Iain Smith MSP
Member of the Scottish Parliament for North East Fife
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Iain Smith MSP Member of the Scottish Parliament for North East Fife |
| Iain Smith MSP | <iain.smith.msp@scottish.parliament.uk> |
20 Most Recent News StoriesSMITH CONTACTS MINISTER OVER FATAL ROAD ACCIDENTS4.37.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 31st Aug 2010 Following the third fatal road accident on the A92 in North East Fife in little more than a week Iain Smith MSP has has raised concerns with the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure & Climate Change. In a letter to the Minister Mr Smith wrote: "You will have seen the reports of the third fatal accident to occur on the above stretch of trunk road in nine days. I would be grateful to know what steps are being taken to reduce this dreadful state of affairs. I understand that there is an Accident Reduction Plan for the A92 and would be obliged for any details you can supply." COUNCIL PLANNERS NEED TO LISTEN TO COUNCILLORS "AS A MATTER OF LAW"12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 31st Aug 2010 North East Fife MSP Iain Smith and MP Sir Menzies Campbell have urged Fife Council's Development Services to listen and take more notice of the views of local communities and councillors in planning decisions "as a matter of law". Their call comes after St Andrews Councillor Frances Melville commented that council planners are still not listening to the views of local councillors with regard to plans for major expansion in St Andrews. They said: "Planning officers have to show that consultation on the Local Plan is genuine and that the views of local people are being taken into account. Local Plans should be subject to proper democratic scrutiny. As a matter of law the views of councillors take precedent and un-elected officials should recognise this." SMITH SLAMS SNP'S "STAGGERING" ARROGANCE ABOUT BUSINESS RATES12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 27th Aug 2010
Local MSP and Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee Iain Smith has slammed the SNP Government's arrogant dismissal of the problems many North East Fife hotels and businesses are facing as a result of the hike in business rates. Following the comments by the Enterprise Minister, while on the Scottish Government's taxpayer funded "Summer Tour", welcoming figures on the small business bonus scheme, Iain Smith MSP said: "The arrogance of the SNP to refute concerns raised by bodies such as the CBI, Chambers of Commerce and the FSB, not to mention countless hoteliers and business owners throughout the country, is quite frankly, staggering. "While the SNP gallivant across Scotland on a publicity tour, which cost the taxpayer £80,000 last year, hotels and business in North East Fife who have been hit with significant increases in business rates are crying out for help. "The Liberal Democrats are proposing a transitional rates relief scheme which would help phase in these increases over time but the SNP and Conservatives, who voted against it in Parliament, are not interested at all. Rather than patting themselves on the back in press releases the SNP Government needs to listen to the business community and respond to our campaign." BROADBAND CODE OF PRACTICE WILL MEAN CUSTOMERS "GET WHAT THEY SEE ON THE TIN"12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 20th Aug 2010
North East Fife MSP Iain Smith and MP Sir Menzies Campbell have welcomed the introduction of a Code of Practice for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) which should bring to an end the misleading claims of broadband speed by some companies in their adverts so customers "get what they see on the tin". Following their constituency wide survey last year which concluded that the speed and quality of the broadband in North east Fife was not at the levels advertised by ISPs, Sir Menzies and Mr Smith have been making numerous representations to Ofcom and BT for an end to misleading adverts and investment in the broadband infrastructure in rural areas. The industry regulator Ofcom has released research which shows the differences between the claims ISPs make for broadband and the speed actually being delivered. According to Ofcom in 2009, when actual speeds for broadband were 4.1Mbps the average for those services were being advertised at was 7.1Mbps. In 2010, when people are generally getting 5.2Mbps, ISPs are claiming they will support speeds of up to 11.5Mbps. Iain Smith said: "Our campaign has highlighted the disparity in service and speed between rural and urban areas. The creation of this Code of Practice will now mean that broadband customers will actually get the kind of service they see on the tin before they buy. "This is a good first step but there needs to be more investment in the infrastructure and for BT to open up their network for more competition. Commenting, Sir Menzies said: "In my experience broadband customers understand that the speed and quality of their broadband depend upon a number of factors. But that doesn't mean that internet service providers are excused from advertising their broadband services in a way that can be very misleading. "The new Code of Practice being introduced should mean that customers get more accurate information about the broadband service available to them when they sign up to a provider. It is good news for consumers that the largest UK ISPs have all signed up to it." MSPS WELCOME POSITIVE MEETING OVER FUTURE OF BYRE12.55.50pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 19th Aug 2010 North East Fife MSP Iain Smith and Mid Scotland & Fife MSP Ted Brocklebank have welcomed the commitment of Creative Scotland to work with the Byre Theatre to develop a sustainable business plan future for the venue. Following a joint meeting today with Creative Scotland's new Chairman Sir Sandy Crombie and Chief Executive Andrew Dixon, the two MSPs said they welcomed the assurances that Creative Scotland had no desire to see the Byre close, and were and were keen to work in partnership with the Theatre, Fife Council and others to secure its future. "This is a welcome commitment. Whilst the loss of flexible funding from the former Scottish Arts Council has been a body blow to the Byre Theatre, it is clear that its successor body Creative Scotland recognises that there is a need to look seriously at how theatre in Scotland and facilities such as the Byre are funded." LESS FINGER POINTING AND MORE ACTION ON BUDGET NEEDED FROM SNP - SMITH12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 3rd Aug 2010
North East Fife's MSP and Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee Iain Smith has called on the Scottish Government to end the "tiresome finger pointing at Westminster" and take the task of reducing the Scottish budget seriously. Speaking after the publication of a report by Scotland's Independent Budget Review Panel, Iain Smith MSP said: "It is clear from the report's recommendations that it is high time for the SNP to start acting like a responsible government and look seriously at ways of reducing the Scottish budget rather than their tiresome finger pointing at Westminster. "The Independent Budget Review highlighted a number of areas for action such as NHS bonuses, the cutting of quangos and the funding arrangement of Scottish Water where Liberal Democrats have been unequivocal in opposition to the status quo. "In the current economic climate and with far less public money available it is time for all parties to put forward serious proposals, as we have been doing, to address this shortfall. The SNP's silence is no longer an option." ENDS Your can find the report at the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/IndependentBudgetReview/Resources/final-report/ Smith Urges Rethink on Landline Rental Increase3.40.30pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 27th Jul 2010 Iain Smith MSP has today written to the Chief Executives of both BT and OFCOM to raise concerns over the telephone giants plans to increase the cost of line rental from October. BT has written to its landline only customers inviting them to get round the line rental increase by paying a year's line rental up front and switching to online billing. In a letter to BT Chief Executive Ian Livingston, Mr Smith said: "I am very concerned that those groups least able to afford the price rises - the elderly and those on low incomes - will be the hardest hit as they are also the least likely to have access to the internet and will therefore be unable to switch to online billing. "I urge you to reconsider these changes with a view to ensuring the elderly and those on lower incomes are not disadvantaged as you move more of your business online" 150th Open "Enormous Economic Boost" - Smith12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 16th Jul 2010
As the 150th British Open rolls into town the eyes of the world are, once again, firmly fixed on St Andrews. The Home Of Golf has a special place in the heart of golfers and fans alike which is reflected in the huge numbers that will swarm to North East Fife this week. Competitions of this kind enormously enhance the prestige of St Andrews and North East Fife as a premier golfing destination but it's economic role, one which may never be more important than in the wake of the most severe recession for a generation, is hugely significant. Not only does this type of competition act as a massive tourist advert for Scotland throughout the world but it was estimated that the 2005 Open brought in the region of £32 million of direct spending to the local economy which will be a significant boost to the Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, Pubs and Restaurants of North East Fife. There is no doubt that this special competition will be a fantastic spectacle and one which appropriately showcases this wonderful part of the world. MSP TO MEET CULTURE MINISTER ABOUT BYRE THEATRE12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 30th Jun 2010
North East Fife's MSP Iain Smith is set to meet Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop to discuss to withdrawal of over £300,000 of funding from the Scottish Arts Council to the Byre Theatre in St Andrews. Mr Smith, the Liberal Democrat Culture Spokesman and long-time supporter of the theatre, had previously said that this funding cut was a "slap in the face" to the Byre. Commenting ahead of his meeting with the Culture Minister, Iain Smith said: "There is no doubt that the contribution the Byre makes to culture in Fife is significant and the public uproar as a result of this cut is testament to that. "A huge question mark hangs over the Byre's future without the necessary funding from the Government and I shall be making the case for its re-instatement with the Minister." GATHERING REMAINS UNEXPLAINED - SMITH12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 30th Jun 2010 Commenting after a Ministerial statement on the Gathering, Liberal Democrat Culture and Tourism spokesman Iain Smith MSP said: "There are still unresolved issues on the Gathering. "Loans were paid without due diligence being carried out on the companies loaned to. "We are angry that the Government failed to take their responsibilities to the public purse seriously. "The Government should have looked at other action that could have been taken to increase The Gathering Ltd's income, rather than simply bailing it out." MINISTERS NEED TO ANSWER GATHERING LOAN QUESTIONS12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd Jun 2010
Commenting on the Audit Scotland report into the handling of The Gathering, Liberal Democrat Tourism spokesman Iain Smith said: "There are serious questions that need to be answered by Ministers as to why a loan of £180,000 was made to the Gathering without completing robust checks of the company's ability to repay it, or seeking enough information from steering group members. "Ministers also need to explain why they did not seek professional advice on the loan's legality. "A large number of small companies in Edinburgh have been left out of pocket as a result of the Gathering and they will be concerned that the Government have thrown public money at this company without conducting due diligence." BYRE FUNDING BLOW A "SLAP IN THE FACE" - SMITH12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 18th Jun 2010
Following the news that the Scottish Arts Council is to withdraw its £165,000 annual funding to the Byre theatre in St Andrews from 2011, Liberal Democrat Culture Spokesman and MSP for North East Fife Iain Smith said: "This is a serious blow to one of Scotland's finest purpose built modern theatre facilities. The Board at the Byre have worked very hard to deliver a great theatre in the face of previous cuts from the Scottish Arts Council. "This latest cut is a slap in the face to the Byre and a major blow to culture in North East Fife and theatre in Scotland. "I am seeking an urgent meeting with the Culture Minister and the Chair of Creative Scotland to discuss this matter." Iain Smith "Bitterly Disappointed" by Boundary Commission Report12.01.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 27th May 2010 North East Fife MSP Iain Smith has said he is "bitterly disappointed" by the outcome of the First Periodic Review of Scottish Parliament Boundaries, published today by the Boundary Commission of Scotland. Mr Smith said: "My Constituents in Lundin Links, Lower and Upper Largo will be rightly angry that this report confirms the Boundary Commission has chosen to ignore their wishes and cut their ties with the East Neuk and the rest of North East Fife by moving them into the new Mid Fife and Glenrothes Constituency. "This is despite Sheriff Principal Dunlop, who conducted the local inquiry into the proposal, saying that 'this inquiry has thrown up as strong an example of such local ties as one is likely to find'. "I believe that the Boundary Commission has failed in its duty under the Scottish Parliament Boundaries Act by not taking account of these local ties, and I will be seeking an urgent meeting with the new Secretary of State for Scotland Danny Alexander to explore what options are open to him to reconsider this recommendation." Play your cards right: good advice on coalition deals...from one who knows - Iain Smith MSP in the Sunday Herald12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 9th May 2010
Immediately at the end of a hard-fought election campaign, exhausted after polling day, is probably not the ideal time to find yourself entering negotiations to decide the future Government of your country. However, that is exactly where Jim Wallace, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Ross Finnie, Nicol Stephen and myself found ourselves 11 years ago as we entered the Scottish Parliament's temporary home on George IV Bridge to open negotiations with Donald Dewar's Labour Party after the first Scottish Parliament elections in 1999. We were conscious of an expectant media pack seeking instant decisions on who would govern Scotland. We were equally aware of the many in our own Party, myself included, who were sceptical of the value of entering a coalition. But we were surprised by just how unprepared the Labour Party were. They seemed to think that all they needed to do was ask us to be part of their Government, we'd agree and that would be that. We, however, were clear that any coalition had to be based on an agreed Programme for Government. There would be no instant deal. Our negotiating team was armed on that first day with a 24-page document, based on our manifesto, approved by our new Parliamentary Party and authorised by the Party's Executive and Policy Committee. The Labour Party's first attempt came to a couple of sides of A4. Policy advisers from both sides, with Civil Service support, were tasked with drafting sections of the programme for Government on policy areas such as health and education. These sections, with areas of disagreement highlighted, were then considered by the two negotiating teams, meeting in separate fifth-floor rooms, before going to the formal negotiation meeting for resolution and ratification. Some particularly tricky issues required face-to-face discussion between Donald Dewar and Jim Wallace. Throughout, the elephant in the room was university tuition fees. This had become one of the totem issues during the election campaign. Liberal Democrats had campaigned to scrap tuition fees while Labour wanted to keep them. Every day around 8pm negotiations were brought to a shuddering halt by a blood-curdling scream. This, it turned out, was not the good people of Scotland wondering where their new Government was, nor was it, as our SNP and Conservative opponents wanted to portray it, the sound of us selling our souls, but a ghost tour in the High Street pends below. But it seemed to coincide, in my memory, with the moment each day when the optimism over the good progress we had made was shattered as once again the subject of tuition fees was reached. Time was not on our side. There was pressure to reach agreement before the first meeting of the Parliament on Wednesday, May 12 1999, with the election of the First Minister scheduled for the next day. A compromise was reached - an Independent Committee of Inquiry. As Liberal Democrats we had nothing to fear from such an inquiry, as we were confident in our case for scrapping tuition fees. We were proved right. Only after reaching agreement on the Programme for Government did discussion turn to the mechanics of the number of ministers each party would have and how new policy would be agreed, and disputes resolved. Coalition government needs a very different approach from civil servants used to working with single-party administrations. In these first negotiations they needed some persuasion that they had to treat both sides equally. And procedures need to be in place within coalition government to ensure that ministerial decisions are agreed across the government, not just within a single ministry. Reflecting back on these heady days in 1999, we all know we would do things differently now. Negotiations for the 2003 coalition benefited from the lessons we learned. Both agreements lasted the full four-year term. Most important of all is to take time to get it right. And to remember you can make progress on many fronts even where there remain other issues of difference between the parties. The elephant in the room this time will no doubt be political reform, which Cameron's Conservatives are instinctively opposed to. But Nick Clegg has strong cards to play. Not just that we are right, but that there is now probably a majority in Parliament for political reform with or without the Conservatives. MPs of all parties still have the power to deliver real change for Britain if they are prepared to do something different. To work together. Iain Smith is the MSP for North East Fife and Convener of the Scottish Parliament's influential Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee. From the Sunday Herald 9th May 2010 Read Iain Smith's article on the Sunday Herald website: http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/politics/play-your-cards-right-good-advice-on-coalition-deals-from-one-who-knows-1.1026383 Undecided voters swing to Lib Dems following final Leaders Debate6.09.15pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 30th Apr 2010
Last night was the final of the three televised Leaders' debates. Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, debated with Gordon Brown and David Cameron about the economy. Subjects discussed included breaking up the banks, creating more jobs and reinvigorating the British economy. Most post-debate polls scored this final debate to David Cameron, but again put Nick Clegg clearly ahead of Gordon Brown. An analysis by pollsters Angus Reid of previously undecided voters who watched the debate gave Nick Clegg 37%, David Cameron 25%, Gordon Brown 22% and Not sure 16%. Angus Reid found that 32% of undecided voters say they are now more likely to vote for the Liberal Democrats after watching the final debate, with just 18% Conservative and 15% Labour. In his closing statement at the final leaders' debate, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said: "Everything I've said during these three television debates is driven by my simple belief that if we do things differently this time, we can create a fairer, better Britain. "As you decide how to cast your vote, of course you'll be told by these two, that real change is dangerous, that it can't be done. "Don't let anyone scare you from following your instincts. Together next week we can change Britain for good. "Just think how many times you've been given lots of promises by these two old parties - only to discover when they get into Government that nothing really changes. "We can do so much better than that this time. "Of course I can't guarantee that every problem you face will be solved overnight. But I can guarantee that I will work tirelessly to deliver greater fairness for you. "Fairer taxes, so that you pay less but people at the top pay their fair share. "A fair start, smaller class sizes, for your children. "A different approach to the economy. "And open, decent politics which you can trust once again. "I believe all this can happen. This is your election. This is your country. "When you go to vote next week, choose the future you really want. If you believe like I do that we can do things differently this time, then together we will really change Britain. "Don't let anyone tell you it can't happen. It can. This time, you can make the difference." Third and Final Party Leaders' TV debate: The Economy2.25.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 28th Apr 2010
On Thursday 29th April from 8.30pm, BBC One will host the final live Prime Ministerial Debate of the General Election from the Midlands. Nick Clegg, Gordon Brown and David Cameron will again be going head to head in the run up to the General Election next Thursday. The first half of the 90 minute programme, chaired by Question Time host David Dimbleby, will debate the economy, with the remaining time to discuss other election issues. The debate will also be broadcast live on BBC Radio 4, with coverage starting at 8pm. You can submit your own question to the debate on the BBC website at http://tinyurl.com/yasmba5 With Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg widely believed to have won the first two debates, this is the final opportunity to see the three leaders debating issues together directly before the General Election. Clegg Scores Second Win in Party Leaders Debate3.06.44pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 23rd Apr 2010
An average of five polls conducted immediately after the Sky TV Leaders Election debate on Thursday night put Nick Clegg as the winner, with all instant polls showing him ahead of Gordon Brown. After the Foreign Affairs-led debate from Bristol dominated by issues like Iraq, immigration and climate change, Nick Clegg won 3 of the 5 polls on the night, building on his position after the first debate. The five "instant" poll results on the night:
The election has been thrown wide open by Nick Clegg's first debate win. A number of polls have shown that the Lib Dems and the Conservatives are neck and neck, with Labour trailing in third. BBC journalist Michael Crick said on Newsnight "The momentum is still with Clegg." Second Party Leaders' TV debate: Foreign Affairs11.08.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 21st Apr 2010
The second Party Leaders Debate is taking place this Thursday starting at 8pm on Sky News. Nick Clegg, Gordon Brown and David Cameron will again be going head to head in a TV debate in the run up to the General Election on May 6th, this time leading on Foreign Affairs. The first half of the 90 minute Election Debate on Sky News will be devoted to Foreign Affairs, with the rest on any topic. The debate comes from Bristol, and will be chaired by Adam Boulton. Sky are inviting questions before the debate, with more information at http://news.sky.com/skynews/Election/debatequestion You can see the debate live anywhere that you usually watch Sky News: Sky Digital Channel 501, Virgin Media Channel 602 and Freeview Channel 82 and online at skynews.com Live Video Streaming. BBC 2 will also be showing the debate in full at 11.30pm after Newsnight. The third debate will take place on the BBC on 29th April at 8.30pm, focusing on the Economy. Nick Clegg is widely judged to have won the first Party Leaders debate, watched by 9.9 million people, with the ITV/ComRes poll after the debate giving Nick Clegg 43% of the vote. Over the last week, the Liberal Democrats have seen a massive surge in the opinion polls. In polls published on Tuesday, the Liberal Democrats lead in two, and polled between 34-26% of the vote in all of them:
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SMITH STALKS SIX-FOOT SCORPION!12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 20th Apr 2010
Iain Smith MSP came face to face with the track of a giant water scorpion; fortunately the animal itself has been dead for the past 330 million years! The trackway of the creature, which must have been 1.6 metres long and 1 metre wide, is preserved on a slab of sandstone in North East Fife, and shows the prints of the feet and tail. Following a request from Scottish Natural Heritage, Richard Batchelor, chair of GeoHeritage Fife, arranged for the trackway to be moulded for a casting by a specialist firm GeoEd Ltd of Cornwall. He explained that the tracks were identified by Sheffield University academic Martin Whyte, a St Andrews geology graduate, as Hibbertopterus, a scorpion-like arthropod living during Carboniferous times (ca. 330 Ma). The important aspect of this find was that, to be preserved, the tracks must have been made above water level, therefore this animal could survive out of water. Mr Smith said, 'This significant find puts North East Fife even more firmly on the geo-heritage map, following in the wake of the fossil fishes at Dura Den. It is very welcome that the trackway is being recorded, so that it will be available for study, even after the rock is washed away by the sea. Perhaps too it will kindle an interest in geology amongst more young people in the area and encourage geotourism, as there may be other exciting finds just waiting to be discovered.' Nick Clegg Storms First Ever Party Leaders Debate12.01.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 16th Apr 2010
The polls following the first ever Party Leaders General Election debate on ITV are showing that Nick Clegg has won a convincing victory over David Cameron and Gordon Brown. The debate was the first ever Leaders debate during a UK General Election campaign, and the pollsters are giving it as a big victory for Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats. The ITV / COMRES poll held by ITV and announced shortly after the debate gave Nick Clegg as the winner by a huge margin:
YouGov, Channel 4, Guardian, Daily Mail, The Times and Angus Reid polls following the debate also scored Nick Clegg as the clear winner of the first Leaders debate. Angus Reid said that 42% of voters were more likely to vote for the Liberal Democrats as a result of the debate. The Daily Telegraph's headline following the debate said "Clegg's star rises in great TV showdown". The Times comment "Enter the Outsider: Nick Clegg seizes his moment in historic TV debate". Even Conservative commentator and blogger Iain Dale said "I think Nick Clegg won the day". In summing up the debate, Nick Clegg said Labour and the Tories have made the "same old mistakes over and over again. Despite all the problems and challenges we have, we can be hopeful about the future if we chose something different." Archive of earlier News Stories.
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