TIME TO GET #IN CAMPAIGN Highlighted

16 AND 17-YEAR-OLDS NOW A KEY PART OF SCOTLAND’S DEMOCRATIC PROCESS

The SNP has today highlighted and welcomed a campaign to by the Electoral Commission to promote voter registration for young people.

The campaign - Time to get #IN – aims to ensure 16 and 17 year olds (and 15 year olds who will be 16 on polling day 5 May 2016) are informed and able to register to vote in Scottish Parliamentary and local government elections.

The campaign is encouraging all schools and colleges across Scotland to hold a registration session during the week of 7-11 September.

Commenting, SNP Cunninghame South Candidate Ruth, who is also North Ayrshire Councils Youth Champion said: 

“I’m backing the Time to get #IN campaign by the Electoral Commission to encourage young people from across Scotland to get registered for next year’s elections. 

“In last year’s referendum 16, 17 and 18 year olds overwhelmingly grasped the opportunity to have their democratic voice heard, here in North Ayrshire the turnout was fantastic.

“Since then the Scottish Parliament passed The Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Act 2015 enabling 16 and 17 year olds in Scotland to vote at Scottish elections, including Scottish Parliamentary and local government elections. 

“Young people are now rightly considered a key part of the democratic process in Scotland – and the onus is on us all to ensure we make it is accessible and easy as possible to ensure the greatest number possible are registered to vote in May 2016.”

International Womens Day 2014 - Women for Independence Irvine

Last Saturday Women for Independence launched a new video to mark International Women’s Day on March 8^th.  Designed to appeal to the thousands of women in Scotland who are still unsure how they’ll cast their vote in September or are unregistered, the short film features contributions from 20 women, young and old, from all over Scotland.

Women for Independence has grown enormously over the past 18 months, attracting thousands of women who have never before been active in politics. The video complements dozens of local events which took place throughout Scotland over the weekend.  

Here in Irvine we took to the streets for some campaigning with a stall in Bridgegate and invited women from all over Ayrshire to join us.  The stall was a success and it was particularly pleasing to welcome women who had never campaigned before.  Once we were out of leaflets it was onto the Volunteer rooms for a cuppa and chat about future plans, events and days of action.  Get in touch If you want to get involved, all women of any party or no party most welcome!  

Campaigning activity will step up in the crucial 6 months before the Referendum, to help support women taking action in their communities Women for Independence are currently running an online fundraising campaign  http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/women-for-independence-our-voices-fundraiser

CLLR MAGUIRE WELCOMES VOTES AT 16 REGISTRATION FOR REFERENDUM

North Ayrshire Youth Champion, Cllr Ruth Maguire has welcomed news that young people who will be 16 or over in next year’s referendum can now register to take part.

The SNP has long been in favour of giving 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote in all elections and has already made this possible in elections it has the power to change the franchise of such as health board elections. The power to enable 16 and 17 year olds to vote in local government and Scottish Parliament elections remains reserved to Westminster.

Electoral registration officers have begun gathering information for the electoral roll which will be used for the referendum. In addition to the usual household registration forms, people will also be given young voter forms to allow details to be collected of everyone who will be aged 16 and 17 on referendum day.

Welcoming the news, Cllr Maguire said:

“I urge all North Ayrshire young folk who will be 16 or over on September 18 next year to make sure they are on the electoral role so they can have their say on Scotland’s constitutional future.

“It is only right that 16 and 17 year olds should have their say about the country they live in – young people at this age can be paying tax, getting married and joining the armed forces.  It is fair and proper that they should also be entitled to vote.

“They will have this opportunity in 2014 thanks to the progressive legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament that gives 16 and 17 year olds the right to participate in next year’s referendum.  

I am very clear that this should be the norm for every election not just the referendum and will continue to support the "Votes at 16 Campaign.  Our political system needs to recognise the abilities of 16 and 17 year olds by properly including them in the democratic process and showing them the trust and respect society expects of them. " 

Community Voices piece for the Irvine Herald - Scottish Independence

Our local paper here is running a new feature "Community Voices" and each week will give space to a guest writer to contribute their thoughts on a subject close to their heart.  This month the topic is Scottish Independence.  Here are the words I wrote on voting YES:

On the 18^th of September 2014 we will be asked whether we wish to restore political independence to our country. 

My personal position on the constitution of Scotland is not complicated.  Scotland is a nation and a nation should govern itself.  I want to live in a fairer and more prosperous country.   I believe that with the wealth of resources we have and full control over spending we can achieve a better standard of living for all our citizens.  The simple truth is that the people living and working here are best placed to make decisions about how things run here. 

Yes, Scotland should be an Independent country.

There’s been a narrative in the past that we’re too wee, too poor, and too stupid to govern ourselves.  Of nearly 200 independent countries in the world, around half are smaller than Scotland.  Seven of the ten wealthiest countries in the OECD have populations of less than 10 million, including 4 that are very similar to or smaller than Scotland.  Scotland contributes 9.6% of UK taxes and receives 9.3% of UK spending.  Not even the staunchest defenders of the Westminster government attempt to peddle the myth we can’t afford our independence anymore. 

Now that the economic argument has been conceded by even the UK prime minister, supporters of the status quos must explain how, with all we have in natural and human resources, with many other countries our size doing so well why we aren’t doing better?  20% of our children in Scotland are living in poverty.  How can you say the “UK is OK”?  Westminster isn’t working for Scotland, with the recent debate on the Bedroom Tax 90% of Scottish MPs voted against it but still it is imposed.  I wonder if our referendum was asking us to form this union rather than restore our independence, how many of us would vote to be governed by a parliament where our voice goes unheard on such important matters as welfare or defence?  

An Independent Scotland has never meant isolation or separatism to me, independence is a natural state of affairs.  When we encourage independence in our young people it is because we know in our hearts that it is best for them to be able to stand on their own two feet.  To take responsibility for themselves and their decisions and, most importantly, exercise their right to make the choices that are best for them.  Anything less than full autonomy feels undignified.  Why on earth wouldn’t we want to take full responsibility for the decisions that affect all of us? 

My eldest daughter was born in 1996 and in 2014 she will be joining with young folk all over the country in voting for the first time in our historic referendum.  It’s an exciting time politically and only right that 16 and 17 year olds will take part in determining the future of our nation.   For them, the devolved Scottish parliament has always had responsibility for many of the areas that affect their lives.   And it’s this control that has allowed us to make different choices here in Scotland, choices that reflect our values and wishes for our society.  Unlike in England, we can retain and protect our NHS ensuring it is run in the interest of patients and not profit and provide free personal care for our older people.  College and University are an opportunity accessible to all with ability not only those able to pay.

I care about social justice and equality for all not just Scotland’s people.  In areas of Health policy Scotland has pioneered the smoking ban and minimum alcohol pricing being good examples of where Westminster has followed our lead.  Showing that decisions we make independently here can have a positive impact on our friends and neighbours south of the border.  A progressive approach to welfare and employability could make an equally good impression, with Scotland presenting a better way than Westminster austerity, driving debate and accelerating change in the other countries on this island.  For those of us opposed to nuclear weapons, an Independent Scotland provides the only realistic opportunity to remove them from our soil and indeed the constitution for our newly independent country could choose to ban them entirely from our land.

I have high hopes for Scotland, for a caring society where there are opportunities for all our citizens and support for those who need it.  An independent Scotland is not a panacea to all our social and economic problems.  The global challenges being faced will not disappear overnight and we may not always get things right first time, but decisions will be made by a parliament 100% accountable, responsible and reflecting the wishes of the people of Scotland.  For that to happen, the people making those choices must be those who care most about Scotland, the people living and working here.  Our voices must be heard. 

Yes, Scotland should be an independent country.

Radical Independence Campaign - Irvine

The Radical Independence Campaign have organised a People's Assembly in Irvine.  The event is taking place on Monday the 18th March at 7pm in The Volunteer Rooms in Irvine.  For more information visit 

http://radicalindependence.org/ 

You can contact the organisers by telephone 07894994117 or  email radicalirvine@gmail.com 

91% of Scotland's MPs voted against the Bedroom Tax

YES day of Action - 26th January 2013

The 26th of January sees activists all over Scotland taking to the streets for a day of action.  Here in Irvine YES North Ayrshire campaigners will be busy at the cross from 1030 speaking with shoppers, visitors and workers about the possibilities of Independent Scotland.  Members of all parties or none who support Independence are most welcome to come and help.  For details of events near you visit www.yesscotland.net 

NATO no ta.

Hopelessly naive and not tired of marching - 1 week on

When I was in primary 5 our teacher Mrs Johnston said she had something really important to tell us: There was going to be a day off as her union was striking.  I don't remember whooping at the day off but then P5 was a very diligent year at Drakies Primary, Inverness.  She told us that although she wasn't in favour of the strike she would be taking part as that was democratic. I remember feeling very grown up as she then went on to explain firstly what a union was the importance of democracy and democratic process. It stayed with me that lesson, not simply for the content but the respect with which she showed us with her honesty and explanation.

So respect, process and democracy.....even though I felt sick to my stomach at the prospect, that was how I tried to square things when the notion of reversing my parties long standing opposition to NATO membership became a reality.  The issue would be debated fully and freely, due process would be followed and I would live with the decision because that's democracy and the right thing to do.  Simple eh?

Not really.  I have had many sleepless nights since Friday trying to figure what is the right thing to do.  If I were not an elected member my membership card may well have joined others in the bucket on the way out of the conference hall.   Membership of a first strike nuclear alliance is not compatible with my long held and firm belief that nuclear weapons, weapons which kill indiscriminately and leave untold damage for years to come are wicked and wrong.  As many of the speakers touched on during the debate the nuclear issue is only one area for concern, recent reports of the increase of Drone attacks in Pakistan provide an illustration.

I will not support the new policy, and couldn't live with myself pretending to.  This is a matter of conscience for me. When brothers and sisters on the left and the anti-war movement cry "shame" for the hypocrisy it stings, because they are right.  Scotland has an opportunity to lead the way with nuclear disarmament and NATO membership at best makes it difficult, probably delays it and at worst prevents it.  

But as well as a responsibility to my own conscience, as a local elected member I have a responsibility to serve the people that voted me into this job.  A responsibility to continue on the platform I was elected on, this policy decision does not affect that.  I have to ask if this decision stops me fulfilling pledges made or aspirations myself and my fellow Councillors have for North Ayrshire, it does not.  On the doorstep when answering folk as to why there were 2 SNP candidates in the ward our message was unequivocal, the SNP wish to form the administration and run North Ayrshire council.  We are and I hope that the people who live here are beginning to see changes for the better. 

For Scotland, independence is not and cannot be about the vision of one person or political party.  To win the referendum we need many diverse voices.  I will be proud to be one of them in the Scottish National Party shoulder to shoulder with Labour for Indy, The Greens, SSP, Solidarity and perhaps most key those who have no political party as part of the YES campaign, working together for the goal that unites us Scottish Independence. 

Participation, Inclusiveness and Transparency

Monday nights constituency meeting in Ardrossan was an inspiring affair.

Our guest speaker was Cllr Ronnie McColl leader of West Dumbartonshire Council talk who had kindly agreed to come and talk to our North Ayrshire SNP candidates about increasing participation and transparency in the council along with their approach to Youth Employment.

Cllr Ronnie McColl

When elected in 2007, the SNP group took the bold stance of moving from a cabinet to a committee structure. This ensured that all elected representatives chosen by the people of West Dumbartonshire to speak for them took an active part in how the council was run.  The SNP group also moved the full council meetings to the evening at 6pm. This made the process more accessible to members of the public and was warmly welcomed.  Publishing a draft budget and engaging both council employees and residents in decision making through roadshow events continued in real practical terms their commitment of increasing participation and transparency.  

With the challenging times we face economically, how Local Authorities work will be very much on the agenda.  We will need to be positive and creative, doing things one way just because that's the way it was always done should no longer be acceptable.  

Participation, inclusiveness and transparency can sound a bit like management speak but, for me, personally it's something to aspire to.  The "experts" are often the people who use services and those on the front line delivering them.  In my opinion engaging fully with them can only be a good thing.

LIBDEMS CHALLENGED ON VOTES AT 16

The Scottish Parliament

I was interested to read that Deputy Prime Minister’s PPS Jo Swinson MP is set to host a meeting of the Votes at 16 Campaign Coalition in Westminster.  For me it's only right to extend the franchise for all elections to include young people.  It seems ridiculous that 16 and 17 year olds can work and pay tax, marry, join the armed forces but not have a say politically.  

While the UK Government has signalled it doesn’t want 16 and 17 year olds voting on Scotland’s future as they tried to dictate the terms of Scotland’s referendum, Ms Swinson says she will ‘bring together young people, organisations and parliamentarians to discuss the Votes at 16 campaign, including plans for a week of action’, on 27 February.

Labour and Lib Dem MPs and MSPs including the Leader of the Lib Dems Nick Clegg, the Deputy leaders of both parties in Scotland and the Shadow Scottish Secretary Margaret Curran have given their support to the Votes at 16 campaign and the Lib Dems, who voted with the SNP to  introduce votes at 16 in Scotland’s health board elections, promised to lower the voting age in their 2010 manifesto.

SNP MP Mike Weir comments:

“It is time the LibDems were honest about where they stand on votes for 16 and 17 year-olds. Is this one of those policies, like tuition fees, where the LibDems say one thing and do the other. Indeed, the LibDems have already let young people down once, will they do it again?

“16 and 17 year olds already play a part in our society.  They should be able to have their say over Scotland’s future.  “Attaching strings to Scotland’s referendum is simply not acceptable.  The referendum should be decided by the Scottish people and the Scottish parliament.

“It is ridiculous that politicians who say they support 16 and 17 year olds having a vote in elections would not support them voting in a referendum.  "And of course Lib Dems in Scotland have already backed votes for 16
and 17 year olds as part of elections to health boards.

“Penalising those 16 and 17 year olds who will be looking to the future of their country in an attempt to attack the SNP is just another sign of how badly the Tories, Lib Dems and now Labour are misreading the Scottish people.

“It is grossly unfair those aged 16 and 17 are able to play a major part in our society, to pay taxes, join the armed forces, consent to marriage but under UK Government plans will not be barred from making democratic decisions about their own future.

“All parties have accepted that the SNP has the right and mandate to hold a referendum on Scottish independence. The LibDems and Labour members have accepted that 16 and 17 year olds should be given the
vote. They should reaffirm their position, stop equivocating and ensure 16 and 17 year olds are able to vote.”

Electoral Reform Society backs no strings referendum

Great news today that The Electoral Reform Society have spoken out for the principle that no strings should be attached by the UK Government to Scotland's referendum.

The ERS, which describes itself as “an independent campaigning organisation to champion the rights of voters and improve UK democracy”, says it examined legislation, took on board opinions and spoke to experts before coming to its conclusion.

In today’s Herald newspaper the ERS’s Juliet Swann is quoted: “We are recommending the Scottish Parliament be provided with a no-strings-attached legal mandate to call a referendum at a time and with a question or questions of their choosing.”

And she added: “The Society supports votes for 16 and 17-year-olds.”

Welcoming the comments, Stewart Maxwell, SNP MSP for West Scotland and member of the Scotland Bill Committee, said:

“The ERS have spoken to experts and pored over legislation before coming to the conclusion that attaching strings is unacceptable and the referendum should be decided by the Scottish people and the Scottish parliament.

“This is welcome backing from an organisation that is fighting to improve UK democracy and championing the rights of voters.

“Only yesterday, constitutional expert Matt Qvortrup said the UK Government should back off from threatening legal action by the UK Supreme Court.

“The question now is will Westminster listen to these growing calls for the referendum to be made in Scotland and decided by the people of Scotland?

“I am also delighted that the ERS wants 16 and 17-year-olds to vote, endorsing the SNP’s stance for young adults to be able to vote in all elections.

“Young adults of this age should be given the right to have their say on Scotland’s future.

“In the face of this growing evidence that the referendum belongs to the people of Scotland, the anti-independence parties must rethink their stance and put the democratic rights of the people of Scotland at the top of their priorities.”