SNP MUST BACK SCOTTISH FISHERMEN IN EU NEGOTIATIONS
Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron, is backing calls that the SNP Government, supports Scottish fishermen, against the EU demands for access to our waters.
Mr Cameron said: “Coastal communities around the Highlands and Islands will be dismayed by the response of the SNP to this issue. The party are aware the real blockage to progress, is the EU 27’s unreasonable demand, to access our fishing grounds as a precondition to further talks.
Mr Cameron is backing calls for ministers to support the fishing sector and enable a thriving industry and a coastal nation.
Read more: Isles FM News - Friday 5th June 2020
CROFTING FEDERATION CALL FOR BREXIT EXTENSION
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the research, by the Scottish Government, which makes it clear that a Brexit extension is essential to Scotland’s economy.
“The Covid-19 pandemic is, absorbing considerable resources from all our national governments”, said Yvonne White, chair of the crofters’ federation. There is no doubt that it is impossible to conclude a comprehensive trade deal with the European Union, before the end of 2020. It is therefore essential that the UK government agrees a two-year extension to the transition period with the EU.
We entirely support the stance taken, that the UK Government must apply for a two-year extension to the transition period. This is too important and affects the economic wellbeing of too many people for the negotiations to be rushed to meet a self-imposed and arbitrary deadline.”
Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Thursday 4th June 2020
UIST PUPILS KEEPING PEOPLE CONNECTED DURING LOCKDOWN
The pupils of Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath, Sgoil Bhaile a' Mhanaich, Sgoil an Iochdair and Sgoil Dhalabroig , have been encouraged to write letters to people living in care homes.
As part of the National Literacy Trust, Dear New Friend initiative. The schools took the initiative one step further and focused on writing to a number of befriending networks already established in Uist, including Caraidean Uibhist, Tagsa and Cuimhne.
Executive Head of Uist Primary Schools Anne Graham said:“Inter-generational connections such as Armchair Athletics and Tagsa Sensory Garden project, are something the Uist Primary Schools have developed over the last few years. We know that the receiving of a letter can really give someone a huge lift in their period of confinement and we endeavour to promote the skills of letter writing in every child.
A Sgoil Bhaile a' Mhanaich pupil became aware of a Benbecula lady, Mrs MacSween, stranded in Australia. She was due home in April but is unable to travel due to restrictions. Due to her situation, Shonnie in PG4 decided to write a Gaelic letter to her knowing that this may be of a comfort to her to receive a letter in her mother tongue whilst away from home.”
Read more: Isles FM News - Wednesday 3rd June 2020
ENDING OF THE VIRTUAL PARLIAMENT IS RECKLESS SAYS, ISLES MP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP, Angus B MacNeil has taken the decision, not to travel to Westminster, when Parliament reconvenes today. The MP has indicated he is not willing to risk catching and spreading coronavirus, among his constituents in Na H-Eileanan an Iar
Commenting Angus MacNeil MP said: “The removal of the virtual parliament discriminates against Scottish MPs, who are now being forced to choose between breaking the lockdown or attending Westminster.
“The Leader of the House of Commons has stated that Parliament would be Covid-19 secure by 2nd June. We do not have the evidence for this.
The hybrid system that was in place was working well, for remote participation and voting, committees will continue to operate with this virtual system, although the chamber, is not.
Read more: Isles FM News - Tuesday 2nd June 2020
