Latest news with #ScottishGreen
The National
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
Hunger doesn't clock off for the summer holidays
It's what drove me and all Scottish Green MSPs to make expanding free school meals a priority in recent Budget negotiations. Last week, the Education Secretary and I announced the result of those negotiations. From August, thousands more young people will benefit from a free school meal thanks to our new pilot programme. Eligibility for free school meals will be expanded to S1-S3 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment (SCP) in eight council areas across Scotland. READ MORE: Scotland can lead the world with 'ecocide' bill currently in Holyrood This builds on what Scottish Green MSPs achieved in previous years, namely the expansion of universal free school meals to P4 and P5 pupils, as well as the ongoing expansion to all P6 and P7 pupils who receive the SCP. These policies are the direct result of Green influence in government and Parliament. They show the transformational power voters will hold next May when deciding who they send to Holyrood for the next five years. It has a huge impact when you elect MSPs committed to changing Scotland for the better. In this case, free school meals do more than fill stomachs. They fuel learning, reduce stigma, and ease pressure on hard-pressed families during a brutal cost of living crisis. They're an investment not just in individual pupils but in a fairer and healthier society. But we can and must go further. Scotland should be leading the way in delivering universal free school meals across the whole of our education system. That's what the Scottish Greens are working towards. Another major Green achievement for Scotland's children was our cancellation of school meal debts. Almost £3 million has now been wiped off the books after years of campaigning on the issue. For thousands of families, it has brought urgent relief at a time of growing hardship. As the Scottish Greens' education spokesperson, I first published research back in 2021 which showed that more than £1 million of school meal debt was being carried by families. As the cost of living crisis deepened, that figure soared. But the emotional toll was even greater. I've heard directly from teachers who dreaded chasing children for money that their families simply didn't have. READ MORE: Westminster is set to decriminalise abortion – what about Scotland? I've talked to parents who went without so that their children didn't have to face shame in the lunch hall. No child should be forced to learn under the weight of that stress and embarrassment. No teacher should be put in that impossible situation. That's why I worked so hard to ensure that this debt was wiped out. Cancelling it was clearly the right thing to do. It's something the Greens are incredibly proud to have delivered. But again we believe in doing more than just wiping the slate clean only to see those debts build back up. We believe in changing the system which created the problem in the first place. That's why we will continue to push for universal free school meals for every child from nursery to the end of high school. Contrast this with the attitude of successive UK governments, both Conservative and Labour. Westminster politicians continue to dig their heels in on the indefensible two-child benefit cap and associated 'rape clause', a policy that has directly plunged hundreds of thousands of children into poverty. Research from the Child Poverty Action Group has shown that lifting this cap would lift 250,000 children out of poverty across the UK. Yet they refuse to act, instead prioritising their race to the bottom style of politics, demonising the poor and disabled, while succumbing to their own vested interests. Their silence speaks volumes. It shows us exactly how deep the commitment to austerity and inequality runs in the halls of Westminster. While Scotland has limited powers to undo the damage they inflict, we do have the means to make a meaningful difference, and that's exactly what Scotland's Green MSPs and councillors have been doing. READ MORE: Plans for Glasgow tourist tax approved by councillors Of course, this work is never finished. Hunger doesn't clock off at the end of a parliamentary session and neither can we. The Scottish Greens will continue to fight for policies that put people first – and we're not afraid to say that it's the super-rich who should pay more in tax to pay for this. At the end of the day, the choices we make reflect the kind of country we want to be. Do we want to be a nation where children go hungry while their parents work two or three jobs for poverty wages? Or do we want to be a country that invests in its young people, supports families, and builds a future based on fairness and compassion? The Scottish Greens know where we stand and we're proud to keep fighting for the Scotland that our children and young people deserve.
Glasgow Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
New tourist tax in Glasgow approved by councillors
The visitor levy due to be introduced on January, 25, 2027 will see people pay 5% of their accommodation bill for every night of their entire stay. It is expected the fee could bring in about £16 million annually after costs and will apply to hotels, hostels, guest houses, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation. Speaking at the city administration committee today, city treasurer Ricky Bell said he and leader Susan Aitken 'had been lobbying the Scottish Government for some time to give us more powers to be able to raise our own revenues and this is the start of what I hope will be a continuation of those powers being devolved to local government.' It is proposed that hotel operators keep 1.5% of the amount collected to make up for any costs incurred. Organisations who don't comply would face penalties. READ MORE: Councillor Ricky Bell: 'Visitor levy in Glasgow could grow city's tourism offer' Councillors approved the visitor levy at the city administration committee this morning. Cash generated would go towards the look and feel of the city with investment in infrastructure and the 'built and natural environment', as well as culture and events and marketing of the city as a destination to grow visitors. A visitor levy forum is also to be set up to provide advice to the council relating to the scheme and it is proposed those involved in the visitor sector and representatives from communities would have a key role. Employees are to be appointed at Glasgow City Council to handle the process and annual costs are estimated to be about £750,000 to £950,000 – with initial set up expected to be £400,000. Scottish Green councillors moved an amendment at the committee relating to accommodation provider costs stating that they 'may only retain money under this rebate scheme for three years' and providing more details on penalties if they don't pay. The amendment was rejected by Labour, the SNP and a Conservative councillor.
The National
21 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Plans for Glasgow tourist tax approved by councillors
The visitor levy due to be introduced on January, 25, 2027 will see people pay 5% of their accommodation bill for every night of their entire stay. It is expected the fee could bring in about £16 million annually after costs and will apply to hotels, hostels, guest houses, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation. Speaking at the city administration committee on Thursday, City treasurer Ricky Bell said he and leader Susan Aitken 'had been lobbying the Scottish Government for some time to give us more powers to be able to raise our own revenues and this is the start of what I hope will be a continuation of those powers being devolved to local government.' READ MORE: BAE given £9.2 million to create 300 shipbuilding jobs by Scottish Government It is proposed that hotel operators keep 1.5% of the amount collected to make up for any costs incurred. Organisations who don't comply would face penalties. Councillors approved the visitor levy at the city administration committee on Thursday morning. Cash generated would go towards the look and feel of the city with investment in infrastructure and the 'built and natural environment' as well as culture and events and marketing of the city as a destination to grow visitors. A visitor levy forum is also to be set up to provide advice to the council relating to the scheme and it is proposed those involved in the visitor sector and representatives from communities would have a key role. Employees are to be appointed at Glasgow City Council to handle the process and annual costs are estimated to be about £750,000 to £950,000 – with initial set up expected to be £400,000. Scottish Green councillors moved an amendment at the committee relating to accommodation provider costs stating that they 'may only retain money under this rebate scheme for three years' and providing more details on penalties if they don't pay. The amendment was rejected by Labour, the SNP and a Conservative councillor. Commenting, Scottish Green councillor Blair Anderson, whose motion started the process, said: 'The tourist tax is going to be a game-changer for Glasgow, delivering more money to tidy up our city and make it even more attractive for visitors and residents alike. READ MORE: 300 jobs at risk as London-based firm moves Scottish Power contract to South Africa 'A small contribution from tourists will mean we can invest millions more in street sweeping, bin collections, and getting Glasgow looking good again. 'I'm glad that Greens in Holyrood got this law passed, and I'm grateful to all councillors who have worked with me over recent months to get this tax in place as soon as possible.' Meanwhile, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: 'Glasgow is a global city, drawing visitors from all over the world. But we have seen how over-tourism can damage communities, like in Venice and Barcelona, where the residents end up paying the price. 'The tourist tax is vital to delivering sustainable tourism where local residents feel the benefit of our tourism and events sectors. I'm delighted that Glasgow is continuing to benefit from Green policy in action.'
STV News
a day ago
- Business
- STV News
Glasgow tourist tax given go-ahead by councillors
Glasgow's new tourist tax has been given the go-ahead this morning – with visitors to be charged on average £4.83 per night. The visitor levy due to be introduced on January, 25, 2027 will see people pay 5% of their accommodation bill for every night of their entire stay. It is expected the fee could bring in about £16m annually after costs and will apply to hotels, hostels, guest houses, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation. Speaking at the city administration committee on Thursday, city treasurer Ricky Bell said he and leader Susan Aitken 'had been lobbying the Scottish Government for some time to give us more powers to be able to raise our own revenues and this is the start of what I hope will be a continuation of those powers being devolved to local government.' It is proposed that hotel operators keep 1.5% of the amount collected to make up for any costs incurred. Organisations who don't comply would face penalties. Councillors approved the visitor levy at the city administration committee this morning. Cash generated would go towards the look and feel of the city with investment in infrastructure and the 'built and natural environment' as well as culture and events and marketing of the city as a destination to grow visitors. A visitor levy forum is also to be set up to provide advice to the council relating to the scheme and it is proposed those involved in the visitor sector and representatives from communities would have a key role. Employees are to be appointed at Glasgow City Council to handle the process and annual costs are estimated to be about £750,000 to £950,000 – with initial set up expected to be £400,000. Scottish Green councillors moved an amendment at the committee relating to accommodation provider costs stating that they 'may only retain money under this rebate scheme for three years' and providing more details on penalties if they don't pay. The amendment was rejected by Labour, the SNP and a Conservative councillor. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
‘You wouldn't risk the lives of cute Labradors,' campaigners demand greyhound race ban
The whole of the UK needs to come together, say campaigners. Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A GREYHOUND rescuer has called on the Scottish Government to follow Wales' footsteps in banning 'horror' races. Activists want a nationwide axe on such events after 109 greyhounds died trackside and a further 4,238 were injured according to the last official UK figures in 2023. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell with former racing greyhounds outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. Credit: PA 4 Lorraine Baker who runs the Scottish Greyhound Sanctuary. Credit: Supplied 4 Racing can cause catastrophic injuries. Credit: Getty 4 They make brilliant pets when rescued. Credit: Getty It was announced in February the sport would be banned 'as soon as practically possible' in Wales after a mass petition led to a decision to outlaw the practice. Now campaigners in Scotland have called on decision-makers to curb what they view as barbaric animal cruelty — a stance backed by Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell who lodged a members bill in parliament proposing a ban last month. Lorraine Baker, who runs the Scottish Greyhound Sanctuary, told us: 'Apparently we're a nation of dog lovers — unless it's a greyhound. If you took six Labradors and put them on a greyhound track with some food at the end, one of them would win. 'But nobody would think it's ok. For some reason it's different with greyhounds. 'The racing has only been happening for about 100 years and if you go back further than that it didn't exist. 'So it's a relatively short term aberration that needs to be ended.' Thornton Stadium in Kirkcaldy was the only operating track in Scotland in recent years. It closed until further notice in March, citing difficulties with finding a betting partner and concerns about the proposed ban. Meanwhile Shawfield, in Rutherglen, ceased operating in 2020 after 15 deaths and 197 injuries to greyhounds in the preceding three years. There were once more than 20 tracks in Scotland but the sport's popularity has dwindled since the middle of the 20th century. Has greyhound racing gone to the dogs? But it's understood there are still 19 licenced stadia across the UK and that Scottish dogs are often taken to England to race on weekends. Lorraine has saved greyhounds with catastrophic injuries and believes the only way to ensure their safety would be a UK-wide ban. She said: 'The impetus for it has gained momentum. I've been involved for 15 years and when I started there was not a great call for a ban. 'But anyone who works in rescue knows it's an unsustainable position. Racing dogs are the most needy. 'They haven't been socialised, 90 per cent are born in kennels. They've been through so much yet are often the easiest dogs to adapt to a new home. 'I think that's because they know they've been rescued and are happy to jump on the couch because they didn't have it before. 'Many dogs are injured and [it's worse] when they die. They often have heart attacks and broken necks. The injuries can be catastrophic.' Gill Docherty, of campaign group Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation, spent years protesting outside Thornton and other tracks. Her petition for a ban in 2019 was the most signed in Scottish parliamentary history with nearly 30,000 signatures. She said: 'We've been campaigning since 2017, when Shawfield stadium in Glasgow was still operating and had 15 positive drug tests. 'The level of death and injury on UK tracks was wholly unacceptable and our team are all hound owners and rescuers so we know how gentle this breed is, and how loving they are. 'There is no purpose to greyhound racing other than entertainment and gambling and for dogs to have to die for that is appalling.' If passed, Ruskell's Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill would create an offence of permitting a greyhound to compete at racetracks, with a maximum sentence of up to five years. The Greyhound Board of Great Britain said the bill had 'no relevance' to Scotland as no licenced racing was presently taking place. But Lorraine reckons Scotland joining Wales in enforcing a ban could force England — where Scottish dogs are allegedly still racing — to follow suit. She said: 'We need an outright ban across the UK. A majority want it banned and the polls seem to indicate that.' Ruskell agrees. He added: 'We are a nation who pride ourselves on being at the forefront of progressive fundamental rights, and that should extend to our dogs. 'We must end racing forever. Gambling on the lives of dogs is cruel, outdated and never worth it, and I urge my fellow Parliamentarians and our Government to back my Bill and give greyhounds a better life. 'The Welsh Government has shown that a ban is possible. It's time to follow suit and put paws before profit.'
