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SNP MSP for Lothians, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the First Minister’s launch of the public consultation on draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill and is urging the people of West Lothian to vote in favour of Scotland’s constitutional future. Plans to give the people of Scotland their say on the nation's future – including enhanced devolution, and extending the powers of the Parliament to enable independence to be achieved – were unveiled today with the publication of a draft Referendum Bill.[1] Commenting, Ms Hyslop said: “I believe that every Scot has right to have their say on the future of Scotland and the powers we hold. “A People's Parliament should never seek to shut the people out, but to engage and involve them in every important decision that is made. “I understand…

Fiona Hyslop MSP for Lothians today welcomed the result of the Scottish Parliamentary vote on the Scottish budget as a huge victory for the people of Scotland and especially for West Lothian as it secured funding to give West Lothian Council the means to freeze council tax for the third year in a row, saving £141 per family. The budget has also secured £2 million funding to support a boiler scrappage scheme on top of the £60 million which has already been invested in the Energy Assistance Package to tackle fuel poverty in Scotland. Welcoming the budget, Ms Hyslop said: "In these tough times this is good news for the people of West Lothian. With many people facing Labour's recession, this £141 is a saving that will help people in…

At a briefing session for MSPs at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, Fiona Hyslop MSP for Lothians has said she will be dressed in red on Thursday (4th Feb) to highlight her support for the people of Haiti. Jerry McLaughlin, chair of the Disasters Emergency Committee, Adil Husseini, Islamic Relief Worker and Judith Robertson from Oxfam also spoke at the meeting. After the meeting, Ms Hyslop said: “The aftermath of the Haiti Earthquake has been truly devastating and we have all seen the scale of this disaster. “However the situation on the ground in Port-au-Prince is improving and it is important to recognise the continuing support that the people of West Lothian and Scotland as a whole have provided for those in need in Haiti. “Nationally, we have donated over…

Fiona Hyslop has written to the winners of the West Lothian Courier’s ‘Big Freeze Heroes’ Competition to congratulate their efforts during our worst winter since 1963. Ms Hyslop said: “Living in Linlithgow, I know the level of sustained snowfall over the festive period presented challenges to us all. “I was pleased to see that there were so many residents helping out their neighbours and would like to pay tribute to the many unsung heroes who did their best to keep roads and vital routes clear and safe for the people across West Lothian. “I have written to the winner of the Courier’s competition to offer my personal thanks for the kindness and consideration they have shown towards their community.”

Lothians MSP Fiona Hyslop has today (Wednesday) urged people across West Lothian to respond to the current cold weather by looking out for vulnerable people in their communities. Ms Hyslop said: “Although gritters have been working at full capacity, the cold snap is due to continue for the next week at least and the Council and emergency services will be at full stretch trying to keep major routes open and attend to the most pressing emergencies. “Living in Linlithgow, I know the level of sustained snowfall over three weeks  has presented challenges to us all and I can understand the frustration among constituents, but while the difficult weather persists, I would urge local residents to be good neighbours particularly by offering to pick up items at the shops for older…

SNP MSP for Lothians, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the news that West Lothian schools will see a share of £425,000 invested in their Eco Schools Programme. Increased support for Scotland's Eco Schools Programme has been announced on Wednesday, 9th December by the Minister for Schools and Skills, providing £425,000 to Keep Scotland Beautiful for the period 2010-11. Ms Hyslop said: “This is fantastic news for the schools of West Lothian. 55 of our regions schools are Eco Schools, with some even achieving green flag status – the highest award under the International Eco School Programme. “This funding will allow pupils throughout West Lothian to further embrace the benefits of an environmentally friendly school. “Scotland is a leading country within the Eco-Schools movement and I am delighted that pupils across West…