My Current Constituency office will close on the 28th July.
The new Constituency office will be moving into a larger office with the new Glasgow Life office (who currently run MSYP constituency offices).
The new Address will be:
Austin Sheridan MSYP
Constituency Office
Glasgow Life
Pavilion 2
Rowan Business Park
5 Ardlaw Street
Glasgow
G51 3RR
This office should be operational by Monday 2nd August.
If you have any questions please e-mail me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
_______________________
This article can be found at: www.AustinMSYP.co.nr (Blog Section)
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Busy times
I have been very busy with a number of events lately. I have been doing lots of constituency work recently by visiting all different kinds of groups in the area ranging from youth clubs to local radio stations and task forces for relating to youth services. I have also had loads of case work on university funding and SAAS grants/loans. It can be surprising the stuff that people come to you for help with but I am always happy to help with anything.
I have also been asked to be part of a task force which is being set up by staff at Local News Glasgow (a local media outlet) which aims to raise awareness of Human Rights, or the lack of it, in The Gambia. The task force will also lobby MPs, MSPs about the current situation in The Gambia. I will keep you updated in future blogs about how the task force is getting on.
I have also been really busy with arranging our visit to Malawi. We are currently in the process of getting the last minute things done and making sure we have everything we need before we go. While we are in Malawi we will be delivering workshops on Youth Participation and Youth Democracy. This will hopefully help the Youth Council of Malawi set up it's own Youth Parliament of Malawi. We will also be visiting Schools, Hospitals and Prisons while we are in the country for 3 weeks. Again, I will keep you updated on our progress, and while I am in Malawi I hope to post a few entries.
If you have any questions please e-mail me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
_______________________
This Article can be found at: www.AustinMSYP.co.nr (Blog Section)
I have also been asked to be part of a task force which is being set up by staff at Local News Glasgow (a local media outlet) which aims to raise awareness of Human Rights, or the lack of it, in The Gambia. The task force will also lobby MPs, MSPs about the current situation in The Gambia. I will keep you updated in future blogs about how the task force is getting on.
I have also been really busy with arranging our visit to Malawi. We are currently in the process of getting the last minute things done and making sure we have everything we need before we go. While we are in Malawi we will be delivering workshops on Youth Participation and Youth Democracy. This will hopefully help the Youth Council of Malawi set up it's own Youth Parliament of Malawi. We will also be visiting Schools, Hospitals and Prisons while we are in the country for 3 weeks. Again, I will keep you updated on our progress, and while I am in Malawi I hope to post a few entries.
If you have any questions please e-mail me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
_______________________
This Article can be found at: www.AustinMSYP.co.nr (Blog Section)
Monday, 19 July 2010
Vigil for Florence and Precious Mhango
Tonight I was in Glasgow City Centre at a vigil for Florence and Precious Mhango. The family, originally from Malawi, have lived in Scotland for the last 7 years. It was a very emotional event with some fantastic speeches from friends of the Mhangos. We heard how the UK Border Agency (UKBA) have intimidated a wheelchair dependant friend, who is the Godmother of 10 year old Precious, and a single mother in front of her child. I think that kind of behavior is an absolute disgrace.
I was pleased with the high turnout as it showed the UK Government that the people of Glasgow do not agree with the decision taken by the Home Office. The Mhangos have been good citizens of Scotland for 7 years now and have fully integrated with Scottish society. To take a child away from what is now her home and away from her friends is unacceptable in my view. The fact that they had to wait 7 years to be told no you can't stay is not good practice. After 7 years they have built a life in Scotland and have stability and are now being told they have to give it up. I hope that the UK Government have a look at the policy regarding this and I hope the bully organisation UK Border Agency are investigated by the police for their disgusting behaviour.
I will be writing to the Home Secretary, Theresa May MP, to express my concerns surrounding this case. If the people of Glasgow have anything to do with it, the Mhangos wouldn't be going anywhere!
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
_______________________
This article can be found at: http://www.austinmsyp.co.nr/ (Blog Section)
I was pleased with the high turnout as it showed the UK Government that the people of Glasgow do not agree with the decision taken by the Home Office. The Mhangos have been good citizens of Scotland for 7 years now and have fully integrated with Scottish society. To take a child away from what is now her home and away from her friends is unacceptable in my view. The fact that they had to wait 7 years to be told no you can't stay is not good practice. After 7 years they have built a life in Scotland and have stability and are now being told they have to give it up. I hope that the UK Government have a look at the policy regarding this and I hope the bully organisation UK Border Agency are investigated by the police for their disgusting behaviour.
I will be writing to the Home Secretary, Theresa May MP, to express my concerns surrounding this case. If the people of Glasgow have anything to do with it, the Mhangos wouldn't be going anywhere!
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
_______________________
This article can be found at: http://www.austinmsyp.co.nr/ (Blog Section)
Sunday, 18 July 2010
Picture The Change
The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) have now launched the Manifesto that will shape the way the SYP campaigns over the next two years. The Manifesto is called Picture The Change (www.picturethechange.org) and is split in to 5 sections as you will see on the website. We are aiming to reach 15,000 responses which is an ambitious target but a target we will achieve together if we work hard.
As a Glasgow MSYP, I hope we can get the most responses as we are the most populated local authority and we send the most MSYPs (20, 2 per Scottish Parliamentary constituency).
I think that the manifesto overall is a very good one. The good thing is, after the consultation anything that is unpopular amongst young people will be dropped from the Manifesto. So make sure you have your say on the Manifesto and make sure it represents your views!
So if you are ages 14-25 and you live in Scotland please fill in the 5 surveys at: www.picturethechange.org
If you have any questions please contact me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
_______________________
This article can be found at: www.AustinMSYP.co.nr (Blog Section)
As a Glasgow MSYP, I hope we can get the most responses as we are the most populated local authority and we send the most MSYPs (20, 2 per Scottish Parliamentary constituency).
I think that the manifesto overall is a very good one. The good thing is, after the consultation anything that is unpopular amongst young people will be dropped from the Manifesto. So make sure you have your say on the Manifesto and make sure it represents your views!
So if you are ages 14-25 and you live in Scotland please fill in the 5 surveys at: www.picturethechange.org
If you have any questions please contact me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
_______________________
This article can be found at: www.AustinMSYP.co.nr (Blog Section)
Monday, 28 June 2010
New Convener of External Affairs Committee
I have been elected by MSYPs to be the Convener of External Affairs. This weekend was the AGM of the Scottish Youth Parliament where we elected new Trustees and Conveners/Deputy Conveners to lead the organisation for the next year. This is an exciting year for the Scottish Youth Parliament with the launch of our Manifesto for the next two years. I must admit I am happy with most of the stuff that is going into the manifesto like supporting a referendum on Scotland's constitutional future, Minimum Pricing for Alcohol and much more.
The External Affairs Committee deals with the following issues: UK & European Legislation, Relationships with Europe and the rest of the world, Reserved Matters (including defence and constitutional matters) and Issues with a Global impact.
The first meeting of the External Affairs Committee since being elected as Convener took place on Sunday (27/06/10) where we discussed a wide range of issues such as Defence, Scottish Independence, Scotland's relationship with the rest of the UK, and our relationship with Europe. Keenan Alexander MSYP (Glasgow Springburn) was also elected as Deputy Convener of External Affairs.
I look forward to taking this committee forward as I feel that it can do a lot more than it has done in the past. Our committee is the second largest within the SYP in terms of the number of members which is a great improvement from last year.
If you have any questions please contact me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
The External Affairs Committee deals with the following issues: UK & European Legislation, Relationships with Europe and the rest of the world, Reserved Matters (including defence and constitutional matters) and Issues with a Global impact.
The first meeting of the External Affairs Committee since being elected as Convener took place on Sunday (27/06/10) where we discussed a wide range of issues such as Defence, Scottish Independence, Scotland's relationship with the rest of the UK, and our relationship with Europe. Keenan Alexander MSYP (Glasgow Springburn) was also elected as Deputy Convener of External Affairs.
I look forward to taking this committee forward as I feel that it can do a lot more than it has done in the past. Our committee is the second largest within the SYP in terms of the number of members which is a great improvement from last year.
If you have any questions please contact me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
Monday, 7 June 2010
Govan Fire Station Open Day Was a Success
I attended the Govan Fire Station open day yesterday (06/06/10) and I can say it was a fantastic day. Fire Engines were on display and visitors were allowed to sit inside them. They also had Engines from the 1960s and 1970s that visitors were allowed to go inside and see what it was like.
This was arranged as part of the Govan Fair that has been a great success this year (well to be honest it is always a success). People from all over Govan and even people who don't live in Govan come to all the events as it is great fun for everyone.
The Fire Men and Woman decided it would be a good idea to show people what it would be like if you put water on a chip pan that is on fire. Visitors were asked to stand behind the fence for demonstrations as it was dangerous. If you through water over a chip pan that is on fire the fire will become much worse and can kill you. The fire men through half a can of water over the chip pan and the fire went from a small fire in a pot to a fire of well over 3 meters. They also showed us how they cut people out of cars if there is an accident. It looked like a lot of fun as you basically had to take the roof off the car which was done by the fire men/woman.
Amongst the visitors we had the SNP MSP & Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for Glasgow Govan (same constituency as mine), Labour MP Ian Davidson for Glasgow South West as well as local councillors...ohh and not to forget Kyle Thornton, SYP candidate for Glasgow Shettleston and Chair of YSpeak (youth group in the south west of Glasgow)
YSpeak had it's own stall amongst other organisations that had stalls at the open day. People of all ages were asking Kyle what YSpeak was all about and how to get involved which was very positive. Kyle done a fantastic job of representing YSpeak. Cardonald College also had food demonstrations for visitors which was very interesting and was good for people who wanted new ideas of ways to cook pasta. After each demonstration people were allowed to eat the food that was cooked and people I spoke to that day said it was very enjoyable. There was also a face painting stall there for the kids so that they can get an animal of their choice painted on their face.
I certainly enjoyed myself at the open day and I would like to say a special thanks to all the staff at Govan Fire station that made the day a success.
If you have any questions please contact me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
_______________________
This Article can be found at: www.AustinMSYP.co.nr (Blog section)
This was arranged as part of the Govan Fair that has been a great success this year (well to be honest it is always a success). People from all over Govan and even people who don't live in Govan come to all the events as it is great fun for everyone.
The Fire Men and Woman decided it would be a good idea to show people what it would be like if you put water on a chip pan that is on fire. Visitors were asked to stand behind the fence for demonstrations as it was dangerous. If you through water over a chip pan that is on fire the fire will become much worse and can kill you. The fire men through half a can of water over the chip pan and the fire went from a small fire in a pot to a fire of well over 3 meters. They also showed us how they cut people out of cars if there is an accident. It looked like a lot of fun as you basically had to take the roof off the car which was done by the fire men/woman.
Amongst the visitors we had the SNP MSP & Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for Glasgow Govan (same constituency as mine), Labour MP Ian Davidson for Glasgow South West as well as local councillors...ohh and not to forget Kyle Thornton, SYP candidate for Glasgow Shettleston and Chair of YSpeak (youth group in the south west of Glasgow)
YSpeak had it's own stall amongst other organisations that had stalls at the open day. People of all ages were asking Kyle what YSpeak was all about and how to get involved which was very positive. Kyle done a fantastic job of representing YSpeak. Cardonald College also had food demonstrations for visitors which was very interesting and was good for people who wanted new ideas of ways to cook pasta. After each demonstration people were allowed to eat the food that was cooked and people I spoke to that day said it was very enjoyable. There was also a face painting stall there for the kids so that they can get an animal of their choice painted on their face.
I certainly enjoyed myself at the open day and I would like to say a special thanks to all the staff at Govan Fire station that made the day a success.
If you have any questions please contact me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
_______________________
This Article can be found at: www.AustinMSYP.co.nr (Blog section)
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Austin Sheridan MSYP condemns Israel for attacking flotilla
I was deeply shocked and angered when the flotilla carrying supplies for Gaza was attacked by Israeli troops. 10 people were killed when Israel illegally boarded the Ships carrying supplies and passengers visiting Gaza to offer help and aid. It is clear that this was an act of state terrorism by Israel. They had no right to attack a ship in international waters.
Some people on the flotilla attacked the troops when they landed on the ships. Some people say that they should not have done this as this would provoke attack from Israeli troops however, the troops had no right to be on the ships in the first place so I stand by the fact that they had the right to defend their ships from an illegal attack.
I hope that the Scottish Government and UK Government take action against this act of terrorism from Israel and stop trading with them. We need to send a strong message that makes it clear that Scotland and the UK will not tolerate this kind of behaviour from any country. We also need to send a message to Israel that Palestine has the right to exist and should nor be oppressed by Israel.
Sadly, David Cameron MP, UK Prime Minister did not live up to these expectations from any democratic country. He said he was a Friend of Israel at his first Prime Ministers Questions the day after the horrific attack. That is not the kind of message the UK Government should be sending to the Terrorist state of Israel. We should be telling them that the blockade against Gaza is wrong and we should take the necessary action to demonstrate that. We should not be telling them how friendly we are to them! It sends out the wrong message.
I will be attending a march this Saturday in Edinburgh to make sure that I along side others send a strong message to Israel and the Scottish and UK Governments about the kind of action we want to see.
We want the blockade lifted from Gaza so that we can send the supplies that the region badly needs. We will also be protesting about the treatment of Gaza. The only way this will get sorted is of Israel accept that Hamas has to be able to take part in talks and be accepted as part of the political system. Otherwise, we will not see the change we want and need on Palestine and Israel. We want them to be able to live side by side in piece. Both sides have to work equally as hard to achieve this.
Let's hope our message is heard!
If you have any questions please contact me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
________________________
This Article can be found at: www.AustinMSYP.co.nr (Blog section)
Some people on the flotilla attacked the troops when they landed on the ships. Some people say that they should not have done this as this would provoke attack from Israeli troops however, the troops had no right to be on the ships in the first place so I stand by the fact that they had the right to defend their ships from an illegal attack.
I hope that the Scottish Government and UK Government take action against this act of terrorism from Israel and stop trading with them. We need to send a strong message that makes it clear that Scotland and the UK will not tolerate this kind of behaviour from any country. We also need to send a message to Israel that Palestine has the right to exist and should nor be oppressed by Israel.
Sadly, David Cameron MP, UK Prime Minister did not live up to these expectations from any democratic country. He said he was a Friend of Israel at his first Prime Ministers Questions the day after the horrific attack. That is not the kind of message the UK Government should be sending to the Terrorist state of Israel. We should be telling them that the blockade against Gaza is wrong and we should take the necessary action to demonstrate that. We should not be telling them how friendly we are to them! It sends out the wrong message.
I will be attending a march this Saturday in Edinburgh to make sure that I along side others send a strong message to Israel and the Scottish and UK Governments about the kind of action we want to see.
We want the blockade lifted from Gaza so that we can send the supplies that the region badly needs. We will also be protesting about the treatment of Gaza. The only way this will get sorted is of Israel accept that Hamas has to be able to take part in talks and be accepted as part of the political system. Otherwise, we will not see the change we want and need on Palestine and Israel. We want them to be able to live side by side in piece. Both sides have to work equally as hard to achieve this.
Let's hope our message is heard!
If you have any questions please contact me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
________________________
This Article can be found at: www.AustinMSYP.co.nr (Blog section)
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