Author: admin

Hyslop Condemns Tory Benefit Caps Affecting 268 Households in West Lothian Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has criticised the heartless UK Government cuts that is driving child poverty and dependence on foodbanks in West Lothian. Hundreds of West Lothian families have seen their incomes cut by the Conservative Government benefit cap, new figures have revealed – with 169 out of the 268 households affected being single parent families. Fiona said, “It is devastating to see the impact Tory austerity is having on hundreds of families across West Lothian and I am pleased that Britain’s biggest foodbank charity has called on the UK Government to halt the roll-out of Universal Credit as foodbank use in Scotland is up by 15% on this time last year. “It is simply unacceptable…

Hyslop Backs Plans for Inclusive Education Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has given her backing to proposals that will deliver a more inclusive education system by improving the experiences of LGBTI pupils. Scotland’s Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary, John Swinney MSP, has confirmed that the Scottish Government will fully accept the recommendations of a report by the LGBTI Inclusive Education Working Group, who were tasked with taking the TIE pledges forward. Commenting, Fiona said; “Today marks a historic milestone in the ongoing drive for equality across Scotland and I am proud that Scotland consistently tops international rankings for performance on LGBTI rights. “Offensive, out-dated views have no place in our society and the Scottish Government is clear that any form of bullying or discrimination in our society…

Hyslop Welcomes St Kentigern’s Academy Students to Parliament Fiona Hyslop MSP for Linlithgow has met with senior pupils from St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn when they visited the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday (7th November). (see photo) Fiona said, “I am always delighted to meet with the students when they visit Holyrood. The St Kentigern’s Academy S6 students had some very topical and intelligent questions and a clear interest in both national and international politics. It was a pleasure to meet them. “We have a fantastic outreach programme at the Scottish Parliament and I am pleased that so many local schools are taking advantage of this.”  

Hyslop Welcomes 88,860 Euro rise in Erasmus+ Funding Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the rise in funding for the Erasmus+ EU Programme to the tune of 88,860 Euros, approximately £78,169, for the Linlithgow Constituency alone. Erasmus+, the European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport is delivered in the UK through a partnership between the British Council and Ecorys UK. Fiona commented, “I am pleased to see this funding increase for Erasmus+, the European Union programme as it demonstrates a huge appetite across West Lothian’s education, youth and voluntary sectors for international exchange, collaboration and partnership. “This clearly shows the importance of EU funding and how schools in my constituency have benefitted through 88,860 Euros in funding in 2018 and I would like to pass on my…

Hyslop Welcomes CAA Decision to Reject Airspace Changes at Edinburgh Airport Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop welcomes the news that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has rejected Edinburgh Airport’s plans to make airspace changes. Fiona has long campaigned on behalf of her constituents for Edinburgh Airport to respond to the numerous complaints and concerns of local residents in relation to noise pollution and community engagement. She has also been very active in representing constituents’ views on the proposed airspace changes. Fiona commented, “Having worked on this issue representing my constituents for some years now, I very much welcome the CAA’s decision and I know that this will be a relief to local residents.  “The consultation survey Edinburgh Airport put out in summer 2017 clearly showed that more than half of…

Hyslop Supports EU Single Market and Customs Union Membership West Lothian will Lose out on £666million investment after Brexit A new publicly accessible database has laid bare the financial impact that leaving the EU will have on areas around the UK, the Lothians facing losses to funding of over £666million. Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has said the only way to avoid this is to remain in the single market and customs union.                        The figures show that the EU has invested over £666million across the Lothians including over £81million support for employment and the economy. Last week, the SNP announced that up to £18 million of European cash would be used by the Scottish Government to set up…

Hyslop Raises Awareness for Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning SNP MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop held a Coffee Morning in her local Office in Whitburn on Friday 28th September to raise awareness and funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Fiona said: “I am aware that I have many constituents who have had personal experiences with Cancer and been involved with the charity in the past and I am grateful to those who came along to our Coffee Morning to help raise money and awareness for this important cause. “The West Lothian Macmillan Advice Team do an excellent job providing information and support not only to cancer patients but also to their family and carers. “Having a cup of coffee and chat with someone affected by cancer can be a great support…

Hyslop Welcomes Health Secretary’s Commitment to St John’s Hospital Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the statement made in Parliament today on St John’s Hospital by the new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Jeane Freeman which showed a clear commitment to progressing the report by the Royal College Paediatrics and Children’s Health. Fiona said, “I very much welcome the commitment from the Health Secretary to the reinstatement of 24/7 children’s services at St John’s Hospital. “The Health Secretary reemphasised her dedication to progressing towards the Royal College’s recommendation for a safe and sustainable 24/7 children services and told the chamber that the Health Board has set out a number of milestones for a reinstatement of the service with the aim of having the service back on a sustainable…

Ministerial Statement on St John's Hospital  - Scottish Parliament Thursday, 27th September 2.30pm   The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport (Jeane Freeman): I am grateful for the opportunity to update members about progress on provision of paediatric services at St John’s hospital in Livingston. I emphasise my commitment to St John’s, and recognise the excellence and dedication of the staff who work there in caring for and serving patients and families in the surrounding communities. It is important to say why an interim service model for the in-patient paediatric ward at St John’s hospital has been implemented. In July 2017, the Scottish Government was advised by NHS Lothian that staffing levels were fragile and that there would be no backup available if a member of staff were to be…

Hyslop Marks Launch of Global Fair Trade Charter at Holyrood Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop gave a keynote speech at the Scottish Parliament in her capacity as External Affairs Secretary on Tuesday, 25th September to mark global launch of the International Fair Trade Charter. Fiona said, “I was delighted to speak at the global launch of the International Fair Trade charter at the Scottish Parliament and mark this wonderful occasional – an occasion where campaigners on five continents gather together to shine a light on the Fairtrade movement addressing global challenges of equality gender rights and climate change. “I know there are many Fairtrade groups and organisations in my constituency committed to buying and promoting Fairtrade products and I have been invited to support events by Fairtrade groups in Whitburn,…