Latest news with #ColinSmyth
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Around 130 Dumfries and Galloway jobs under threat at Stagecoach West Scotland
The firm is considering its future in the region as it believes contracts will not be renewed following concerns about a new liability clause. Around 130 jobs are under threat at Stagecoach West Scotland. The bus operator's existing contracts for school transport and council subsidised routes across Dumfries and Galloway are due to expire in a few months. But the firm is now considering its future in the region as it believes the deals will not be renewed following concerns about a new liability clause. That could see depots in Dumfries and Stranraer closed, which South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth claims would result in up to 130 jobs being lost. He said: 'If Stagecoach go ahead with their threat to withdraw from the region, this would be devastating news for the workforce – my thoughts are with every employee now facing uncertainty about their future. 'Stagecoach's possible exit would be a hammer blow to public transport in our region and utterly decimate local bus services. 'Having squeezed out competition over the years, Stagecoach know full well this would leave many communities cut off and pupils unable to get to school after the summer. 'To abandon local jobs and lifeline services while clinging onto the profitable routes from afar would be the height of corporate irresponsibility. 'I urge Stagecoach to think again. In the meantime, I've already raised this urgently with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and will be pressing the Scottish Government and the council to step in put in place alternative operators for these vital services. 'But let's be clear – with Stagecoach running the vast majority of bus routes in the region, I do not underestimate how difficult that will be.' Stagecoach runs a number of routes across Dumfries and Galloway, including services from Dumfries to Lockerbie, Moffat, Castle Douglas and Stranraer. Mr Smyth says he has been told by workers the firm would plan to continue some routes – such as services in Dumfries town and the Dumfries to Glasgow X74 – and these could be run from central belt depots. A Stagecoach West Scotland spokesperson said: 'The majority of the bus services Stagecoach operates in Dumfries and Galloway are under a contract arrangement with SWestrans which are due to expire in August 2025. 'Dumfries and Galloway Council have managed a tender process on behalf of SWestrans, which we have participated in. As part of our due diligence reviewing the terms of the contracts being tendered, we have identified a liability clause that is far in excess of the value of the contracts on offer. 'Stagecoach is unfortunately unable to agree to a contract on these disproportionate terms, and we have now notified the council. It is our understanding that our bids will not be recommended for award. 'We are now reviewing the impact of this on our local network of services and the significant number of staff we employ in the region at our Dumfries and Stranraer depots. 'Stagecoach West Scotland remains committed to keeping people in the community connected while we identify the impact of the tender process. We will provide an update on this when it is appropriate.' A council spokesman said: 'As part of the tender process, the council and SWestrans need to ensure that we have bus operators that meet minimum requirements on a range of industry-standard terms and conditions. This is in order to protect the public interest. 'Dumfries and Galloway Council and SWestrans continue to work through a tender process that has supporting and connecting the communities of Dumfries and Galloway firmly at its heart. 'The council takes its statutory duties to provide those children entitled to school transport extremely seriously and are committed to ensuring all school transport routes are operational for the start of the school year in August, with these routes being given priority. In addition, the council and SWestrans are committed to providing a well-connected local bus network. 'These long-term contracts will provide bus operators with certainty and stability in a market that is increasingly fragile and unsustainable. 'The evaluation, clarification and negotiations relating to tenders received from bus operators is ongoing and confidential. 'With this in mind, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.'
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Adults unable to be diagnosed with ADHD or autism in Ayrshire as MSP blasts 'postcode lottery'
NHS Ayrshire and Arran has said that it is 'unable to facilitate referrals for standalone neurodevelopmental assessments' for adults. Adults in Ayrshire are unable to obtain a diagnosis for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or autism as the area's health board doesn't have a 'specialist neurodevelopmental diagnostic service'. Following a freedom of information request, NHS Ayrshire and Arran revealed that it is 'unable to facilitate referrals for standalone neurodevelopmental assessments' for adults. South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has said that the situation has 'effectively privatised' adult autism and ADHD services. The Scottish Government has said it is working with local authorities and health boards to improve access to services. In a Freedom of Information response, NHS Ayrshire and Arran said: "At present, there is no dedicated specialist neurodevelopmental diagnostic service within adult mental health services and therefore we are unable to facilitate referrals for standalone neurodevelopmental assessments." Commenting, Mr Smyth said: 'It is a disgrace that a random postcode lottery is dictating who can get assessed for autism and ADHD. 'NHS Ayrshire and Arran is just one of the places in Scotland affected by this. 'But for huge parts of the country the SNP has effectively privatised ADHD and autism support. 'The truth is Scotland's NHS is no longer free and available at the point of need for too many Scots. 'The Scottish Government has torched the founding principles of our NHS and it is failing both children and adults with ADHD and autism. 'A Scottish Labour government will fix the mess the SNP has made of our NHS and ensure people with autism and ADHD can get the support they need.' Mr Smyth also claimed that the Scottish Government had taken the 'controversial decision to remove children seeking ADHD and autism diagnoses from CAMHS (child adolescent mental heath services) waiting lists' but this has been categorically denied by the Scottish Government. In a response to Ayrshire Live, the Scottish Government also highlighted that a record £21.7 billion would be spent on health and social care in 2025-26 and that the Adult Autism Support Fund will invest £1 million a year for community support for autistic adults. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Suggestions that the Government have inappropriately 'removed' young people seeking a diagnosis for a neurodevelopmental condition like autism or ADHD from CAMHS waiting lists are incorrect – CAMHS is not the correct service for children seeking a diagnosis for a neurodevelopmental condition, unless they are seeking support for a mental health condition. 'Long waits for mental healthcare are unacceptable and it is vital that people across Scotland receive support to meet their needs at the earliest opportunity. There has been a significant increase in demand for diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions and together with NHS Boards, local authorities and community partners we are working to improve access to the best possible care.'
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayrshire communities to benefit from boost to mobile services
Mobile network masts in Scotland's rural communities, including Ayrshire, are to be upgraded to improve mobile coverage. Rural Ayrshire communities are set to benefit from plans to upgrade mobile network masts across Scotland. In total, 13 masts will be upgraded as part of the UK Government 's Shared Rural Network programme - a partnership with mobile network operators aimed at improving connectivity in rural areas throughout Britain. The masts will be upgraded to provide coverage from all four mobile network operators rather than just one as is currently the case. It is hoped that the upgrades will transform connectivity in remote areas of Scotland that have long suffered from poor signal. Rural areas across Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley will now be provided with reliable 4G services. South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said that the move would be a "game changer" for people living in rural areas. He said: 'This news will be very welcome to thousands of my constituents who are forced to deal with poor mobile phone signal. 'For too long there has been a real digital divide between rural and urban areas when it comes to connectivity and this is a positive step to closing that divide. 'When people visit, they expect to be able to access services, book restaurants, or get information about the area- but too often they can't and that is damaging for our tourism sector. 'This move will be a game changer for people and it shows that this UK Government is really taking on board the issues of rural Scotland.' Ian Murray MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: 'This significant mobile connectivity boost, funded by the UK Government, will help people in some of Scotland's most rural communities. 'It will support local businesses, and improve access and safety for residents and visitors alike. Improving digital connectivity - including in our most remote communities - is a key part of the UK Government's Plan for Change - it is vital to delivering jobs and economic growth. 'And upgrading existing masts rather than building new ones, there will be minimal environmental impact in what are some of Scotland's most scenic areas.'
Scotsman
7 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Assisted Dying Bill Scotland: Why fears about coercion of vulnerable people are misguided
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Coercion was on everyone's minds in Holyrood's dramatic debate on assisted dying earlier this month. Liam McArthur's Assisted Dying Bill offers terminally ill, mentally competent Scots the option to end their own lives, allowing a dignified death when someone regards their own suffering as too great or their life no longer worth living. Its multiple protections include strict eligibility requirements and the sign-off of two independent doctors. Opinion polls show that a large majority of Scots – across different demographics – support assisted dying. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While the Bill passed its first reading, it is by no means certain that it will become law. MSPs from both sides of the debate referenced worries about patients being pressured into a premature death. Colin Smyth MSP invoked 'people's deepest concerns… about patients potentially feeling like a burden or about the possibility of their being coerced'. Liam McArthur MSP with supporters of his Assisted Dying Bill outside the Scottish Parliament (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell) | Getty Images Fear and speculation MSPs are right to ask questions about the Bill's protections against coercion, especially for vulnerable people. We can answer them by looking at the evidence. Examining data from countries that permit assisted dying – some with decades of experience – cuts through the fear and speculation that otherwise characterise these discussions. One thing is clear: there is no evidence that people are coerced into assisted dying. Parliamentary committees in Holyrood and Westminster specifically sought such evidence. None was forthcoming. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Instead, Dr Ryan Spielvogel testified that 'in the 25 years that aid in dying has been legal in jurisdictions in the United States, there has never been a single substantiated claim of coercion', and Dr Alison Payne wrote 'I have not yet seen evidence of coercion [in New Zealand] – more often the family are reluctant for it to happen'. Julian Gardner, chair of the Australian state of Victoria's Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board, said: 'The only reports that we have had have been the reverse, in that people have experienced coercion – that might be too strong a word – or undue influence not to go ahead with ending their life, generally from relatives who have objections or from faith-based institutions.' Even focusing specifically on vulnerable groups, such as disabled people, there is no sign of coercion. Indeed, there is less uptake of assisted dying in such groups – the opposite of what we'd expect if vulnerability were a factor. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Taking concerns seriously This evidence will settle the matter for some. Others might worry that a risk of coercion persists. Bob Doris MSP argued that 'coercion can be subtle and difficult to detect', while Sue Webber MSP said 'subtle pressure and coercion… are not always visible'. Absence of evidence isn't always evidence of absence. These concerns are speculative, but the potential risks should be taken seriously. How can they be addressed? First, this is a problem medical professionals deal with all the time, right now. Competent adults can already refuse life-saving treatment, including through written, advance directives. They might be pressured by family members to end their lives early or, indeed, to request care they don't really want. As Rona McKay MSP said, 'it is part of doctors' everyday practice to recognise coercion – for example, in abortion care or in cases of the withdrawal of treatment.' The Bill's safeguards build on existing good medical practice. Doctors must ensure that patients have capacity, check that their choices represent what they really want, and give them time, information, and support. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Greater protection We should respond to risk not by disempowering people in the name of 'protection', but by empowering them to make decisions aligned with their values. The Bill does this and provides greater protections for assisted dying than any of the other ways in which people can already hasten their own deaths. Second, the risk of feeling pressured into a premature death isn't the only one that matters. As Karen Adam MSP asked, 'is it not a form of coercion to force someone to endure pain that they do not want and to deny them peace when their death is already certain?' Under the status quo, the risk of unnecessary suffering is 100 per cent. The Bill – a logical extension of our hard-won right to refuse curative treatment and opt for palliative care if we see fit – balances competing risks. Third, the dangers that concern MSPs already exist, and this Bill reduces them. People with terminal illnesses already choose to end their lives – whether by refusing treatment, killing themselves without help, or going to Switzerland. If there is a problem with hidden coercion, it already happens. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As Liam McArthur said, 'at present there are often no safeguards for many people who feel a burden, are subject to coercion or abuse, or feel unsupported'. The Bill gives legal clarity to doctors and family members, and strengthens protections with a new criminal offence of coercion. An evidence-based approach helps resolve concerns around assisted dying. Worries that legalisation will damage palliative care have been refuted, including by the Health and Social Care Committee at Westminster. Our own research on disability shows widespread support for legalisation among disabled people, and that assisted dying laws neither harm nor devalue disabled people's lives. The same approach can help MSPs determined to ensure that terminally ill people won't be subject to coercion. There is no evidence that coercion occurs in countries where assisted dying is legal. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We should take seriously fears of coercion and aim for legislation that manages and minimises risks for all. With its evidence-based safeguards, this Bill will achieve that goal.
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Child poverty rate among rural Dumfries and Galloway communities hits record high
New figures show there has been a huge increase in rural poverty rates over the past 15 years. The Scottish Government has been accused of 'turning its back on rural communities' after rural child poverty rates hit a record high. New figures show that the rate of youngsters in rural areas living in relative poverty was 21.3 per cent between 2021 to 2024 – up from 14.5 per cent between 2020 and 2023. And the number of people in rural areas living in relative poverty rose from 190,000 to 220,000 over the same period. The data, based on Scottish Government analysis of the Family Resources Survey, also reveals a huge increase from 2009-12, when 140,000 in rural areas were deemed to be living in relative poverty. South Scotland Labour MSP, Colin Smyth, said: 'My South Scotland constituency takes in some of the most rural parts of Scotland and we see the evidence of the Scottish Government's neglect in every aspect of rural life. 'The SNP has turned its back on rural communities and children are paying the price. 'After almost 18 years of SNP Government, rural economies are struggling, housing is short in supply, and healthcare is too often out of reach. 'People are being cut off by ferries that don't sail, roads that aren't safe and buses that barely exist. 'The SNP's failures in government are hollowing out rural communities and here we can see the devastating consequences.' Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: 'The Joseph Rowntree Foundation predicts Scotland will be the only part of the UK where child poverty rates will fall by 2029. 'This is thanks to the action the Scottish Government is taking to support people, including the Scottish Child Payment and our work to effectively scrap the impact of the two-child cap in 2026. 'However, our policies are having to work harder than ever to make a difference, against a backdrop of UK Government decision making, a continuing cost-of-living crisis, and stagnating living standards at the UK level. 'It is vital that the UK Government takes action to support people during tough times and with energy bills having risen by £300 and other costs continuing to rise, rural communities need to see action from the UK Government now. 'What will not help our mission to eradicate child poverty is the cuts to support for disabled people proposed by the UK Government, which will push 250,000 more people into poverty, 50,000 of whom are children.'
