Monday, 31 January 2011

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.

Monday, 24 January 2011

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.

Monday, 10 January 2011

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

Tuesday, 4 January 2011

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.