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Joe FitzPatrick MSP

• BLAIRITE EX-MINISTER CALLS FOR TRIDENT & ID CARDS TO BE SCRAPPED

  26Apr

  EMBARRASSMENT FOR GRAY AS SCOTTISH LABOUR PARTY LEFT WITH NO CREDIBILITY

  Joe FitzPatrick MSP, a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee, has welcomed comments made by former cabinet minister Stephen Byers – a prominent Blairite Labour MP – who has called on Gordon Brown to scrap ID cards and the replacement of the Trident missile programme because of the recession.

  The comments already reflect those of the First Minister and the SNP Government who believe that cancelling projects such as Trident and ID cards should be looked at to protect front line services in health and education instead of the £500 million across-the-board cuts proposed by the Treasury.

  Commenting Mr FitzPatrick said:

  “These comments highlight the threat that cutting spending on front line services will have and the alternatives open to Alistair Darling.

  “Instead of threatening frontline public services the UK government should be doing as Stephen Byers suggests and look at the waste that will be spent on Trident and ID cards.

  “This is an embarrassment for Iain Gray and Labour in Scotland. For a Blairite ex-minister to be making these calls whilst they support continue to defend cuts shows how little credibility they have.

  “Slashing frontline public spending in the teeth of recession will only add to the anxiety of households and high streets.

  “Labour in Scotland are now in the embarrassing position of defending Tory-style cuts whilst supporting billions being wasted on weapons of mass destruction and big brother style ID cards.”

• DUNDEE AT FOREFRONT OF LIFE SCIENCES SAYS FIRST MINISTER

  21Apr
  

  First Minister Alex Salmond with Joe FitzPatrick MSP on the tour of the new TMRC laboratory

  Dundee is at the forefront of Life Sciences research worldwide and the sector can help to drive Scotland out of the recession, said Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond today as he arrived in the city to open the£11.6m Translational Medicine Research Collaboration(TMRC) laboratory at Ninewells.

  Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick joined the First Minister on a tour of the state-of-the-art research facilities. The success of the Life Sciences sector in Dundee which now employs thousands can show the way out of recession for the rest of the UK. The new laboratories will eventually house 120 top scientists working to end some of the most damaging of conditions that can blight the lives of humanity.

  While opening the facility, the First Minister paid tribute to the extraordinary efforts of Dundee’s Life Sciences staff and their motivation.

  Joe FitzPatrick said: “I was delighted to accompany the First Minister and to see the wonderful new facilities and meet the people behind this wonderful collaboration between Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the NHS, the Scottish Government and both of Dundee’s Universities. The Scottish Government has put Life Sciences in its top three priorities and it is determined to stimulate inspiring research and job creation.”

• WE’VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO BUILD A GREEN ENERGY FUTURE

  18Apr

  RENEWABLES POTENTIAL WILL BOOST JOBS

  SNP Conference today welcomed the progress made by the SNP Government toward building a green energy future and increasing the number of green energy jobs in Scotland as the party supported the Scottish Government’s work with European partners on a North Sea Grid.

  The energy debate followed First Minister Alex Salmond’s announcement that there are now 100 entries from over 20 countries for the Scottish Government’s £10 million Saltire Prize.

  Conference also welcomed the €150 million investment in a North Sea Grid as part of the European Union’s economic recovery package.

  Addressing conference SNP MSP and European Campaign Manager Joe FitzPatrick said:

  “Scotland has what it takes to lead the way in clean, green energy.

  “A renewables revolution supports not just our energy needs, but will provide thousands of green jobs across Scotland.

  “The immense interest in the Saltire Prize – to develop and test commercial wave power technology of Scotland’s coasts is a sure sign of our role at the forefront of European and world renewable developments.

  “With the right skills, education and investment we can fulfil our potential to be the Saudi Arabia of off shore renewable energy.

  “An off-shore grid is an essential part of that package and the Scottish Government’s success in persuading Europe of the value of such a scheme and in joining EU partners to work toward delivering that grid so we can tap our offshore resources to use domestically and to sell internationally is a major achievement.

  “Labour’s nuclear rhetoric will not benefit Scotland’s future. Our success in promoting new technology, supporting new ideas and building the infrastructure we need to capitalise on our immense renewable assets is what Scotland needs for a bright future.

  “We’ve got what it takes to succeed in Europe and to win a green energy future for Scotland.”

• SNP WINNING TEAM TO LEAD EUROPEAN AND WESTMINSTER CAMPAIGNS

  18Apr

  WE’VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN IN EUROPE

  The SNP today announced Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick and Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie will lead the SNP’s European and Westminster campaign.

  Speaking to the SNP’s conference in Glasgow SNP MSP and Minister for
  Parliament Bruce Crawford said:

  “We have what it takes to put Scotland at the heart of Europe and to have Scotland’s interests heard loud and clear at Westminster.

  “In Dundee we have shown we have what it takes. In Stewart Hosie and Joe FitzPatrick we have two campaigners with a proven track record, who have what it takes to win in Europe and to deliver a strong voice for Scotland in Westminster.

  “They have proven they have what it takes to win at every electoral level in a city that Labour once counted as their heartland. And this success has been crowned just last month with the spectacular victory of Craig Melville and our capture of the council’s administration.

  “With Stewart and Joe leading our campaigns in Europe and in Westminster we have what it takes to build on our success in 2007 as we show Scotland has what it takes.”

  SNP MSP and European Campaign Manager Joe FitzPatrick said:

  “This election will be a straight choice between a party that has what it takes to fight for Scotland’s jobs in Europe and a party that wants to cut Scotland’s spending.

  “We have what it takes to lead in Europe, to build on the record of Winnie Ewing, Allan Macartney and Neil MacCormick to capitalise on our green energy potential, to deliver jobs and to turn Scotland’s renewable windfall into jobs for Scotland and Scottish jobs in Europe.”

  Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie said:

  “With our winning experience in Dundee we’ve got what it takes to win
  across Scotland.

  “In the Dundee by-election voters agreed that we’ve got what it takes – as they asked the SNP to focus on jobs, education and skills in their city.

  “In Scotland, at Europe and in Westminster we have what it takes to fight for those Scottish jobs, to oppose Labour’s cuts and to show the SNP and Scotland have what it takes.”

• Are You as Old as Devolution?

  17Apr

  MSP Calls for 10 Year Olds to Join Holyrood Party

  Celebrations will mark the tenth anniversary of the official opening of the Scottish Parliament. There will be a host of celebrations taking place on 1 July 2009 to mark the occasion and the Parliament has issued a last call to children who will be ten years old on the day to come along for a special birthday party in Edinburgh.

  Ten years ago, on 1st July 1999, 163 children born on the day across Scotland received medallions and a personal letter from the late Donald Dewar, Scotland’s first First Minister, to commemorate the event.

  Dundee West MSP Joe Fitzpatrick said: “The tenth anniversary of the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament will be a symbolic moment in the history of devolution, and is a reminder of the democratic deficit that existed in Scotland before that.

  “The celebrations on the day will be huge and a major part will be played by children who were born on 1st July 1999.

  “I would encourage parents whose children were born on that day to get in touch with the Parliament to make sure they get to be at the heart of the celebrations. With the Queen in attendance and the whole country watching it will be an occasion not to be missed!

  “Perhaps some of those 1st of July 1999 Dundee babies who received medallions might like to take part?”

  For parents who want to take part with their child, please contact the Scottish Parliament direct on 0131 348 5000, or email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk

• Boots New Branch Opens in Ardler

  13Apr
  

  Picture shows, L-R: Tracey Jackson, Joyce Feret, JIm Barrie, Anne Blair, Mary Quinn, Samantha Brown, Joe FitzPatrick, Jana Krataftvilova.

  Local resident Mary Quinn cut the ribbon today to open ‘your local Boots pharmacy’ (previously Alliance Pharmacy), at 43 McAlpine Road, watched by staff members and Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick and Dundee City Council Social Work Convenor Councillor Jim Barrie.

  The new store, one of 22 in the local area to be rebranded, will serve the Ardler area and has extended hours and additional Consultation rooms.

  Boots and Alliance Pharmacy have been combined in the UK to create one business, and the new-look store is one of around 900 to change its name over the next two years. The name is part of a move to put pharmacy firmly at the heart of the new combined business.

  An extensive refit of the old Alliance Pharmacy has been undertaken and the new ‘your local Boots pharmacy’ in Dundee brings together the best of both companies with a totally new look so customers get something even better than before. As well as the same expert healthcare and prescription service from the same friendly and knowledgeable team, customers will now be able to enjoy a greatly improved range of beauty and lifestyle products, including a wide choice from the Boots own brand range.

  Products now in-store include selected lines from the popular brand No7. Other well-known own brands on sale are 17 and Botanics. As well as finding a great range of products, customers will also be able to use their Boots Advantage card in-store, allowing them to build up their points!

  In addition to a fantastic new product range and a bright new layout, stores are designed to give customers an efficient dispensing service, the latest in contemporary private consultation areas – which contain all the necessary facilities for carrying out a large selection of advisory services and point of care tests, as well as providing access to a wide range of healthcare services, which include Medicines Check-up and Managed Prescription Collection. Customers can also join Boots Health Club and receive personalised practical advice and information on a range of health topics.

  The manager of the new-look store, said:

  “Dundee will see the very best of community pharmacy in their new ‘your local Boots pharmacy’ store. We’ve always been proud to provide a professional local pharmacy and dispensing service to our customers, close to where they need it. Now, we’re delighted to be able to offer our customers even better healthcare services and a fantastic new range of products.”

  John Whigham, Divisional Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland, added:

  “This new ‘your local Boots pharmacy’ reinforces our commitment to improving the healthcare services available to the local community. The modern consultation area will allow us to deliver a wide range of professional services, giving us the opportunity to work even more closely with healthcare professionals and making access to local care even more convenient. We are looking forward to offering our patients a better environment in which to meet their healthcare needs, while providing them with a reliable and accessible alternative to the doctor’s surgery.”

• APPRENTICESHIP DELIVERS SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

  10Apr

  APPRENTICESHIP DELIVERS SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

  The news that young Scots will be able to start modern apprenticeships in life sciences from August this year has been warmly welcomed by Dundee West MSP and Convenor of the Cross Party Group on Life Sciences Joe FitzPatrick.

  Mr FitzPatrick said:

  “As we face tough times in our economy we must work together to ensure our young people have the skills we need for the future.

  “An apprenticeship in life sciences will offer our young people the opportunity to train for employment in one of Scotland’s growing industries.

  “There is no doubt Scotland is leading the way in life sciences. As the industry grows we need more people trained to support the work of our scientists – this apprenticeship will do that and encourage more young people into sciences.

  “As the connections being built between Scotland’s life sciences industry and China’s growing economy show this is an area of real potential for Scotland.

  “With around 18,000 apprenticeship places available across our industries this year a new apprenticeship in life sciences highlights the SNP’s commitment to working with Scottish industry and Scotland’s young people to ensure we have the skills we need to deliver a strong Scottish economy in the future.”

• Town Centre Fund to include High Streets: MSP Encourages Lochee Application

  03Apr

  Further details on how Scotland’s hard pressed high streets will benefit from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund were released yesterday [2 April]. The new information on the operation of the 60 million pound scheme was issued by the Scottish Government and COSLA today.

  Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick has welcomed the new details which reveal that the fund is now open to any area identified in local authority development plans as a town centre.

  Joe FitzPatrick said: “The fund will complement efforts already underway to support town and city centres across Scotland which are feeling the effects of the economic downturn and I would encourage the community in Lochee to consider an application to the fund.

  “A wide range of bodies including local authorities, Community Planning Partnerships, Business Improvement Districts, Town Centre Managers, local Chambers of Commerce, businesses and third sector groups are eligible to apply.

  “It would be great if an application could be mounted on behalf of Lochee High Street and I will be contacting Dundee City Council to see if that suggestion could be taken further through the Community Planning process or other interested bodies.”

  Announcing the new details of the fund today, the Scottish Government Minister for Housing and Communities, Alex Neil, said: “These are hard times for businesses and families across Scotland and this government is working hard to meet this challenge, refocus activity and ensure Scotland gets through the economic downturn in the strongest possible position.

  “Investing money in our town centres is a crucial part of this effort and we are clear that we want to see the whole of Scotland feel the benefit of this fund.

  “We are looking for strong bids from all areas and all size of towns with a clear emphasis on partnership working, economic, social and environmental benefit. I would encourage any organisation who think they can meet this criteria to apply to the fund.”

  Alison Hay, COSLA’s Spokesperson for Regeneration and Sustainable
  Development said:

  “I welcome the joint initiative to invest in town centres and breathe life into them. I look forward to the re-invigorated towns we will achieve by working with our community planning partners and other successful applicants.

  “Whether it is dealing with contaminated land, renovating stone work or creating innovative community facilities, for those at the sharp end of the downturn it is extremely important that we see the benefits of spend this year.”

• Politicians’ Praise for New Council’s Jobs Priority

  02Apr

  Dundee parliamentarians have welcomed Dundee City Council’s early statement to develop an economic recovery plan for the city. The new SNP Administration on Dundee City Council have been quick off the mark to make jobs and prosperity their top priority as they take over the reins of power in Dundee City Chambers.

  Dundee East MSP Shona Robison said: “I am pleased that the new Administration has moved so quickly to highlight the need for an economic recovery plan for the city and to discuss ways in which the Scottish government can assist with that plan.

  “We will work with the Council to build on the success of securing substantial resources for the waterfront development, and to use this £33m of investment as a catalyst for the further regeneration of the city including moving forward the Dundee V&A project. This will help to cement both the Waterfront development and the city’s reputation as a centre for the Arts.”

  Joe FitzPatrick, Dundee West MSP added: “The city has many reasons for optimism. We are seeing expansion of the bio-medical sector and the digital media sector and games industries in the city but our focus should be on working together to maximise employment and tackle the challenges of the recession.

  “Shona Robison and I will be seeking an early meeting with the new Administration to help facilitate big ideas for the city including the opportunity to make Dundee the renewables capital of Scotland in the same way that Aberdeen benefited from North Sea oil and gas. By working with Forth Ports, Scottish Enterprise and Dundee Council, we can help the city take advantage of its port and ideal location for turbine manufacturing.

  Stewart Hosie, Dundee East MP, said: “In the circumstances of the worst economic recession we have faced for many years, it is important that we work together for the benefit of the city.

  “Recent blows to our manufacturing industry demand a joined-up approach from the Council and the Scottish and UK Governments. I look forward to the Council engaging with business people, trade bodies, in fact everyone in the real economy to bring in investment to help the city move forward.”

• NEW RULES MEAN END OF “PFI CON”

  01Apr

  New rules, which come into force at the start of April mean the end of the “PFI con” on the Scottish public.

  Changes to international accountancy rules mean that the costs of Labour’s lavish private finance deals will have to be placed on the government books.

  Across the UK the introduction of International Financial Reporting Standards could add £216 billion to government debt – and means that the PFI con, of building projects without accounting for their cost is officially over.

  The Scottish Government and Local authorities will have to find £700 million to pay debts to private firms for PFI/PPP contracts this year – with over £1 billion a year due to be paid out by 2017.

  Scotland’s total PFI/PPP repayments are currently estimated at £30 billion.

  Mr FitzPatrick said:

  “For a decade Labour conned the public. Now the PFI con is over.

  “International rules will finally introduce some responsibility into the system of debt that Labour built up – and we will see for the first time the true cost of Labour’s age of irresponsibility.

  “While the SNP is investing billions of capital in schools, hospitals and transport infrastructure and has brought forward investment to support Scotland’s construction industry through the recession Labour have simply left a legacy of debt.

  “Labour did not fund new schools or new hospitals. Their irresponsible borrowing at rip-off rates that will leave future generations of Scots indebted to the banks for decades to come.

  “With PFI projects in England now having to be lent money by the Government – money the public sector will then have to pay back to private banks the corruption of PFI has finally been exposed for all to see.

  “International rules have brought an end to this off budget and off balance sheet scam.

  “Scottish Labour may live in a dream world where schools and hospitals are built on the never-never but the SNP will not see such irresponsibility with Scotland’s cash. Labour must acknowledge that their “PFI con” has been exposed.”