Latest news with #IanMurray
Scotsman
19 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Ian Murray: 'A clear path for the next decade to make the UK secure at home and strong abroad'
Review marks a fundamental shift to restore Britain's readiness, writes Scottish Secretary Ian Murray Sign up to our Politics newsletter 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... Scotland has always been at the beating heart of the UK's defence and security. From our historic regiments like the Black Watch, to our tradition of shipbuilding, we should be incredibly proud of our history on national security. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We are living in an increasingly insecure world. War in Europe, growing nuclear risks, and daily cyber threats demand a robust response. The Strategic Defence Review we published yesterday sets a clear path for the next decade to make the UK secure at home and strong abroad. This isn't about minor adjustments; it's a fundamental shift to restore Britain's readiness, deter our adversaries and help drive economic growth across the UK. From the highly skilled pilots at RAF Lossiemouth to those who maintain our nuclear deterrent at Faslane, thousands of Scottish-based military personnel do extraordinary work to keep us safe every day. I thank them all for their service. This government is delivering the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War - a huge boost for Scotland's world-leading defence sector, delivering economic growth and highly-skilled jobs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks during a visit to BAE Systems in Govan, Glasgow, to launch the Strategic Defence Review | PA Yesterday the Prime Minister came to Scotland to announce up to 12 new attack submarines, building on the £15 billion investment set out for the UK's sovereign nuclear warhead programme, keeping the UK safe for generations to come. And today we're announcing UK troops and warships will be protected by drone and laser weapon technology through a major £5 billion investment, as the UK seeks to become the leading edge of innovation in NATO. From Rosyth to the Clyde, Scottish shipbuilding has been the backbone of British maritime strength, with eight Type 26 ships being built by BAE Systems in Glasgow and five Type 31 frigates by Babcock International in Fife. Our Strategic Defence Review set out the need for an 'always on' pipeline of shipbuilding – bolstering Scottish jobs, Britain's national security and delivering the UK Government's Plan for Change. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This multi-billion pound investment supports thousands of skilled jobs and invests in our communities for years to come. The Review will also deliver significant investment in munitions capabilities, with plans for at least six new munitions factories across the UK creating more than 1,000 skilled manufacturing jobs. Scotland's expertise in this field is already evident, with 155mm munitions produced by BAE Systems in Glasgow and Tomahawk missiles by Raytheon in Glenrothes. Scotland's vital role in UK defence I was astonished to read this week that the Scottish Government is blocking investment in a specialist welding centre in Glasgow, by withdrawing a £2.5 million grant. The defence Secretary was clear, if the Scottish Government continues to block the funding for this centre, the UK Government will step in and fund it directly. I am passionately proud that Scotland plays such a vital role in the UK's defence. That's why I'm particularly pleased about the £400 million investment to ensure our servicemen and women have barracks fit for purpose – addressing military accommodation that has been allowed to fall into disrepair. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Ministry of Defence already spends £2.14 billion a year here – including £32 million with SMEs – approximately 25,600 jobs across Scotland depend on defence spending. By putting national security at the heart of our Plan for Change, we are ensuring Scotland remains central to the UK's defence capabilities while delivering economic benefits to communities across the country.
Edinburgh Reporter
6 days ago
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Community award catalyst for South ground plea to MP
And Edinburgh South are hoping that a visit from Ian Murray MP, the Secretary of State for Scotland, will help build political will to deliver a much-needed home ground for a club with more than 1,000 players across all age groups. Mr Murray who is MP for Edinburgh South, visited Inch Park to deliver the Community Hero Award to volunteer coaches and helpers who keep the women's and girls' section running. Standing just yards from the site of the proposed new community-use ground, the politician watched as groups from the under-8s to the senior recreational women were put through their paces on the grass pitches currently being used for sessions. He has been supportive of South's bid to build a proper home for one of the biggest community clubs in Scotland, and was also presented with his own Edinburgh South jersey as a way of thanking him for his efforts. He heard more details of the club's full pathway from Saturday Soccer School right through to the women's first team, who have just finished runners-up in the SWFL East – a little more than three years on from the first open training session to recruit players. South remain hopeful that The City of Edinburgh Council will deliver on its previous commitment of land at the Inch Park Nursery site, with the current spread of public parks and school facilities causing boys and girls to be turned away on a weekly basis. Joe Sneddon, Edinburgh South chief executive, stressed the importance of facilities as he praised volunteers for providing existing opportunities for women and girls, saying: 'This award is a testament to the sheer determination and hard work of our volunteers, who've built a thriving girls' programme here at Edinburgh South CFC despite operating within a wider football system that still favours the boys' game. 'They've created a full pathway from first kick to senior football in one of the toughest grassroots environments – all without access to our own all-weather facility. 'Support and recognition like this from Ian Murray genuinely makes a difference. It shines a light on what's already being achieved and strengthens the case for the investment needed to secure the future of girls' and women's football in South Edinburgh.' While the UK Government unveiled a new £8.6 million war chest for grassroots sports facilities in March, South can't even apply for funding until the council greenlight the transfer of land – meaning that South, who aren't asking local taxpayers to commit to the project, remain in limbo. South have plans in place to develop a full-sized floodlit all-weather pitch meeting SFA licensing criteria, plus a pitch-side pavilion with changing facilities and essential physio/first aid spaces. This would provide not only a training base and home ground for both the men's and women's teams, but the countless youth sides currently struggling with inadequate facilities. * ESCFC currently has 75 teams and provides both competitive and recreational sporting opportunities for over 1000 number of players. * The club works closely with local schools, the SFA and external partners to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. * The club runs a free Soccer School for 5-8-year-olds, with up to 120 children attending each week. This is one of the largest free football programmes in Scotland. * Over 200 volunteers support the club's operation, from administrative staff to qualified team coaches. Joe Sneddon spoke to The Edinburgh Reporter at Peffermill about the need for movement from the council: Edinburgh Southern football club's girls and women's section volunteers received a community award Local MP Ian Murray with Agne Celik Southern's Head of Women and Girls section. Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Will council deliver new ground for Edinburgh football club? Latest update
Edinburgh South CFC Over 1000 players, East of Scotland First Division men and SWFL side wait for green light Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, 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... The largest community football club in the east of Scotland risk being left behind by their western counterparts after Giffnock cut the ribbon on a brand new £1.6 million home ground – leaving Edinburgh South to play catch-up in their bid to deliver a fresh facility for an area desperately in need of amenities. South are still waiting for the City of Edinburgh Council to green light their plans for a new low-profile community ground at Inch Park, in the south-east of Scotland's capital city. Until councillors approve the long-awaited transfer of ground, the club – who boast over 1000 players at all age groups - can't even apply for funding to build a new artificial pitch. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The new facility, in a part of the city underserved by all-weather multi-sport surfaces, would serve local schools and community organisations as well as providing a home base for South. Their senior men's team played at FIVE different home venues in the East of Scotland First Division season just finished. And the club's women's team are currently training and playing at a local high school – in contrast to many of their opponents in the SWFL pyramid. South chief executive Joe Sneddon spoke out after Giffnock officially opened two new 3G pitches at its facility in Glasgow. They will complement the four existing pitches, plus a large pavilion with a dozen changing rooms, already on site. Giffnock boast that their new HQ will be among the best in Scotland, providing a central venue for their 1400 players. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad South, honoured with a Community Hero Award by local MP – and Secretary of State for Scotland – Ian Murray in recognition of their work in girls' and women's football just last week, have plans in place to build a single 3G pitch with basic changing and storage facilities well shielded from view by mature trees already in place at Inch Park. Watch: Video of Ian Murray MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, in a penalty shoot-out with Edinburgh South CFC Sneddon, confident that funding will be available as soon as the land is secured, said: 'As the largest grassroodt club in the east, we congratulate Giffnock on this fabulous achievement. These type of facilities are necessary to ensure that our community club continues to flourish. 'Our proposals would not only guarantee the future of our teams at all levels but provide a fantastic asset for all of the local community. 'Giffnock have shown what can happen when the needs and ambitions of a community club are matched by that of their council, funders and hard working volunteers. 'We want to make sure that Edinburgh South can emulate this success.'
Daily Record
6 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.'
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Pubs in Scotland missing out on rates relief available in England as more landlords call last orders
More than 50 pubs in Scotland shut their doors for good last year as landlords battle with soaring costs and regulars spending less. More than 2,000 pubs in Scotland are still missing out on rates relief available to bars in England as the hospitality sector continues to struggle. Ian Murray, the Scottish Secretary, today challenged the SNP Government to do more to support the country's licensed trade after more than 50 watering holes shut their doors for good last year. In England, pubs benefit from 40 per cent rates relief from the UK Government – but in Scotland rates relief is only extended to bars with a rateable value of £51,000 and under. Trade body UK Hospitality estimates the difference means around 2,500 hospitality venues in Scotland are losing out, with a higher rates bill of £12,000 for a typical local boozer. Murray, who ran pubs in Edinburgh before entering politics, spoke out on the issue while visiting Carrigan's Bar in Hamilton ahead of a Holyrood election in the local constituency next week. "I used to run pubs and restaurants and the local is at the heart of so many communities," he told the Record. "That's why I was delighted to see the UK government give pubs a helping hand with 40 per cent rates relief. "But that rate relief didn't reach every pub north of the border, the SNP decided to cap it and industry analysis believes as many as 2,500 pubs, bars and restaurants are losing out. "That's despite Labour handing the SNP the biggest budget settlement in the history of the Scottish Parliament, with a £50 billion settlement this year. 'Davy Russell is a local champion who will back local businesses – a vote for him is a vote to call last orders on the SNP." CAMRA, which campaigns in support of traditional pubs and ale, has called for the SNP Government to review the business rates system. It comes at a time landlords face soaring energy costs while regulars have less to spend due to the cost of living crisis. Stuart McMahon, CAMRA Scotland director, said: "In order to make sure our pubs survive and thrive at the heart of our communities, ministers must now commit to reforming the entire business rates system to make it fairer. "The Scottish Government should level the playing field between online and bricks-and-mortar businesses and finally end the shocking overpayment that pubs have to cough up under the current system." Labour candidate Russell, whose campaign is being backed by well-known Hamilton landlord John Carrigan, said: "Our high streets and communities are at risk of being laid low by an SNP Government that doesn't understand business or want it to flourish. "Between voting against £8 million for Hamilton town centre and refusing to pass on rates reliefs for pubs and restaurants they have hollowed out our communities. "I'm not a career politician and I've never stood for election before - I'm local and have served our community for 45 years, and I'm standing in this by-election because I am fed up with the SNP leaving our community behind.' The Record asked the Scottish Government for comment.
