Latest news with #EmmaHarper
The National
15-07-2025
- Health
- The National
Scottish hospital car park savings revealed for patients
The SNP said the savings meant keeping money 'in the pockets of NHS staff as well as patients and families at some of the most difficult times in their lives'. The figure was revealed in an answer to a written question tabled in Holyrood by Emma Harper on what savings had been made since the policy was scrapped during the SNP's first term in power. READ MORE: Pro-Palestine protesters drive van through fence of arms firm factory in Edinburgh Health Secretary Neil Gray said: 'The estimated saving for patients, visitors and staff who used NHS car parks that previously charged for car parking is over £90m.' Most Scottish hospitals have not charged for parking since 2008 however the Scottish Government was forced to buy out the private finance initiative (PFI) car parks at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Ninewells Hospital in Dundee in 2021 for £26.3m and £9m, respectively. (Image: Web) At that time, it was reported that talks with the PFI operator of the car park at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh were 'progressing' and NHS Lothian says that charges are currently suspended. While car parking fees can be a cash cow for the NHS, with trusts in England ploughing the money back into the health service, the SNP have long complained that visitors and staff were being charged to fund private companies leasing out car parks. READ MORE: UK set up secret Afghan migration scheme after massive data leak and media gagged SNP MSP Clare Haughey said: 'This is exactly the kind of action people expect from a government that puts public services first. 'By scrapping these unfair and unnecessary car parking charges, the SNP have saved people across Scotland more than £90m, money that stays in the pockets of NHS staff as well as patients and families at some of the most difficult times in their lives. 'While Westminster governments have allowed these charges to continue in parts of England, the SNP have delivered meaningful change that puts fairness and wellbeing first.'
The Herald Scotland
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish food and drink exports six times England per head
English exports of food and drink totalled £12.1 billion, which is equivalent to £212 per person. While highlighting the strength of Scottish food and drink exports, the SNP claimed Brexit and Labour's trade policy had thrown up 'unnecessary barriers' and were stopping the sector from achieving its full potential. Read more Scottish firms exported food and drink to a total of 107 countries in 2024, the research shows. Scotch whisky exports account for a large part of the nation's overseas sales of food and drink. The SNP, declaring the per head of population comparison showed 'Scotland's world-leading position in quality and reputation', said: 'The figures highlight the huge international demand for Scottish produce, from our world-famous whisky and seafood to meat and dairy.' However, it added that 'decisions made by successive UK governments - including Brexit and Labour's trade policy - are placing unnecessary barriers in front of this success and preventing the industry from reaching its full potential'. SNP MSP Emma Harper said: 'These figures are a huge credit to Scotland's food and drink producers, who continue to punch well above their weight internationally. 'Our whisky, seafood, meat and dairy products are world famous and clearly still in high demand around the globe.' She added: 'Instead of being held back by Westminster's Brexit blunders and one-size-fits-all trade deals, an independent Scotland could negotiate on our own terms, rejoin the EU single market, and support our exporters directly. 'Scotland's food and drink sector is thriving despite the barriers put in its way. With independence, we could remove those barriers and truly unleash our global potential.'
