Should English Rioters Lose Council Homes?

UK Prime Minister David Cameron MP has said that people who have been found rioting will lose the tenancy of council homes if they live in one.

I don't believe that this is the right approach to take. I also disagree with the proposal put forward that they should lose benefits if they have been caught rioting. It will only make matters worse and create more looting. I would rather see them asked to do community service. They should play an active part in re-building the communities that they inflicted great damage to.

This would make the punishment fair. Not all rioters live in council homes and claim benefits so why should some pay more than others just because of their social background? I can understand why people are angry and would like to see people thrown out of council homes and lose benefits over this but we must look at the bigger picture.

Many of the people rioting believe that they have no opportunities open to them. That they have no chance in life. This would only make these feelings stronger which will push them into a position where they will commit more crime to survive.

Rioters have to learn a lesson. The things they did and took part in is completely unacceptable and there is no excuse but, the UK Government also has a lesson to learn. Cut off opportunities, cut back on youth workers and police, cut back on support for the most vulnerable and there may be a bigger price to pay which makes the saving become more expensive.

Now is the opportunity for the UK Government to sit up and listen to the people. I hope they grab the opportunity with both hands and make changes to ensure that the most vulnerable people in society have the best possible support that we can give them.

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP

English Riots

I am saddened to see the riots that have broken out in England. The amount of damage it has caused is awful and my heart goes out to all people who have been effected by people causing mayhem. I understand why it started in the first place but it has clearly gotten out of control.

To start from the beginning, it all started with a protest over a man being shot by a police officer. People were angry and held a protest. It seems to have been taken over by, what I can only describe as ,an anarchist mob who are happy to inflict great damage to communities and ordinary people, using it as an opportunity to steal.

It started out in Tottenham in London. It has now spread to other parts of London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle and other places in England. It is spreading fast and I fear that it is getting more and more out of control as time goes on.

The question I have been asking myself is will it spread to Scotland? I honestly doubt it. I don't think that people are in that kind of mentality in Scotland. Obviously I can't be certan but it just seems unlikely.

What can the UK Government do to get the situation under control? will the army be sent in? Maybe, if it keeps going the way it is I don't think we should rule it out or be surprised if they do become involved over the next couple of days if things don't calm down.


Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP.

Austin Sheridan MYP welcomes new Govanhill Youth Hub

Austin Sheridan MYP welcomes the new Govanhill Youth Hub that will be set up by the end of this month. The hub is being provided by Glasgow Life which will be used by a wide range of youth groups in the South East of Glasgow for free. Austin Sheridan's MSYP & MYP offices will be based in the youth hub by July.

Austin Sheridan said "I think this will be a fantastic and well used facility that has been long needed in Govanhill. It is based within an area with more than it's fair share of social problems which have an negative effect on young people. I hope that the new hub will benefit the majority of young people in the area and help break down some of the barriers between different ethnic groups that exist"

If you have any questions please email Austin Sheridan at:

austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk


Posted by Austin Sheridan MYP

Re-elect Nicola Sturgeon for Glasgow Southside - Alex Salmond for First Minister

Only 7 days till the people of Scotland go to the polls to decide who will form the Scottish Government for the next 5 years.

I am voting Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP candidate in Glasgow Southside, for my constituency MSP and will be voting Scottish National Party (SNP) 'Alex Salmond for First Minister' for my regional vote.

Out of the 4 party leaders I believe that Alex Salmond is the best person to lead Scotland for the next 5 years. He has a good record, a good team and vision that is good for Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon is the best person to represent Glasgow Southside in the Scottish Parliament. She has a fantastic record as the constituency MSP for the former Glasgow Govan seat and is well known for her hard work in the communities that she has represented for the past 4 years. Glasgow Southside doesn't need another invisible politician. Glasgow Southside needs a strong representative. Nicola can do just that.

This election is about who will Govern Scotland for the next 5 years. Make sure you re-elect a competent Government that works for you. Vote SNP in both the constituency and regional votes.

On May 5, Be part of better, Vote SNP

Together we can make Scotland better. http://www.snp.org/

Posted by Austin Sheridan.

New Glasgow MSYP-Elect Group Meets For First Time

The New MSYP-Elects met officially for the first time on Wednesday. Current MSYPs will represent their seats until the 11th of June when the new MSYP-Elects take up their new seats. Current MSYPs Austin Sheridan, Keenan Alexander, Rae Cahill and Craig Whyteside will continue to represent their current seats and will continue on as MSYPs in the new redrawn constituencies that they have been elected to represent. Current MSYPs that did not seek re-election or lost their election will stand down on the 11th of June.

I am pleased that I have been re-elected for a second term. I have done lots in the past two years as the MSYP for Glasgow Govan and I can do a lot more as the MSYP for the new seat which covers 60% of my old constituency, Glasgow Southside, over the next two years.

The Current MSYPs and the MSYP-Elects discussed the idea of a Glasgow Youth Council which I proposed back in 2009 when I was first elected. Over the past two years the current MSYPs worked with Glasgow City Council drawing up plans to implement a Glasgow Youth Council. Now we are in a position to implement it which I hope will be done within the next 6 months.

I have also been spending time getting to know the new areas that I will be taking in for when I become the Glasgow Southside MSYP. It has been very interesting speaking with community groups in the new areas getting an idea of the issues that local people face. It has taken a bit of time as 40% of Glasgow Southside is new to me.

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



Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP.

Are You Using Your Vote?

The Scottish General Election will be held on May 5. If you are registered to vote this is your opportunity to vote to decide who will be your local MSP (Constituency MSP) and your 7 Regional MSPs. You can register to vote if you are over 16 but can not vote until you are 18. Please follow this link for more information about voter registration. Use your vote, make sure your views are heard! http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/elections/voter-registration If you live in the new Glasgow Southside constituency, your candidates to become your constituency MSP are: Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish National Party (SNP) David Meikle, Conservative Stephen Curran, Labour Kenn Elder, Liberal Democrats Glasgow Regional List (you vote for a political party or independent) Scottish National Party (SNP), Alex Salmond for First Minister All Scotland Pensioners Party Scottish Conservative Party Scottish Labour Party British National Party Scottish Pirate Party Scottish Liberal Deomcrats Scottish Socialist Party Scottish Unionist Party Socialist Labour Scottish Christian Party Scottish Green Party Respect (Scotland) UKIP Scottish Homeland Party Independant (Caroline Johnstone) Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP.

Austin Sheridan MSYP Supports London Protest

Austin Sheridan MSYP for Glasgow Govan has said that he supports the protests that are taking place in London today. The protest march against the UK Government cuts is expected to attract around 300,000 people.

Austin Sheridan said "Today we will see the REAL big society take action on the streets of London. Even though I can not make it I know that many wish to send their best wishes to the protesters that can't attend, including myself. In my role as an MSYP I have spoken against National Citizens service, the Big Society and the bombshell VAT rise. I have spoken against them and every time a large majority of MSYPs vote against the UK Government's measures with me, now we need to see MPs do the same, in particular the Lib-Dem MPs. If they don't they will, and should, be punished at the ballot box in every upcoming election"

If you have any questions please email Austin Sheridan at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP's Office.

SYP Launch Manifesto 'Change The Picture'

The Scottish Youth Parliament launched it's manifesto 'Change The Picture' at the Parliament's sitting this weekend which was hosted by Inverclyde Council.

I support most of the 49 Manifesto points that were passed by MSYPs then a massive consultation with 42,804 young people. Well ahead our target of 15,000 young people.

Here I will list the top 10 manifesto points that received the support of over 50% of MSYPs and young people consulted. I will mark in percentage the support the commitments I list received from the 42,804 young people we consulted.

These are in order of priority:

1. 'A referendum should be held on Scotland's constitutional future, with the options of no change, more powers for the Scottish Parliament or full independence.

For: 66%
Against: 14%
Not Sure: 20%

2. 'The Trident nuclear missile system should not be replaced, and no part of the existing or new systems should be located in Scotland or in Scottish waters.'

For: 61%
Against: 18%
Not Sure: 21%

3. 'Tuition should remain free in further and higher education. Top-up fees are not an option for a society which puts ability to learn above ability to pay.'

For: 85%
Against: 6%
Not Sure: 9%

4. 'The success of Scotland's students must not be compromised by financial worries. Immediate action needs to be taken to ensure students don't face poverty and hardship in pursuit of their education.'

For: 84%
Against: 6%
Not Sure: 10%

5. 'Government has a responsibility to encourage more people to actively participate in politics. It is particularly important that constituency candidates reflect the people they represent, including women and people from minority ethnic backgrounds. Political parties should be encouraged to stand candidates aged 25 and under in winnable seats.'

For: 70%
Against: 12%
Not Sure: 18%

6. 'The minimum age for voting in all elections and referendums should be lowered to 16.'

For: 65%
Against: 25%
Not Sure: 10%

7. 'Scotland's local tax system should be changed so that it is based on household income rather than the value of your home or the area you live in.'

For: 76%
Against: 11%
Not Sure: 13%

8. Corner's inquests, that would allow investigations into death of Scots overseas, should be introduced in Scotland.'

For: 83%
Against: 6%
Not Sure: 11%

9. 'Young carers in Scotland should be shown that they are appreciated members of society and should be offered more support inside and outside of education. The Scottish Government should produce a Young Carers strategy to help improve the lives of young people who are young carers for the benefit of every single young person who cares in Scotland.'

For: 88%
Against: 6%
Not Sure: 6%

10. 'The solutions to solving knife crime lie in working with young people to tackle the root causes, not by imposing mandatory sentences on those caught carrying a knife.'

For: 57%
Against: 28%
Not Sure: 15%

Well, these are the top 10 that I personally like. The full 49 Manifesto statements can be found here: www.syp.org.uk



Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP.

New Glasgow Southside constituency office

From the 25th of March I will be operating from a new office in the Gorbals area where I will carry out my MSYP duties as the Member for Glasgow Southside after the election on the 25th of March.

My current Glasgow Govan MSYP constituency office will close on the 31st of March.

Until the 25th of March please contact me using my Glasgow Govan MSYP constituency office.

________________________________

Glasgow Govan MSYP constituency office (closing on the 31st of March)

Austin Sheridan MSYP
Constituency Office
Glasgow Life
Pavilion 2
Rowan Business Park
5 Ardlaw Street
Glasgow
G51 3RR

Glasgow Southside MSYP constituency office (opens on the 25th of March)

Austin Sheridan MSYP
Constituency Office
Glasgow Life
Adelphi Centre
12 Commercial Road
Glasgow
G5 0PQ

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP.

Austin Sheridan for Glasgow Southside, MSYP Manifesto 2011

Hello,

In March 14-25 you will have the oppertunity to vote for your local Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament. I am standing for the new constituency of Glasgow Southside. In this manifesto you can read what I think are the top priorities for the constituency and nationally.

I believe that what Glasgow Southside needs is a MSYP who takes ideas forward and listens to young people. I do have ideas on what I think will be best for the area and what I would like to take to the SYP’s attention but what’s more important is that your ideas and suggestions get listened to and taken seriously. I am approachable and open minded in my views. I will make a commitment to take popular ideas that you have came up with and would push as hard as I can to see it through the body of the SYP and make a difference to you and all young people of Glasgow Southside.

Local Policy:

If I’m elected to be MSYP for Glasgow Southside I pledge to work with local high schools and colleges so that I can hear as many young people’s 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 and colleges. I would also work with local youth groups and feed suggestions into local decision making panels so that I can take more ideas forward at a local level.

I will fight to ensure that local youth services continue operating as well as investment in new facilities where needed.

I want to work with young people across the constituency as more has to be done to help ethnic communities integrate with each other, especially areas in the constituency like Govanhill.

I promise to fight against the Glasgow City Council education cuts to ensure that young people get the best education possible.

I want to make sure that all young people feel safe to walk the streets. I will call for more police officers in areas of the constituency that need them.

National Policy:

All young people in Scotland should be allowed to vote when they are over 16. I will continue to fight for this on behalf of young people if elected.

I will continue to campaign to ensure that higher and further remains free in Scotland so that all young people have the opportunity to go to college and university without worrying about fees. Education should be based on ability not wealth.

I am strongly against Trident (Nuclear weapons). I believe that the 100 billion pounds spent on replacing trident should be halted immediately and the money put into protecting front line services.

If elected I would like to raise awareness about young carers in Scotland. I think that the Scottish Government and UK Government should try and do more for young Scottish carers who do a fantastic but hard and demanding job. If we give young carers in Scotland more help this would give the young person and who they are caring for a better quality of life. It is important that society looks after young carers in Scotland and make sure they get an equal start in life the same as everyone else.


Teenage pregnancies are a problem throughout Scotland. If the Scottish Government offers more help we can try to encourage young parents to stay in education so that they can give themselves and their child a better quality of life. I would like to see free or nominal charge crèches for young people in full and part time education.

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 people of Scotland through an independence referendum. I also believe that the voting age for this referendum should be open to all people that are 16 years of age and over.

These are the main things that I believe would benefit the young people in Glasgow Southside and throughout Scotland. If you have any questions or suggestions please email me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

You can also visit my website at: www.austinmsyp.co.nr

Thanks,

Austin Sheridan
SYP Candidate for Glasgow Southside

Austin Sheridan MSYP to lead debate against VAT increase at SYP

Austin Sheridan MSYP is to lead the debate against the VAT increase, from 17.5% to 20%, at the next sitting of the Scottish Youth Parliament. This will be put forward to MSYPs from across Scotland in March through a members motion tabled by Austin Sheridan.

Austin Sheridan said "In these difficult times the last thing that people and the economy needs is a tax on goods. For the economy to make a recovery we need to encourage spending, for people we need to make sure that they can afford things that they need. It would seem that the UK Government are set on hitting the most vulnerable people in society from cutting child tax credits, proposing National Citizens Service which would see young people forced in to unpaid work for 6 weeks or this tax on consumption which will make the price of fuel even higher which will have a detrimental effect on families and people in rural areas. The attack on the vulnerable has to stop now"

At the March Scottish Youth Parliament sitting members will be asked the following question written and tabled by Austin Sheridan MSYP:

"The SYP does not support the VAT rise from 17.5 percent to 20 percent as it will have a detrimental effect on young people and the poorest people in Scotland."

Agree
Disagree

The March SYP sitting will also see the first leaders debate between Holyrood party leaders for the upcoming Scottish Elections. The Party leaders are: Alex Salmond, First Minister, Leader of the Scottish National Party, Iain Gray, Leader of the Labour MSPs, Annabell Goldie, Leader of the Conservatives MSPs and Tavish Scott, Leader of the Liberal Democrat MSPs.

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP's constituency office.

Happy Burns Day

Fellow Scots and Friends of Scotland.

Today is Burns Day, the day we celebrate one of Scotland's finest minds. I like to use this day to reflect on his work and many other fine Scots. I believe that this is a day I can come together with my family and spend time with them as they are the most important people in my life. This year has been a difficult year for Scotland. We are facing massive cuts from Westminster, difficult weather and so on. I am sure Robert Burns would have had something to say about it if he was around!

This year has also been a difficult year for me so far. The Scottish Youth Parliament elections coming up on March 14-25th which I am standing in hoping to retain my seat which has been redrawn by the Scottish Boundary Commission and renamed Glasgow Southside, There is also the Scottish Parliament elections on May which I am involved in through political campaigning. I have also received sad personal news on Friday that my Gran has cancer which is very difficult for my family and I.

Through these difficult times I will look for guidance from many places. My friends, family, the work of Robert Burns and many other places.

I hope you have a fantastic Burns day. Enjoy his work!

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP.

Gambia Justice Minister Shows True Colours

Today the Gambia Justice Minister Edward Gomez has threatened Gambians in exile through an article by "The Daily News". “We will wait here for them to come,” he said in an interview Friday, adding that they could be safe as long as they continue to be harbored abroad, but reminded them that they will be prosecuted anytime they come to The Gambia.

This is another example of the Gambian Government threatening citizens with prosecution if they return. Gambia has a very poor human rights record and refuse to hold free and fair elections.

As the Vice Chair of the Scottish Campaign for Human Rights in the Gambia I can assure people who are reading this blog that the group is fighting for human rights in Gambia for the correct reasons. Journalists and Opposition politicians are at the receiving end of violence and oppression by the current Gambian Government if they publicly speak out against the Government in place.

Edward Gomez, Gambian Justice Minister said, "These are unfortunately evil members of The Gambian society who took refuge abroad putting every nonsensical story on papers and on radios to tarnish the good image of The Gambia government" In my opinion the most evil members of Gambian Society are people who threaten violence and oppression against it's peoples and allows female genital mutilation.

I am pleased that 24 Westminster MPs voted for the early day motion put forward by Anas Sarwar MP. I alongside other politicians and campaign group members will continue to fight for the freedom of every Gambian and ensure that their human rights are enforced.

This article was most likely designed to try and put us off campaigning. It only makes us stronger and more determined.


The Daily News Article: http://dailynews.gm/africa/gambia/article/justice-minister-warns-gambians-abroad-of-backlash-for-denigration

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP.
________________________
This article can be found at: www.AustinMSYP.co.nr

Scottish Labour Leader Should Apologise

Scottish Labour Leader Iain Gray MSP has offended the ambassador of Montenegro after he claimed the country took part in ethnic cleansing at First Minister's Questions.

The Ambassador, Marijana Zivkovic, chargé d'affaires at the Montenegro embassy in London, has rebuked him over the comments he made at Holyrood on 23 December. In a letter, she expressed her "deep regret" about the way he depicted the country.

She wrote: "Your statement that Montenegro was involved in 'ethnic cleansing', including your references to 'a war crimes tribunal and a UN peacekeeping mission' is simply incorrect"

This is not the only time Iain Gray MSP has offended other Nations. Mr Gray has criticised and insulted friendly, neighbouring, independent states and, with his former superior, Secretary of State for Scotland, Jim Murphy, was taken to task by the Norwegian ambassador for their criticisms of Norway in the past.

If Iain Gray is serious about becoming First Minister, he needs to get his act together as he is currently an embrassment to Scotland.

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP.