Latest news with #JohnLamont
Telegraph
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Scotland's assisted dying law ‘unlikely to pass as 21 MSPs waver'
Scotland's assisted dying Bill is unlikely to become law, with more than 20 MSPs poised to drop their support, opponents say. Last week, MSPs supported the principles of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill by 70 votes to 56, allowing it to clear its first parliamentary hurdle at Holyrood. But some who who backed the legislation warned they would switch sides and oppose it unless changes were made to address major concerns. Analysis published by Right for Life, a charity opposing the Bill, found that 21 MSPs were in this category of 'waverers'. They backed the Bill but could change their minds for the final vote. Only seven would need to 'flip' for the legislation to be defeated if there were no defections the other way. Waverers are said to include Russell Findlay, the Scottish Tory leader, Ross Greer of the Scottish Greens, Colin Smyth of Labour, and Shirley-Anne Somerville, the SNP's social justice secretary. MSPs are now expected to table dozens of amendments to the Bill before the final vote on whether it should become law in the autumn or winter. John Lamont, the Scottish Tory MP, said: 'Despite the public statements to the contrary, Tuesday's vote will feel like a setback for those in favour of assisted suicide north and south of the Border. There is all to play for and every reason to believe this dangerous Bill may still be prevented from becoming law. 'It was made clear during the debate and public statements beforehand that many MSPs have given this Bill only qualified support and voted for it simply so the debate can continue. Only a tiny number of MSPs need to flip to ensure it's defeated later in the Parliamentary process.' Mr Lamont added: 'We've seen south of the border that a narrow passage at such an early stage means little when you get into the nitty-gritty of the Bill.' Separate legislation introducing assisted dying in England and Wales has been tabled in the Commons by Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP. Two previous attempts to change the law in Scotland were defeated at the first hurdle. The latest Scottish Bill would give mentally competent people over 16 who have been diagnosed with a terminal condition the right to end their life. Liam McArthur, the Liberal Democrat MSP who tabled the legislation, has since agreed that the lower age limit should be raised to 18. Safeguards would include independent assessments by two doctors and a 14-day cooling off period. There would also be a requirement for those requesting an assisted death to have lived in Scotland for at least a year. MSPs were given a free vote on Mr McArthur's Bill, meaning they could vote in line with their consciences and were not whipped by their parties. Before the vote, an impassioned Holyrood debate heard widespread fears that the Bill did not include enough protections for vulnerable people, particularly the disabled, who might be coerced into ending their lives. Opponents expressed concern that the Bill would be a 'slippery slope', with the number of people eligible for an assisted death increasing markedly over time. They also said that the definition of terminal illness in the legislation was too broad, with no lifespan time limit, and that it covered conditions such as anorexia. Mr Findlay said last week that he shared 'many of the reservations that have been expressed about the Bill, not least around the potential for coercion and the criteria being widened through later legal challenges'. Mr McArthur said he would spend the coming months discussing with other MSPs 'whether there are amendments which would supplement the extensive safeguards in the bill'. He said: 'Several of those who voted against the bill have also indicated to me that they are sympathetic to the principle and open to further discussions. 'I am optimistic and looking forward to sitting down with colleagues over the coming months to plan how we deliver the long overdue choice of an assisted death for terminally ill Scots who wish it.'
The National
14-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Scottish Tory MP claims Borders 'under attack' from wind farms
John Lamont, MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk raised the issue of the Labour Government's net zero approach during Prime Minister's Questions, where he was rebuked by Keir Starmer. He blamed Energy Secretary Ed Miliband for pursuing policies which had resulted in a proliferation of planning bids to Scottish Borders Council for solar farms, pylons and wind farms which were 'scarring' the region's landscape. READ MORE: Keir Starmer called out for 'disgusting' jibe at Welsh MP during PMQs But in response the Prime Minister dismissed his view as representing 'further evidence of how far his party has fallen'. Lamont said: 'People are disgusted by the energy secretary's obsessive pursuit of Net Zero at any cost. 'The Scottish Borders is under attack with solar farms beside towns, massive wind farms and now mega pylons scarring unspoiled landscapes. 'Nobody sensible supports his crazed, crank policies which will put jobs at risk and rip up farm land. 'So when will be prime minister step in and stop the energy secretary throwing taxpayers money at this nonsense?' READ MORE: Anas Sarwar backs UK Government's immigration plans amid 'Enoch Powell' row Starmer responded: 'Only a few years ago dealing with the climate challenge was a shared endeavour across this House. 'This is yet further evidence of how far his party has fallen that they cannot see the significance and importance of tackling one of the major challenges of our time. 'I think we should rise to that challenge and not be defeatist about it.'
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SNP's ‘senseless' nuclear ban ‘damaging Scotland'
The Scottish National Party (SNP) is under pressure to ditch its 'senseless' nuclear power ban over fears the policy risks hurting the economy. A poll of Scots by Britain Remade, a campaign group, showed that more than half of SNP voters would like Scotland to make greater use of nuclear power, which has been staunchly opposed by the party since the 1970s. According to the survey, 52pc of those who voted SNP in 2021 believe nuclear power should be part of Scotland's energy mix to meet Holyrood's net zero target in 2045. Overall, 56pc of Scots support nuclear. The results are surprising because opposition to nuclear energy has historically been one of the SNP's defining policies. Britain Remade has called for the rapid construction of new nuclear power stations in Scotland to ensure that the technology remains part of its energy mix. It is also campaigning for the development of Small Modular Reactors in Scotland as the group believes the mini-nuclear reactors can help to secure jobs in the sector and maintain energy security. Just a third of SNP voters surveyed said they opposed the development of nuclear power while 15pc said they were undecided. Martin Whitfield, the Labour MSP for South Scotland, said: 'This senseless policy is harming our energy security, economic potential, and hampering our ability to deliver on Scotland's climate change commitments. 'If we don't act soon to end this ideological opposition, Scotland will lose its nuclear energy capacity entirely, damaging jobs and the economy, including East Lothian.' The results of the polling come as Britain Remade called on the SNP to abandon its opposition to nuclear power stations. Britain Remade, which campaigns for economic growth, warned that the SNP's opposition to new nuclear power stations could cause Scotland to miss out on significant levels of investment as well as thousands of jobs. EDF Energy confirmed in December that it would extend the operational lifespan of the Torness nuclear power station until at least 2030. Yet, beyond the end of the decade there is significant uncertainty about the future of nuclear power in Scotland. John Lamont, the Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, said encouraging the construction of nuclear power stations is 'basic common sense because it would bring energy bills down for workers, businesses and families'. He added: 'Everyone seems to be able to see the huge benefits of nuclear energy, except the SNP. John Swinney's government is out of touch with the views of mainstream Scotland.' Scotland's first nuclear power station was opened in 1959, at Chapelcross in Dumfries and Galloway. It was in operation until 2004. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
SNP's ‘senseless' nuclear ban ‘damaging Scotland'
The Scottish National Party (SNP) is under pressure to ditch its 'senseless' nuclear power ban over fears the policy risks hurting the economy. A poll of Scots by Britain Remade, a campaign group, showed that more than half of SNP voters would like Scotland to make greater use of nuclear power, which has been staunchly opposed by the party since the 1970s. According to the survey, 52pc of those who voted SNP in 2021 believe nuclear power should be part of Scotland's energy mix to meet Holyrood's net zero target in 2045. Overall, 56pc of Scots support nuclear. The results are surprising because opposition to nuclear energy has historically been one of the SNP's defining policies. Britain Remade has called for the rapid construction of new nuclear power stations in Scotland to ensure that the technology remains part of its energy mix. It is also campaigning for the development of Small Modular Reactors in Scotland as the group believes the mini-nuclear reactors can help to secure jobs in the sector and maintain energy security. Just a third of SNP voters surveyed said they opposed the development of nuclear power while 15pc said they were undecided. Martin Whitfield, the Labour MSP for South Scotland, said: 'This senseless policy is harming our energy security, economic potential, and hampering our ability to deliver on Scotland's climate change commitments. 'If we don't act soon to end this ideological opposition, Scotland will lose its nuclear energy capacity entirely, damaging jobs and the economy, including East Lothian.' The results of the polling come as Britain Remade called on the SNP to abandon its opposition to nuclear power stations. Britain Remade, which campaigns for economic growth, warned that the SNP's opposition to new nuclear power stations could cause Scotland to miss out on significant levels of investment as well as thousands of jobs. EDF Energy confirmed in December that it would extend the operational lifespan of the Torness nuclear power station until at least 2030. Yet, beyond the end of the decade there is significant uncertainty about the future of nuclear power in Scotland. John Lamont, the Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, said encouraging the construction of nuclear power stations is 'basic common sense because it would bring energy bills down for workers, businesses and families'. He added: 'Everyone seems to be able to see the huge benefits of nuclear energy, except the SNP. John Swinney's government is out of touch with the views of mainstream Scotland.'
