Scotland’s place in the world
BY RENFREWSHIRE SOUTH MSP TOM ARTHUR
Recently, my SNP colleagues in Renfrewshire Council successfully passed their budget proposals for 2024/25.
Like the Scottish Government, their key priority was to support the most vulnerable in our communities during this cost-of-living crisis.
To that end, Renfrewshire Council has accepted the fully-funded council tax freeze – keeping money in the pockets of residents and households across the local authority area.
They have also increased the funds available for community care grants, crisis grants and other Scottish Welfare Fund applications for those in receipt of benefits or on low incomes.
One area seeing significant investment is social housing.
Renfrewshire in recent years has been incredibly ambitious in it’s affordable housing build programme, an ambition wholly shared by the Scottish Government.
I am therefore delighted that council and housing association tenants in Johnstone and far beyond, will benefit from the monies allocated by the SNP-led Scottish Government to fund a massive £281 million investment over the next five years to improve and replace aging housing stock in the region.
The SNP administration also put forward plans to add £4m to the £10 m already set aside for a brand-new Thorn Primary School in Johnstone town centre. Adding to past improvements of school campus’ elsewhere in the constituency, this further improves educational facilities in the area for generations to come.
I know that this has been a big priority for local elected members and families alike, so I warmly welcomed confirmation of these funds, as will the young people and staff who benefit from a brand new, modern school in the years ahead.
Road users across Renfrewshire will also be very glad to see a £5m spend confirmed for roads and footpaths in the local authority area, providing the cash to repair and replace surfaces which we walk, cycle and drive on every day.
The Scottish Government has this month published its 11th paper in the ‘Building a New Scotland’ series which will form a prospectus for Scotland as an independent country.
The latest publication, entitled ‘An Independent Scotland’s Place in the World’, sets out the Scottish Government’s policy proposals for international engagement and defence policy, following independence.
These include:
■Commitments to apply for membership of the United Nations, European Union and NATO as soon as possible following a vote for independence;
■The establishment of a dedicated diplomatic network to promote and protect Scottish interests, promoting the country as a hub for innovation, trade and investment;
■The establishment of new armed forces, with a modern contract for personnel and continued strong support for veterans;
■The removal of nuclear weapons from Scotland in the safest and quickest manner possible after independence.
Providing this level of detail gives everyone the opportunity to access the vital information needed to make an informed choice about Scotland’s future.
The people of Scotland elected a parliament committed to giving them a choice on independence.
And so that democratic will for choice must not only be respected – but it also must be prepared for.
The case for independence is a strong one, and it is incumbent on the Scottish Government to present that case openly, frankly and with confidence and ambition.
All 11 papers in the series are available to view online in the Building a New Scotland hub at www.gov.scot/ newscotland/