Latest news with #JamieGreene
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MSP raises concerns about impact of immigration changes on care homes
A GREENOCK-BORN MSP has raised concerns over the impact changes in immigration policy could have on care homes in Inverclyde. During a discussion at the Scottish Parliament about the impact of plans set out by Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier this month, Jamie Greene highlighted the recent news surrounding the possible closure of Greenock's Glenfield Care Home. Greenock Medical Aid Society, which runs Glenfield, announced last month that it was facing the possibility of shutting the home down after almost a century in Inverclyde due to 'rising costs' and 'sector-wide challenges'. (Image: Office of Jamie Greene MSP) Mr Greene also shared the thoughts of Jim Melville, who manages Campbell Snowden House in Quarrier's Village. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes was asked about the potential impact on the labour market in Scotland following Sir Keir Starmer's recent statement in which he outlined plans to 'tighten up' the immigration system. Concerns have since been raised over the effect this may have on the care sector. READ MORE: Mr Greene said: 'Glenfield care home in Greenock is earmarked for closure, citing recruitment issues and the national insurance hike as primary reasons. 'Another care home manager, at Campbell Snowden House, warned that other care homes in my region will follow. 'He also admonished politicians for using language such as 'low-skilled workers' when it comes to the care sector, saying that they are highly-skilled jobs and that it is a very respectable career. 'What is the Scottish Government's plan B of the white paper comes to pass? 'How do we ensure that vital lifeline sectors, such as the care sector, will have the staff that they need in order to survive?' Bosses at Glenfield Care Home in Greenock recently announced that the facility faces closure due to rising costs (Image: Newsquest) Ms Forbes replied: 'Jamie Greene is right to identify the double hit of the immigration white paper and the hike to national insurance contributions, both of which could have devastating impacts on the care sector. 'That is not just my view – it is also the view of Donald MacAskill and others who work in the sector. 'The data is stark and the evidence is clear. We have enough qualitative anecdotal evidence to illustrate what the impact could be. 'Jamie Greene is also right in his comment about the use of 'low-skilled workers', because we know how critical it is that we have a workforce in the care sector. 'Few things are as important to us, as a society, as the care of vulnerable people.'
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
NTSB: Pilot's ‘improper decision' caused Mount Equinox crash
MANCHESTER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – The small plane crash on Mount Equinox back in February was likely caused by a pilot's 'improper decision' making skills, according to the NTSB's report. Investigators wrote that the pilot altered his course, attempted to fly low and avoid clouds, then climb above them because of a perceived, rapid change in weather. As the Piper PA-28 entered clouds, icing occurred which caused it to stall, spin and crash. This pilot did not hold an instrument rating, meaning he was not qualified to fly using only instruments in poor low-visibility conditions. NTSB investigators also detail that he 'was aware that they were near the VFR [visual flight rules], but he elected to continue the flight.' The plane crashed into four feet of snow at an elevation of over 3,000 feet February 26. Manchester First Assistant Chief Jamie Greene suggested that the pilot and two passengers were 'cushioned' by snow. All of them suffered non-life-threatening injuries. NTSB determined the probably cause was 'The pilot's improper decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Scotsman
06-05-2025
- Scotsman
New repairs delay threat to major CalMac ferry after unprecedented 16-month absence
Sign up for the latest news and analysis about Scottish transport 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... A further delay to the Caledonian Isles ferry's return to the main Arran route after an unprecedented 16-month absence for repairs has been announced by CalMac. The operator warned long-suffering passengers waiting for the vessel to resume sailings between Ardrossan and Brodick that it may be out of action for another nine days or more. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Caledonian Isles undergoing repairs in Greenock | John Devlin/The Scotsman CalMac said it still hoped the ferry would return to service by June 1, but this might be extended to the week beginning June 9. However, West of Scotland Liberal Democrat MSP Jamie Greene said: "No one living on the west coast has any faith that this will be the last delay to their network.' CalMac said the 32-year-old ship's propulsion shafts had arrived back from repairs in Denmark some ten days later than scheduled because of the need for additional work. Caledonian Isles has been undergoing major repairs since January last year and Brodick sailings have been switched to a longer route from Troon harbour, which does not have a direct rail connection, unlike Ardrossan. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison said: 'This delay in completing the shafts has not affected confidence levels that Caledonian Isles will be serving Arran again in just a few weeks' time. 'A timeline, which saw the vessel back in service by the end of May, built in contingency, but that has largely been used up by the delay in getting the shafts back on board. 'We anticipated the contingency time being required during alignment and sea trials - the critical phase of works we expect to enter next week when the vessel floats up. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'If we complete alignment and sea trials and there's no issues whatsoever, the original plan for resuming service by June 1 is viable and we're also planning for that eventuality. 'But given the length of time the vessel has been in dock, it is prudent to build that contingency back in to give certainty to the community on Arran.' Mr Greene said: 'Another week, another fresh delay and with it, more disruption for islanders, visitors and the poor people of Ardrossan.'
Scotsman
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Defected Lib Dem MSP Jamie Green writes to thousands of 'scunnered' Tor voters to follow him
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... Liberal Democrat defected MSP Jamie Greene has written to thousands of former Conservative voters - calling on those left 'politically homeless and scunnered' to abandon Russell Findlay for his new party. Mr Greene quit the Scottish Tories last month before being unveiled by Ed Davey at the Scottish Lib Dems conference in Inverness as having switched to the party. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jamie Greene (left) with Lib Dems leader Alex Cole-Hamilton | Jane Barlow/PA Wire In his scathing resignation letter to Mr Findlay, Mr Greene accused the Scottish Tories of pursuing a 'Reform-lite agenda that appeals to the worst of our society'. Now, in a letter being sent to voters previously having voted Conservative, seen by The Scotsman, Mr Greene has called on those concerned about Mr Findlay shifting towards a 'Trumpesque' agenda to turn to what he claims is the Scottish Liberal Democrats' 'positive and inclusive' vision instead. His comments come as the Liberal Democrats are expected to take scores of seats from the Conservatives at local elections south of the Border. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The letter states that when he stood for the Tories under Ruth Davidson in 2016, the party was 'decent, welcoming, aspirational and could be trusted with the economy', but he adds that he is 'sad to say that's all gone'. Mr Greene added: 'The party in which I once found a home has been reduced to Reform-lite. Its agenda is Trumpesque in style and substance. It talks about what it stands against, but has little to say about what it stands for. Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay | PA 'Most importantly, the broad church it was once shifted further and further to the right, alienating many of its members, voters and in my case its elected representatives.' Mr Greene has warned that he simply 'couldn't go on', insisting that the Lib Dems are 'upbeat and positive'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He added: 'They believe in decency and respect in public life. Getting things done for our local communities is their bread and butter. That's what politics is all about, after all. Getting stuff done.' In an appeal to Tory voters who will be put off by any shift to the right, Mr Greene said: 'If you feel like I did, politically homeless and scunnered with the Scottish Conservatives, do something about it. Come and join me in the Scottish Liberal Democrats and you will be made to feel most welcome I assure you. 'The language of far-right division doesn't make peoples' lives better. It won't make Scotland and its communities any better. A positive and inclusive platform does.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Greene's intervention comes amid speculation another Tory MSP could join the LibDems. Read more: Jamie Greene joins Scottish Liberal Democrats after quitting Conservatives The Scottish Sun reported that Lib Dems leader Alex Cole-Hamilton was spotted sharing Indian food and beers with Tory backbencher Maurice Golden, amid rumours he could follow Mr Greene. The meeting came after The Scotsman revealed Mr Golden laid into Mr Findlay's opposition to net zero, accusing his party leader of 'dismantling the Ruth Davidson era in a cheap way to mimic Reform'. Mr Golden has denied he is poised to join the Lib Dems. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A Scottish Conservatives spokesperson said: 'The man who enthusiastically campaigned and voted for Nicola Sturgeon's gender reforms can send as many letters as he wants. We'll post them for him. 'Not a single pro-UK voter will be persuaded by someone who thinks the SNP are right on so many critical issues
Belfast Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Greene writes to Tory voters urging them to back Lib Dems following defection
Jamie Greene crossed the floor last month as he hit out at his previous party's 'Reform-lite' agenda. In a letter sent to voters who have previously backed the Tories, he claimed the party's agenda under new leader Russell Findlay is 'Trump-esque in style and substance'. The drive to convert Tory voters comes after Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton was spotted lunching with Conservative Maurice Golden in Edinburgh, with neither denying the attempts made to convince him to defect. Mr Greene said: 'It talks about what it stands against, but has little to say about what it stands for. 'Most importantly, the broad church it was once shifted further and further to the right, alienating many of its members, voters, and in my case its elected representatives. 'I couldn't go on. So I joined the Scottish Liberal Democrats. 'I've found a party that is upbeat and positive. They believe in decency and respect in public life. Getting things done for our local communities is their bread and butter. That's what politics is all about, after all. Getting stuff done. 'So my challenge to you is this: If you feel like I did, politically homeless and scunnered with the Scottish Conservatives, do something about it. 'Come and join me in the Scottish Liberal Democrats and you will be made to feel most welcome, I assure you. 'The language of far-right division doesn't make people's lives better. It won't make Scotland and its communities any better. A positive and inclusive platform does.' But the Scottish Tories claimed the letters could result in a boost for the party. 'The man who enthusiastically campaigned and voted for Nicola Sturgeon's gender reforms can send as many letters as he wants,' a spokesman for the party said. 'We'll post them for him. 'Not a single pro-UK voter will be persuaded by someone who thinks the SNP are right on so many critical issues. 'If anything, this letter will boost support for the Scottish Conservatives.'
