Claire champions Puffins and Lesser Butterfly Orchids

Posted on by


Last week I signed up to Scottish Environment Link’s ‘Wildlife Proclamation’ to become a wildlife champion. By signing up I am promising to work with the organisation, as both an MSP and Scottish Labour’s shadow cabinet secretary for the environment, to make Scotland a better place for wildlife.

MSPs that sign the Proclamation are then allowed to pick from a list of animals and plants under threat to champion throughout the Parliamentary year. I have signed up to champion the Puffin and the Lesser Butterfly Orchid.

Scotland is the capital of British and Irish puffindom and the Kingdom is the home of one of the best areas to spot the animal, with colonies across the east coast and on the Isle of May. Unfortunately the local Puffin bird is under threat due to a decline in food and climate change impacts.

The Puffin bird feeds on the lesser sandeel which is sadly in decline, in part due to the effects of climate change, and this is having a knock on effect on the population of the birds, particularly in Fife, as they are forced further north in search of food.

The lesser butterfly orchid is suffering across Scotland due to inappropriate land management. The orchid suffered a 33% decline across Britain between 1964 and 2002 and remains under threat.

Continue reading →

Step Change Delivered by actions not ambitions

Posted on by

Commenting on the publication of the second Report of Proposals and Policies in Parliament today, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change Claire Baker MSP said:

“Tackling climate change is not as simple as passing legislation and hoping it all falls into place, RPP2 must address previous failings, previous missed targets and plan for the future.

“It is policy not proposals, actions not ambitions, that is needed to deliver the step change to get our country back on course.

“Today’s statement gives little reassurances that the shortcomings of the first RPP will be addressed and that the proposals offered in RPP2 will ever come into fruition.

“The Edinburgh to Glasgow improvement project has been rolled back, the Sullivan report on new building standards watered down and plans to use public subsidies to support inefficient large biomass. The Scottish Government’s rhetoric does not match its reality.”

Claire: Byre Theatre ‘deserves to have a future’

Posted on by

Local Fife MSP Claire Baker has today joined calls for action to save the Byre Theatre in St Andrews.

The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP joined locals in a demonstration in St Andrews on Monday to support the threatened theatre.

The board of the Byre Theatre of St Andrews Ltd have announced that due to financial difficulties the theatre is due to close its doors on Thursday and go into liquidation.

Speaking after the demonstration Claire Baker MSP said:

“The news that Byre Theatre is to close this week is hugely disappointing to the people of St Andrews and the wider Fife community.

“This is a fantastic theatre – at the heart of the community – delivering quality theatre in a top class centre. It deserves to have a future. Continue reading →

Claire backs community volunteering

Posted on by


I recently joined forced with Focus Scotland Magazine to help promote community based volunteering.

The campaigns aims to get the Scottish public to embark on a volunteering journey in 2013 whilst also raising awareness and promoting community volunteering throughout the year.

I’m pleased to join Focus Scotland in promoting community based volunteering and hopefully build on the success of 2012. I signed their banner in Parliament pledging my support to the campaign, with the hope of seeing an increase in community involvement throughout Fife in 2013.

Last year was a positive year for the image of volunteering with the successful summer of ‘Games Makers’ during the Olympic Games. Focus Scotland hope that individuals within Scotland will continue to volunteer and that the campaign will act as a reminder for them of the impact they can have at community level.

Fife home owners getting a bad deal from the Scottish Government

Posted on by

Statistics released to me in answers to parliamentary questions that I laid down show that Fife is suffering above average cuts to the Home Owners Support Fund. The Scottish Government must do more to support home owners in the Kingdom.

During 20011-12 the Fife Council Area has suffered cuts of 56% in the total amount paid out to those under threat of losing their home compared to a national average cut of only 28%, this is despite a 9% increase in applications in Fife.

Therefore, whilst the number of applications is increasing, there has been a reduction in the amount of people receiving support from 55% in 2010/11 to only 22% of those who applied in 2011/12. Further cuts to the Home Owners Support Fund are due in 2012-2013.

With the ever increasing cost of living and the pressures households are feeling across the Kingdom many people are finding themselves one pay check away from being unable to pay their mortgage.

I meet recently with the Fife Citizen Advice Bureau in parliament and they highlighted that the struggle to make mortgage payments is one of the biggest issues facing households across the Kingdom.

It is vital that during these harsh economic times the people of Fife are giving all the help and support that they need to ensure they are able to stay in their own home.

I am disappointed that these figures highlight the bad deal that Fife seems to be getting from the Scottish Government and I will be raising this issue at the earliest opportunity in Parliament.

The Home Owners Support Fund should be there to help people that are on the verge of losing their homes but these continuing Scottish Government cuts, disproportionately falling on Fife are resulting in a drop in successful applications and could potential force people out into the streets.

The Home Owners Support Fund aims to help those in danger of having their home repossessed to continue to stay in their homes through a mortgage to rent and mortgage to shared equity scheme.

The mortgage to rent scheme will see a successful applicant’s home being bought by the council or housing association, however they will continue to live there as a tenant. With the mortgage to shared equity scheme the Scottish Government takes a financial stake in the applicant’s home, however ownership will still remain with the applicant.

Biodiversity 2020 Challenge

Posted on by

Yesterday in Parliament I opened and closed the Rural Affair, Climate Change and Environment committee debate on Biodiversity for Scottish Labour. A copy of the motion that was debated along with a link to my speech can be found at the end of this post. The debate gave the Parliament an opportunity to reflect on the submissions received by the Scottish Government consultation on the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s biodiversity; we will hopefully also have a chance to debate the Government’s response.

Biodiversity has been on the political and global agenda since the Rio ‘Earth Summit’ in 1992.  In April 2002, there was a commitment to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level.  In addition, the Aichi Targets set by the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity called for a step change in efforts to halt the loss of biodiversity and to restore the essential services that a health natural environment provides.  Scotland’s response to this is the 2004 Biodiversity Strategy It’s in Your Hands.

Therefore it is hugely disappointing that Scotland failed to meet the 2010 target, and that this was a global failure. The call to action in 1992 has not resulted in the halt to the loss of biodiversity and The In Your Hands strategy is in need of a redraft – but the failed 2010 target makes it more difficult to reach future targets and we need to redouble efforts if we are to meet the important 2020 targets.

Biodiversity can seem removed for people’s everyday life, irrelevant to a modern, technological age, something to enjoy recreationally but not really impacting on our lives.  But the problems we faced in 1992 are relevant today more than ever.  The international Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 which brings together the Aichi targets, recognises that a functioning ecosystem is “essential for human well-being.  It provides for food security, human health, the provision of clean air and water, it contributes to local livelihoods, and economic development, and is essential for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, including poverty reduction.’  Biodiversity is as much about human well-being as it is about anything else.  If we consider challenges facing communities in Scotland right now – flooding for example – healthy ecosystems can mitigate against the impact.

I was at the Making the Most of Landfill Tax event in Parliament this week, and from memory, it is 5% of the fund that goes to biodiversity project while almost half the fund goes to community assets.  There is a need to capacity build, to improve community understanding of the opportunities there are for biodiversity projects, and for this to play a greater role in achieving the targets.

Marine biodiversity is another area of importance yet is an area which is sadly suffering decline in habitat and species.  There is growing frustration over the lack of a network of Marine Protected Areas and the delay to publication of a Marine Plan. The latter is particularly frustrating as we all accept the need for a plan but, as we wait, marine development moves ahead, pre-empting its publication, and resulting in the plan having to fit around developments rather than be there to set out the strategic direction.

We do need to get on the front foot with marine planning – we all recognise the importance of the marine environment and we must make swift progress in bringing in the necessary protections.  There will be developments – there is great potential in our seas – but it is crucial that we have the proper framework in place to accommodate fisheries, renewables, aquaculture without further eroding our marine biodiversity.

On marine issues, I would just like to raise the proposed closure of the University Marine Biological Station in Millport.  I understand this is being proposed by the University of London in response to the capital challenges as well as the cut to teaching grant, but it is a facility used by Scottish universities and students working in marine and biodiversity fields and it is in a unique location, as well as recognising the contribution the station makes to marine science in Scotland.  I would welcome the Scottish Government offering some leadership on this important resource.

Biodiversity is an area that needs championing – and we can make gains across all sectors from the simplest approach that adapts the immediate environment of a workplace or public place, to the more complex drivers which offer incentives to support biodiversity activity.  It is an area that needs championing and we all have to role to play, from MSPs promoting the importance of our environment to the important role the Minister has to play in Government.  I look forward to a refreshed Strategy which will provide a clear path to success.

Motion for Debate: S4M-05320 Rob Gibson on behalf of the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee: Biodiversity—That the Parliament notes that the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee will be examining the analysis of the responses to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity as the government looks to update its current biodiversity strategy against a backdrop of a global failure to meet biodiversity targets set for 2010, the revised target to halt biodiversity loss by 2020 and the related Aichi targets.

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=7685&mode=html#iob_70189

Claire raises biomass concerns

Posted on by

Yesterday evening in Parliament I spoke during Rhoda Grant’s member’s debate on Sustainable Biomass (the motion that was debated can be found below). It was an important debate as how Scotland meets its present and future energy needs is one of the key issues facing this Parliament and future generations.

In recent years we have had to pay more and more for domestic energy and everyone is finding they are spending a greater share of their income on energy bills; this is pushing an increasing number of the population into fuel poverty. Alongside this we are facing significant climate challenges and in Scotland we have a clear commitment to achieving a low carbon economy.

To try and meet these challenges alternative sources of energy needs to be exploited, but it is clear that we need greater engagement and confidence in the debate. It is difficult to think of any energy source that does not present a series of challenges or have a host of supporters as well as a group of detractors. It is important that the different needs are balanced in delivering a more sustainable low-carbon cleaner energy future. I’ve had meetings with campaigners who are raising concerns over the scale and location of large biomass proposals and those concerns should be heard.

Last night’s debate focussed on wood biomass. Wood is a limited resource and there are various demands on the sector in Scotland. As a limited resource any large scale biomass in Scotland will need to rely on imported wood as there is not a large enough market in Scotland to support the sector. The Department of Energy and Climate Change suggests that 10 per cent of wood for biomass will be sourced domestically and 90 per cent will need to be imported. This introduces a whole host of concerns, not least of which is the lack of confidence in the sustainability of the imported wood.

Friends of the Earth and Biofuel watch have highlighted contradictions between Scotland’s support for climate justice and the expected growth in reliance on imported wood for biomass. Expansion could cause huge destruction to vulnerable communities and their food and water security, with a real lack of confidence in international accreditation schemes. The Scottish Government must be aware of these concerns when considering any applications.

Whilst the Government aim to ensure sustainable biomass is recognised as a limited resource and used primarily for heat and high efficiency combined heat and power is to be welcomed there is a loophole that they must address. The European Union directive recommends that 70% efficiency must be achieved in CHP whilst the Scottish Government (and UK Government) proposes that it is just 35%. We need to increase the level of efficiency that has to be reached to receiving subsidy and we should aim to meet the EU directive.

We need to have confidence that applications can deliver what they say that they will deliver. Under current proposals 10% heat efficiency needs to be achieved but this can be used within the plant and not exported to still qualify as good quality CHP. I urge the Government to look again at the proposed efficiency level and to ensure that the power of public subsidy is used to its greatest advantage.

Motion S4M-04966 Rhoda Grant – That the Parliament welcomes the Scottish Government’s stated intention that sustainable biomass should be recognised as a limited resource and that it should be used at an appropriate scale and primarily for heat and high-efficiency combined heat and power; notes that the EU renewable energy directive calls for a minimum efficiency rating of 70% for industrial applications; also notes concerns in the wood processing industry throughout Scotland and particularly in the Highlands and Islands regarding wood supply and understands that wood products provide a carbon store; looks forward to the outcome of and would welcome a widespread response to the Scottish Government’s supplementary consultation on the Renewables Obligations Banding Review, for which the deadline for views on the proposals on biomass sustainability criteria is 11 January 2013.

Claire joins campaign to fund Scotland’s future.

Posted on by

Last Friday I met with the President of Adam Smith College Student Union, Ryan Smart, and signed up NUS Scotland’s campaign to ‘Fund Scotland’s Future’.

The campaign was launched by NUS Scotland after the Scottish Government’s draft budget proposed cuts of £36.4 million to the college budget and takes a form of a petition that I urge you to add your support too by signing up.

The petition highlights the concerns the impact that the cuts will have on colleges in Scotland whilst also calling on the Scottish Government to “reverse the proposed cut, and to protect college funding at current levels.”

This comes only a year after NUS Scotland campaigned on ‘Our Future, Our Fight’ which succeeded in forcing a Government climb down as they eventually reversed plans to cut colleges. Hopefully with your support we can force the Scottish Government to once again reverse these unfair and unjustified cuts to further education.

The Scottish Government cuts will have a detrimental effect on the quality of teaching and the number of courses available. We are already seeing an increase in waiting list times for students and further cuts will only add to the pressures being felt by colleges such as Adam Smith.

Colleges across the country, including right here in Fife, provide high quality education equipping people with skills for the future as well as providing some of the more deprived communities with the opportunity of a better future. At a time of increasing youth unemployment it is vital that this opportunity is maintained.

I was glad to be able to get the opportunity to meet with Ryan today and hear first-hand the concerns of local students at Adam Smith. It’s important that whilst the budget is still in its draft form that the Scottish Government listens to these concerns and reverse their cuts.

I urge you to join me to sign up to NUS Scotland’s campaign and stand alongside local students from Adam Smith College and beyond. http://www.fundscotlandsfuture.org/

Cost concerns over court changes

Posted on by

Last week in Parliament I raised my concerns over the proposed changes to Scottish courts to the Justice Secretary during General Questions. These changes include closing Cupar Sheriff Court with business moving to Dundee, and the reorganisation of Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court with jury trials moving to Dunfermline.

I have concerns that the Scottish Court Service has not published a robust cost benefit analysis for the proposed changes that could lead to the closures and reorganisation not realising significant savings whilst at the same time significantly reducing access to local justice.

There seems to be growing evidence that what has been proposed in Fife will not only fail to result in significant savings but may actually lead to an increase in costs.

I asked the Cabinet Secretary Kenny MacAskill if he shared my concerns that the Court Services has failed to recognise the potential for increased costs as a result of their proposals. I was disappointed in his response indicating that he does not.

The Scottish Court Service has failed to publish a robust cost benefit analysis. They claim this is a money saving exercise yet it is increasingly clear that increased travel costs, along with the reduction in access to local justice, means the proposals for Fife are seriously flawed and short-sighted.

The consultation had no indication of the extra costs that will be incurred by the proposed changes and decisions of this magnitude should not be made blindly. It is vital that the Scottish Government is open and honest with the people of Fife.

The consultation, which closed just before Christmas, is on the back of the Scottish Government’s draft budget which will see the Scottish Court Service’s budget cut by £10.9 million over the next two years.

I have submitted a response highlighting my opposition to the closure of Cupar Sheriff Court, the removal of jury trials from Kirkcaldy and the amalgamation of Kirkcaldy Justice of the Peace into Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

Claire welcomes Barnardo’s to Parliament

Posted on by

Last week I was able to welcome volunteers from Barnardo’s charity shop in Cowdenbeath to the Scottish Parliament for a tour around the building.

The group, led by Shop Manager Amelia Howie, were shown around the Parliament, including the Garden Lobby, Committee Rooms, and the Chamber before taking their places in the public gallery for General Questions and First Ministers Questions.

I was then joined by local MSP Helen Eadie and we were able to sit down with the volunteers to discuss Barnardo’s and local issues. It was good to be able be joined by Helen and have a conversation with them as it’s important to hear the views of local constituents and hear any concerns they may have.

The visit comes after I volunteered in the Cowdenbeath shop as part of Barnardo’s Scotland’s Make a Difference Day. It was lovely to be able to invite Amelia and her colleagues to my own place to work after I was invited to theirs. Volunteering is a valuable and enriching experience and it was good to be able to offer them the opportunity to come across to Edinburgh.

Continue reading →