Davidson Under Pressure to Abandon Unfair Tory Approach to Social Security

Tories Must Join Mainstream of Scottish Politics
Ruth Davidson is under pressure to prove that her party is within the mainstream of Scottish politics by abandoning her defence of the UK Government’s welfare cuts – and to put the interests of people in Scotland ahead of the interests of David Cameron and George Osborne.

Ahead of a debate on social security and disability benefits in the Scottish Parliament next week, the Tory leader has been challenged to back a new approach to social security from the Scottish Government, which puts dignity and respect for individuals at its heart, and to make clear that her group of MSPs does not support the approach of the DWP on issues like the Bedroom Tax, sanctions and disability cuts.

Commenting, SNP MSP Clare Adamson said:

“Ruth Davidson faces a very clear choice in the Scottish Parliament next week. She can back a new and better approach to social security with respect and dignity for individuals at its heart – or she can continue to back the flawed and deeply unfair approach favoured by her party south of the border.

“Tory welfare cuts have caused misery for vulnerable people in communities across Scotland – which is why the SNP in government will take a different approach with the powers which are being transferred to Scotland.

“While too many welfare powers will still remain in the UK Government’s hands, this is a real opportunity to improve our social security system – and the Tories need to get on board and join the mainstream of Scottish politics.

“This is a very clear test for Ruth Davidson just weeks into the new Parliament – will she stand up for people in Scotland who need help, or will she continue to side with David Cameron and George Osborne, regardless of the consequences of their regressive policies.”

Scotland 14th in the World on Women's Empowerment - 9 Places Higher Than UK

NATION SHOWING “GLOBAL LEADERSHIP” ON GENDER EQUALITY
New figures from the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (SPICe) have confirmed that on women’s political empowerment Scotland is ranked 14th in the world – significantly higher than in the UK.

Earlier this month the World Economic Forum published its 2015 report on the Global Gender Gap which placed the UK 23rd in the world for political empowerment. However, new SPICe analysis shows that against the same measures, Scotland would be ranked 14th in the world.

On women in parliament Scotland is ranked 26th in the world compared to the UK’s 42nd; on women in ministerial positions Scotland is ranked 12th compared to the UK’s 50th place; and on years with a female head of government Scotland is ranked 7th in the world compared to the UK’s 9th.

Commenting, SNP MSP Clare Adamson said:

“Under successive Westminster governments the pace of change on gender equality in politics has been glacially slow. The UK ranks 50th in the world for Ministerial gender balance, men still far outnumber women in the House of Commons and only one woman has ever led either of the UK’s two biggest parties.

“While there is much work still to be done, Scotland is showing global leadership on this issue. Nicola Sturgeon is Scotland’s first female First Minister and her Cabinet is one of only a handful in the world that is gender balanced. We are equally determined to improve gender balance in the Scottish Parliament and we will go into next year’s election with more female candidates than ever before.

“In the long fight for gender equality one thing has been consistently clear: only when political power is in the hands of those with the will to change society can progress be made. That’s why it is so disappointing that the Labour party voted to leave powers over equalities and employment law in the hands of the Tory government at Westminster.

“The SNP will continue to work towards a Scotland where every girl and woman can reach her full potential and we will always use every power our disposal to fulfil this ambitious goal.”

SNP Describe Tory Plans to Privatise English State Education as "Educationally Illiterate"

Westminster education secretary Michael Gove's plans to make academies and free schools profit-orientated using hedge funds and venture capitalists has been highlighted as an example of the difference in approach to education by the Scottish and UK governments.

Commenting, SNP MSP Clare Adamson, who sits on the Education and Culture Committee, said:

“Westminster's plans expose the stark contrast between the Scottish and UK governments' approach to education.

“Education for all is one of Scotland’s greatest values and one the SNP will continue to protect – but these Tory plans in England are educationally illiterate.

“In Scotland, more school leavers than ever before have secured positive destinations in education, training or employment - helping Scotland to achieve one of the lowest rates of youth unemployment in Europe. There is more to be done, and the Scottish Government is delivering practical policies that work - compared to the daft flights of ideological fancy being dreamed up at Westminster.

“Scotland can take enormous pride in the record breaking achievements of Scotland’s schools, and I know that they will be working hard to keep up this high level of performance in the years ahead.

“While education policy in Scotland is already effectively independent, we are still at the mercy of Westminster's retreat from public services in England via the Barnett formula funding system.

“It is clear that the way to protect Scottish education and build on universal services in Scotland is with a Yes vote in September 2014."

SNP Support Remains at 2011 Landslide Level

Welcoming the Panelbase independence poll for the Sunday Times Scotland and Real Radio Scotland - which shows that the gap between Yes and No is now down to 8 points, meaning that a swing of just over 4% would put Yes ahead, and that Yes and No are both at 44% on the scenario of the UK looking likely to withdraw from the EU, member of the Scottish Parliament’s European and External Relations Committee, Clare Adamson MSP said:

"This is an extremely welcome and significant poll, which shows that the headline gap between Yes and No is now down to just 8 points - meaning that a swing of just over 4% would put Yes ahead.

"And plans for the UK to exit Europe change the terms of the debate - putting Yes and No neck-and-neck at 44% - because the Westminster system getting dragged along by a UKIP agenda underlines that it is out of touch with Scotland. It shows that only a Yes vote puts the people of Scotland in charge of our own future.

"Confirming the outcome of last week's STV debate between Nicola Sturgeon and Michael Moore, the poll demonstrates that as the debate moves onto substance - and between the two futures facing Scotland under either Yes or No - people are moving towards the positive case for an independent Scotland, and rejecting the scaremongering of the No campaign."

Commenting on the party ratings, which place the SNP on exactly the same level of support which delivered the 2011 landslide election victory, Clare Adamson MSP added:

"These are fantastic poll ratings - six years into government and the SNP still have the same level of support as our majority-winning landslide of 2011.

"The SNP are continuing to deliver on the priorities of the people on the economy, health, education and justice, and we have a positive vision for Scotland's future. We trust the people, and will continue to work hard so that the people continue to place their trust in the SNP Government."