Mark Seeks to Change Law on Organ Donation
Mark Griffin is to launch a fresh bid to re-introduce a Bill on an opt-out system of organ donation.
Mr Griffin, whose dad, Francis, died after waiting ten years for a heart transplant in 2007, has been a long supporter of moving to an opt-out system, similar to the current approach taken in Wales.
In the last Parliament a Bill by Anne McTaggart MSP was narrowly rejected by MSPs.
Mark said:
“People are needlessly dying because of the lack of available organs for transplant. A simple change to the current law could save these lives.
“I strongly believe that moving to a ‘soft opt-out’ system is required if we are to address the problems we have with organ donation in Scotland.
"Evidence suggests that this move could lead to an increase in donation rates of 25-30%. Taking the most recent figures, this could mean an increase of between 24 and 29 donors per year. That’s an astonishing figure that gives hope to those in need of a transplant.
“The Scottish Government said in their evidence that they wanted to wait to evaluate the impact of the Welsh legislation before they decided whether or not to implement ‘soft opt-out’.
"That evidence is now here and there is no reason to wait. I say that while people are dying, we can’t afford to wait.”
Mark Secures Victory on Welfare Payments
Mark Griffin MSP, Scottish Labour's new spokesperson on Social Security, has secured a major victory on welfare payments.
In a debate on Thursday, Mr Griffin secured an amendment from Scottish Government ministers to ensure that welfare payments will rise at least in line with inflation to cover the cost of living.
Speaking after the debate, Mark said:
“We can do things differently now, it is right that the Scottish Parliament has made a clear commitment about our social security system. The principle is simple, fair and reasonable – disability support should cover the cost of living.
“This is an example of the positive difference Labour will make in this parliament. We will not allow the Scottish Government to simply pass on UK Government cuts.”
Mark Fights Local Bus Cuts
Mark Griffin has joined Kilsyth councillors Jean Jones and Heather McVey is condemning First Bus for proposing to cut the X86 and 24 services.
Councillors Jones and McVey have initiated a campaign to fight the proposed cuts, which will have a detrimental impact on bus users living in Kilsyth and the villages of Banton and Queezieburn. The campaign is also seeking support for Scottish Labour’s plans to regulate bus services in Scotland to stop such cuts from being implemented so easily.
Mark said:
"Private companies should not be able to withdraw lifeline transport services from communities while continuing to operate profitable routes. The current transport system is a patchwork of services with many areas left behind.
“I have written to First and to SPT but I am calling on the Scottish Government to bring forward legislation that will deliver an integrated transport system with regulated bus services.”
Jean said:
“I am appalled by the proposed cut to these vital services, which will see people in the villages of Banton and Queenzieburn cut off if they do not have access to as car. First Bus must reconsider this decision.
“First Bus would not be able to so easily implement these cuts if the Scottish Government would support the regulation of bus services, to ensure that passengers are put ahead of private profit.”
Heather McVey said:
“By failing to regulate, the Scottish Government are allowing our area to be cut off from vital health and education services as well as employment and entertainment opportunities. Fares have gone up and services have been reduced. That is just wrong and must be addressed.
“I hope people in our community will join our fight against these cuts and for a fairer public transport system.”
The planned cuts will come into practice on 15th August.
Mark Votes for Outright Ban on Fracking
Mark Griffin MSP joined Scottish Labour MSPs, in supporting an outright ban on fracking in the Scottish Parliament.
Scottish Labour's motion for an outright ban was supported by the Greens and the Liberal Democrats. Tory MSPs voted against the proposals and the SNP abstained.
Following the vote, Mark said:
"I was proud to vote for an outright ban on fracking and I am pleased it received the support of the majority of MSPs.
"I am disappointed that the SNP chose to abstain from voting on this important matter. Many SNP MSPs have spoken out against fracking in the past, but chose to sit on their hands when it came to an important vote on the issue.
"There is no doubt about the science - to meet our climate change goals and protect our environment we need to develop low carbon sources of energy, not another fossil fuel.
"Scottish Labour's position is clear - no ifs, no buts, no fracking. The SNP Government must now come clean on fracking and let local people know if they will respect this important vote and support an outright ban."
Mark Griffin Re-Elected to the Scottish Parliament
Mark Griffin has been re-elected for a second term in the Scottish Parliament, following the recent election:
Mark said:
"It is a great honour to have been re-elected to the Scottish Parliament and I am grateful for the support I have received.
"I have been proud to represent the people of Central Scotland since 2011 and proud of what I was able to accomplish in my first term, particularly the development and establishment of the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act.
"The Scottish Parliament has more powers now than ever before. I will work hard over the next 5 years to hold the Scottish Government to account and ensure these powers are used to to benefit people within our communities."
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