2007 manifesto is littered with broken promises – why should their 2011 manifesto be any different? Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "The SNP's manifesto must be checked against delivery. In 2007, the SNP promised – amongst other things –...
It has been revealed that a violent convict who is only a quarter of the way through his eight year sentence has absconded from Castle Huntly. John Lamont, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "This is extremely worrying. "In his report in 2009, Professor Spencer specifically...
Scottish Conservatives want two dedicated Cabinet-level Ministers to help grow Scotland's economy. Speaking outside St Andrew's House in Edinburgh, Gavin Brown, Scottish Conservative Enterprise Spokesperson, said: "To grow Scotland's economy we need to grow the private sector, wher...
Today's figures show that unemployment in Scotland fell by 7,000 over the quarter to February 2011. Derek Brownlee, Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesperson, said: "A further fall in unemployment will always be welcomed but the rate is still too high, and politicians at all level...
Scottish Conservative policies will support small business and the voluntary sector, to help grow Scotland's economy. Speaking from Haddington today, Derek Brownlee, Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesperson, said, "Scottish Conservatives are committed to growing Scotland's econom...
On Climate Day, Scottish Conservatives are outlining measures to protect the environment. Jackson Carlaw, Scottish Conservative Climate Change Spokesperson, said: "The first step to decarbonising our economy and ensuring energy security is reducing our energy consumption. A Scottis...
The First Minister has admitted than his plans to fund Universities in Scotland depends on relying on students from the rest of the UK paying more, and the taxpayers picking up the tab whatever the cost. At the recent Scotsman Leaders' Debate, Alex Salmond said: "We will do whatever it takes to mai...
Scottish Conservatives want a package of measures to cut drug abuse in prison, which will lead to better rehabilitation and a reduction in reoffending. Speaking outside Perth Prison, Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "So much crime in Scotland is fuelled by drugs. We...
Scottish Conservative proposals for Scotland's police forces do not include any reduction in officer numbers. We will retain the 1000 extra police numbers that we forced from the Scottish Government in the last parliament. We are the only party to have produced a fully costed document outlining ou...
Every single promise made by the SNP relies on the efficiency savings they are boasting they will achieve. Only Scottish Conservatives have produced a fully costed and credible plan that does not rely at all on efficiencies. Derek Brownlee, Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesperson, said:...
The BBC issues poll shows that Scottish Conservative priorities are Scotland's priorities. David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative Campaign Manager for the Scottish Parliament election, said: "Our priorities of lower taxes, more police and creating jobs are right in tune with Scotland's pri...
Scottish Conservatives will give local people the right to veto any future above-inflation rise in their Council Tax bills. Speaking in Cunninghame North, where she was joined by local candidate Maurice Golden, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "We are proud that Scottish Conserv...
The most telling aspect of the SNP's pledge to crack down on crime is what they don't talk about, not what they are talking about. John Lamont, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "There might be merit in some of the measures the SNP have announced today but most impo...
Speaking after the Leaders' Debate on BBC Scotland's Politics Show today (10th April), David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative Campaign Manager for the 2011 Scottish Parliament election, said: "Once again Annabel's straight talking and common sense approach was head and shoulders above the o...
The Scottish Social Attitudes Survey shows that 63% of people in Scotland think students should pay at least something towards their tuition. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "This is more evidence that Scots are fair minded and accept that it is fair ...
Campaigning in Falkirk today on Common Sense Saturday (9th April), Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "I want to let local democracy flourish. "That is why the Scottish Conservatives will give the people of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen a referendum on electing a lo...
A prisoner serving a life sentence for murder has had his case for a vote in next month's Scottish Parliament election thrown out of court. John Lamont, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "This is very welcome news. It is an outrage that any prisoner should get the vote. Tho...
In an astonishing statement, the SNP have dismissed the row over their Local Income Tax cover-up as "academic". David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative Campaign Manager for the 2011 Scottish Parliament election, said: "This is an astonishing reply. "Misleading the Scottish public is not ac...
Strathclyde University has been named as the Scottish football training venue for the London 2012 Olympics. Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "This is great news, not just for Strathclyde University but for Scotland. As a former student at Strathclyde I am very proud of t...
Lord Carloway has launched a public consultation on reforms designed to make Scotland's legal system more compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. John Lamont, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "This consultation cannot come soon enough as for the past few m...
This week has shown that only one political party in Scotland has a manifesto which is fully costed and fit for purpose. The Scottish Liberal Democrats are relying on money not yet received. Scottish Labour is relying on money that isn't there. Derek Brownlee, Scottish Conservative Financ...
Scottish Conservatives are pledging to abolish Home Reports. Speaking in Edinburgh today, David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative Campaign Manager for the 2011 Scottish Parliament election, said: "In the best of times, Home Reports were an expensive luxury. However in these difficult economic times...
Today's Daily Telegraph reports the full extent of the SNP's cover up on Local Income Tax. The report states that the First Minister's senior economic adviser estimated there would be a shortfall of almost £800 million this year between what Council Tax would raise and the SNP's suggested Loc...
Today's Scottish Sun reports that a man who was released from prison despite threatening to kill a child has been convicted of molesting a ten year old boy. John Lamont, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "This terrifying ordeal is further proof that merely placing somebody on the s...
Dr Georgina Brown of Springburn Health Centre has endorsed Scottish Conservative plans for a £20m Health Visitor boost in Scotland. Today Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, was joined by Ruth Davidson, top ranked candidate on our Glasgow list, to visit Springburn Health Centre and ...
Scottish Conservatives want a £20m boost for health visiting in Scotland. Speaking in Glasgow today where she was joined by Ruth Davidson, top ranked candidate on our Glasgow list, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Six years ago there were nearly 1,500 health visitors in S...
If the SNP had their way on the Euro then Scotland would now have to spend government money bailing out Portugal – the latest Eurozone country to descend into financial chaos. Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "One of the SNP's most cherished aims has been to take an i...
Professor Pete Downes, Principal of Dundee University, has said that higher education will need more money than the next Scottish Government can afford and that a graduate contribution would be a fair solution. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "This is a very welcome ...
Scottish Labour's gaffe-ridden campaign has gone from bad to worse after it was revealed the parent featured in Chapter 7 of their manifesto was worried about cuts by a Labour-led Council. Jackson Carlaw, Scottish Conservative candidate for Eastwood, said: "The parent featured on pages 82 and 83 o...
The ONS have released figures that show that people with degrees earned an average of £12,000 a year more than non-graduates over the past decade. Scottish Education Spokesman Liz Smith said: "These statistics show that those who have gained a university degree are more likely to earn a high...
Over 90% of prisoners would be exempt from Scottish Labour's cop-out version of ending automatic early release from jail. John Lamont, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "It's clear that for all their tough talk on ending automatic early release, Labour's policy is a total cop-out. ...
Commenting on the launch of the 2011 Labour Manifesto, Scottish Conservative Campaign Manager for the Scottish Parliament election, David McLetchie said: "One word was missing from the manifesto – sorry - for creating the financial mess and crisis facing our country. "Labour's wage pledge mi...
Figures released under a Freedom of Information request show that Councils have paid out just over £3 million to motorists in the last five years for damage to cars and injuries caused by potholes. Speaking at a Transport Hustings Event in Edinburgh, Scottish Conservative Transport Spokesman ...
Scottish Conservatives want a Business Start Up Fund which will give real help to Scotland's budding entrepreneurs. Speaking in Perth today, where she was joined by local candidates Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Scottish Conservatives have always ...
Labour today has claimed that they have met NUS Scotland's three campaign demands. Scottish Conservative Education Spokesman Liz Smith said:: "This is a phony pledge from Iain Gray and Labour. "On radio this morning, their finance spokesman said Labour was filling a £114 million gap in univ...
The SNP have stated that they want to bring forward minimum pricing proposals in the next parliament, despite these discredited plans having been resoundingly defeated in the previous session. Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said: "The SNP are not living in...
The Scottish Lib Dems need to publish their spending plans before anyone can believe anything they say. Derek Brownlee, Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesperson, said: "At our manifesto launch we produced a comprehensive 50 page document costing all our plans over the next four years. The word '...
Scottish Conservatives want locally elected police commissioners. Speaking outside Selkirk Police Station, John Lamont, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson and candidate for Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire, said: "Scottish Conservatives forced the SNP Government to put 1,000 extra poli...
Deficit Deniers of SNP and Labour could mean 13,000 Scottish students could lose University places. Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "The SNP, Labour and the Lib Dems all refuse to face up to the cash crisis about to engulf Scotland's Universities. "The other parties are all dr...
Alex Salmond and the SNP have cost the taxpayer £53,000 trying to stop the Information Commissioner publishing vital details of their Local Income Tax plan. Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "This is an outrageous sum of taxpayers' money being spent on trying to hide the tr...
Scottish Conservatives want to pilot second chance centres for unruly pupils in our schools. Speaking from Hamilton where she was joined by local candidate Margaret Mitchell, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Successive Scottish Governments have not delivered for...
Convicted murderer George McGeoch, who is still behind bars, has gone to court in a bid to win his right to vote in the Scottish Parliament election. John Lamont, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "It is an outrage that any prisoner should get the vote. Those who commit cri...
Today (1st April 2011), the SNP are trumpeting the final stage of the move to free prescriptions. Over 90% of prescriptions are already free, and at time when the NHS is facing severe financial pressure, it is wrong to spend millions of pounds providing free prescriptions for those who can ...
Figures published today show that Scotland has the highest university drop-out rate in the United Kingdom. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said: "These figures are worrying for Scotland, but they disprove the claim that a financial contribution to higher education forces a...
Scottish Labour's poster unveiling today shows they are so rattled by Iain Gray's poor performance during the campaign that they are going completely negative. David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative Campaign Manager, said: "Labour are fighting the wrong election for the wrong parliament. They are ...
Tomorrow (April 1st 2011), the Lockerbie Bomber will celebrate his 59th birthday – 588 days after he was released from prison in Scotland. John Lamont, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "Over 18 months since he was released from jail, the Lockerbie Bomber is now celebrating h...
An initiative which allows parents to check with police if someone close to their children has a history of child sex offending, which was piloted in Tayside, has now been rolled out across all of Scotland. Scottish Conservatives were the first party to call for this measure to be trialled, in Marc...
Scottish Conservatives are committed to protecting Scotland's health budget and will cut management costs by up to 30%. This will free up more vital resources for our frontline services. Speaking from Perth today, Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader and Health Spokesperson, said: "S...
Today sees revelations that Alex Salmond is going to extraordinary lengths to keep secret the financial implications of the SNP's unfair, uncosted and unworkable local income tax. The SNP has twice used the Court of Session from preventing the Daily Telegraph from disclosing the details of their pr...
Figures published by the Scotch Whisky Association today have confirmed the value of whisky exports from Scotland had increased by 10% in 2010. Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "This is indeed very welcome news but before the SNP pat themselves on the back too much, let's r...
Scottish Conservatives will campaign for Scotland to be the headquarters of the Green Investment Bank. Derek Brownlee, Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesperson, said: "Scotland should be the place where a new generation of marine energy sources are developed. We have thousands of miles of coastl...
The SNP's plans for victims' rights would be more credible if they hadn't put more criminals on our streets. John Lamont, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said: "We could take these plans more seriously if the SNP had not pressed ahead with emptying Scotland's jails over the past four y...
The Scottish Liberal Democrats should back Scottish Conservative plans to cut Council Tax for every pensioner household by £200. Derek Brownlee, Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesperson said: "Although they did nothing for pensioners in the eight years they were in government in Scotland, ...
Scottish Conservatives will fight to end automatic early release from prison in the next parliament. Speaking from Edinburgh Pentlands today where she joined local candidate David McLetchie, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Sentences are already cut by up to 50% irrespective of...
Scottish Conservatives want to pilot hard shoulder running on motorways. Speaking from Eastwood where she was joined by candidate Jackson Carlaw, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Scottish Conservatives believe that opportunities to develop appropriate sections of the hard shoul...
The Director of Universities Scotland, Alastair Sim has warned that the large funding gap facing Scottish universities needs to be closed urgently. Scottish Conservative spokesman for education, Liz Smith said: "This is yet another warning that there is a large and serious funding gap that, so far...
A poll from TNS using new methodology has shown the Scottish Conservatives will again be pivotal in the next parliament. David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative Campaign Manager, said: "Given that results from this pollster have consistently and considerably underestimated Conservative support in S...
On Monday, the Scottish Conservatives will set out their stall for the Holyrood Election. The campaign will be underpinned by an outstanding record of Delivering for Scotland over the last 4 years. Speaking ahead of the launch, Scottish Conservative leader, Annabel Goldie said: “Over the las...
Scottish Conservatives will lead the fight against a Local Income Tax, but Labour's sums just don't add up. Derek Brownlee, Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesperson, said: "Local Income Tax would be a disaster for Scotland, and just as the Scottish Conservatives stopped it in the last Parliament...
On Saturday 26th March, across Scotland in every region, Scottish Conservative candidates and activists are out delivering our message of Common Sense on Council Tax. Tens of thousands of leaflets will be delivered, telling voters of our plans to: - Continue the Council Tax freeze - Give pensione...
Scottish Conservatives are out and about across the country today talking about how measures in yesterday's budget are benefiting Scotland. Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "In these difficult economic times the UK Government set out measures to boost jobs, the economy and house...
Scottish Labour today launched its Business Manifesto. Derek Brownlee, Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesperson, said: "The party which created the longest and deepest recession since the war is finally asking how we can grow Scotland's economy. "Scottish Labour opposed business rate cuts for s...
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has delivered the UK Government's Budget today. Derek Brownlee, Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesperson, said: "The UK Government inherited a mess from Labour but has been able to set out a plan for economic growth which will create jobs. "Labour's planned 4p fu...
The Scottish Parliament has been dissolved and the starting gun has been fired for the election on May 5th. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Every voter, in every seat, in every region of Scotland should get out and vote for the party and the policies which they back. "No ...
A preferred bidder has been chosen to build the bridge and connecting roads elements of the Forth Replacement Crossing. The Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC) consortium, comprising Dragados, Hochtief, American Bridge International and Morrison Construction, has been selected. Jackson Carla...
Speaking today at Scottish Conservative Conference in Perth, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said (check against delivery): This is a time of excitement and opportunity. In 47 days, Scotland goes to the polls. And this Holyrood election breaks new ground for a devolved campaign. T...
Speaking at the Scottish Conservative Conference debate in Perth on education, Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said (check against delivery): Education is the most precious gift we can give to any generation; a good education should be the right of all...
Speaking in this morning's health debate at Scottish Conservative Conference in Perth, Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, said (check against delivery): Can I start by thanking all the speakers who have contributed to the debate. Thank my health team, Dr...
The Director of CBI Scotland has today warned the SNP and Scottish Labour to face up to reality and not to put the future funding of Scottish Higher Education at risk. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "Iain McMillan is spot on to say both the SNP...
The chairmen of 13 university courts in Scotland have today written an open letter warning the SNP Government against interfering with the independence of university principals. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "This is a very clear message to Mi...
The Scottish Labour Party has today launch "a five point action plan to crackdown on antisocial behaviour in communities across Scotland". John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "Labour likes to talk tough on crime but we know the blame for much of Scotland's problems with an...
BMA Scotland's conference today has agreed that models of commissioning should be explored. Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, said: "There would be clear benefits from giving GPs a stronger commissioning role. It would ensure that the health and care services a...
The Legislative Consent Motion for the Scotland Bill has been passed through the Scottish Parliament, with all the main parties voting in favour. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "This is a hugely important step forward for Scotland. For the first time at Holyrood, poli...
A report commissioned by the Scottish Government into remuneration for local authority councillors has recommended an increase of 24%, or £5.5m, to the current remuneration budget. The report also recommends an increase to councillor's basic salary of 16.5%. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabine...
Scottish Conservatives have welcomed the Scottish Government's intention to make health checks more available for children under 4. In the forthcoming election, Scottish Conservatives will be campaigning for a £20m boost to health visiting services. Mary Scanlon MSP, Scottish Conservative He...
Speaking at the COSLA annual conference in Fairmont, St. Andrews this afternoon, Annabel Goldie unveiled a major new policy of the Business Dividend Fund. Annabel Goldie MSP said: "As we recover from this recession, and we look to new businesses and companies to create jobs, I see an invaluable ro...
Today's football summit has produced eight broad measures, including a pledge to look at ways of extending the scope of football banning orders, which was first suggested by Annabel Goldie MSP last week. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "It is clear that the two football clu...
Reports today state that the Lockerbie Bomber – over 18 months after he was released from jail in Scotland – is building a new three-storey house in Tripoli, regularly taking trips in a chauffeured Lamborghini to view the site. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said...
The latest passenger numbers at Prestwick Airport show a fall of 40%. The number of people using the airport dropped from 101,032 in January 2010 to 60,993 in January 2011. John Scott, Scottish Conservative MSP for Ayr, said: "These figures are extremely concerning. "What must be appreciated by ...
The first person to be handed a Community Payback Order has breached it. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "When Lawrence Winters became the first recipient of a Community Payback Order, we wondered whether someone with 98 convictions from 160 separate charges was the ty...
Transport Scotland's operating companies have been allocated an extra £2 million to fix potholes across the country. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said: "Whilst we welcome this allocation, there is no doubt it is just a further band-aid over a problem every motorist in S...
Tomorrow there is a top-level summit to discuss serious disorder surrounding Old Firm games. The summit follows on from a call by Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, at First Minister's Questions last week. Annabel Goldie MSP said: "When events on the pitch have such a devastating i...
In an astonishingly cynical u-turn, the Scottish Labour Party has now pledged not to "introduce any up-front fees or graduate contribution for access to higher education in the lifetime of the next Parliament". This is despite earlier statements from Labour's education spokesmen that they would intr...
According to radio reports, the Scottish Liberal Democrats have today suggested that tourism businesses could be given tax breaks to help them through winter. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "The Lib Dems voted against cuts in business rates...
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury of the UK Government has today announced plans to reduce fuel duty by 5p in island and remote communities. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said: "Scottish Conservatives welcome this early response, demonstrating how the Conservative-Lib Dem UK...
A newspaper report today states that councils across Scotland brought in over £400,000 by handing out fines over the festive period. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said: "With the severe weather we had over the Christmas period, many retailers suffered a hit to their sale...
Scottish Conservatives have welcomed the First Minister's agreement for a meeting between the party leaders and an urgent football summit following the scenes at the end of last night's Old Firm match. Speaking after FMQs today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Strathclyde ...
The Scottish Labour Party is in disarray after refusing tonight to back calls for a cancellation of the rise in fuel duty planned for April 2011. Speaking after the debate, Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said: "The incompetence of Labour plumbed new depths this evening. A party...
Yesterday a landmark legal ruling cleared the way for people serving discretionary life sentences to challenge the length of time they must spend in Scottish jails. It followed appeals by rapist Robert Foye and paedophile Morris Petch. Today, John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, t...
Speaking after today securing an amendment to the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill which removes Scottish Natural Heritage's statutory duty to conserve non-native species of deer, Jamie McGrigor MSP Shadow Environment Minister said: "The aim of my amendment, passed today, was to tackle the wel...
Scottish Conservatives are calling for the planned fuel duty increase – left on the incoming UK Government's books by the last Labour Government – to be cancelled. Speaking ahead of this evening's Scottish Parliament debate, Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said: "Las...
The University of Strathclyde's Fraser of Allander Institute has released its latest economic commentary. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "Scottish Conservatives have already put forward measures to help create jobs in Scotland – help ...
Documents obtained by the Scottish Conservatives show how the SNP Government plotted a tour of marginal seats at taxpayers' expense. The Freedom of Information Request – which the SNP Government tried to block before the FoI Commissioner ruled against this move – shows plans to move the...
A landmark legal ruling has cleared the way for people serving discretionary life sentences to challenge the length of time they must spend in Scottish jails. It follows appeals by rapist Robert Foye and paedophile Morris Petch. Scottish Conservatives are calling for all parties to sit down and wor...
Speaking after today's Higher Education summit in Glasgow, Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "It became clear today at the summit that Scottish universities face a funding gap which could be as large as £260m depending on how high English uni...
The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) is recommending that members reject proposed changes to pay and working conditions. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "The issue of teachers' pay and conditions is a matter for serious public debate and ...
The latest police projection figures show that numbers have dropped slightly, although the target of 1,000 additional police officers will be met by the end of this parliament. Official figures also show that numbers will continue to grow beyond the 17,234 target. The target of 1,000 additional pol...
Scottish Conservatives are challenging the other parties to put their cards on the table when it comes to Higher Education funding. Speaking before tomorrow's summit in Glasgow, Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "Having consulted for several month...
Unions and councils are denying reports that talks between themselves and the Scottish Government have resulted in a deal guaranteeing no compulsory redundancies in the public sector in Scotland. The reported agreement was to run until January 2012, in return for pay constraints and other cost-cutt...
The Scottish Government has announced a national review of how Scotland's road network is managed and maintained. This follows Audit Scotland's report last week into the condition of both local and strategic roads. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said: "Having lamented the prio...
The Leader and Deputy Leader of Edinburgh Council, Jenny Dawe and Steve Cardownie, have attacked the conclusions of the Public Audit Committee report into the gathering after it labelled their behaviour 'unacceptable'. Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Murdo Fraser MSP, said: "The Leade...
A paramedic has been suspended after refusing to answer a 999 call to help a dying baby in Stirlingshire. This came after BT had already incorrectly routed the emergency call to England. Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health, Murdo Fraser MSP, said: "There has clearly been a ma...
FSB Scotland has warned that moves to impose a social responsibility levy on licensed businesses could hit every one of Scotland's 17,000 licensees – regardless of how conscientious they are. Scottish Conservative moves to amend the proposals at the recent Alcohol Bill debate were blocked by ...
The Libyan Justice Minister has reportedly told the Swedish newspaper 'Expressen' that he has "Evidence that Gaddafi ordered the Lockerbie bombing" and "To hide this, he did everything in his power to get al-Megrahi back from Scotland." Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: ...
Speaking in his Member's Debate on the Proposed Waste Incineration Plant at Loganswell, Jackson Carlaw, Scottish Conservative MSP for West of Scotland, will say (check against delivery): "What is being proposed in Newton Mearns, a quiet, leafy residential suburb, takes us nearer the world o...
The latest Looked After Children statistics have been published, showing that there were 15,892 children looked after by local authorities on July 31st 2010, an increase of 4% since March 31st 2009. The number of children looked after has increased every year since 2001, and is at its highest since...
"Alcohol Statistics 2011" has been published today. Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, said: "It is never pleasant to see these figures and it confirms once again what a problem Scotland has with alcohol abuse. "We must ensure that those underage find it more d...
Scottish Conservatives have welcomed the Scottish Government's announcement today that a £10m concession to us in this year's budget will create up to 5,000 jobs. The money will be used to encourage small and medium sized companies to take staff on, provide assistance with hiring new employee...
The latest official figures show that delayed discharges are continuing to increase, with more people waiting longer to be discharged from hospital. This is on top of figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives in December 2010. Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbe...
A circular from Universities Scotland has proposed the establishment of a graduate contribution warning that thousands of students will be turned away unless a new source of funding can be found. Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education Liz Smith MSP said: "Universities Scotland is rightly concerned...
The BBC has released information showing the high levels of uncollected Council Tax across the UK, with cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh both appearing in the top 4 for 2009/10. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance says: "Since Council Tax was introduced, almost £1bil...
Alex Salmond is expected this afternoon to make a statement about jobs. Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance Derek Brownlee MSP said: "Just last week Scottish Conservatives secured help for businesses to take on new staff – at the same time as the UK Government is intro...
Anton Muscatelli is right to criticise the Scottish Government's approach to university funding. Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Liz Smith MSP said: "No-one doubts that very tough choices have to be made with regard to both the future of funding a...
There has been a further fall in unemployment in Scotland, with figures showing an increase across the UK. The number of people in Scotland claiming unemployment benefit in January was up by 1,400 to 139,700. The Scottish unemployment rate is at 8%, above the UK level of 7.9%. Derek Brown...
An Audit Scotland report published today calls on the Scottish Government to consider a national review of how Scotland's road network is managed and maintained. The report also says key routes should be prioritised and services may need to be redesigned. Scottish Conservatives have consistently c...
Figures released today show that obesity related deaths have gone up by over 40% since 2004. Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, said: "These alarming figures are a cause for serious concern. Unless we take steps to change the culture and instil a healthy mindset...
Reports today state that two Scottish police forces are considering privatising cells in an effort to get to grips with Labour's debt legacy. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "It is important we reserve operational matters to police forces, so they can take the best dec...
A report by The UK Royal Society has found almost twice as many students aged between 16 and 19 studied science in Scotland than England or Wales. The report also found a higher proportion of students in Scotland took science subjects in combination with maths. The next challenge is to combine this...
A Freedom of Information response has shown that the Scottish Government was aware of the introduction of a drop-off charge at Edinburgh Airport, despite publicly distancing themselves from it, and that a senior transport official told BAA executives he would "support further consideration of such a...
SNP led West Lothian Council has passed a motion stating that the SNP Government's National Conversation is "a vanity project" and "has proven of no value to the people of Scotland". Gavin Brown, Scottish Conservative MSP for Lothians, said: "This motion passed by West Lothian Council confirm...
The extra £16m secured by Scottish Conservatives in this year's budget for housing looks set to create around 5,500 jobs in Scotland. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "According to our calculations, our success in securing an extra &pou...
The SNP Government has announced that the new bridge on the Firth of Forth will be known as the Forth Replacement Bridge. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said: "With a price tag exceeding £2bn this does seem rather dull. The public rightly, might have expected something a ...
Scottish Conservatives want any future increase above inflation by any Council to be agreed by local people in a local referendum. The call comes as the Conservative Group on Dundee Council is moving an amendment on the budget that would band D council tax in that area fall by £7. Speaking i...
Following further concern from organisations across Scotland about the impact of the controversial Cadder ruling, John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, is to seek a meeting with the Justice Secretary at the earliest opportunity. John Lamont MSP said: "I am seeking an early meeting...
Speaking in this morning's Scottish Conservative debate on Early Intervention in Health and Education, Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, said (check against delivery): I am pleased to open the Conservative Party business this morning on Early Intervention in Hea...
Jim McColl, one of Scotland's most successful and well-known entrepreneurs, has announced he plans to open his own school in Glasgow. His aim is for the school to be open by the end of this year. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "This is a very w...
A Crown review of the controversial ruling of the UK Supreme Court in the Cadder vs. HMA case has shown that so far 867 cases "could not proceed or could not continue as a direct result of Cadder". Nine High Court cases and 51 Sheriff and Jury cases have not been able to continue, and three summary...
Speaking in the chamber as this year's Budget confirmed Scottish Conservatives have secured over £2bn worth of concessions in the lifetime of this parliament, Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said (check against delivery): This is not a Conser...
Scottish Conservatives are urging the Education Secretary to stop avoiding the key issue, after a meeting between the Scottish Government and key European officials on the issue of fees for European students produced no agreement. Currently there is a loophole allowing students from EU countries ou...
Transport Scotland has cancelled a £5.1m investment in a pilot scheme to open the hard shoulder of the M77 Junctions 1 and 4 to traffic. Its justification is that the cost of the scheme is needed to pay for the new Forth Road Bridge. Jackson Carlaw, Shadow Minister for Transport and Scottish...
The Government has released papers and a report into the release and circumstances leading up to the release of the Lockerbie bomber. Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Annabel Goldie MSP said: "The Lockerbie Bomber was released 18 months ago based on the claim that he had 3 months to live. He ...
Tomorrow the Scottish Parliament will debate Stage 1 of the Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Bill. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "Some crimes are so grave and heinous that where new evidence becomes available there is a very strong argument for a re-trial. "These cases wo...
An Audit Scotland Report has stated that the company constructing Edinburgh's tram line is at risk of lacking the skills and experience to finish the project. David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Chief Whip, said: "At the root of the delay lies the fundamental disagreement between the partie...
The Salmond Super Tax has been voted out in the Scottish Parliament Chamber. Gavin Brown MSP, Shadow Minister for Enterprise, said: "It was absolutely right for the Scottish Parliament to reject the ill-conceived Salmond Super Tax. The proposed 'raid on retail' sent out entirely the wrong message ...
David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Chief Whip, is calling on the Scottish Government to suspend the requirement for a Single Seller Survey and Valuation which is the key feature of Home Reports. This is in light of the latest evidence from the Law Society of Scotland, which says the require...
The UK Government has been warned by legal experts that it may have to allow prisoners to vote in May's Holyrood elections or face a string of expensive compensation claims. Labour's decision to incorporate ECHR into the 1998 Scotland Act looks set to have disastrous and far-reaching consequences f...
Reports today state that nearly 40,000 council staff across Scotland will transfer to NHS employment, as the Scottish Government plans to shift responsibility for delivering adult community care from local authorities to health boards. Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wel...
A Populus poll has found that 74% of Scots feel that the Salmond Super Tax is unfair. This comes only two days before the Parliament finally gets the chance to defeat the measure. Commenting, Scottish Conservative Shadow Minister for Enterprise Gavin Brown MSP said: "This is yet another crushing b...
The SNP Government's drive to empty Scotland's jails continues apace, as from today courts will be encouraged to consider imposing a Community Payback Order as an alternative to prison sentences of less than three months. Scottish Conservatives are intent on repealing the abolition of short term se...
BMI has announced the 'suspension' of daily flights between Glasgow and Heathrow airports from the end of March 2011. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said: "This news from BMI is a huge disappointment. "Scottish Conservatives believe that BAA at Heathrow should have reconsidere...
Tomorrow the Finance Committee will debate Stage 2 of the Budget (Scotland) Bill. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, and a member of the Committee, said: "Concessions forced by the Scottish Conservatives in previous budgets have given us extra police...
The SNP Government's Social Housing Allocations Guide has been rated at just 5 out of 10 by many social housing providers. Alex Johnstone MSP, Shadow Minister for Housing & Communities, said: "There are almost 200,000 applicants on council waiting lists [see note 1] with many people feeling th...
Six economists have written to The Scotsman newspaper stating there is "a lot wrong" with academic evidence that Alex Salmond has used to press the case for full economic powers for an independent Scotland. David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Chief Whip, said: "This shows the SNP's assertio...
Figures released today show that eight of Scotland's fourteen territorial health boards have sent patients suffering with chronic pain for treatment at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath. The total cost so far in the first half of the 2010-11 year has been £206,685. M...
The Scottish Government has announced a review of the size and cost of Scotland's teaching workforce, by re-examining the McCrone deal of 2001. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "We do think we need to look again at the McCrone deal, particularly ...
The SNP Government's healthy weight programme target was failing, so they made up a new target. Mary Scanlon MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said: "It simply beggars belief that, because the SNP Government's target was not going to be met, they changed it from over 19,000 down to l...
Audit Scotland has published an overview of local government and service provision in Scotland. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "We know that the result of Labour's debt legacy will be for local authorities to find new ways of delivering vit...
Speaking ahead of tonight's Members' Debate on Coastguard Services, Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said: "Countless lives have been saved over the years as a result of bravery and professionalism of our coastguards. For that we are all indebted and I have no doubt that there wil...
Alex Salmond got it wrong in FMQs today – there are cancer drugs available in England and Wales, but not in Scotland, despite what he says. Speaking after FMQs, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Quite simply the First Minster got it wrong today. I asked him about the f...
Below are extracts from the speech delivered by Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, in today's Budget Bill Stage 1 debate. "There are things in this budget with which we agree: The pay freeze on salaries over £21,000, to protect ...
A report today has stated that 172 of the 432 people who died from drug overdoses in 2009 (or 40%) had no contact with treatment services during their lives. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "In 1996, there were 244 drug related deaths. This has soared to 432 in less than a ...
Chairman of the Scottish Conservative Party, Andrew Fulton said: "The whole party are deeply saddened at the news of Phil's passing, and are sharing in his family's grief. Phil made a fantastic contribution the Conservative and Unionist cause over a lifetime dedicated to Politics. "He was the hear...
The SNP have been urged to apologise after they were caught out at the launch of their campaign for re-election. Alex Salmond said the SNP's pledge to protect NHS spending was "not matched" by any other party. In fact, Scottish Conservatives committed to protect the NHS budget before the SNP did. ...
Speaking on the start of the 100 day countdown to the Scottish Parliamentary election, Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie MSP said: "I fear that this election is going to be 100 days of vitriol between Alex Salmond and Iain Gray – senseless mudslinging. They both think that the campa...
The Criminal Proceedings in Scotland 2009-10 figures have been published today. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "It can be no coincidence that crime is falling at a time when police numbers are at record highs – thanks to Scottish Conservatives forcing 1000 extra...
Scottish Conservative Leader Annabel Goldie MSP yesterday met the Prime Minister in Downing Street along with David Mundell MP, Minister of State for Scotland. Following the meeting, Annabel said: "We discussed a number of issues relating to Scotland, including fuel prices. "I pressed upon him th...
Former Scottish Conservative MP and MSP, Phil Gallie, has died at the age of 71. Annabel Goldie MSP, said: "Phil was that rare breed of politician: admired by friend and foe alike and a tireless advocate for the people of his beloved Ayr, his Party and Scotland. No one who knew Phil will ever forg...
The SNP Government has published "Scotland's Budget Documents 2011-12", calling for public services to be delivered with a cash freeze for the next four years. This means the higher education budget will remain the same, which virtually everyone in the sector believes is untenable. Liz Smith MSP, ...
The SNP Government has published "Scotland's Budget Documents 2011-12", calling for public services to be delivered with a cash freeze for the next four years. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "The SNP is, for the next few months at least, st...
Figures published today by the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) show that police forces across the country logged 4,783 incidents of domestic abuse in Scotland between December 1st-31st 2010. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "This is proof that those who carry out domestic...
Tomorrow marks 100 days until voters go to the polls in the fourth Scottish Parliamentary elections. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "I'm going to fight a positive and vigorous campaign. "The Scottish Conservatives can now be judged on what we are doing, how we perform and...
Scottish Conservatives can reveal the number of emergency readmissions to hospital within 24 hours has risen 43% since 1999. There has also been a 7% rise in the total number of hospital stays. We are proposing innovative solutions to tackle this worrying trend, such as i) a £20m boost for h...
The Salmond super-tax on jobs has received a further double blow, after the Regulatory Review Group revealed that the decision not to carry out a Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment on the legislation was down to the SNP Government, presumably because they were afraid of potential findings. T...
Speaking today at Easter Road Stadium, home of Hibernian Football Club, Annabel Goldie backed the 'Show Racism the Red Card' campaign. Annabel Goldie said:: "I want to confirm my commitment to stamping out racism and sectarianism in Scotland – there is no place for it in a modern, open socie...
The SNP Government will put Scottish jobs at risk with the 'Salmond super-tax' on shops in Scotland. Speaking after FMQs today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "This is not about backing big business but all about saving Scottish jobs. Why on earth does the First Minister t...
Alex Salmond has (yet again) threatened to resign and force an early election if the Scottish Government's budget is not passed. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "There is nothing original in this – in fact it would be news if Alex Salm...
Speaking in this morning's Green Party debate on Public Services in Scotland, Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth said: "There is a simple option for Patrick Harvie, the Greens and the usual collection of self proclaimed socialists who lecture u...
The Finance Committee has today published its report on the Draft Budget 2011/12. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "Regardless of the fate of this government and this budget, the report shows that only the Scottish Conservatives can ensure th...
Tomorrow (Thursday 20th January 2011), there will be a full debate in the Scottish Parliament on the future of the A9. Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader and MSP for Mid-Scotland & Fife, has secured a debate on his parliamentary motion 'Dual the A9 Timetable', which calls for a t...
Unemployment in Scotland fell by 5,000 - to 225,000 - between September and November 2010. The Scottish unemployment rate is 8.4%, above the UK average unemployment rate of 7.9%. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "After a long run of disappoi...
The SNP have claimed that retailers subject to the new SNP supertax would be able to pay the extra tax bill from just a couple of hours trading. Shadow Minister for Enterprise, Gavin Brown MSP said: "The SNP's claim that shops could pay for this supertax in just a few hours trading is fanciful non...
Scottish Conservatives are today committing up to £10m of NHS spending for a Scottish Cancer Drugs Fund. This proposal mirrors action taken by the UK Government to provide up to £200m per year for England and Wales, to increase access to cancer drugs recommended by doctors. The pledge f...
The SNP has no plans to end automatic early release from Scotland's jails, despite promising to do so. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "Now we know the truth – despite promising to scrap automatic early release, the SNP has no plans to do so. They are trying to b...
The Presiding Officer has issued a response to the letter of complaint by two witnesses to the Scotland Bill Committee. David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Chief Whip and member of the committee said: "I welcome the statement from the Presiding Officer and his confirmation that it is the ro...
The UK Government has announced a ban on the below cost sale of alcohol – a pledge made in the Coalition Agreement, and one the Scottish Conservatives have continually called for. However, the SNP Government has still not committed to introducing the measure north of the border as well. Murd...
The Law Society of Scotland's manifesto was published today and has called for legal education to be introduced in Scottish secondary schools. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning said: "This is an excellent idea, and one which already happens in England. W...
A child development expert has claimed that parents' fear of letting their children go out to play has contributed to a lack of exercise among Scottish youngsters. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "It is understandable that parents want to protec...
Commenting on the Scotland Bill Committee's questioning of recent witnesses, Scottish Conservative Chief Whip and Scotland Bill Committee member, David McLetchie MSP says: "It is not the extent of your powers that matters but what you do with them. That is simple common sense. The two professors ar...
Below is the text of the letter Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, has today sent to the Education Secretary, asking him to clarify which "eight or nine" schools should close in Argyll & Bute. Dear Cabinet Secretary, With reference to the statement y...
Scottish Conservatives have written to the Regulatory Review Group urging them to investigate the impact of the SNP Government’s plan to increase business rates on Scottish retailers. Gavin Brown MSP, Shadow Minister for Enterprise, said: “The SNP has shown its true ...
John Swinney has announced that he will be making an additional £15 million available to local authorities; to help them deal with the problems caused by the recent severe weather. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport said: "Motorists will be relieved that Mr. Swinney's...
Liz Smith, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning and Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife, has called on the SNP and Scottish Liberal Democrats to honour their election pledges to provide outdoor education for Scotland's children. Lib Dem / SNP controlled F...
Scottish Conservatives are supporting calls from the Royal Society of Edinburgh for a review of the teaching of History in schools. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "This is a very important report which comes at a critical moment in time for cur...
The SNP Government is still avoiding the key issue when it comes to addressing higher education funding, as the Education Secretary today said he would tackle the loophole allowing students from EU countries outside the UK to study for free. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education &am...
Scottish Conservatives have committed to keeping the 1000 extra police since 2007 for the next four years. The SNP's apparent commitment to do the same is welcome – unlike many of their other promises, they must not break it. Speaking after FMQs today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservati...
Tomorrow the Donaldson Report will be published, already some of its submissions have been reported on the BBC. Commenting, Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning said: "I warmly welcome Graham Donaldson's Report in particular the need to ensure that all teac...
Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Jackson Carlaw MSP, used this afternoon's Transport, Infrastructure & Climate Change Committee debate on Low Carbon Scotland: The Draft report on proposals and Policies to outline why the Scottish Conservatives favour a voluntary rather than a compulsory appro...
Local MSP David McLetchie has warmly welcomed the announcement by Burton Foods that it will be making a further major investment in its Sighthill factory which will sustain the employment of over 600 permanent and 250 agency staff at the factory. David McLetchie said, "This is great news for the S...
With Cosla predicting that local authorities will need additional financial help in order to deal with the £100m bill for road repairs, John Swinney has arranged a meeting with Cosla this afternoon. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport said: "I welcome the news that Mr....
The Scottish Government will be setting out its plans for the future of Scotland's police forces. The Scottish Conservatives are calling for directly elected local Police Commissioners as a condition of a single Scottish force being established. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justic...
Conservatives will vote against the SNP Government's plan to increase business rates on Scottish retailers. The plans will now only pass if Labour supports the SNP when the Local Government Committee votes on the subject on January 26th 2011. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said:...
An infrastructure investment fund is offering loans to housing associations in the UK. Alex Johnstone MSP, Shadow Minister for Housing, said: "Social housing provides an ethical investment opportunity for pension funds and other commercial investors. The SNP needs to put its simplistic political d...
The age limit for people taking part in jury service in Scotland has been removed, meaning anyone aged 65 or over can now sit as a juror in criminal cases. David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, who has been campaigning for this change since 2005, said: "This change in...
The Mike Russell schools row has taken a fresh twist after reports state that, in his ministerial capacity, he met and advised parents campaigning against school closures in Argyll & Bute - the seat he hopes to win in this year's elections, but which is not in his current region of representatio...
Scottish Conservatives have today posted a warning to the next Holyrood Parliament that we will not support any budget which raises Council Tax in 2012/13, thus extending the tax freeze to 5 years. We are also proposing that any future increase above inflation by any Council would have to b...
Scottish Conservatives are calling on the Scottish Government to introduce our workable plan to reduce absenteeism in Scotland. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "Absenteeism costs us hundreds of millions of pounds a year and i...
On the first day that many people were due back to work after the holidays, there has been chaos after parts of the M8 were closed for almost four hours due to black ice, causing major rush hour traffic delays. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said: "What should h...
Scottish Conservatives are today calling for all offenders handed community sentences to wear a uniform set of clothes as they carry out their punishment. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "We are leading the fight against the SNP's relentless drive to cr...
The Scottish Labour Party are hypocritically attacking the rise in the VAT rate, which comes into force today. We know the last Labour Government had a secret plan to raise VAT - if they now oppose this measure, they have to tell us where they want the extra spending cuts to come from. &nb...
Scottish Conservatives have called for the SNP Government to trial the use of GP walk-in centres. Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, said: "The Scottish Conservatives have always been strong supporters of GP walk-in centres as they would provide ...
Alex Salmond is using the water crisis in Northern Ireland to call for more borrowing powers for Scottish Water. However, this call ignores the real issues around the future of Scottish Water. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: ...
Scottish Conservatives want to create a Business Dividend Fund to encourage new business start ups and help local economies grow. The fund would reward Councils for creating new businesses in their area each year. Gavin Brown MSP, Shadow Enterprise Minister said: "For too ...
With the severe weather over the Christmas period seeing many retailers suffer a hit to their sales, Scottish Conservatives have called for Council parking charges to be suspended in January to encourage people back to the high street. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said...
Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, has issued her New Year's Message. "2010 has been dominated by the UK General Election and the new coalition Government getting to grips with Labour's legacy of debt. And YouGov polling over the last 7 months demonstrates that David Cameron ...
Scottish Conservatives are calling for mandatory drug testing in Scotland's jails. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Scottish Conservatives have consistently called for mandatory drug testing in our jails. When you consider that there is a drug bust in a Scottish jai...
Scottish Conservatives want to bring forward measures to strengthen protection for NHS whistleblowers. Mary Scanlon MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said: "To support and protect our dedicated and responsible staff in our Scottish NHS we want to bring forward measures to strengthen ...
Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, has pledged the Scottish Conservatives to a £20million boost for enhancing health visitors. Murdo Fraser MSP said: "Scottish Conservatives are absolutely committed to an enhanced health visiting service attached to GP sur...
John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, has urged the Scottish Government to step up its bid to introduce roadside drug testing, after over three years of waiting. The UK Government has said it is likely to introduce this measure in 2012. John Lamont MSP said: "There has been a ver...
Most of Scotland's City Councils are planning to hand out parking fines on the 27th and 28th of December despite them being public holidays. Shadow Minister for Transport, Jackson Carlaw MSP, said: "Councils seeking to 'sting' motorists over the holiday season should be ashamed of themselves. They...
The BBC Trust has announced that it will be making BBC Alba available on Freeview. Ted Brocklebank MSP, Shadow Minister for Culture said: "This is a great Christmas present for BBC Alba. I am delighted that the BBC Trust has heeded the arguments and provided a well deserved platform for Alba on Fr...
The Scottish Funding Council has published the details of how much money universities and colleges will receive in the 2011-12 academic year, with the main teaching grant for Universities receiving a cash cut of 10.9%. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, s...
The Transport Secretary Phillip Hammond MP has announced that he will be in conversation with the Scottish Government regarding the proposed high-speed rail link. Shadow Transport Minister, Jackson Carlaw MSP said: "I welcome Phillip Hammond's decision to consult closely with the Scottish Governme...
This Tuesday marks the 22nd anniversary of the Lockerbie atrocity. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice said: "The decision by the SNP to release the Lockerbie Bomber was a bad decision, made badly. But, as a consequence he has spent the last eighteen months with his family and fr...
Scottish Transport Statistics have revealed that the 2009-10 National Road Condition Indicator (RCI) showed that 36% of local authority network roads in Scotland require some sort of maintenance. Shadow Transport minister, Jackson Carlaw MSP said: "After the recent severe weather in Scotland our r...
New figures have revealed that the number of prisoners being recalled to prison from supervision have soared over the last ten years, with Labour criticising the SNP Government for the 21% rise in the three years. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice said: "The number of prisoners...
The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate's Report published today has called for several improvements to the infection control practices at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, Murdo Fraser MSP, said: "The findings in this report are extremely disappoin...
Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request have shown that inmates from Scottish prisons were freed by mistake. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice said: "That the Scottish Prison Service have made such a fundamental and basic error is totally unacceptable. I canno...
The SNP Government has today delivered a Green Paper on Higher Education funding that was simply not worth waiting for. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "It has taken the SNP nearly four years to produce a document that says nothing about how the...
Scottish Conservatives have welcomed the updated guidance issued to prosecutors across Scotland, setting out a strong presumption in favour of prosecution of those who make false alarm calls to the police, fire or ambulance services. Scottish Conservatives revealed the figures and called on Scottis...
Speaking after today's parliamentary debate on the severe weather, Shadow Transport minister, Jackson Carlaw MSP said: "I very much welcome the fact that the Cabinet Secretary used today's debate to confirm that the Scottish Government are actively working on a severe weather warning system which c...
Audit Scotland has published its overview of the financial performance of the NHS in Scotland 2009/10. Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, said: "Our NHS bodies deserve recognition for meeting all their targets, as we struggle to get to grips with Labour's debt l...
Tonight (Wednesday December 15th 2010), Scottish Conservatives used Members' Business in the Scottish Parliament to hold an emergency debate about the future of RAF Leuchars. Ted Brocklebank, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife, who is opening and leading the debate, said: (check ...
In an effort to kick the debate on Scottish Water into the long grass, the SNP Government has today published 'Building a Hydro Nation'. The report examines how 'Scotland, in particular Scottish Water, as a publicly-owned utility, can better exploit its expertise, assets and Scotland's water resour...
Today the Parole Board of Scotland Annual Report 2009-10 was published today, revealing that 85 extended service prisoners had to be recalled to custody in order 'to protect the public from serious harm'. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice said: "It is vital that the SNP is not ...
It has been confirmed that there is an intention to close Noranside Open Prison. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "This news will be concerning for some, although if reports that the prison is operating at just 55% capacity are to be believed, then it is something that ...
The latest Educational Maintenance Allowance statistics have been published today. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "It has been clear for some time that the Educational Maintenance Allowance is not having the desired effect, since it is failing ...
Tomorrow, the Parliament will debate "Winter Resilience" following the severe weather of the last fortnight. The Scottish Conservatives have tabled an amendment to the debate calling for a new "traffic light" system of severe weather warnings. Shadow Transport minister, Jackson Carlaw MSP will say...
The EU Fisheries Council meeting has concluded this morning. John Scott MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & the Environment, said: "UK and Scottish ministers have done well to secure a reasonable deal for the Scottish fleet in light of the extreme constraints placed upon them by ...
The latest figures show that unemployment in Scotland fell by 5,000, to 234,000 in the period August to October 2010, and employment in Scotland increased by 17,000 over the same period. However, the Scottish unemployment rate is 8.7%, above the UK average of 7.9%. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabin...
The Scottish Government has today announced an action plan to keep Scotland moving during the severe weather. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said: "At last we are seeing practical actions from the Scottish Government to meet the challenge of imminent severe weather. Scottish Co...
Figures today show that nursing and midwifery staff decreased by 550 whole time equivalent posts in the year up to 30 September 2010, whereas administrative services were reduced by 221 over the same period. Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, said: "In 2009, und...
The latest drug misuse statistics show that methadone prescribing rates have risen by 9% over the last five years, from 90 prescriptions per 1,000 population in 2005/06 to 98 prescriptions per 1,000 population in 2009/10. John Lamont, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "As these figures c...
Scottish Conservatives will be using Members' Business in the Scottish Parliament to hold an emergency debate about the future of RAF Leuchars tomorrow (Wednesday 15th December 2010). Ted Brocklebank, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife, who is opening and leading the debate, said...
Scottish Conservatives are welcoming the Scottish Labour Party's adoption of our long-standing policy on GPS satellite tracking for sex offenders. It is a welcome change, as Labour voted against a Scottish Conservative amendment calling for satellite tracking for sex offenders back in 2008. John La...
The latest Homicide in Scotland figures have been published today. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "Over 40% of all homicides are carried out by a sharp instrument, a statistic which highlights the extent of the knife crime epidemic which continues to sweep Sco...
The SNP are playing politics with their completely ludicrous suggestion that higher education north of the border should be completely free and funded entirely from general taxation. These plans are only affordable if we make severe spending cutbacks in other areas, or hike up taxes substan...
Please find below the results of the Scottish Conservative list rankings for the 2011 Scottish Parliament elections. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "I am proud to be leading such a fantastic team into next year's elections. We have an impressive blend of ex...
The SNP have spent the past 24 hours attacking other parties for 'betraying' students – when their own record shows how totally hypocritical this is. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "It is bare-faced cheek for the SNP to accuse anyone else of hypocrisy on student...
Alex Salmond's own Council of Economic Advisers has recommended a 'deferred payment' method for the cost of higher education [recommendation 15 on p.4 of today's report]. At the same time, all Mike Russell is prepared to do is sit on the fence and say he thinks the state should continue pay for hig...
Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson has ignored potentially crucial warnings and recommendations about how to deal with the travel chaos that has engulfed Scotland for the past two weeks. Yesterday, Annabel Goldie MSP revealed at First Minister's Questions that the SNP Government had not acted on ...
The UK Parliament has tonight voted in favour of the UK Government’s higher education funding plans, which will apply to higher education institutions in England and Wales. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: “The UK...
Following reports of luxuries on offer to prisoners this festive season, Bill Aitken MSP, Shadow Minister for Community Safety, raised the issue today at FMQs. Speaking after FMQs, Bill Aitken MSP said: "You could be forgiven for thinking that this Christmas, the halls of Barlinnie will be decked ...
Alex Salmond and the SNP do not have a clue what has happened to the promised review 'of the resilience of Scottish transport', which was supposed to be published in Autumn 2010. Speaking after FMQs today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "On the Scottish Gov...
Speaking in today's debate on the recently published Scotland Bill, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said (check against delivery): Presiding Officer – this is an important debate. It marks a watershed in the life of the Scottish Parliament. The Scotland Bill –...
Figures released by the General Teaching Council of Scotland today show that unemployment among new teachers has reached record levels. Just one in six of those who qualified as a teacher this summer has secured a full-time permanent job. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education &...
Today's statement from the Transport Minister painted a picture that the only Met Office advice the Scottish Government received was at 16.01 on Sunday December 5th and 08.01 on Monday December 6th, neither of which forecast severe snow. This defence has now collapsed with the revelation that the M...
There are still serious questions for the SNP Government to answer about its handling of events as Scotland's transport infrastructure descended into chaos this week. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "This morning on BBC Radio Scotland the First Minister admitted that the Sc...
Tomorrow, the recently published Scotland Bill will be debated in the Scottish Parliament. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "It is no coincidence that as we have consulted, debated and delivered on plans to strengthen devolution, support for independence has fallen to a new ...
Below is the letter sent from John Scott MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & the Environment, to the Environment Minister today – following concerns that a thaw in the adverse weather conditions could lead to serious flooding risks. Dear Roseanna Risk of Flooding fr...
Figures today show more than 1,100 police officers have been recruited in Scotland since 2007. The target of 1000 extra police was set in the 2008 budget by the Scottish Government as a concession to the Scottish Conservatives. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "These f...
The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) has published its latest findings today. PISA is an international assessment of student attainment in reading, maths and science at age fifteen. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "This rep...
There needs to be a full investigation into Scotland's preparedness for future severe winter weather, after our transport infrastructure totally collapsed at the start of this week. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said: "Even as we pay tribute to the heroics of countless individ...
Scottish Conservatives are calling on the SNP Government to ensure that the ban on below cost sales of alcohol that was set out in a recent a Treasury paper will apply in Scotland. Below is the text of the letter Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, has sent to the...
According to reports, Colonel Gadaffi has said relatives the Lockerbie Bomber will seek compensation after he dies, citing apparent ill-treatment whilst he was imprisoned in Scotland. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "If this is true, it is disgusting behaviour. I have ...
Fewer police boards may be an inevitability but it is vital they retain their local connections – and elected local police commissioners are an ideal way to achieve this. Following the issue of police board structure being raised at FMQs today, John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Ju...
Speaking after she raised the issue of blanket school closures at FMQs today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "We have seen the worst winter weather in November for 40 years and I want to pay tribute to all our public service workers – in transport, in our hospitals, i...
New figures from ScotCen's Scottish Social Attitudes survey (SSA) show that "dissatisfaction with how well Scotland does from the Union" has fallen, while support for independence remains low. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "This is another nail in the coffin of Alex ...
Today in the Scottish Parliament there was a ministerial statement on the Scotland Bill, which was published yesterday. David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Chief Whip, said: "Polls suggest that, after nearly 4 years of an SNP Government, support for independence has slumped whilst public su...
The latest schools statistics have been published, showing that the SNP Government has completely failed to deliver on its promises. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "The SNP came in to office on the back of a very specific manifesto commitment- ...
The Annual Report to Parliament 'Promoting Positive Outcomes: Working Together to Prevent Antisocial Behaviour in Scotland' has been published. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "When the Scottish Government's framework on anti-social behaviour was presented last year it...
NHS administration costs have risen again – from £697m in 2008/9 to £720m in 2009/10, a rise of 3%. In 2007/8 the figure was £670m, so admin costs have risen by £50m in just two years. Nanette Milne MSP, Shadow Minister for Public Health, said: "This £50m rise ...
The Scotland Bill has been published today. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "This is a landmark moment for devolution. As we saw in another poll this weekend, independence is a minority aspiration. Scotland wants devolution and Scotland needs devolution to work. "This Bill...
Below is a joint statement from Annabel Goldie MSP, Iain Gray MSP and Tavish Scott MSP, following the publication of the Scotland Bill today. "We welcome this Bill from the UK Government. "We have an opportunity to work together for the good of Scotland. We're prepared to make that happen. "The S...
A BBC Scotland investigation has found evidence that home reports have failed to curb the need for multiple surveys on single properties. David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Chief Whip, said: "In the best of times, Home Reports were an expensive luxury. However in these difficult economic t...
Tomorrow, the Scotland Bill is to be published. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "This is a landmark moment for devolution. As we saw in another poll this weekend, independence is a minority aspiration. Scotland wants devolution and Scotland needs devolution to work. "This ...
Scottish Conservatives are calling for criminals on community service to be put to work tackling the effects of the latest big freeze and for the SNP Government to tell us how many have already been drafted in. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "Last year, it was reveale...
The SNP Government is boasting about figures which show 55% of Scottish primary schools are benefitting from at least two hours of PE a week – despite a manifesto commitment that 'every pupil' would have access. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, sa...
The latest figures show that NHS Health Boards are spending almost £700m a year on administration costs. The latest figures, for 2008/9, show over £697m was spent on administration, compared to £670m the year before that, a rise of 4%. Nanette Milne MSP, Shadow Minister for Publi...
Reports today state that the UK Government has confirmed it is to ban sales of alcohol below cost price, as well as reviewing the duty paid on some alcoholic products Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said: "This is a very welcome step from the UK Government, making good on th...
Scottish Conservatives tabled amendments to Stage 3 of the Children's Hearing (Scotland) Bill this afternoon designed to keep a local focus at the heart. These amendments were passed through during the course of the Bill's passage. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelon...
At FMQs today, Alex Salmond admitted to Annabel Goldie that he had been told about the situation with the Scottish Variable Rate in May 2007, and was therefore at the forefront of a cover up. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: “Mr Swinney was first bruised and then humbl...
Speaking in this morning's Scottish Labour debate on A Budget for Scotland's People, Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said (check against delivery): I said some weeks ago that we needed a longer term approach to budgets. We didn't support other par...
In a damning report, the Accounts Commission has found "serious deficiencies" in the way that Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) managed and controlled travel expenses. Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said: "Labour's debt legacy has made the need for careful use of publ...
Scottish Conservative Leader Annabel Goldie joined with the leaders of the other opposition parties, Iain Gray and Tavish Scott, in issuing the following statement after the Scottish government debate this afternoon on the Scottish Variable Rate of Income Tax. "In the course of the afternoon John S...
Speaking ahead of tomorrow's Scottish Labour debate on A Budget for Scotland's People, Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "The SNP talk about public sector reform but it seems to have all been deferred until after the election. If the SNP's budg...
Speaking in this afternoon's emergency debate on the Scottish Variable Rate of Income Tax, following the row that has escalated since last week, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said (check against delivery): I'm still not clear whether this fiasco is an SNP mess up, an SNP Machiav...
Following John Swinney's appearance at Finance Committee on Tuesday afternoon and ahead of Wednesday's emergency debate on the single variable rate, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, Derek Brownlee MSP says: "Today's question and answer session only raised more question...
The Scotch Whisky industry has been handed another boost after an agreement was signed with Panama – Scotch whisky's 20th largest export market – meaning only whisky produced in Scotland can be marketed as Scotch. It follows the massive boost handed by the UK Government to the Scotch ...
Scottish Conservatives are calling for the Scottish Government to follow the UK Government and make April 29th 2011 a national holiday, following news that Prince William and Catherine Middleton will be married on this date. Derek Brownlee MSP said: "The marriage of the future King, who of course ...
In a letter today from John Swinney to the Secretary of State for Scotland, the SNP is trying to avoid making a statement on its secret decisions to effectively ditch Scotland's tax powers because it wants to know the future costs of implementing recommendations from the Calman Commission. Derek Br...
Ted Brocklebank, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid-Scotland & Fife, has today written to the Defence Secretary, following speculation that RAF Leuchars could face closure. Ted Brocklebank MSP said: "It is only right that with a £38bn gap in defence spending inherited from the las...
The Managing Director of Edinburgh Airport has today said in an interview with BBC Good Morning Scotland that the drop-off charge is 'the right thing to do' and it is here to stay. Gavin Brown, Scottish Conservative MSP for Lothians, who has led the campaign against the charge, said: "I am stunned...
Scottish Conservatives are calling for an emergency statement to Holyrood after the revelation that the main tax raising power voted for by the Scottish people in the 1997 referendum is currently not available to MSPs. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Alex Salmond and the S...
The incoming President of School Leaders Scotland, Jim Thewliss, is calling for headteachers to have more autonomy and for administration to be cut back so more money can go into teaching. SLS is also questioning whether 32 authorities is best way to run education. There will be a panel event at to...
The UK Government has announced that all departments are publishing spending over £25,000 for the last six months. The Scottish Government already publishes online all expenditure of £25,000 and over, as the result of a concession won by the Scottish Conservatives at the last Budget pro...
Today Alex Salmond will launch a commission, chaired by former STUC general secretary Campbell Christie, with the aim of "examining structural change in public services". Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "Although we believe the creation of...
Speaking at the Scottish Government debate on the AV Referendum and 2011 Scottish Parliament Election Clash, David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Chief Whip said: "One of the more absurd arguments I have heard against the coincidence of dates is the idea that somehow the Scottish Parliament e...
It has today been revealed that the main tax raising power voted for by the Scottish people in the 1997 referendum is currently not available to MSPs. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "Scottish Conservatives are resolutely opposed to any in...
It has emerged that 13 civil servants are still being paid to work on the SNP's campaign for independence. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "The SNP are constantly complaining about cuts – yet are quite happy to squander over half a mi...
John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, today attended the launch of Victim Support Scotland's Manifesto for 2011-15. Speaking afterwards, John Lamont MSP said: "For too long now, ordinary people have had no faith in Scotland's justice system. The SNP Government wants to empty our...
Speaking at the Scottish Government debate on the AV Referendum and 2011 Scottish Parliament Election Clash, David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Chief Whip said: "In an ideal world there would be no coincidence in the dates for holding elections to our Parliaments or Councils or for the co...
At FMQs today the First Minister refused to give any solutions to Scotland's higher education finance questions, preferring instead to carp on about the action being taken south of the border. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Scottish Conservative plans would give more mone...
Today, Scottish Conservatives are debating the issue of universal free prescriptions. Below is the text of Derek Brownlee's speech to open the debate. The Scottish Conservatives make no apology for returning today to a subject which Parliament has previously debated on a number of occasions. Ther...
Following today's budget statement, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice John Lamont MSP, said: "I have two concerns regarding Mr. Swinney's statement: "Firstly, regarding policing, as an effective opposition party we made it our priority to ensure that the SNP honoured its election pledge of prov...
Commenting after speaking in the stage one debate on the Patients Rights Bill in the Scottish Parliament today, Mary Scanlon MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said: "This Bill calls for Health Care to be patient focussed, provide optimum benefit to patients health and take into accoun...
Following today's budget statement, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Liz Smith MSP, said: "The tertiary education sector has every right to be deeply concerned about this Budget on two counts: "Firstly, it seems inconceivable that Mr Swinney's commitment to maintain college and university p...
The wide disparities which exist between different care providers need to be tackled to ensure the service is put on a sound footing, as discrepancies between the cost of care placements in the public and independent sector could be more than £300 per week. Speaking ahead of tomorrow's Scotti...
Speaking following today’s budget statement, Shadow Transport Minister Jackson Carlaw MSP said: “It is entirely fair that the roads budget should shoulder its share of savings, not least because of the costs involved in the new Forth crossing. “It would however be regrettable if ...
Today the Finance Secretary delivered his first statement on the Scottish Government’s Budget for 2011/12. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: “The SNP’s plans depend on increasing the efficiency target by half to 3%. We won&rs...
Tomorrow (Thursday 18th November 2010), Scottish Conservatives are giving the other parties another chance to see sense and vote against universal free prescriptions for those who can afford to pay. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "Scottish ...
Figures today show that unemployment in Scotland increased by 6,000, to 229,000, between July and September 2010. This represents 8.5% of the workforce - higher than the UK average unemployment rate of 7.7%. In the UK as a whole, unemployment fell by 9,000 in the three months to September, to 2.45...
Police statistics released today on domestic abuse show that the number of male victims of domestic abuse has risen by 201% since 2000-01. Scottish Conservative Health spokesperson Mary Scanlon MSP, commented: "The government has rightly taken some credit for the fall in the number of female vic...
The Court of Session in Edinburgh has ruled today that the placing of an individual on the sex offender's register for life is a breach of human rights. Since Kenny MacAskill forced new rules through the Scottish Parliament last month, anyone whose name is added to the register has the right to hav...
Nicola Sturgeon announced today that the Scottish Government will finally be putting a freeze on distinction awards paid to consultants. In a move that could save up to two million pounds, the Health Secretary announced that the value of awards will be frozen for the next two years and by 2011/12 n...
Speaking ahead of tomorrow's budget announcement, Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, says: "The UK Government has set out spending plans for the next 4 years. The Scottish Parliament has done the same for Holyrood's running costs. Why can't the SNP Go...
The Scottish Government has hosted a summit on the funding and future of Scotland's Universities. After the meeting, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Liz Smith MSP said; "This was a constructive meeting – but only up to a point. "Whilst it was useful and instructive to hear the persp...
Figures released today following a parliamentary question show a sharp increase in the number of sex offenders reported for breaches of requirements to notify from 135 to 175 over the past year. This follows similar figures published earlier in the year that showed the number of breaches in sex off...
On Wednesday the Scottish Government will publish its draft budget for 2011-12. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, says: "A pay freeze will help protect jobs, but it doesn't save a single penny – it just stops the wage bill rising further "T...
Reports today state the Scottish Government is going to implement a one year pay freeze in the public sector, with the aim of saving 10,000 jobs. Scottish Conservatives first called for a public sector pay freeze in January of this year. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Fi...
Tomorrow (Monday 15th August 2010), Scottish Conservatives will argue that Scotland is well placed to lead from the front when it comes to the reform of higher education. Speaking ahead of attending the summit meeting in Glasgow, Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & L...
Rupert Soames, chief executive of Aggreko, has today said no industrialised country planned to lose so much of its current generating capacity as fast as Britain and that the SNP Government's targets for renewable energy are "unrealistic". Gavin Brown MSP, Shadow Minister for Energy, said: "The SN...
The Chief Executive of NHS Scotland has published his last annual report, for 2009/10. Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, said: "The hard-working frontline staff of our NHS who have delivered good results deserve all the praise they can get. "Notwithstanding th...
Having received an answer from the Environment Minister regarding Wildlife Crime, John Scott MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment said: "Given the disturbing increase in wildlife crimes such as deer poaching and raptor poisoning it is time for police forces to do more...
At FMQs today Alex Salmond kept talking about taking action on the question of devolving more powers to schools. This is not the same as taking action. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "Alex Salmond and Mike Russell keep talking about taking action but that is not the same ...
At FMQs today the First Minister claimed that had distinction award payments to consultants north of the border not matched those on offer in England, there would have been an "exodus" of consultants from Scotland. Figures revealed by the Scottish Conservatives last week showed there had been a 19....
The Alcohol (Scotland) Bill has been passed by the Scottish Parliament, after the SNP's plans for indiscriminate blanket minimum pricing were thrown out yet again by the opposition parties. Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, said: "The the SNP's indiscrimi...
The Presiding Officer has today written to the Finance Committee, setting out details of a pay freeze for MSPs over the next two financial years. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "This is very welcome news, as Scottish Conservatives have been...
Scottish Conservatives can reveal there has been a massive rise in legal aid for clients suing the NHS for negligence, potentially rising by 150% in a single year. The figure was £781,000 in 2008/9 and just over £1million in 2009/10. Halfway through 2010/11 and the figure is already &po...
Keir Bloomer, a former leader of the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES) and adviser to the Scottish Government, has today backed the idea of allowing charitable trusts and not-for-profit companies to run schools. Scottish Conservatives have continually called for the need to e...
Scottish Conservatives are tabling amendments to tomorrow's Stage 3 debate of the Alcohol etc (Scotland) Bill. These are practical ideas that will tackle abuse and harmful consumption without penalising responsible drinkers and licence holders. Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for H...
Scotland's bill for legal aid provided to asylum seekers has rocketed in the last 2 years. Figures release to the Scottish Conservatives show that the total bill was £3.8 million in 2008/09, and has already reached £2.5 million in 2010/11. Assuming that this covers 6 months, then the to...
The UK Government has handed the Scotch Whisky industry a major boost by signing an agreement with Chinese officials which means Scotch Whisky on sale in China can only be sold according to UK rules. It could increase sales by tens of millions of pounds a year. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservat...
Today (Sunday 7th November 2010), Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, addressed the rally at Lossiemouth in Moray. She said: "Can I thank you all for inviting me to be with you today. And can I also thank you all and the Moray Task Force for everything that you are doing."I am proud t...
The controversial ruling of the UK Supreme Court in the Cadder vs. HMA case has resulted in Ayr Sheriff Court having thrown out at least twenty court cases already. The full scale consequences of the ruling have yet to become clear, but it spells trouble for Scotland's embattled justice system.John ...
Reports state a briefing paper from CoSLA warns that up to 1,500 teaching jobs could go to cover the cost of continuing the Council Tax freeze. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "CoSLA should not be scaremongering like this. It is wrong t...
Conservative Future Scotland (CFS) has today launched a new interactive website. The site provides an online hub for both members and non members alike. The new site, which is a complete re-build from the outdated previous one includes; Facebook and Twitter integration, a dedicated news section, a b...
At First Minister's Questions today Alex Salmond and Iain Gray clashed on the issue of higher education funding - but neither man was prepared to tell anyone what their parties would actually do to address the issue. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, sai...
In the backdrop of the Scottish Parliament, today Annabel Goldie MSP will be joined by other Scottish Conservative MSPs in signing up to the Scottish Sports Alliance's VoteforSport Pledge. As the Scottish Conservative Party Leader, Annabel will sign up to the Pledge on behalf of the whole party - as...
The Scottish Parliament's Health & Sport Committee has published its Stage 1 report into the Patient Rights (Scotland) Bill. Mary Scanlon MSP, Scottish Conservative Health spokesperson and a member of the committee, said: "Scottish Conservatives are committed to promote the rights of patients ...
Today the Scottish Parliament is debating Scottish Labour Business - "Managing Scotland's Finances". Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: Any hope that Parliament would come together to reach a consensus on the Scottish Budget will have been shat...
The hugely successful Right to Buy programme will be ended after the Housing (Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament today. Scottish Conservatives voted against the Bill. David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Chief Whip and a member of the Local Government and Communities Committ...
The final Pack Inquiry Report has been published today. John Scott MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & the Environment, said: "I welcome the Pack Report's main conclusions that direct support is essential for the future delivery of food production and security, environmen...
The UK Government has announced plans to increase tuition fees in England and Wales to £6,000 a year, with a further rise if universities ensure access for poorer students. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "It was clearly a tough decision...
The Chairman of Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses has quit with immediate effect, describing the city's tram project as "hell on wheels". David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, said: "David Mackay's parting comments underline that the relations have completely br...
Speaking from the Scottish Parliament having received Richard Lochhead and Roseanna Cunningham's letter asking MSPs to advise their constituents to prepare and protect themselves from flooding this winter, John Scott MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & the Environment, said: "This...
The 2009/10 Scottish Crime and Justice Survey has found that crime in Scotland has dropped by just under 10% when compared with last year. The survey also found that two thirds of respondents believed community sentences were a soft option and did not punish criminals enough. Bill Aitken MSP, Shado...
The UK Government has been advised that costly compensation claims will follow if it continues to resist the 2005 European Court of Human Rights ruling that the ban on inmates voting is unlawful. Labour's decision to incorporate ECHR into the 1998 Scotland Act looks set to have disastrous and far-r...
Scottish Labour Party officials are today meeting Scottish Government officials for routine talks ahead of next year's Scottish Parliament elections. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "Hopefully Scottish Government officials will have a better...
Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, has warned of dire consequences for Scottish higher education if the SNP does not drop its latest plans to make English students studying in Scotland pay even higher fees than their counterparts from Scotland. Such discr...
Labour's lurch to the left continued at the Scottish Party's conference in Oban this weekend.Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said:"Scottish Labour's pre-conference publications are little more than a giant advert for the unions that bankroll the par...
Today the drop-off charge at Edinburgh airport comes into effect. Gavin Brown, Scottish Conservative MSP for Lothians, who has led the campaign against the charge, said: "This is a crass, insensitive and money grabbing move. It is bitterly disappointing that, despite the unanimous opposition to th...
Two separate sets of figures released today show a 44% rise in crimes of child cruelty over the past decade and a 1.7% rise in the number of children's hearings over the past year, to 43,614. This is the highest number since the system began. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education &a...
At FMQs today, the First Minister refused to say what his government will do on the crucial issue of university funding. This morning, Universities Scotland called for a dramatic reform of higher education funding to make Scottish graduates contribute to the cost of their tuition fees. This aftern...
At FMQs today, the First Minister appeared to confirm that November's budget will not include a full spending review for the period to 2014/15, as the UK Comprehensive Spending Review did. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "The First Minister ...
Tough decisions that save government money means a further Council Tax freeze could be delivered, to give hard-pressed families some relief in these difficult economic times. The President of CoSLA has criticised the Scottish Government for ‘misleading the public' by claiming it can deliver a...
MSPs are today debating measures to protect the Scottish justice system, in light of yesterday's UK Supreme Court in ruling in the Cadder vs. HMA case. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "The impact of the UK Supreme Court's decision will be far reaching. The cost to the ...
The Scottish Government has today published a Literacy Action Plan. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "I welcome this publication and hope it focuses on the right areas. Statistics clearly show that the decline in literacy standards takes place be...
Audit Scotland has published its findings into the Scottish Police Services Authority. It concludes the organisation ‘has made improvements to services like criminal justice, training and forensics since its creation in 2007 but is currently unable to meet all the information communication te...
The UK Supreme Court, led by two Scottish Judges, has delivered its verdict on Cadder vs. HMA, finding in favour of Cadder. This ruling affects cases that will have gone to trial, where the trial is still in progress and where an appeal is in process. In addition, it leaves open the possibility of c...
Scottish Conservatives will tomorrow (Wednesday October 27th 2010) oppose the legal changes to class sizes in Primary 1, so we can protect class sizes in other year groups and not restrict parental choice when it comes to placing requests. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education ...
Tomorrow the UK Supreme Court will issue its decision on HMA vs. Cadder. An adverse decision could have far-reaching consequences for Scotland's criminal justice system. David McLetchie MSP, Scottish Conservative Chief Whip and Business Manager, said: "As far back as June 2009 the Scottish Conserv...
The £1 drop-off charge at Edinburgh Airport is introduced this week. Gavin Brown, Scottish Conservative MSP for Lothians, who led the campaign against the charge, said: "I think we will see real anger from passengers if they actually have to start paying a pound for a simple drop-off. It is ...
Scottish Conservatives can reveal that over 10% of all new outpatient appointments are missed by patients. In the quarter ending June 2010, 167,968 of 1,576,359 outpatient appointments were missed, a total of 10.7%. Nanette Milne MSP, Shadow Minister for Public Health, who uncovered the figures to...
Scottish Conservatives will be investigating new ways of protecting emergency workers, including the possibility of fitting them with personal alarms, after revealing there has been a shocking 542% rise in the number of people being prosecuted for assaulting or impeding emergency workers, between 20...
A YouGov poll of over 1400 Scots shows the Scottish Conservatives are set to make gains at next year's Holyrood elections, whereas the SNP and Scottish Lib Dems will lose MSPs. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said:"This poll shows the Scottish Conservative vote is on the incre...
The UK Government has today announced details of the Comprehensive Spending Review. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "The Scottish Government had been planning for a 12.3% real terms reduction in revenue spending. The Comprehensive Spending R...
The SNP Government has today criticised the UK Government's approach to tackling Labour's record debt as ‘decisions that will cut spending too deeply, too quickly and in the wrong place'. Yet the SNP Government continues to refuse to say what it would do. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Se...
Tomorrow, the UK Government will announce details of the Comprehensive Spending Review. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "Since the election, the SNP has been telling us that making savings this year or next would wreck the recovery. Just las...
The UK Government has announced details of the Strategic Defence Review. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "We now see the stark reality for Scotland of Labour's monumental economic incompetence. Labour left a defence budget £38billion in the red. That is as incomprehen...
A report by the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA), has called on the Scottish Government to set out bold strategies for reform in health, justice and social care. The report also projects that the costs of providing current levels of services in Scotland are set to rise...
The Scottish Liberal Democrats have held a ‘pre-manifesto launch' in Edinburgh today, ahead of next year's Scottish Parliament elections and a one-day conference tomorrow.Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said:"Putting aside the irony of the L...
The Justice Secretary has today introduced new legislation aimed at reforming the double jeopardy law. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "This is a welcome step but long overdue. Some crimes are so grave and heinous that where new evidence becomes available there is a ...
The First Ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have issued a joint declaration attacking the UK Government's spending plans. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "The Scottish Government cannot have it both ways. Whatever spending to...
Scottish Conservatives have welcomed the Scottish Government's announced intention to include provision for an extension of the Council Tax freeze for 2011/12 in next year's draft budget. Speculation has been growing that the freeze may be ended amid pressure from some in local government and other...
Scottish Conservatives are calling on the Scottish Government to listen to employers when it comes to equipping the workforce of the future. Speaking in the Skills Debate today, Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "A great deal more has to be done t...
A report by the Scottish Parliament's Public Audit Committee has said ticket sales projections for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games may be too ambitious and may need to be reviewed. Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader and Deputy Convenor of the Public Audit Committee, said: "F...
The Inspector of Constabulary has said the number of police forces in Scotland should be reduced to make cost savings, with the current model of eight forces being unsustainable. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "There is a growing consensus, partly driven by financial ...
The First Minister today stopped short of agreeing to set up an independent review to investigate the progress of the new national drugs strategy, despite a study revealing there has been a 19% increase in methadone prescriptions in the five years between 2004 and 2008 and a minimum of 22,000 people...
Addressing the main hall at UK Conservative Party Conference today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "It's absolutely marvellous to be here from Scotland as part of our United Kingdom Conservative family with our leader David Cameron as our Prime Minister.I am sure that David...
Addressing the main hall at UK Conservative Party Conference today, David Mundell MP, Scotland Office Minister, said: "Labour's Shadow Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy told Labour Conference that Labour's "journey back [to Downing Street] starts... in Manchester but the road runs through Scotland and W...
The First Minister has unveiled Scotland's first national target to improve energy efficiency - after more than three years in government. Gavin Brown MSP, Shadow Minister for Energy, said: "Energy Efficiency plays a critical role in our efforts to reduce carbon emissions. It is therefore shameful...
Tomorrow (Wednesday 6th October 2010), Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, will address the UK Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham. She will say:"Last week, Alex Salmond joined me and other party leaders in Scotland to make a joint factual submission to the Strategic Defence Re...
Scottish Conservatives are looking at the option of allowing multiple occupancy vehicles to use bus and taxi lanes in a bid to ease congestion worries. Speaking from the UK Conservative Party Conference in Blackpool, Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said: "It is vital that we dev...
Speaking at the Scottish Fringe meeting at the UK Conservative Party Conference today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: "We have a little over 200 days until Scotland goes to the polls once again. But you wouldn't think it from the state of debate in the country. Where are the...
Speaking in the Scottish Conservative-led debate on Universities today, Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said (check against delivery): On my plane journey back from London to Edinburgh on Sunday, what should I find on the seat beside me but a copy of "...
The latest school estate figures show that 21% of schools are in either a ‘poor' or ‘bad' condition. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "Scottish Conservatives welcome any progress on school building but the fact is that one in five is ...
SNP plans to resurrect their ludicrous proposal of raising the purchasing age in off-sales to 21 have been thrown out by the Scottish Parliament's Health Committee. Mary Scanlon MSP, Scottish Conservative Health spokesperson (who sits on the committee), said: "Scottish Conservatives were the first...
The latest child protection statistics are showing that a record number of children are now being referred. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "Each case here represents a blighted young life and the fact remains that many children are suffering fr...
Data released today shows that 1 in 10 boys is classed as obese. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "These alarming figures are a cause for serious concern. That is why we will continue to hound the SNP to mend its broken promise over PE in schools...
The SNP have broken yet another manifesto promise, as today's figures show that the number of anti-depressant defined daily doses increased by 7% between April 2009 and March 2010. Mary Scanlon MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, says: "This is another SNP broken promise. Its obsession...
Scotland would not be safe in Labour's hands - as Iain Gray and Jim Murphy's speeches to the UK Labour Party Conference in Manchester this morning gave no vision as to how they would help the country recover from the effects of Labour's debt legacy, if Iain Gray became First Minister next year.Murdo...
Alex Salmond is refusing to show any backbone over student funding. When he was given the chance at FMQs today to state whether he believed future graduates would have to make a contribution to their course, he did not give a straight answer. Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said: ...
Prisoners are still using hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers' cash to raise legal proceedings. John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: "A culture has emerged where the Scottish taxpayer is seen as a cash cow by some of the most undeserving people. "Even if we weren'...
Conservative amendments to the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill will take effect from October 1st 2010. From 1st October most public bodies in Scotland will be covered by new legislation requiring them to publish details of how much they spend on overseas travel, entertaining, public relation...
HMIe is reviewing its existing school inspection framework, which was introduced in 2008. Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: "It is vital that the school inspection process continues to carry the full confidence of all staff, parents and pupils. Re...
Scottish Conservative calls to scrap the SNP's plans for indiscriminate blanket minimum pricing were backed by the opposition parties at Health Committee this morning. We need to now focus on finding solutions to Scotland's drink problem, although Nicola Sturgeon has said the SNP Government will br...
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has published research showing that Scotland's unemployment rate is rising and poverty is now hitting childless adults harder than pensioners or children. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "These figures are furt...
Scottish Conservatives are calling on the other opposition parties to scrap the SNP's plans for indiscriminate blanket minimum pricing, and focus on solutions that can really tackle Scotland's drink problem. Stage 2 of the Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Bill is being debated by the Scottish Parliament's H...
Speaking at the Scottish Conservative Conference today on Higher Education, Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: Today is all about exploring a radical agenda for our university sector as it seeks to find a sustainable future which will allow it to fa...
The SNP Government will announce plans to introduce a new legal maximum class size of 25 for P1. This follows them agreeing earlier this year a framework on class sizes with CoSLA, including the situation whereby two teachers being used in a single classroom will now be recognised as progress towa...
Commenting on the announcement that the Scottish Government has launched a review into the funding of a new Scottish digital network comprising of TV and internet channels to compete with the BBC, Shadow Culture Minister, Ted Brocklebank MSP, said: 'I welcome this announcement by the Scot...
Reports indicate that Rosiglitazone, a drug for type 2 diabetes, is still being prescribed months after the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) called for the withdrawal of the drug. Conservatives have expressed anger that we have reached this stage, given warnings they issued to the Scottish Gov...
The First Minister has invited Party leaders to a joint meeting on Monday to discuss a submission to the Strategic Defence Review. Scottish Conservatives leader, Annabel Goldie MSP says: "I have confirmed to the First Minister that I shall attend the meeting of Party lead...
Education authorities are facing a call to merge, so that classrooms may be spared the worst of the cuts in public spending. The former chairman of the spending watchdog, the Accounts Commission, has said that action is needed to avoid duplication of services. In a separate move, Anton Muscatelli...
Scottish Government sources have confirmed to journalists that the statement about the future of Scottish Water by the First Minister today means that it will "Still be owned by Ministers" Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Derek Brownlee says: "It's one thing that successive Scot...
Speaking in today's debate at Holyrood on the Independent Budget Review report, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Derek Brownlee MSP said: "There would have been no Beveridge Report if we had not made it a condition of our support of the Budget earlier this year. The review means that no pa...
A Statutory Instrument detailing tough new rules on public spending for PR, entertaining and travel - set to come into force as Conservative amendments take effect - has been laid before the Scottish Parliament today. From 1st October most public bodies in Scotland will be covered by new legislat...
Speaking during the debate on the Scottish Government's legislative programme, Annabel Goldie MSP, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, said: "Presiding Officer, the statement we have heard from the first Minister this afternoon is not just the final legislative agenda from this governme...
BROWN SLAMS SNP FOR "MASSIVELY OVERESTIMATED" HOMECOMING IMPACT The Scottish Government's previous announcement on the economic impact of both Homecoming 2009 and The Gathering was put under severe scrutiny today following an independent report by Dr Geoff Riddington of Grid Economics. The output ...
The Scottish Government is to abandon the International Baccalaureate, and break yet another SNP education promise. Shadow Cabinet Secretary, Liz Smith MSP says: "There has been an extraordinary failure of the SNP to provide leadership over the reform of the school exam system, due...
The latest annual crime statistics have been published. Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, John Lamont MSP says: "Despite the best efforts of the soft touch SNP Government, Scotland's police forces should be congratulated for their efforts in cutting crime rates and keepin...
The Scottish Government has published a survey on transport use. Shadow Transport Minister, Jackson Carlaw MSP says: "The fact that fewer people are travelling as car passengers and that fewer school journeys are being made by foot or bike suggests that successive Scottish Governments ha...
The SNP is scrapping plans to bring it's Independence Bill in front of the Scottish Parliament. Scottish Conservative leader, Annabel Goldie says: "Alex Salmond has squandered millions of pounds of taxpayers' money chasing a minority aspiration of his minority party. Now he is running sc...
A YouGov poll today shows the Scottish Conservatives on course to make gains at the Holyrood elections. Leader Annabel Goldie says: "This poll backs up a raft of YouGov polls over the last few weeks and demonstrates that the Scottish Conservatives are gaining ground. "Westminster polli...
This week has seen a watershed in the debate over how price should be used to curtail excess alcohol consumption. Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, Murdo Fraser MSP says: "Now that the SNP has finally published the minimum unit price...
Commenting on the Scottish Government's proposed 45p minimum price for alcohol, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing , Murdo Fraser MSP, said: "At long last the SNP has come clean about its blanket minimum price for all drinks. But even the SNP's own Sheffield study showed ...
Responding to reports that Glasgow City Council is to spend £13 million laying off managers, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, Derek Brownlee MSP, said: "Every council will have to reduce staff numbers, and voluntary redundancy is preferable to compulsory redund...
The Scottish Futures Trust has announced £111m of net benefits and savings to infrastructure investment in Scotland. The total benefit to infrastructure investment in Scotland achieved from the SFT's work with partner organisations during 2009-2010 amounts to £218m. Derek Brownlee MSP,...
Standard Life is to cut up to 500 jobs in Edinburgh over the next 18 months. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said: "This news will come as a blow to the staff at Standard Life and their families, although we must continue to support the vital fina...
Just 20% of prisoners who are being prescribed methadone are on a reducing dose. This means that 80% of prisoners are being parked on methadone. Figures revealed by the Scottish Conservatives from Prisoner Survey data show that just 157 of the 777 participating prisoners who were being prescribed m...
Scottish Labour's Alcohol Commission has reported back today. Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, says: "This report is a mixed bag. The Commission is right to identify that there is no 'silver bullet' to cure Scotland's problem of alcohol over-consumption, and t...
The latest re-offending statistics have been released, showing that the number of criminals who go on to reoffend within two years has reached its highest level in a decade. Given that these figures relate to a period before the SNP extended Home Detention Curfews and scrapped short sentences, they...
A poll conducted by Grant Thornton, which surveyed 39 chief executives and finance directors across Scotland's 32 local authorities, has revealed the projected job losses across the Councils over the next two years Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, s...
Diageo have submitted a response to the Treasury's consultation on alcohol taxation, calling for a staged reform of excise duty. Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, says: "This is a welcome contribution to the debate from Diageo. It is right that all we get as br...
Reports today state that the leader of Glasgow City Council is writing to the Education Secretary, asking him to reopen the 2001 McCrone deal that guaranteed teachers more than 12 hours a week to spend marking and preparing lessons in school, rather than teaching. He argues that increasing teaching...
Figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives under Freedom of Information show that, in just 18 Councils areas, teacher time off for trade union duties cost nearly £1m of taxpayers' money providing teacher cover over the last 5 years. Furthermore, in the last year alone, the bill for the 13 ...
CoSLA have withdrawn their original pay offer to Council employees after unions claimed the offer was rejected and will now impose a three year deal in its place. Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, says: "The unions only have themselves to blame as t...
A new YouGov poll shows that more people across the UK oppose minimum pricing than support it, and three-quarters believe a minimum price would have no effect on their alcohol intake. Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, says: "This is the latest blow to the SNP's...
Figures released today show that 74 teachers have been struck off the teaching register in the past six years. 46 were struck off following criminal convictions, 26 for misconduct and two for incompetence. Earlier this month, Scottish Conservatives revealed 17 teachers were struck off the teaching ...
Jamie McGrigor MSP, Shadow Minister for the Environment, has today called upon the Scottish Government and Scottish Natural Heritage to take action