Allard and Whiteford Welcome Record Voter Numbers in Scotland

SNP MSP Christian Allard (North East Scotland) and Banff and Buchan Westminster candidate, Dr Eilidh Whiteford, has welcomed the latest figures on the number of people registered to vote with the Electoral Commission in local councils, Scottish Parliament, and UK Parliamentary elections.

March, 2015 figures show that this number now sits at 4,035,394, which is the highest it has ever been for Scotland. This figure surpasses last year’s record of 4,027,187.

With the exception of 2009, the number of people registered to vote in elections has risen every year in Scotland. The number of people registered to vote last year also broke records with 4,285,323 registered to vote in the referendum on Scottish independence – however, this figure also takes 16-17 year olds into account who are not yet entitled to vote in parliamentary or local elections.

North East Scotland constituencies have seen records of their own with regards to levels of registered electorate. As of March 2015, West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine had 73,096 people registered to vote – the highest number recorded for that constituency. Gordon constituency also has a record number of people registered with 79,002 people signed up to vote.

In 2004, Banff and Buchan constituency had 65,684 people registered to vote. As of March 2015, that number has now risen to 68,532.

The deadline for electoral registration before the 2015 UK General Election is Monday, 20th April. Online registration can be found at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Commenting, Christian Allard MSP said:

“Democracy works when people get involved. It is great to see such high numbers of people interested in their politics and registering to vote.

“People across the North-East, and across Scotland as a whole, have felt the sting of Westminster cuts to our services. With wages being driven down in real terms, and the cost of living spiralling out of control, it is clear to see that the economic recovery is not being felt by many.

“People want great change as a result of this UK General Election. I urge all who have not yet done so, to register to vote.”

SNP Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Banff and Buchan, Dr. Eilidh Whiteford also commented:

"There is a re-energisation of politics in Scotland and people are once again engaged and prepared to act on issues which they feel strongly about. I welcome the rise in numbers of people in Banff & Buchan registered and would urge anyone hoping to vote, to take action now to get on the register."

Bright Future for Fishing with Independence

HOME MARKET CAN BE THE ANCHOR OF THE SCOTTISH FISHING INDUSTRY
Speaking after a referendum conversation in the coastal town of Pennan, North East MSP Christian Allard said that the Scottish fishing industry is culturally, socially and economically important to Scotland and that independence presents the opportunity of a lifetime to build a prosperous industry for future generations.

Mr Allard said that fishing is a priority for the Scottish Government whereas Westminster politicians have described the Scottish fishing industry as expendable. The SNP MSP said that the full powers of independence would give the Scottish Government the ability to develop an economic strategy which has fishing as a priority.

The referendum conversation was held at Pennan Village Hall and was an opportunity for the local community to put questions about Scotland’s future to a panel which included North East MSP Christian Allard.

At the conversation Mr Allard said that there is still a need to take advantage of the opportunity presented by the home market here in Scotland. He said that the Scottish brand should be as powerful at home as it is abroad. Our home market should be the anchor of our fishing industry, if Ireland and Norway can fill our retailers’ shelves with seafood products, why can't we?

Commenting, Christian Allard MSP said:

“The Scottish fishing industry is culturally, socially and economically important to Scotland - the Scottish Government sees the industry as a priority.

“Independence will give Scotland the powers to form an economic strategy which recognises the vital contribution of the fishing industry. A Yes vote is the opportunity of a lifetime to build a prosperous industry for future generations.”

Mr Allard added:

“I have always urged people to buy local and eat Scottish fish. Record numbers of fish are being landed at Peterhead and the quality is second to none.

“The Scottish brand should be as powerful at home as it is abroad. Our home market should be the anchor of our fishing industry, if Ireland and Norway can fill our retailers’ shelves with seafood products, why can't we?

“We are very good at exporting our food and drink but not so good at consuming it ourselves. We need to see our own market as important if not more so than our export market. Make sure you buy local, eat Scottish fish.”

Call for Fishing to be a Priority when Debating Scotland's Future

North East MSP Christian Allard is calling on people from every generation of the fishing industry to get involved and make sure that fishing is a priority in the independence debate. Mr Allard highlighted the important role that fishing has, not only in coastal communities, but also for the whole of Scotland and asked everyone working in and around the industry to get involved in the debate.

The SNP MSP said that fishermen, onshore processors, seafood haulage and other related suppliers and retailers make up a diverse and wealthy industry that has a wider impact felt well beyond our coastal communities. He also pointed out that new generations coming into the industry have a fantastic opportunity to help the industry flourish thanks to important work being done by the fishing industry and the Scottish Government today.

Mr Allard’s comments come after the European Commission announced that Scottish inshore fishing vessels will no longer be subject to European time at sea limits following a request by the Scottish Government.

The French born MSP said we need every part of the fishing industry – catching, processing, suppliers and retailers – to work together to take advantage of the opportunity for growth in the Scottish fishing sector. Through working together the Scottish fishing industry and the Scottish Government have achieved success in supporting Scottish fishermen, we can build upon this after a YES vote in September, he added.

Mr Allard said:

“Scottish fishing is vital to coastal communities and Scotland as a whole. Fishermen, processors, seafood haulage and related suppliers make a fantastic contribution to the economy throughout the country.

“The good news is, there are plenty more fish in the sea – literally. With the discard ban being enforced and more time at sea for Scottish vessels there is a clear opportunity for future generations to benefit from a flourishing fishing industry in the years to come.

“That is why it is so important that people in the fishing industry - from every generation and from every part of the industry – make their voice heard in the independence debate.

“I invite people within the industry who share my vision for Scottish fishing after a Yes vote to join me and to ensure that fishing will always be a priority when debating Scotland’s future.”

Who to Trust to Deliver Scotland's Vision for the Fishing Industry

Participating to a TV debate on fishing last week, North East MSP Christian Allard put forward the main question to answer this September “who do you trust to protect the interests of the Scottish fishing industry?” Mr Allard assured that only Scotland could be trusted to look after the interests of an industry which we all consider a vital part of our past, present and future economy.

He said that the Scottish Government has a positive vision for the fishing industry. Mr Allard added that the industry has a great future and that Scottish Ministers share his optimism.

With the good news that our fish stocks have recovered and the not so good news that a discard ban is going to be enforced, there is a clear opportunity for more fish to be processed in Scotland. The Scottish Government is pro-actively working to make its vision a reality for the fishing industry to thrive, Mr Allard commented.

The French born MSP contrasted this position with that of Westminster politicians who have described the Scottish fishing industry as “expendable”.

Mr Allard was speaking on the BBC’s new Scotland 2014 programme on Tuesday 17 June.

Mr Allard added:

“For our fishing communities in Scotland it will come down to one simple question; who do we trust? Do we trust Westminster politicians who consider that the fishing industry, from Land's End to John o' Groats, is expendable? Or do you trust a Scottish Government that recognises the Scottish Fishing industry as an asset for future generations?

“The Scottish Government is actively promoting the Scottish fishing industry and protecting our fishermen and food producers.

“Fishermen and everyone at the Scottish Parliament share the same vision of a prosperous future for the Scottish fishing industry – an industry which is an integral part of our nation’s economy. Only a Yes vote in September will guarantee that future Scottish Governments will always have full powers to back our Fishing communities.”

Mr Allard took the opportunity to praise the BBC 2 Scotland 2014 programme for portraying an accurate picture of a vibrant fishing industry that is training and encouraging young entrants to the industry:

“I welcome the BBCs portrayal of the vibrant Scottish fishing industry in this programme. It is fantastic to see so many young new entrants in the sector eager to learn and helping to strengthen our fishing communities.

“Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead has to negotiate with other nations away from the main table of discussions – in effect he is negotiating with both hands tied behind his back. Voting Yes in September will free the hands of future Scottish fisheries ministers.”

Scotland Can, Should and Must be Independent for the Benefit of Scotland's Fishing Communities

North East MSP Christian Allard is spelling out why Scotland can, should and must be an independent country for the benefit of our fishing communities. Mr Allard’s comments come following news that Bertie Armstrong, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation has written to the Scottish and UK governments over the future of the fishing industry.

The SNP MSP worked in the fishing industry for 30 years before becoming a Member of the Scottish Parliament. Responding to the letter Mr Allard said the fishing industry will be a priority in an independent Scotland for any Scottish Government elected in 2016.

Commenting, Mr Allard said:

“We must vote Yes in September to ensure that Scotland’s fishing rights stay in Scotland’s hands. We all have a responsibility to handover a wealthy and growing fishing industry to the next generation.

“Supporting our fishing communities and seafood sector will always be a priority for the SNP – it’s in our DNA.

“The fishing industry has a strong heritage in the North East and throughout Scotland. With a voice at the top table of European negotiations Scottish fishermen will have the opportunity to take a leadership role in reforming the Common Fisheries Policy.

“I look forward to speaking at many more public events on the future of the fishing industry after a Yes vote. I urge organisations like the SFF to follow in the footsteps of others with an interest in the referendum debate – such as the NFU – and hold public meetings in the North East as soon as possible.”