Rushed Scotrail Franchise A Missed Opportunity
Shadow Transport Minister Mark Griffin MSP, has slammed the Scottish Government for their handling of the Scotrail franchise, as Dutch company Abellio are awarded the 10 year contract, currently operated by First Group.
Since becoming Shadow Transport Minister, Mr Griffin has called for greater public control over Scotland’s railways and has criticised the Scottish Government for missing a trick, especially as further devolution on public ownership models could be forthcoming from the Smith Commission.
Speaking after the announcement, Mark said:
“This is a deeply disappointing decision by the Scottish Government.
“I thought that the Scottish Government would have welcomed calls from Scottish Labour and transport unions to suspend the franchise pending the outcome of the post-referendum devolution settlement. In awarding the contract to a company in the Netherlands, they have denied the people of Scotland a greater say over the running of our railways for years to come.
“This was a great opportunity for the Scottish Government to get and use more powers, and put more power in the hands of the people of Scotland. Instead they have chosen to put profits and politics first.”
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Mark to Host Special Veterans Event
Mark Griffin MSP is to host a special surgery for veterans on Friday 27 June in the Royal British Legion in Cumbernauld between 10am and 12pm.
The event is to mark national Armed Forces Day 2014 and several veterans charities and organisations will also be in attendance to offer advice and support.
Mark, who is a former soldier with the Territorial Army and currently Shadow Minister for Veterans, said:
“As a former soldier, veterans matters are close to my heart. I am pleased to be hosting this event later in the month.
“It is important that we recognise the dedication of our serving and ex-armed forces personnel and the sacrifice that they make in service to the country.
“Armed Forces Day gives us the opportunity to show our support for the men and women who make up our armed forces, and raise awareness of the challenges many serving personnel and veterans face.
"I hope as many as possible will come along to the event on Friday 27 June."
The special Veterans Surgery will take place on Friday 27 June between 10am and 12pm in the Royal British Legion, South Muirhead Road, Cumbernauld. For more information please call: 01236 423 555
Mark and Gregg Visit Local War Graves
As part of the UK-wide commemoration of the First World War, Gregg McClymont MP and Mark Griffin MSP were recently invited to see first-hand the work of the War Graves Commission in Scotland.
Ian Anderson, Regional Supervisor at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, took Gregg and Mark to Lennoxtown, Kilsyth and Cumbernauld cemeteries to see the organisation's work in preserving and restoring the headstones of those who fell in the service of their country.
Ian said
“The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is a worldwide organisation which commemorate the 1,700,000 men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the two world wars. I want to thank Mark and Gregg for taking up my invitation to visit the final resting place of men and women who fell in the service of their country. Commemorating that the memory of those who served their country so bravely is properly remembered is the objective of War Graves Commission. Any local schools or individuals who wish to learn more about our work can do so by visiting http://www.cwgc.org/.
Mark said:
“From my time in the armed forces I know about the sacrifices ordinary servicemen and women make in terms of being away from their family. It’s important that we remember the ultimate sacrifice made in the centenary year and visiting the war graves was a good way to do that.”
Gregg said:
“The Centenary year of the outbreak of the First World War will give us the opportunity to think about the sacrifice made by our soldiers in that war and other wars before and since. I would encourage interested constituents in this area to take every opportunity to learn more about that sacrifice.”
Victory in Banton Super-fast Broadband Battle
Mark Griffin MSP and Gregg McClymont MP have expressed their delight that Banton will benefit from BDUK’s latest investment in fibre-optic broadband.
Gregg and Mark, who successfully campaigned for BT to upgrade Broadband provision in Cumbernauld, have welcomed the news that joint funding from North Lanarkshire Council, BT and both UK and Scottish Governments will be used to increase the speed and quality of internet connections in Banton.
Mark said:
“This will undoubtedly help those who work from home, make it easier for people to contact family abroad and help students who need to the internet for their studies. I will be asking for clarification as to when the roll-out will go ahead.”
Gregg said:
“I have been contacted by a number of constituents, as well as the Community Council in Banton, regarding this issue. I am delighted that this area has been chosen to be part of the roll-out.”
Low Paid Workers Let Down Yet Again
Low paid workers across Scotland have been let down by SNP and Tory MSPs who teamed up to vote down the extension of the living wage to some of the lowest paid workers on public contracts.
Mark Griffin MSP, who has championed the roll out of the living wage, voted earlier in the week for Scottish Labour proposals to deliver the living wage to workers on public contracts. The move was defeated as the SNP and Conservatives voted to block amendments to the Procurement Reform Bill.
Mark said:
“Once again SNP and Tory MSPs had the opportunity to stand up for low paid workers, and yet again, they have let them down.
“The living wage would increase the annual salary of a minimum wage worker by £2,600 a year, which would assist with the cost of living crisis facing so many people in our area.
“The SNP claim to support the living wage, but when the going gets tough, they fail to stand up for the people in the most need.”
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