Mhairi Black - Moray MP Douglas Ross Must Deliver On His Promise To Support Women Under Pension Threat

Mhairi Black MP has called on new Tory MP Douglas Ross to sign a parliamentary motion to support WASPI women - as he has so far failed to do so, and he has refused to confirm if he will - despite pledging to support the campaign while he was seeking election.

The Tory MP posed for campaign photographs while he was seeking votes – pledging to support women who will lose their pensions as a result of the changes to state pension age, "and to work in Parliament to find a solution to those affected."

Yet he has so-far failed to support the women in Wednesday's parliamentary motion, and refused to say if he intends to do so.

Mhairi Black MP said:

“Douglas Ross must sign this motion in support of these women- otherwise his actions reek of hypocrisy. He was happy to pose with these women during his election campaign while seeking votes - now he must show a stand against his party's damaging policy.

“I cannot believe we are still having to argue the case for WASPI women, and that the UK government has failed to listen.

“For the government to say they can’t afford to pay these women what they are owed is laughable. They can find a billion pounds to cling on to power, but they can’t find the money to give women the pensions that they are due.

“These women are guilty of nothing. They have had the misfortune of being female and being born in the 1950s and live under this UK government who refuses to do the right thing.

"This is an issue of equality. The UK government must take responsibility and Douglas Ross must do the right thing for these women who are missing out on their pension."

200-Strong Audience for Peterhead Independence Meeting

Local Yes campaigners have hailed a productive public meeting on Scotland’s future, following a debate and discussion at Peterhead’s Palace Hotel on Wednesday evening.

Around 200 people attended the event, which was hosted by Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford, with guests Gordon McIntyre-Kemp of Business for Scotland and Mhairi Black, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South.

The panel covered a range of topics, including the impact of Brexit and the American presidential election on the Scottish economy and wider geopolitics, and was followed by a question and answer session with the audience.

Speaking following the event, Eilidh Whiteford said:

“This was a fantastic meeting, and a good opportunity for local independence supporters to discuss the sort of country we want to build.

“In light of Wednesday’s American election result, and following on from the Brexit vote, hope – and the desire to build a better nation – are more important than ever.

“We had a good turnout, with a diversity of views and some frank exchanges. There were also some really good ideas and suggestions, and I would like to thank everyone who came along.”

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SNP Marks International Youth Day with Register to Vote Call

LOWERING VOTING AGE SENDS ‘STRONG MESSAGE’ TO YOUNG PEOPLE
The SNP has today marked UN International Youth Day by calling on young people aged 15 and over to register to vote ahead of next year’s Scottish general election. This reflects this year’s International Youth Day theme of ‘Youth Civic Engagement’.

The 2016 election will be the first where 16 and 17 year olds will have the right to vote following the unanimous passage of the Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Bill in June this year. Last week the Electoral Commission launched a campaign to maximise voter registration amongst young people who will be 16 by the time of the election.

Commenting, the UK’s youngest MP Mhairi Black said:

“It is very fitting that we are marking International Youth Day shortly after Scotland became only the second country in the EU to lower the voting age to 16 for national elections. The SNP has long believed 16 and 17 year olds should be able to vote – and last year’s referendum sparked a spirit of political engagement that saw 110,000 over 16 and 17 year olds use their vote.

“Lowering the voting age sends a strong message to young people in Scotland: we believe that your opinion does matter, your voice should be heard and your vote will influence the future of our country.

“Registering to vote is easy and will only take 5 minutes – just go to gov.uk/register-to-vote. I would encourage all people over 15 to register to vote and, more importantly, to get involved.”