Article

RELEASE: Gove admits post Brexit chaos “not just teething problems”

Article, EU / Brexit / By

Commenting on Michael Gove’s admission that post Brexit trade issues are not just “teething problems” but “significant issues” that could risk livelihoods, the SNP’s newly appointed International Trade spokesperson, Drew Hendry MP, said: “After a month of the Tory government insisting that the huge issues exporters and hauliers have faced at the border are just …

RELEASE: Gove admits post Brexit chaos “not just teething problems” Read More »

protect jobs

Two simple priorities; protect people, protect jobs

Article, Business, COVID 19, Economy / By

For Government, there should be two simple priorities during this pandemic; the first is to protect people in our communities by preventing the virus from spreading, the second is to protect jobs and livelihoods. Healthy communities need as close to full employment as possible, not just because families need to put food on the table, …

Two simple priorities; protect people, protect jobs Read More »

gigabit

Bank Closures: a low blow to communities still trying to cope with COVID

Article, Community / By

What are people to make of the banks? The TSB’s announcement that it intends to close 73 branches, including Nairn and Grantown-on-Spey, is a low blow to communities still trying to cope with COVID. They offered the excuse that ‘consumer habits are changing’ and they must respond – yes its that old chestnut again. Over …

Bank Closures: a low blow to communities still trying to cope with COVID Read More »

gigabit

Internal market Bill breaks international law

Article, EU / Brexit, In Parliament / By

UK Government aims to break international law and devolution When the UK Government’s Internal Market Bill was launched, an establishment newspaper in Scotland called it a day of national shame and infamy. It was right. With malice aforethought, the UK Government are breaking international law. In a “specific and limited way” is how the Prime …

Internal market Bill breaks international law Read More »

gigabit

Time Is Running Out To Save Thousands Of Jobs

Article, COVID 19, Economy, Independence / By

Time is running out to save thousands of jobs as the Chancellor seems intent on pursuing his reckless plan to scrap the furlough scheme next month. We have not heard a single plausible argument for ending this support, and along with my SNP colleagues, the business community and leading economists, I’m urging him and the Treasury …

Time Is Running Out To Save Thousands Of Jobs Read More »

gigabit

It’s heart-warming to see those kept apart from loved ones getting together

Article, Community, COVID 19 / By

As Covid-19 restrictions gradually lift, it’s heart-warming to see those kept apart from loved ones getting together, especially children, who are now able to play and socialise freely. I even got to hold my new grandson – a moment made more special after the long wait, and I’m grateful for the many, many good wishes …

It’s heart-warming to see those kept apart from loved ones getting together Read More »

gigabit

Tourism businesses can start getting back to business

Article, COVID 19, Tourism / By

I know I am not alone in welcoming my colleague Fergus Ewing’s announcement that tourism businesses can start getting back to business from mid-July. To protect health services and save lives, we’ve been telling people to stay away from the Highlands and finally, we are starting to see our sacrifices pay off as lockdown eases. …

Tourism businesses can start getting back to business Read More »