Category Archives: Parliament News

Claire questions Ministers about Biomass and Air Quality

Posted on by

This week in Parliament Claire questioned Fergus Ewing and Paul Wheelhouse about biomass and air quality in Scotland. A full transcript of the questions and answers can be found below.

 

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): I acknowledge that the subsidy has been removed from electricity-only stations. Is the minister aware, however, of concerns that the proposal to define good-quality CHP plants across the United Kingdom as those having a 35 per cent efficiency level, which is considerably lower than the European Union directive, which states a level of at least 70 per cent for industrial applications, will create a loophole for inefficient biomass generation, and does he agree that we should be seeking to increase the level of efficiency at which subsidies can be claimed?
Fergus Ewing: The member makes a reasonable point. The consultation proposals—I stress that it is a consultation, so, by definition, we have not prejudged any outcome—suggest a different approach from that which I believe is being proposed down south. We have proposed that a 10MW threshold should apply to the use of biomass to produce only electricity and that, above that threshold, the biomass plants should be capable of providing electricity and heat.
In reaching that view, which we have put forward for consultation, we have taken account in particular of the views of all members of this chamber who have put them to me, including Mr Biagi, and those of the traditional timber sawmilling sector, which has pointed out that timber is a finite resource, that it has a call on it, which we recognise, and that the sector provides a great deal of employment in many rural communities.

 

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): Given that the failure to meet the European Union air quality directive targets can result in fines, what consequences does the Scottish Government believe that it will face if we continue to miss the targets?
Paul Wheelhouse: I agree with Claire Baker that it is important that we meet our targets under the air quality directive. In partnership with Transport Scotland, SEPA, local authorities, the United Kingdom Government and others, the Scottish Government is working on a range of measures to ensure full compliance as soon as possible. Those measures are set out in detail in the UK’s application to the European Commission for a time extension to adapt to the targets.

Claire supports Furniture Plus with Parliamentary motion

Posted on by

Yesterday Claire submitted the following motion in Parliament congratulating Furniture Plus on earning their Revolve accredited quality status.

Motion S4M-04756: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 08/11/2012

That the Parliament congratulates Furniture Plus on earning Revolve accredited quality status; understands that the Fife recycling charity is one of the first organisations in Scotland to earn the new quality accreditation; believes that the Revolve Standard was launched by Zero Waste Scotland for re-use organisations and was set up to raise awareness and increase shoppers’ confidence in buying previously-owned goods; hopes that this accreditation will be a great boost to Furniture Plus and the Fife economy; notes that Blythswood Care in Ross-shire also received accreditation, and wishes the best of luck to the other 20 re-use organisations that are working toward their own Revolve accreditation.

Claire Baker congratulates 5th Fife Scout Group

Posted on by

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 Baker questions Minister on missed Climate Change target

Posted on by

The Minister for Environment and Climate Change Paul Wheelhouse has made a statement to Parliament explaining why the Scottish Government has failed to meet its first target for reducing carbon emissions.

Speaking after the statement, Claire Baker MSP, Shadow Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said:

“Despite offering every excuse under the sun, including the lack of sun in Scotland, the reality is that the Scottish Government failed to meet the first Climate Change target due to their own actions.

“It is telling that whilst the Government accepted all the plaudits upon the passing of this Act there was not one single member of the Scottish Cabinet present during the statement.

“Confidence is being lost in this Government to meet future targets and Scotland is sadly on course to miss all but one annual emissions reduction target between 2010 and 2022. On Thursday voters from all over Scotland will arrive at Parliament to demand the Government makes the step change needed and it is paramount that the Government listens.”

Claire’s reply and question to the Minister can be found here

Paul Wheelhouse’s statement can be found here

Claire Baker MSP meets Commonwealth Mascot Clyde

Posted on by

Claire Baker MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife met with Clyde, the Commonwealth Game mascot, in the Scottish Parliament this week.

The ‘Passing the Baton’ reception looked forward to the Games in 2014.

 Claire Baker MSP said:

“The countdown to the Commonwealth Games has begun.

“The success for Team GB in this summer’s Olympics has increased people’s interest and excitement in the Commonwealth Games, not only in sporting success but also the positive opportunities they can bring to Scotland.

“It was great to meet Clyde who is now visiting communities across Scotland and I look forward to welcoming him to Fife.”

Claire raises tenant farmers concerns during CAP debate

Posted on by

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 Baker MSP calls for better local bus services ahead of budget

Posted on by

Claire Baker MSP attended Unite the union’s campaign to improve and protect local bus services ahead of this week’s budget announcement. The event took place in the Scottish Parliament, with a lobbying of Parliament at the front entrance, followed by a well-attended meeting in a Committee Room

The Unite lobby highlighted the impact of SNP’s previous decision to cut Bus Service Operator’s Grant by 17% which has resulted in higher bus fares and the withdrawal of services. The cut to the Bus Service Operator’s Grant, during the height of a recession, has also led to the loss of jobs in the industry.

Scottish Labour had previously led a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the issue.

Claire Baker said:

“It is the local communities across Fife and the whole of Scotland that are having to pay the price of the cut administered by the SNP Government. Fares are rising whilst the numbers of services are being reduced so people are paying more but getting less and that simply is not fair. Continue reading →

Claire Hosts Fife Diet Debate in the Scottish Parliament

Posted on by

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 →

Bold ideas needed by the Scottish Government

Posted on by

First Minister Alex Salmond has announced to Parliament the Scottish Governments legislative programme for the year ahead. The SNP run government will be bringing forward 15 bills in total.

Amongst the bills announced by the First Minister was the bill on an independence referendum and the Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill which will introduce same-sex marriage in Scotland.

Other bills introduced include a children and young people bill, criminal justice bill, aquacultures and fisheries bill and a procurement bill.

Responding to the Scottish Government’s legislative programme local Scottish Labour MSP Claire Baker said:

“When Scotland needed bold ideas and legislation to create jobs and grow the economy we instead saw a tired First Minister distracted and dithering over the referendum.

“He offers a procurement bill too late to help construction companies in Fife and beyond. The Forth crossing is being built in China, Poland and Spain whilst the skills and resources are right here on the doorstep.

“Whilst I support the increasing of childcare support this was first promised in 2007 why has it taken so long to only just being realised? Having only just recently met struggling mothers through Gingerbread Fife I know that this legislation is needed now and needs to go further.

FOOD MANIFESTO TO BE DEBATED IN PARLIAMENT

Posted on by


Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker met this week with Fife Diet to discuss their food manifesto ahead of a debate in the Scottish Parliament. On-going plans from Fife Diet were also discussed at the meeting in Ms Baker’s Kirkcaldy office.

The debate, which will take place on Thursday 13th of September, was called for at the request of Ms Baker who wishes to discuss the Fife Diet food manifesto’s proposals in a national setting.

After the meeting Ms Baker and Fife Diet visited Beveridge Park in Kirkcaldy to look over plans under consultation for a community food and wildlife garden.

Continue reading →