Latest news with #GraemeDownie
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Reform accused of 'amateur and irresponsible' approach to nation's defence
Organised by Labour MP Graeme Downie, the letter also questioned Mr Farage's understanding of shipbuilding, which directly employs almost 40,000 people across the UK Labour MPs have claimed Reform UK's failure to mention shipbuilding in their manifesto shows an 'amateur and irresponsible approach to defending our nation'. A dozen MPs, which includes a number who hold coastal seats, accused Nigel Farage of a 'gross betrayal' of both national security and British industry. Organised by Scottish Labour MP Graeme Downie, the letter also questioned Mr Farage's understanding of shipbuilding, which directly employs almost 40,000 people across the UK with an economic output of almost £3 billion. It says: 'Although I lose track of which MPs are in your party these days, it appears none of your current MPs at least have even mentioned their support of either the Royal Navy or shipbuilding in the House of Commons since the General Election in July 2024. In addition, Reform MPs are often noted to be absent when opportunities to support this vital part of our economy and security are available. " It comes after Nigel Farage is branded 'farcical' as alien and UFO enthusiast defects to Reform UK. The letter continues: "For example, neither you or any of your colleagues spoke during the debate on the Strategic Defence Review on 2 June, nor in a debate in Westminster Hall on 18 March with the title: 'Shipyards: Economic Growth.' 'It is disappointing that someone who says he aspires to becoming Prime Minister of this fantastic country can fail to support the vital work of our shipbuilding industry. To continue to fail to do so would be a gross betrayal of both our national security and one of our most vital industries. It would display an amateur and irresponsible approach to defending our nation along with a reckless, and perhaps wilful, misunderstanding of the role of the sea in our national story. 'I know consistency, principles and understanding of complex situations are not something you are best known for but I hope you understand that in order to defend an island nation, you need ships and that it is best for those ships to be built in the UK. Perhaps at the very least you could confirm this understanding?' The Chancellor Rachel Reeves previously hailed the UK's "extraordinary shipbuilding industry", and committed to a "Britain first" policy for new naval ships. The letter was signed by numerous MPs who sit on Westminster's Defence Select Committee, and a number with seats where shipbuilding is a key industry. The MPs included Amanda Martin, Tracey Gilbert, Gregor Poynton and Calvin Bailey. Responding, Reform Deputy Leader Richard Tice said: 'Reform were the only party with a plan at the last election to vastly increase defence spending. Nigel and I lead the way on saving British steel after Labour let Port Talbot blast furnaces close and dragged their feet with Scunthorpe. 'We are the only party with a serious plan to use British steel for shipbuilding in the country. If it was left to Labour without pressure from Reform, all ships would be built with foreign steel.'
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Plans to relaunch Rosyth-Europe ferry sail a little closer
However, as previously reported by the Dunfermline Press, one of the sticking points has been the use of a Border Control Post (BCP). It is hoped the one at Grangemouth can be used as a new one at Rosyth is considered to be prohibitively costly and unnecessary. Dunfermline MP Graeme Downie has this week said that a solution appears to have been found which could allow things to progress. He said the recent agreement between the UK Government and the EU will mean no BCP will be required at all in the future, however an interim solution is required that would allow the temporary use of BCP Grangemouth if the Rosyth-Dunkirk schedule is to start in Spring 2026. READ MORE: The use of remote BCPs has been authorised in England with sanitary and phytosanitary goods arriving at the Port of Dover for checks being directed to the Sevington BCP, over 20 miles away. The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, has now written to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs along with the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales outlining how a ferry service between Rosyth and Dunkirk could proceed without a specific Border Control Point at Rosyth. In his letter to Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, he said: 'I would like to propose that we urgently seek to agree that an amendment to the BTOM is made, as a transitional measure to allow the use of remote BCPs, within a short radius of the port of arrival." While it is the Scottish Government who must amend the regulation to allow the use of a remote BCP at Grangemouth, this can only be exercised with a cross-GB consensus which Mr Downie is now working with the Scotland Office to secure. 'A regular passenger and freight ferry service from Rosyth to Dunkirk would be an incredible boon for the Dunfermline and Scottish economy, making trade easier as well as making it simpler for people from Europe to visit the Kingdom of Fife," he said. 'These matters can be complex but we have taken a huge stride towards making this ferry service a reality. 'I want to thank the Secretary of State for Scotland and his officials for their work and assistance in finding a way to ensure a BCP is not required at Rosyth. Their efforts make it more likely a passenger and freight ferry to Dunkirk could begin as soon as next year. 'We are not quite there yet and, in particular, a small amount of infrastructure is needed at the Port of Rosyth. "However, as the ferry is one of the projects in the strategy of the Forth Green Freeport I am hopeful we can overcome this problem as well. 'I have spoken to both Forth Ports and the Green Freeport about this issue in the past and hope to meet with them very soon to discuss how speedy progress could be made in time for the ferry to begin next year.' Superfast Ferries first launched a ferry service from Rosyth in 2002 and it was later taken over by Norfolkline. It stopped carrying passengers in 2010, when it became freight-only, and DFDS became the third operator of the route. They reached the end of the line shortly after a fire on board the Finlandia Seaways ship in April 2018. In January last year, the proposals to re-start the service – it had been hoped they could have started in May this year – were put on hold after ferry operator DFDS stated that date was "no longer feasible" and "no further progress can be made" due to a lack of financial support.
South Wales Argus
04-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
DWP benefit cuts hit people with Parkinson's and MS
Claimants in this category will be entitled to a higher rate of the benefit, and will not be routinely reassessed to receive money. Labour backbencher Graeme Downie has proposed a welfare reform Bill amendment, so universal credit claimants with Parkinson's or MS (multiple sclerosis) who cannot work do not face repeated medical assessments to receive a payout. If MPs back his amendment, patients with 'evolving' needs who cannot work could also qualify for a higher rate of benefits. The Government's Bill has already cleared its first Commons hurdle at second reading, after work and pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms vowed not to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip), with any changes coming in only after a review of the benefit. To meet his promise, ministers have had to table amendments to their own draft new law, to remove one of its seven clauses, which MPs will debate next Wednesday. Universal credit claimants with Parkinson's 'are already possibly struggling financially', Mr Downie said, ahead of the debate. He added: 'The cost of living with a condition like Parkinson's can be very high. You may well require or need additional support.' Today the UK government published its Bill that will cut eligibility criteria for, and access to, Personal Independence Payments (PIP). Here is our response 👇 🧵1/3 — Parkinson's UK (@ParkinsonsUK) June 18, 2025 The Dunfermline and Dollar MP said patients who struggle with their motor control might buy pre-chopped vegetables or chicken. 'Those things are expensive, so if you're already on universal credit and you're struggling, being able to do that significantly impacts your health, it significantly impacts your ability to live properly,' he continued. To qualify, claimants must have limited capability for work or work-related activity (LCWRA) and symptoms which 'constantly' apply. 🚨 Reminder: cuts to disability benefits affect everyone. You might not need disability benefits today. Or tomorrow. But you can become disabled at any time and find yourself in need of a financial safety net. — Scope (@scope) July 3, 2025 Mr Downie's amendment would expand these criteria to claimants with 'a fluctuating condition'. It would cover 'conditions like Parkinson's but also multiple sclerosis, ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), long Covid and a whole range of other conditions where, you know, in the morning things could be really good and in the afternoon things could be really bad, and even hour by hour things could change', he said. 'I felt it was necessary to table an amendment to really probe what the Government's position is on this, and ensuring that people with Parkinson's and conditions like that are not excluded from even applying and being considered.' Mr Downie's proposal has backing from 23 cross-party MPs so far. Recommended reading: Juliet Tizzard, external relations director at Parkinson's UK, said: 'Criteria in the Bill say that a new claimant for the universal credit health payment will have to be 'constantly' unable to perform certain activities to qualify. 'This doesn't work for people with Parkinson's, whose symptoms change throughout the day. 'People with Parkinson's and other fluctuating conditions like multiple sclerosis will be effectively excluded from getting all the financial support they need. 'The Government has responded to our call and withdrawn the damaging restrictions to Pip. 'Now, they must do the same with the universal credit health element. The health of many people with Parkinson's is in their hands.'
The Herald Scotland
04-07-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
DWP benefit cuts hit people with Parkinson's and MS
Labour backbencher Graeme Downie has proposed a welfare reform Bill amendment, so universal credit claimants with Parkinson's or MS (multiple sclerosis) who cannot work do not face repeated medical assessments to receive a payout. If MPs back his amendment, patients with 'evolving' needs who cannot work could also qualify for a higher rate of benefits. The Government's Bill has already cleared its first Commons hurdle at second reading, after work and pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms vowed not to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip), with any changes coming in only after a review of the benefit. To meet his promise, ministers have had to table amendments to their own draft new law, to remove one of its seven clauses, which MPs will debate next Wednesday. Universal credit claimants with Parkinson's 'are already possibly struggling financially', Mr Downie said, ahead of the debate. He added: 'The cost of living with a condition like Parkinson's can be very high. You may well require or need additional support.' Today the UK government published its Bill that will cut eligibility criteria for, and access to, Personal Independence Payments (PIP). Here is our response 👇 🧵1/3 — Parkinson's UK (@ParkinsonsUK) June 18, 2025 The Dunfermline and Dollar MP said patients who struggle with their motor control might buy pre-chopped vegetables or chicken. 'Those things are expensive, so if you're already on universal credit and you're struggling, being able to do that significantly impacts your health, it significantly impacts your ability to live properly,' he continued. To qualify, claimants must have limited capability for work or work-related activity (LCWRA) and symptoms which 'constantly' apply. 🚨 Reminder: cuts to disability benefits affect everyone. You might not need disability benefits today. Or tomorrow. But you can become disabled at any time and find yourself in need of a financial safety net. — Scope (@scope) July 3, 2025 Mr Downie's amendment would expand these criteria to claimants with 'a fluctuating condition'. It would cover 'conditions like Parkinson's but also multiple sclerosis, ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), long Covid and a whole range of other conditions where, you know, in the morning things could be really good and in the afternoon things could be really bad, and even hour by hour things could change', he said. 'I felt it was necessary to table an amendment to really probe what the Government's position is on this, and ensuring that people with Parkinson's and conditions like that are not excluded from even applying and being considered.' Mr Downie's proposal has backing from 23 cross-party MPs so far. Recommended reading: Juliet Tizzard, external relations director at Parkinson's UK, said: 'Criteria in the Bill say that a new claimant for the universal credit health payment will have to be 'constantly' unable to perform certain activities to qualify. 'This doesn't work for people with Parkinson's, whose symptoms change throughout the day. 'People with Parkinson's and other fluctuating conditions like multiple sclerosis will be effectively excluded from getting all the financial support they need. 'The Government has responded to our call and withdrawn the damaging restrictions to Pip. 'Now, they must do the same with the universal credit health element. The health of many people with Parkinson's is in their hands.'
Daily Record
04-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Scottish Labour MPs call for UK Government to 'tell a better story' on election anniversary
EXCLUSIVE: Speaking to the Record, Scottish Labour MPs have given their verdicts on a difficult first year in charge for Keir Starmer. Scottish Labour MPs have called for the UK Government to 'tell a better story' and 'learn quickly from our mistakes' a year on from the party's historic election victory. Graeme Downie said the Labour Government must 'keep on doing' things like increasing the minimum wage and helping people with energy bills. Fellow MP Joani Reid said the Government 'haven't moved as quickly or delivered as effectively as I'd have liked in some areas' but said there has been 'genuine progress'. Labour secured a landslide win over the Tories last year - with Keir Starmer becoming the first Labour Prime Minister for 14 years. Scots also overwhelmingly backed Labour, with the party winning 37 of the 57 constituencies north of the border. However, the Government has been dogged by criticism over policies like cutting winter fuel payments and proposing cuts to disability benefits. Starmer's poll rating has tanked and Labour are at risk from Nigel Farage's Reform UK. Speaking to the Record, Scottish Labour MPs gave their verdict on a difficult first year. Dunfermline and Dollar MP Downie said: "We need to tell a better story focussed on what we are doing for people, not just large numbers of investment so when people feel they have more money in their pocket they know it is thanks to this UK Labour government. "We have already delivered a pay rise for 200,000 of the lowest paid, extending £150 off energy bills to over 500,000 households and savings on petrol by extending the fuel duty cut as well as putting money in the pocket of former miners by solving the injustice of their pensions. "Those are the kinds of things we need to keep on doing because people will feel the benefit." East Kilbride and Strathaven MP Reid said: 'One year into a Labour government, it hasn't been easy. We inherited huge economic challenges made tougher by global instability. People already know the mess we took on; they don't want politicians complaining about how difficult the job is—and frankly, I don't like doing it. We applied to run the country, so it's our responsibility to get on with fixing it. 'We haven't been perfect, and we haven't moved as quickly or delivered as effectively as I'd have liked in some areas. But we have made genuine progress. 'In East Kilbride, we've protected hundreds of jobs by saving the international development office from Tory closure. 'Thousands of local people received a decent pay rise when we increased the minimum wage in April. And nationally, we've begun delivering on our promises: a proper new deal for working people, tackling insecure work, and laying foundations for a fairer economy. 'Scotland has huge opportunities ahead—especially in defence industries and clean energy jobs. But to seize them fully, we need change at Holyrood too, so we can fix the NHS and education system after years of neglect. 'People rightly want results, not excuses. Our task now is clear: deliver faster, learn quickly from our mistakes, and keep working to build the country people deserve.' MPs believe there have been positives over the last year, including a rise in the minimum wage and a boost to workers' rights. They also believe Starmer has risen to the challenge on foreign affairs. Western Isles MP Torcuil Crichton said it was important that the Government focuses on the cost of living from now on. He said: " It's going to be defined by three things: living standards, energy and international affairs. "On living standards we've still got a job to do... Let's double down on improving people's standard of living. "Let's get the energy transition right by making sure there are jobs there for people and that communities benefit as well, because there are massive profits being made here and we can use that to change people's lives. " Glenrothes MP Richard Baker, who initially backed plans to sink the Government welfare reform. said the party needed to be 'relentless' about getting its message across. He said: "What we want to do in terms of the party in Westminster is ensuring we are relentless at getting across the positive things we are doing and focusing on where we are making achievements which really matter to the folk of Scotland, like increasing minimum wage, workers' rights, wages going up faster than the cost of living, growing the economy. "There are loads of good things happening. It's about focusing more on that and making sure we are relentless about that message." SNP Westminster Leader Stephen Flynn said: 'Keir Starmer's first year in office speaks for itself – a litany of broken promises, u-turns, scandals, and failures on the economy that have removed optimism from a public who were so desperate for change. "Voters were promised a new direction but instead they got more of the same Westminster cuts and failure. Families and small businesses hammered by tax hikes, and soaring bills - with millions of people feeling worse off whilst being lectured that things are getting better. 'The UK economy has been downgraded, public finances have deteriorated, unemployment is up, poverty is at record levels and the cost of food, energy and household bills have risen by hundreds of pounds on Keir Starmer's watch. "When people look back on the Labour Party's year in office they will remember the cuts to disabled people and pensioners' winter fuel payments, the betrayal of WASPI women and children in poverty, rising energy bills and food prices, and a Prime Minister who took thousands of pounds of designer clothes and freebies while imposing austerity cuts on the rest of us. "That is not the new direction people in Scotland wanted nor deserved."
