Christmas Message

Scotland's First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond sends his Christmas wishes to the people of Scotland in his Christmas message:

"It is important at Christmas time to extend our grateful thanks to all those who work year-round to help meet the challenges faced by Scotland and the wider world.

"In tough times, the Year of Homecoming delivered a much-needed boost for Scottish tourism and the wider economy.

"And as environmental issues become ever more pressing, Scotland's Parliament united across the parties to pass a world-leading Climate Change Act.

"As we celebrate Christmas and look to a new year, Scotland must continue to support economic recovery at home and meet our commitments abroad.

"We pay tribute to the dedicated staff of our emergency and armed services, who work tirelessly and serve over the holiday period, as they do the whole year round.

"Christmas is an opportunity to consider the past as well as what the future holds, to spend valuable time with friends and loved ones, and to consider those less fortunate than ourselves.

"On behalf of the Scottish Government, I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas."

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP MYP

Merry Christmas

I would just like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2010.Have a good one,

Austin.





Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP MYP

Manifesto Progress report

Manifesto Progress report:


Quote:
I think that what Glasgow Govan needs is more youth facilities for young people to use preferably free entry and if there is a charge I would push for it to be a nominal charge (young Scot cards could be used for discounts).

Delivered, by putting pressure on the CCP and CRG to keep providing funding for more youth facilities.

Quote:
If I’m elected to be MSYP for Glasgow Govan I would make sure I worked with local high schools so that I can hear as many young persons views as possible and act on them to the best of my ability. I would do this by having regular contact with student councils and other groups within the Schools. I would also work with local youth groups and take part in panel groups like Yspeak so that I can take more ideas forward at a local level.

Delivered, however I am well aware that not all Schools are as helpful as others when it comes to this.

Quote:
I would also work towards keeping local bus fares low for local School pupils. If elected I would like to work with local councillors and the local MSP and MP’s to make sure that all young people get the better deal. I would also hope to work towards improving transport services in the local area to create easy accessible and affordable transport.

Delivered, Bus fairs have been capped Glasgow wide for young people under 16 and 1/3rd off has been introduced nationwide for all under 26years old. The 189/289 service saved for the pupils of Govan High School after putting pressure on MSP, Cllrs and SPT to provide the service.

Quote:
I would also take part in the current SYP campaign “Being young is not a crime” so that we can as a nation try and stop the media portraying young people in a negative way. Young people are the future and we need to make sure we have a positive start when entering adult life.

Delivered

Quote:
I would also like to become a member of the UK youth parliament (MYP) so that I can represent Scotland on a UK level. I believe that Scottish MYPs have struggled to level with issues that affect Scotland on the UKYP table. I would like to help work towards representing Scotland and raising Scottish and UK wide issues with UKYP.

Delivered

Quote:
I think that all people under the age of 21 in full time education should have free bus travel and discounted rail and ferry travel so that its easy to access other parts of Scotland.

Part delivered (ongoing), All under 26 get 1/3rd off Bus and train travel and Islanders also get discount of ferry travel. Due to the recession and the 500 Million cut to Scotland's budget by Westminster having it free is unrealistic at this moment in time.

Quote:
I also believe that Scotland should become an Independent sovereign nation while maintaining a social union with the rest of the UK. I think the question of Independence should be put forward to the new MSYPs when elected and a referendum on Scottish Independence for the young people of Scotland.

Part delivered (ongoing)

I have 10 Manifesto commitments and so far 5 commitments have been meet and 2 part delivered that still need work and that leaves a remainder of 3 still to work on, I think thats a record to be proud of in my first 6 months in Office.

If you have any qustions for me please e-mail me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk and I will get back to you in good time,

Regards

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
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This Article can be found at: http://www.austinmsyp.co.nr/ (Blog Section

Govan High School Christmas Fair a success!

I attended the Christmas fair Yesterday (18/12/09) at Govan High School. As the constituency MSYP I was invited for tea and biscuits and able to catch up with some of my constituents.

The School put on a fantastic Christmas show which everyone appeared to enjoy, this was something to enjoy while browsing the many stalls or while having a tea or coffee. The School has many talented pupils and is set to celebrate its centenary on the 12 of February 2010.

The School had invited residents from the local old folks home which I thought was a very nice gesture. The OAPs enjoyed the show and were glad of the company.

I had also donated a Christmas Cake (homemade by one of my Aunts) to raffle off. it raised over £60 for the School and was won by a Teacher who donated it to the old folks home. I would like to thank him for his kindness. I would also like to thank the School for inviting me and I look forward to future events.

If you would like to contact me you can do so using this e-mail address: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk and I will get back to you in good time.

Best Regards
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
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This Article can be found at: www.AustinMSYP.co.nr (Blog Section)

Smithycroft Secondary School Show

Tonight (16/12/09), Keenan Alexander MYP for Glasgow North East and I attended the Smithycroft Christmas Show.

We held a raffle in order to raise money for our Glasgow MSYPs Malawi trip. We managed to raise over £300 !! We also auctioned a bottle of malt whisky which raised £65.

It was a fantastic night and thanks to everyone who either donated a prize or bought a ticket.

Regards,

If you have any questions please contact me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

Posted by Austin Sheridan MYP MSYP
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You can find this article at: www.austinmsyp.co.nr in my blog section

Austin Sheridan MSYP Supports Green Movement in Iran

On the 7th of December it was the Iranian Students day, on this day the students of more than 200 universities in more than 50 cities in Iran took to the streets demanding their rights for free thought, free expression and democratic governance of their country. I Austin Sheridan MSYP have now come out in support of the brave and unwavering students and people of Iran in their call for freedom and democracy.

This was demonstrated by a street protest in Glasgow City Centre to show our support for the people who want to change Iran for the better. It was a great learning experience to meet people from Iran and listen to what appears to be an uphill struggle for something that we take for granted in Scotland. In my view Freedom and Democracy is a basic human right not to be denied.

I joined this protest as I support the following statement:

"By joining us yo will confirm that the internationally recognised Human Rights are the rights of all citizens of the World, and you will show to the people and particularly to the students of Iran that they are not alone in their struggle for freedom and demand for human rights."

I don't think thats too much to ask and I urge all people to please recerch this and show your support. If you need anymore infrmation regarding the Green Movement you can contact the Free Iran Group Glasgow at: freeiranglasgow@googlemail.com

If you have any questions for me please contact me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
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This article can be found at: www.AustinMSYP.co.nr in the blog section

HOC UKYP Scotland

On the 30th October 2009 Members of the UK Youth Parliament from across the country meet in the House of Commons, this was the first time the Commons has ever opened its doors to an outside organisation. I was one of the lucky ones who attended the debate however it was point out that Scotland may have got a raw deal.

Only 6 Scottish MYPs were selected to speak out of 109 other MYPs who spoke, other MYPs and the Speaker on some occasions was referring to Scotland as a region not a nation. This was pointed out by point of orders by Scottish MYPs saying that we should have had more of a say in the UK wide issues as the first 3 debates were only relevant to England & Wales.

I was lobbying for the votes at 16 to be voted as the campigan on the grounds that it was UK wide and Scotland would be able to take part. If it was an English & Welsh only issue I warned that Scotland will have to reconsider its involvement with UKYP if it continues to be dominated by English only issues.

Now that the UK Youth Parliament has chosen to work on a UK wide issue this is a huge break through for Scotland within UKYP and I would say a start of a new and fruitful relationship where Scotland can be involved heavily.

The Scottish Youth Parliament voted for votes at 16 in June, this is something that UKYP & SYP can work jointly on and I will be encouraging this.

If you have any questions for me please e-mail me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk



Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP

Peterhead Sitting

You can get married, join the army and be taxed when you’re 16, so why can’t you vote? At our September Sitting in Aberdeenshire, MSYPs got to work on our latest national campaign to press the Scottish and UK Governments to lower the voting age.

But before we get to the situation where 16 and 17 year olds can have a say in who represents them in Parliament, there’s work to be done on re-engaging young people in the political process. The amount of young people who take part in elections have fallen over the past few years, so we set about coming up with ideas on how young people can be right at the heart of the civic participation.

In his first full Sitting as SYP Chair, Derek Couper MSYP introduced our interactive discussion on “Participation, Citizenship and the road to Votes at 16”, with some help from Secretary of State for Scotland Jim Murphy via video link! MSYPs armed with cards and Pritt Stik got busy thinking up great ideas on how young people can be encouraged to get involved in their communities and educated about the democratic process.

Groups of MSYPs each came up with a 10-point “Participation Charter” including recommendations such as jargon-free communication and well-resourced youth councils. We’ll be using the results to help the Scottish and UK Governments as well as local authorities make plans to engage young people – by letting them know what young people themselves think should be done!

Our campaign for Votes at 16 itself is hotting up, and in the next few weeks, MSYPs will tell MPs and MSPs why they should be given the vote. The politicians will be presented with a mini-ballot box with a message from an individual MSYP, created with care and passion at the Sitting. Over 120 completed ballot boxes were quite a sight – we’re sure they’ll be the talk of Westminster and Holyrood when they pop out of mailbags! MSYPs also found time to create a banner for the “Gude Cause” march that will be heading through Edinburgh in early October.

MSYPs also had a chance to learn about engagement and rights with help from the SYP’s ground-breaking partnership project Roars not Whispers, as well as sharing the views of young people they represent with Young Scot’s Alcohol Commission.

A sunny Sunday on Scotland’s northern coast saw some hot discussions on a number of issues raised as Members Motions – issues that individual MSYPs care about. Well-informed and well-argued points on both sides of the argument took place on whether “large companies should be obliged to consider the social consequences of factory closures and the devastating effect that these can have on local economies”, proposed by East Ayrshire MSYPs Lesley Baird and Mark Rodger in the wake of the closure of the Johnnie Walker factory in Kilmarnock that will have a huge impact on their hometown. After a fascinating discussion on what big companies should have responsibility for, the motion was defeated with 56% of MSYPs in disagreement.

Individual MSYPs also came to the Sitting seeking the SYP’s supports for campaigns close to their heart, and weren’t disappointed! Austin Sheridan MSYP argued the case for a change in the law to allow the deaths of Scots abroad to be investigated here, in support of his fellow MSYP Kenny Faulds’ high-profile “Colin Love Petition”. An overwhelming 91% of MSYPs voted in favour of lending the support of the Scottish Youth Parliament to the campaign.

Quarriers MSYP Becky Docherty introduced a powerful film that young people from the organisation had put together to highlight the many issues that young people who become homeless face. This issue, which is one close to the heart of many MSYPs, moved one to declare that it was “the best film I’ve seen all year” and it was no surprise that 95% of MSYPs voted to throw the SYP’s weight behind the campaign.

It wasn’t all work and no play however, as MSYPs had the chance to show off their singing, dancing and comedy skills at “SYP’s Got Talent” as part of our Saturday evening entertainment. Chimuka Nyamutale MSYP fought off fierce competition to win, with his impressive breakdancing skills wowing his fellow members. Chimmy wasn’t the only one on the dancefloor, as our “Hedfone Party” got MSYPs up off their chairs later in the evening.

The SYP’s wee trip to the north was memorable, passionate and productive – just what you’d expect from an SYP Sitting! The weekend gave MSYPs the chance to share their views and those of young people from the length and breadth of Scotland in an environment designed to let them do it.

Posted by Scottish Youth Parliament
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This article can be found at: http://austinactive.yolasite.com/blog.php

91% of SYP support the Colin Love Motion

91% of the Scottish Youth Parliament support the Colin Love campaign to change Scots Law to allow the Crown Office to launch enquiries into deaths abroad. Dr Kenny Faulds MSYP was meant to take the motion forward to the SYP however he was unable to attend the sitting so I decided to take the motion forward in my name as I felt that this was an extremely important issue.

I would like to thank everyone for their support and also give a big thank you to all the MSYPs who supported the motion.

If you have any questions please contact me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

Colin Love website: http://www.colinlove.net/

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
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This article can be found at: http://austinactive.yolasite.com/blog.php

SNP want votes at 16 for Independence Refrendum

The end of this month the Scottish Youth Parliament are going to be debating on votes at 16 and how we as a youth voice want to take this argument forward, however the SNP Administration in Holyrood have already started the debate by saying that 16 and 17 year olds should be allowed to vote in the Scottish referendum on Independence which has been proposed for 2010.

Read more below

.The Scottish government has announced plans for 16 and 17-year-olds to be able to vote in its planned 2010 independence referendum.

SNP ministers said they wanted to give the widest number of people a say on the nation's constitutional future.

But Labour has dismissed the move as a cynical attempt to keep the independence debate going.

In the longer term, the Scottish government wants to lower the voting age from 18 for all elections.

It is an often-quoted phrase that, at the age of 16, you can get married and join the Army.

This referendum's about Scotland's future - young people are Scotland's future

Linda Fabiani SNP MSP

Lowering the voting age is a long-standing SNP policy, and Nationalist MSP Linda Fabiani told BBC Scotland's Politics Show the referendum would be an ideal opportunity to demonstrate the party's case.

She said: "We have young people in this country who really are in tune with politics, they are entitled to get married, they pay taxes, why can't they vote?

"This referendum's about Scotland's future - these young people are Scotland's future, so, to me, it's perfectly logical, perfectly right they should be asked to vote in this referendum."

'Real business'

But Pauline McNeill, the Labour MSP, said lowering the voting age was an important issue.

But she argued: "The fact that the SNP are proposing it for their referendum, which would account for an additional 3% of those who voted, we believe is a cynical attempt by the SNP to keep this referendum issue going.

"We, once again, call on the SNP to get on with the real business of government."

There is a school of thought that most 16 and 17-year-olds would support independence - but both Ms Fabiani and Ms McNeill moved away from this theory.

"Anyone who tries to make an assumption about what 16 or 17-year-olds will do is downgrading our young people," said Ms Fabiani.

The Scottish government has already lowered the voting age to 16 in its pilot health board elections next year in Dumfries and Galloway and Fife.

But younger teenagers may have to wait a bit longer before getting the chance to vote in an independence referendum - the SNP still lacks enough parliamentary support to hold it.

I have always supported lowering the voting age to 16, I support the Scottish Government on this important issue.

If you have any questions you can e-mail me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP

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This article can be found at: www.austinactive.yolasite.com/blog.php

Glasgow MSYP Press release 09/09/09

The Death of Colin Love sparks Glasgow Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament to call for change in Scots Law with Colin’s Family.

Dr Kenneth Faulds MSYP “ “The death of a child is an unbearable sorrow that no parent should ever have to endure.”

“Politics can sometimes divide us, but there is a common human bond that unites us in sympathy and compassion in times of trial and in support for each other, at times of grief”

The above quotes are from Prime Minister- Gordon Brown, following the sad death of David Cameron's son Ivan at the age of six.

Julie Love is a courageous woman; she looked forward to the future, sharing a life with Colin and his family of choice. She cannot imagine, nor did she contemplate, his death at an early age as some mothers have to face.

No mother wants to see the death of their child. Most parents pass away before their child leaving a legacy of Love and Memories, hopefully wisdom, to help that child grow into adulthood and raise their own child/children.

The Colin Love petition fights for something that the ordinary Scottish family deserve. It is not a luxury nor is it a condiment or courtesy but it is a basic human right.

Colin’s petition calls for a change in the law, an anomaly in our robust legal system. When a Scottish person dies abroad and is returned home. We are buried or cremated with no questions asked.

However, we want what English people have and that is for our Crown Office to have the discretion to make one of the two decisions regarding a death abroad:

1. There has been a full robust judicial inquiry in the country of death that I feel has answered every question therefore we will not be holding one here.

2. I believe that there was insufficient answers and there wasn’t a robust judicial inquiry into the death of said person in the country of death and therefore I think it is imperative that we investigate this matter and if need be apply to the sheriff to hold a FAI.

The launch of this petition marks the beginning of an incredible journey, one part of a plethora of things to come in Colin’s name. We know that the petition won’t stop people drowning in Margarita Island and that’s why Julie is setting up a charity in Colin’s name to try and prevent deaths on that beach.”


We have has growing support from people like Alan Carr, Shaun Connery, Billy Connolly, Bill Aiken MSP, Frank McAveety MSP. And the Glasgow MSYP Group who voted unanimously to support the petition .

Austin Sheridan MSYP for Glasgow Govan and Vice Chairman of the Glasgow MSYP Group said “I was very saddened when I heard the story about how Colin Love died, A death of a close family member is tragic but it is worse when you don’t know: why, when, where or how. It is not only frustrating that somewhere, someplace some undeserving person is in possession of these answers but won’t give them up.”

Austin Sheridan MSYP has also contacted First Minister Alex Salmond MSP MP and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP calling for them to rally behind the campaign that would help so many Scottish families and friends get the answers they deserve when a loved one dies aboard.


By Austin Sheridan MSYP on behalf of the Glasgow MSYP Group

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Background Information.

Section 1 of the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths (Scotland) Act 1976 excludes the operation of the Act from deaths furth of Scotland. This contrasts with the situation in England, where section 8 of the Coroners Act 1988 provides that the coroner must hold an inquiry where the final resting place of a repatriated body is England.

This lacuna in the law has meant that the sudden or unexpected death abroad of an English civilian will automatically trigger a coroner's inquiry upon the return of the corpse. This is in addition to any inquiry that may have taken place in the country in which the person died. Where there has been a robust inquiry already, it is arguable that the English system leads to wasteful reduplication. However, where there has been no such inquiry, the coroner plays a vital role.

In contrast, due to the operation of the 1976 Act, the sudden death of a person from Scotland in very many developing countries will never be the subject of a judicial inquiry. This situation is potentially dangerous for Scottish people abroad. The Scottish Government has a duty of care to ensure that the deaths of people from Scotland do not go uninvestigated and that families receive justice. At present, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service does not know how many people from Scotland have died abroad in recent years. This is disquieting.

Accordingly, my submission is that the 1976 Act ought to be amended to oblige the procurator fiscal of an individual's district of domicile to investigate the circumstances of a sudden or unexpected death abroad and to apply to the sheriff to hold a fatal accident inquiry unless he/she is satisfied that the matter has already been fully investigated by competent judicial authorities.

This issue came to my attention when a close friend of mine - Colin Love, 23, from Glasgow drowned while he was on a cruise when it docked in Margarita Island in the province of Venezuela. His mother, Julie, and the rest of her family were dismayed to discover that there would be no judicial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Colins death. Colins family feel that he deserves at least this much. Like many young people with a life ahead of him in Scotland, Colin was embracing a chance that had been offered to him to travel abroad. He was using his trip to reflect on where he wanted to go in life. This tragedy has taken Colins life and blighted those of his family. The Scottish legal system should have afforded them the right to a judicial inquiry and the prospect of closure that that would bring.

I researched the issue further and discovered that the UK Government, with the permission of the Scottish Parliament, has put into place legislation that would require the COPFS to hold a fatal accident inquiry into the deaths of service personnel abroad. This is an important step forward but it does not help people in the same situation as Colins family.

Dr Kenneth Faulds MSYP and Julie Love (Colin’s Mum) launched the campaign.

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP on behalf of the Glasgow MSYP Group

Kenny's petition may change Scots law

Glasgow Shettleston MSYP Dr Kenneth Faulds this week launched a high-profile campaign which might close a loophole in Scots law and help families who have lost relatives in tragic circumstances.

Kenny's friend Colin Love drowned whilst on holiday in Venezuela, but was denied an inquiry in Scotland, as such incidents abroad can only be investigated in England.

On Tuesday, Kenny together with Colin's family, launched a petition to urge the Scottish Parliament to change the law to introduce coroner's inquests, which would allow the truth about tragic incidents to be uncovered. He'll be presenting the issue to MSYPs at the September Sitting to give the SYP a chance to back his bid, so you'll (MSYPs) have the chance to debate the issue very soon. In the meantime, the Glasgow Evening Times ran a story about the campaign this week.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/search..._scots_law.php

I am in full support of this campaign and I will be backing this by using my vote within the SYP to back the bid to change Scot's Law to allow Scotland to launch enquires. I would like to urge all other MSYPs to back this. If you think this is a good cause why not get in contact with your constituent MSYPs and ask him or her to support this. The more support we get for this the better!

If you do not have an MSYP or you can not find contact details for them then please send me an e-mail to show your support as I will be able to take this forward to the SYP in the debate. Every e-mail counts!

Please sign the petition to show your support too

http://epetitions.scottish.parliament.uk/view_petition.asp?PetitionID=344

Well done Kenny and I hope that you get the support of the full SYP.If you need to contact me please

e-mail me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
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This article can be found at: http://austinactive.yolasite.com/blog.php

Hardeep says heroin is better than alcohol

I attend the Edinburgh international book festival as a "Scottish Youth Debate" which was set up by the Scottish Youth Parliament and other organisations to discuss the youth of Scotland and where they fit in to the future of Scotland. The issue of Scotland's relationship with alcohol was brought up by Hardeep Singh Kohli who is a former TV presenter for the BBC show called the "One Show". He voiced views on how Alcohol should be taken off the supermarket shelves and how prices should be put up. He also went on to say that heroin should be make legal as the statistics show that less people are harmed by the drug. I was outraged at his views, Glasgow has a problem with heroin users and I can tell you that from personal experience that it is a much larger problem. People who take heroin will mug people no matter who you are, old and young. I said "Our European cousins have the right idea by having a relaxed attitude to alcohol. I think that Scotland would benefit from a relaxed attitude as this would educate young people that alcohol can be enjoyed socially". He too this statement personal and said "the statistics show that less people are affected by heroin" he then went on to say, "your views are stupid and you should get a train ticket to the real world" I said "the only reason less people are affected by heroin is due to less people using the drug, I am not denying that Scotland has a problem with alcohol, but I don't agree that raising the prices and banning supermarkets from selling it is going to help the problem". I was shocked and offended that he made things personal. I could have raised about how he was suspended from the One Show for sexually harassing a female college, but I decided that I was better than that. I personally think it was rich for him to tell me to get a train ticket to the "real world" with his track record!, however on a better note the event went really well and was a great success, people from all over the world attend including people from the USA and New Zealand.If you have any questions please e-mail me at:

austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
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This article can be found at: http://austinactive.yolasite.com/blog.php

Scottish Government release Al-Megrahi

Yes the Scottish Government have decided to let Al-Megrahi (commonly known as the Lockerbie bomber) out of prison on compassionate grounds due to his illness. Al-Megrahi has been told after taking medical advice it was expected that three months was a "reasonable estimate" of the time Megrahi had left to live.

Kenny MacAskill decided after hearing the views of victims and doctors that it would be reasonable to release Mr Megrahi and let him return to Libya, but with conditions set by the Scottish Government.

My personal view on the matter is that I think it shows that Scotland has compassion were needed, the US said that they would not be happy if the Scottish Government made the decision to release Mr Megrahi. This shows that the Scottish Government will not be dictated to by a superpower like the US.

I do think that there should be a public enquiry into the bombing as it would be almost if not impossible for one man to blow up the type of plane that exploded over Lockerbie, questions still have to be answered in my view and until that happens we will never know what really happened on that sad and tragic day, the only think I am sure of is that Mr Megrahi was not the only person involved.

I am personally okay with Mr Megrahi being sent home to die, what benefit would be get out of him dieing in a Scottish prison?

I respect the Scottish Law system and I think that they were right to send Mr Megrahi to Prison, however I fully support his release on compassionate grounds, mainly because I believe that he was not the only person involved.

If you have any questions for me please contact me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
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This article can be found at: http://austinactive.yolasite.com/blog.php

Glasgow Fair Vigil for Jailed Gambian Journalists

Glasgow Fair Monday was a holiday of a different kind for LOCAL NEWS journalists and friends who took part in a vigil in Buchanan Street. They were showing solidarity with six journalists in The Gambia who have been imprisoned on charges of sedition and whose trial was due to start that day.

Read the full story here: http://www.localnewsglasgow.co.uk/2009/08/glasgow-fair-vigil-for-jailed-gambian-journalists/

If you have any questions for me please e-mail me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk and I will get back to you As soon as I can.Thanks

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP

Austin Helps SYP set Convener & Deputy Convener policy

I was at the Scottish Youth Parliament office in Edinburgh today to help make the new code of conduct and policy for the Conveners and Deputy Conveners for the SYP subject committees along with one Convener and another Deputy Convener. The groups have seen a lot of chance in the past few months as the power of the committees have been reduced. Conveners used to have a place on the board of the SYP but due to restructure the SYP now has a new elected Board of Trustees with the Chair of the SYP as the head. This now gives Conveners and Deputy Conveners more time to focus on national and regional campaigns which I personally am pleased about. The policy has not changed very much, mostly just shortened due to reduced power and rewording, however the group decided that if a Convener leaves a group or stands down from convener for what ever reason the Deputy is to become Acting Convener until the next sitting where the group would be able to elect a new Convener. We are hoping to offer training to Conveners and Deputy Conveners in the near future.

If you need to contact me for any reason plese send me an e-mail at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk and I will get back to you in good time.Thanks

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
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This article can be found at http://www.austinactive.yolasite.com/ (blog section)

Letter from Barack Obama outlines changes to the US health care system

Dear Friend, If you’re like most Americans, there’s nothing more important to you about health care than peace of mind. Given the status quo, that’s understandable. The current system often denies insurance due to pre-existing conditions, charges steep out-of-pocket fees – and sometimes isn’t there at all if you become seriously ill. It’s time to fix our unsustainable insurance system and create a new foundation for health care security. That means guaranteeing your health care security and stability with eight basic consumer protections:


No discrimination for pre-existing conditions
No exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pays
No cost-sharing for preventive care
No dropping of coverage if you become seriously ill
No gender discrimination
No annual or lifetime caps on coverage
Extended coverage for young adults
Guaranteed insurance renewal so long as premiums are paid


Over the next month there is going to be an avalanche of misinformation and scare tactics from those seeking to perpetuate the status quo. But we know the cost of doing nothing is too high. Health care costs will double over the next decade, millions more will become uninsured, and state and local governments will go bankrupt.

It’s time to act and reform health insurance, drive down costs and guarantee the health care security and stability of every American family.

Thank you,

Barack Obama

I hope this does make a difference to the American people, the US health care system is sick.

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP

Contact me at any time using: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmil.org.uk and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
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This article can be found at: http://www.austinactive.yolasite.com/ (blog page)

Unsung Glasgow North East heroes receive awards

I attended the Glasgow North Community champions awards to cheer on one of our Glasgow MSYPs Julie Lennox (MSYP for Glasgow Springburn), She was nominated by a member of the Glasgow North east community for all the hard work she puts into being an MSYP and her outstanding record for volunteering she does for Glasgow North East. Julie is now into her second term after winning the SYP by-election in Springburn over a year ago. She also won "MSYP of the year 2009" for the hard work she put into helping her constituents. Julie also runs her own Youth Club that she set up in her constituency and has been a great success after months of hard work. Julie feels passionate about young people getting on in her constituency and wants to focus on gang tension in the area. She is a true pillar to her community and I genuinely respect that. She was nominated for the Youth Award which she sadly did not win. I think the most important thing is that people recognised her effort and hard work she has put into the area and remains a well respected young person in her area. So well done Julie!

You can read all about it here: http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.2522739.0.0.php

If you have any questions for me please e-mail me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP

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This article can be found at: www.austinactive.yolasite.com (blog page)

Austin Makes Appearance on Sunny Govan Radio

Austin Sheridan who is a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Glasgow Govan made an appearance on Sunny Govan Radio. Sunny Govan Radio covers a large area in and around Govan and is also listened to by people from all over the world via the internet. Austin was asked questions through the text system and twitter, one of the questions were, What would you do if you were Prime Minister of the UK. Austin replied "If I was the Prime Minister I would call a general election as the people of the UK are clearly not happy with MPs in this current expenses scandal. The only way we will make the public feel happy is if the MPs face their constituents in an election and let them decide if they are trust worthy to continue to represent them." Austin was also questioned on what his main manifesto commitment was, Austin said "my main commitment to my constituents was more help for young carers in Govan and in the whole of Scotland. They do such a good and demanding job but people very rarely stop to think about them, They are Scotland's unsung heroes". Austin also spoke about how he supports Scottish independence and how he got involved in the Scottish Youth Parliament. Austin has been member since the 3rd of June and will serve a term of two years.

If you have any questions for Austin you can email him at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk and he will get back to you as soon as possible.

Posted by Karren Smith
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This article can be found at: http://www.austinactive.yolasite.com/ in his blog page.

Austin does Campaign work with Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

I was doing some campaign work with the Deputy First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon in Govan, Nicola Sturgeon is the MSP for Glasgow Govan which is the same constituency that I represent. I hope to have a joint surgery with Nicola sometime which she said she would be happy to arrange. She was very supportive of my campaign during the Scottish Youth Parliament elections. I think its great when MSYPs get on with their MSPs as it's important to build a good working relationship as at some point you will have to contact your MSP during your term as an MSYP. It was good just to knock on some doors and talk to the people of Govan. It really helps build up my profile with all the people in the constituency and helps improve my peoples skills. I hope to be doing more campaign work with Nicola soon.

If you need to contact me regarding anything please send me an E-mail at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

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This article can be found at : www.austinactive.yolasite.com (then click on Austins Blog)

This Blog will stay open due to popular demand!

Yes this blog is back due to popular demand, I have had lots of e-mails asking my to maintain this blog as well as the new one on my website, so I have decided to keep them both uptodate with my latest news and stuff I have been doing.



I hope this makes people who enjoy reading this blog on blogspot happy.

Kind Regards

Austin Sheridan MSYP

New Website With New Blog

I have been working on a new website recently which will replace the two blogs I have with blogger.com. The new site has been launched now which means that this is going to be the last post on this blog.

The www.austinelection.blogspot.com blog will be deleted on the 20th August 2009

The www.austinactive.blogspot.com blog (this one) will be deleted on the 20th October 2009

The new website address is www.austinactive.yolasite.com where loads more information will be posted in the near future. The website also has all the blog content of this blog and a page for my manifesto.

Enjoy my new site.

Austin Sheridan MSYP
Glasgow Govan

Austin makes a stand!

Austin Sheridan MSYP attended the vigil for the seven Gambian journalists who are being held in captivity in The Gambia for speaking against the President. The Trial was today (20th July) but we will not know the outcome until the Gambian state media report on it. Austin said "the vigil is going very well, the people of Glasgow and even Tourists have been asking about the protest and have been showing their support by sending a post card to the people being held in prison. I will also be sending a personal letter to show my support through these difficult times they are going through, my heart truly goes out to all seven of them" The Local News (Glasgow) team decided that it would be a good idea to send post cards from the people of Glasgow to show that people from all over the world are thinking of them and supporting them through what must be a frightening time for them. Austin thought that this was a good idea so he will be writing to the seven journalists to show his support. The Gambia has hired a judge from Nigeria for the court case (the judge has no or very little knowledge of the Gambian law system), the President has the power to appoint and sack judges so the President of The Gambia has the final say. Austin added "This is a disgrace and I denounce the Presidents actions, The Gambia is part of the commonwealth, I think its time for a suspension until the Gambian Government cleans their act up and holds a fair democratic election!" The trials continue and may do for weeks to come.

If you have any questions for Austin Sheridan MSYP you can contact him at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk and he will get back to you when he can.

By Karren Smith

Austin is going to stand up for 7 Gambian Journalists

Austin Sheridan MSYP for Glasgow Govan is to attend a vigil for seven Gambian journalists who are being held in captivity for trumped up charges against them for criticising the Gambian Government. Austin says "I believe that people who are born into this world have an entitlement to basic human rights, This in my view is in breach of a human right as all people should be allowed to criticise the Government that is in charge of their country, The Press should always remain independent" The vigil will take place in Glasgow, Buchanan Street at the Donald Dewar statue between 8am-4pm. All are welcome to attend.

If you have any questions for Austin please e-mail him at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk and he will get back to you as soon as he can.

By Karren Smith

Glasgow MSYP Pushes for a Glasgow Youth Council

Austin Sheridan who is a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) for Glasgow Govan has proposed that Glasgow should have a citywide Youth Council. Austin Sheridan MSYP said "Every Major city in Scotland apart from Glasgow has a city youth council, Glasgow is the biggest and most populated city so surely we should have a citywide Youth Council and bring ourselves in line with other modern Scottish Cities" This proposal will be put forward at the next Glasgow MSYPs Group meeting (Which Austin is vice chairman of) and the group should come to a decision on the matter.

If you have any questions for Austin you can e-mail him any time and he will get back to you ASAP!

austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

By Karren Smith

Austin's SNP campaign work in Govan

I spent 16th July delivering the new Nicola Sturgeon (Govan MSP) newsletter to the good people of Govan, I decided to do this to try and raise my profile in the Govan constituency. I also made an appearance in the Local News South were I gave my views regarding independence and much more. So look out for it. and if you need to contact me regarding anything please don't hesitate to drop me a line on my e-mail.

E-mail: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

Austin Sheridan MSYP
Glasgow Govan

Vice Chair of the Glasgow MSYPs Group

Austin Sheridan has been elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Glasgow MSYPs Group (formally known as the "Glasgow Young Team") The name change came about after the newly elected MSYPs felt that the former name gave made us sound like a street gang. Austin Sheridan MSYP said "The name change was needed, not only did it make us sound like a gang, the name did not explain what the group stands for and who we are". The group also elected a new Chair person to lead the group, Kenneth Faulds MSYP who was elected as chair person said he would like the Glasgow MSYPs to focus on the Commonwealth Games which will take place in 2014, Austin Sheridan MSYP agreed and said that "the Glasgow MSYPs should focus on the Commonwealth Games which will bring Jobs to many young people,but we must also look at the issues of today like Gang and knife crime and standards in education so that young people see we are doing something right now".

If you would like to keep up to date with what the Glasgow MSYPs are doing you can also visit the Glasgow MSYP bebo page: http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=9442650327

Have you got any questions or sugestions for Austin Sheridan MSYP? You can contact him at anytime on his MSYP e-mail and he will get back to you As Soon As Posible.

austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

By Karren Smith

My first post

Hi all. This is going to be my blog where you can keep up to date on what I have been doing for the Youth of the Glasgow Govan Constituency as MSYP for the area.

I attended the first Scottish Youth Parliament sitting on the 6-7th June which took place in Edinburgh. I was able to raise one of the key issue which was in my manifesto, the question of Scottish independence which I said I would take forward to the Scottish Youth Parliament, sadly the majority of the 80 MSYPs that attended the debate voted against asking the people of Scotland about our future as a country. I don't think this vote gave a clear idea on what all MSYPs think as only 80 out of a possible 150+ attended the debate. I would like to see the question put forward to the MSYPs again. I was also elected Deputy Convener of External Affairs which deals with UK and international issues. This is a field where I will raise the question of independence once more.

I have also been working with a workshop set up by Glasgow City Council which was discisung Religion and Belief. The young people who attend the workshop came up with very good ideas on how young peopple deal with religious differences in communities. I said as an MSYP I would be happy to help the group out at anytime as I would like to see more youth talking about religion and where it fits in the Scotland we know and love today.

I'm the kind of guy that likes to a wee bit of charity work, so I was at the Take That concert collecting money for the charity "Scottish Epilepsy Initiative". I was very moved by the people I meet on the day who are very committed to raising awareness on the condition. I am in full support of this charity.

On a final note I was able to attend a meeting which was talking about regenerating the town centre of Govan. I am in favour of the plans as long as the people of the Govan parish are told by Glasgow City Council whats going to happen to the ara so the people of Govan up to date and have a say in the things that are being planned including the young people! I have also said that a huge regeneration in the area will be good for the area but small things like putting weed killer where the old public toilets are would make a big difference as the weeds there are becoming out of control.

That will be all for just now, Don't forget if you have any questions please e-mail me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

I am always happy to help where I can.

Thanks

Austin Sheridan MSYP
Glasgow Govan