Category Archives: Speeches

Claire Baker congratulates 5th Fife Scout Group

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Claire Baker joined Parliament in congratulating the 5th Fife Scout group during a member’s debate on the winners of the Black’s of Greenock national camping competition 2012.

The competition took place at Fordell Firs national scout activity centre in Fife in September with the Kirkcaldy group beating Calder district and Arbroath and Montrose district into first place.

The debate offered members the opportunity to congratulate the Fife Scouts group and the Scouting association as a whole for all the community work they undertake within their local communities.

Speaking after the debate Claire Baker said:

“It was good to add my warm congratulations to the 5th Fife Scout group for winning the Lyall trophy and all the hard work they do within the Fife community.

“Organisations such as the Scouts afford children the opportunity to grow in confidence and learn skills that can benefit them throughout their lives, including team building and problem solving.

“It’s also important to thank the volunteers who donate their time to ensure these organisations are successful. It is through their tireless and dedicated work that children across Fife and Scotland are able to enjoy the experience and benefits scouting brings.”


Claire raises tenant farmers concerns during CAP debate

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Claire Baker has called on the Scottish and UK Government to ensure there are no ‘unintended consequences’ for tenant farmers after an SNP amendment was lodged for the Common Agriculture Policy in the European Parliament.

The amendment from Alyn Smith MEP attempts to deal with slipper farmers but concerns have been raised by the tenanted sector that it could result in confusions over who will own the land.

Speaking during the Common Agricultural Policy debate Claire Baker asked the Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead for clarity on the impact of the amendment. Mr Lochhead simply dismissed the issue as ‘mischief making’ from MEPs.

Claire Baker, the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment also called for ‘public confidence’ in CAP in what is a ‘crucial period’ for the reform during the Scottish Parliament debate.

Speaking after the debate Claire Baker said:

“Concerns have been raised by tenant farmers and it was important that these concerns were raised to the Cabinet Secretary in Parliament. I am disappointed that he simply dismissed their concerns as ‘mischief making’.

“Whilst it is important that we curtail slipper farming this cannot be at the cost of tenant farmers who could see their livelihoods at risk.

“I don’t believe that Alyn Smith has genuinely set out to upset Tenant Farmers but unintended consequences are not an issue to simply be dismissed by Richard Lochhead.

“Genuine concerns were raised to me before the debate and both tenant’s farmers and myself were looking for reassurances from the Scottish Government that they make it clear ownership remains with the active farmer and not the land owner.

“I hope the Cabinet Secretary can reconsider his remarks and ensure that the matter is resolved.”

Claire Hosts Fife Diet Debate in the Scottish Parliament

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Claire Baker, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, today hosted a members debate in the Scottish Parliament on welcoming Fife Diet’s new food manifesto for 2012. The well attended debate discussed many of the points laid out in the manifesto and in general about Scotland’s relationship with food.

Fife Diet, who watched the debate from the public gallery, produced the manifesto as part of their contribution to the food and drink policy framework with aims to ‘look afresh at the values that underpin how we organise our food economy’.

Points raised by the manifesto include the Soup Test where every child will leave school knowing how to make a pot of soup. Current statistics show that up to 57% of 18-25 year olds are leaving home without the knowledge of how to cook simple recipes such as Spaghetti Bolognese. The manifesto also suggests a plastic bag tax and farm apprenticeships amongst other points.

Speaking in Parliament after the debate Claire Baker said:

“It was great to discuss the food manifesto in the Scottish Parliament and offer MSPs from all parties the opportunity to discuss our relationship towards food in Scotland, particularly as we are in the midst of Scottish food and drink fortnight. Continue reading →

CLAIRE KEEPS WELL WITH NHS FIFE

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Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker MSP joined NHS Scotland in helping to promote their Keep Well initiative by undertaking a health check on the Revolution Bus at the local Asda store in Kirkcaldy.

Keep Well is a Scotland wide programme of targeted health checks that offers a systematic cardiovascular risk assessment for people aged between 40-64 years, without existing cardiovascular disease (CVD), but are at greatest risk of preventable ill health because of their life circumstances.

Cardiovascular disease affects the heart and blood vessels and can include coronary heart disease. The Keep Well programme also targets those aged 35-64 years who have a higher than average risk of developing CVD, such as Gypsy Travellers, South Asian and Black Afro Caribbean populations, those who are homeless, those suffering from substance misuse and offender populations.

The focus is on early detection and risk reduction; assessment consists of weight, height, body mass index (BMI) waist measurement and cholesterol and glucose testing (via a simple finger-prick). Keep Well also explore lifestyle, such as smoking, exercise and diet, and can offer free referral to a variety of other services that will help modify any risk present.

Continue reading →

LOCAL MSP RAISES CONCERNS OVER BLUE BADGE REFUSAL

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Local MSP Claire Baker has raised concerns with Fife Council regarding changes to the Blue Badge Scheme which has resulted in people with genuine disabilities being refused their badge.

The Blue Badge Scheme allows pass holders to park in spaces designated for disabled badge holders to ensure that those suffering from severely restricted mobility have access to parking close to their destination.

Changes to the system were brought into effect to ensure that the scheme was not being abused and only those entitled to a Blue Badge received one.

The framework of the scheme falls under the responsibility of Transport Scotland, with Local Authorities charged with administrating the scheme and issuing badges.

However it has come to the attention of Mrs Baker that people with genuine disabilities are being refused the badge due to the complexity of the new application forms.

Speaking from her office in Kirkcaldy, Claire Baker MSP said:

“It is right that attempts are made to ensure that the Blue Badge Scheme is not being abused however this should not be at the cost of genuine applicants being refused.

“Changes made have resulted in an application form that is causing confusion due to its complexity and this is resulting in those that rely on their Blue Badge having their applications rejected.

“Blue Badges are vital for those with genuine disabilities to ensure that they still have the independence to carry out everyday tasks such as going to the shops. Without this badge many will be forced to remain prisoners in their own home.

“I have written to Fife Council asking if there has been a significant increase in Blue Badge Scheme refusals and if they are confident that any refusals are not based on the complexity of the form.

“I have also asked if any training has been given to council staff to ensure that forms are filled out accurately as members of the public are being directed to the Local Service Offices for any help in completing the forms.

“I look forward to hearing back from the council and ensuring that genuine applicants for the Blue Badge Scheme are having their application rightly approved.”