I don’t normally comment publicly on internal party stuff. If a sitting MP decides to stand as an MSP I do understand that there are significant funding issues because that individual is causing a by-election.
There are also local organisational issues with running one campaign immediately after another. My big concern about asking an MP to stand down much in advance of a Holyrood election is that this will have knock on implications for their staff.
Asking SNP MPs to do this effectively means that only MPs who are happy to see their staff jobless will be able to stand for Holyrood. This is because their MP staff would no longer have a job either for the interim period or if the MP doesn’t get elected as an MSP.
I hope the NEC consider this when taking any decision about MPs standing for Holyrood selection. /end
(I won’t be making further comment)
If you replied suggesting I am trying to block Joanna Cherry from standing for Holyrood but didn’t read the whole thread, please read it again. My suggestion would make it EASIER for MPs to become MSPs than the suggestion floated in the Times newspaper today.
I am sure that nobody wants to be in a position where they have to leave staff without a job. This is why the requirement for MPs to stand down in advance of the Holyrood election if they wish to stand is one that I believe is very problematic.
I might disagree with Jo in relation to the GRA, but I absolutely respect that some MPs will see a significant attraction in switching to Holyrood and I will not criticise any MP for deciding to do so.
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In 1915 my Great Granny’s father was killed when his fishing boat was cut in half by a British war ship. My Great Granny’s mother, was left to raise 5 girls by herself.
She had to make the choice about whether or not to keep my Great Granny, or hand her over to a relative who had more money. Imagine having to choose whether or not to keep a child? This belongs in the last century.
Yet the evil Tory rape clause means people are having to make those same choices today.
A few people have contacted me with worries about the GRA section in the SNP manifesto. I read it to mean that a re-elected SNP Scot gov would make changes to the GRA.
However a lot of you have read it as meaning that there will be another consultation. We have had enough consultations. Legislation needs to change to make legal gender recognition easier.
Should the SNP, or anyone else, intend to kick this into the future, or run another consultation, I will be standing right there with the trans community and allies, telling my government that they’re wrong.
Focus on improving mental health services - 25% increase in direct Scot Gov investment.
Funding to support families visiting children who receive in patient care. I’ve met many parents who’ve struggled with this when their bairns have been in hospital in Glasgow or elsewhere.
First Minister @NicolaSturgeon announcing the transformational @theSNP manifesto, pledging large increases in NHS spending and a focus on mental health too. #BothVotesSNP
We will abolish all NHS dentistry charges! Yaaaass! 🦷 universal healthcare provided free at the point of need. So many of my constituents will benefit from this. (Too many 😢)
A National wage for care staff. So, so important. 25% increase in spend on social care over course of the Parliament. And removing charges for non residential social care!
I know that the local management have fought hard and that the store was actually doing really well compared to other stores. This is a shoddy decision.
This is a huge employer in the city centre. The impact on George Street and the Bon Accord Centre will likely be devastating.
Home schooling reminders for those starting tomorrow.
1. Do not judge yourself against others. Just because they post a happy pic doesn’t mean they’re not also drowning. 2. You have a right to be sad and find things hard even if you have fewer children / a less demanding job / a bigger home than other people.
3. We are in the midst of a global pandemic. People are dying. It is understandable that you and your children will be tired, stressed and worried. Cut everyone some slack, especially yourself.
4. If you’re working speak to your employer and ask for flexibility if you need it.