Latest news

Parliamentary Consensus on Veterans

As Remembrance Sunday approaches, Mark Griffin MSP has hailed an excellent parliamentary debate on the care and support offered to veterans of the armed forces.

Mr Griffin who wound up proceedings for Labour in Thursday’s debate, served in the British Army, as a soldier in the TA, and in his speech highlighted the need to increase support for veterans, as well as offering praise to the organisations and charities, including the Royal British Legion, for the great work they do.

Mark said:

“I was delighted to have had the opportunity to take part in a debate so close to my heart.

“I served in the Territorial Army and if the events which led me to being elected to North Lanarkshire Council in 2008 had not transpired, I have no doubt that I would currently be serving as a regular Army solider.

“The sacrifice that is made by those serving in our armed forces is immense; we expect these brave men and women to be willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice in service of the nation. Every year we honour those who have fallen, but we also have a responsibility to care for our veterans, ensuring they have the support they need and the care and attention they deserve.

“I was pleased at how consensual the debate was, and the commitment shown by both the UK and Scottish Governments for the Military Covenant. I hope that the veterans and the armed forces personnel who were in the public gallery appreciated that and was glad so many of them were able to attend.”

Minister “Does Not Get It” on New Orthodontic Guidelines

Mark Griffin MSP has accused the Scottish Government of being out of touch with ordinary Scots over the introduction of orthodontic charges for children.

Under strict new guidelines, dentists must prove that a child’s health will be improved for them to receive orthodontic treatment for free. If a dentist cannot prove this, parents would be forced to pay thousands of pounds for their child to benefit from a brace.

Mr Griffin quizzed Public Health Minister Michael Matheson MSP on the charges during General Question Time on Thursday 3 November.

Speaking afterwards, Mark said:

“I asked a specific question on the strict new guidelines the Government has introduced and how they could create a tiered system in Scotland, with poorer families, who do not meet the criteria, and cannot afford the costs, being forced to go without.

“However the answer I got shows that the Minister just does not get it. Michael Matheson focussed on the Index of Treatment, which Labour proposed in 2005 to end the postcode lottery on orthodontic care. The index is not the problem, far from it, it is the new guidelines that the Scottish Government has introduced which will cause the problems.

“Dentists have made clear that by cutting subsidies on braces, the Scottish Government will be forcing some families to pay £2000 or more for orthodontic treatment. I had a brace, as did two of my siblings. If these rules had been in place then, my parents would never have been able to afford these charges.

“The Scottish Government must act to ensure that children from poorer families do not lose out on orthodontic treatment because they cannot afford it.”

Broadband Upgrades Confirmed to MSP

• BT confirm to Mark Griffin MSP that new programmes will improve service

The problems with Broadband services in Cumbernauld could be on the road to recovery, after BT inform Mark Griffin MSP that planned new programmes will improve the quality and speed in the town, and potentially end years of misery.

Mr Griffin had contacted BT after raising the concerns of local residents in Parliament. In their response, BT informed the MSP that Cumbernauld will benefit from 40 new street cabinets in the coming months, which will ensure broadband speeds of up to 40 Mbps.

Mark said:

“I am delighted that BT is increasing its investment in the area.

“It is ridiculous that in a town the size of Cumbernauld, such broadband problems exist

“I have been given assurances that the 40 new street cabinets will ensure the majority of people in the area benefit from greater speeds and quality.

“Details on where precisely the cabinets are to be located is still being ironed out, but I plan to meet with BT to ensure the areas with the poorest service benefit first.”

Battle For NHS Services Steps Up A Gear

• Mark Griffin establishes petition to get services back
• 197 sign up in 90 minutes to send message to Sturgeon

Mark Griffin MSP is increasing pressure on the Scottish Government to intervene on the loss of so many NHS services throughout Cumbernauld and Kilsyth. Mr Griffin has compiled a petition urging Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon to use the power at her disposal to intervene and restore the services which have been lost.

The MSP and local volunteers gained the support of 197 concerned local residents - in the space of 90 minutes - in the Antonine Centre in the Town Centre on Friday.

Mark said:

“We have seen so many vital NHS services removed from our area recently. It has to stop.

“My petition calls on the Cabinet Secretary for Health to use the power she has to intervene; prevent the cut of local treatment rooms; restore the x-ray services, and protect services from a cut in the future.

“Local people have already had a raw deal from the Scottish Government and NHS Lanarkshire. No minor injuries unit; no new health centre for Carrickstone and Craigmarloch; reduced operating times for the out-of-hours service; x-ray services cut, and now the treatment rooms operating out of Kildrum and Kenilworth Health Centres are set to close.

“I was pleased that so many were willing to sign the petition, and I urge anyone who wants to add their support to contact my office on 01236 423 555.”