Disability benefit pilot is ‘huge news’
In parliament last week, I voiced my frustration at the Tory hypocrisy of demanding more from the Scottish Government for farming businesses while they short change us by £93 million.
That is money that could have been provided to farmers to help them mitigate, address and adapt to climate change.
And it is proof of them breaking their Brexit promise of maintaining the same level of rural funding as was available when we were in the EU.
As the cabinet secretary said in her reply, the Scottish Government has been clear and consistent that we expect – because we were promised – full replacement of European Union funds to ensure no detriment to Scotland’s finances.
We would have expected the UK government to fully respect the devolution settlement in any future arrangement but so far, that has not happened.
There is a great deal of anger and frustration about another form of Tory hypocrisy too and I have been hearing it a lot on the doorsteps whilst going round campaigning for our excellent council candidates.
Even the staunchest Conservative voters are sickened by the partying in Downing Street during lockdown.
While we stayed home, they partied. Whilst we were unable to visit loved ones or, worse still, be with those who were dying, they took suitcases of booze into Number Ten. Boris Johnson told us there were no parties – well, the police have just started issuing fines for those parties that never were.
Boris Johnson lied to parliament and he needs to face the consequences. Meanwhile, the Tory leader in
Scotland can’t make up his mind. He put in a letter calling for Johnson to resign, then he took it out again. Will these latest revelations make him put it in again? It’s like the hokey cokey!
Another issue being raised is the UK government’s failure to lift a finger to help folk facing a cost of living crisis.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Government is spending almost £600 million a year mitigating brutal and immoral Tory policies.
We are building a new social security system based on dignity and respect which is already delivering 11 new benefits.
The Adult Disability Payment is being piloted here in Perth and Kinross from this month and I am delighted those with long-term conditions will be eligible for an“indefinite award”.
It’s not often a government decision on benefits gets welcomed on a comedy programme but, as Adam Hills said on Channel 4’s The Last Leg, this is“huge news” and“the challenge is now on Westminster, it’s your turn”.
On a more uplifting note, I had the great pleasure last week to meet with staff and volunteers from Marie Curie during their visit to Holyrood.
I was pleased to have the opportunity to update them on my plans to climb Kilimanjaro in October to raise funds for Cornhill Macmillan Centre in Perth.
The work the people from Marie Curie do is absolutely amazing and means so much to the people that they help.
The Great Daffodil Appeal is an importance aspect of their annual fundraising effort and has my total support. I am proud to wear my daffodil and I urge everyone to get behind the campaign.