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The National
6 days ago
- Business
- The National
The SNP's key messages in the Hamilton by-election
Whether it's their 'blatantly racist' advert falsely claiming Anas Sarwar would 'prioritise the Pakistani community', or their attacks on the Scottish media, Nigel Farage's party have nabbed the spotlight. But this is a seat that the SNP have held since it was created in 2011. The late Christina McKelvie won elections in the area three times on the trot, with a majority of more than 4500 last time out in 2021. Despite what SNP candidate Katy Loudon brands the 'heat and noise' of Reform, her party remain favourites. So, what do they want to talk about? Bringing back Winter Fuel Payment Loudon says she has heard scores of constituents raise concerns about Labour's cut to the Winter Fuel Payment – the first significant move the new UK Government made after the General Election. READ MORE: John Swinney in final message to voters ahead of Hamilton by-election More than 10 million pensioners lost out on payments worth up to £300 last year. But the SNP Scottish Government has announced it will be bringing back a universal payment for pensioners by St Andrew's Day this year. The new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will replace the Westminster scheme and will see those on pension credit receive a payment of between £200 and £300 based on age. Crucially, other pensioner households – who are not eligible for the UK Winter Fuel Payment anymore – will still get £100. Loudon told The National: 'So many people in this constituency, who maybe last summer thought they'd give Labour a chance, feel extremely let down. 'So this is a key policy for us because it's about getting money back in people's pockets.' The Scottish Child Payment The SNP say another benefit created by the Scottish Government continues to be a key point of conversation. The Scottish Child Payment gives eligible families a weekly payment of £27.15 for every child who is under 16. A study by the London School of Economics and Political Science this year said that if the Labour UK Government was to introduce such a policy, it could cut child poverty by a sixth. (Image: Colin Mearns) Loudon (above) said: 'I've spoken to numerous charities and organisations across the last few weeks about what's the best thing we can do to support families, what's the best thing we can do to raise children in poverty, and it's cash directly to them, to give them that boost. 'So, policies like that [the Scottish Child Payment] are already making a difference in this constituency, will continue to make a difference, and it's the SNP who are delivering them.' Loudon has indicated increasing the Scottish Child Payment is a 'conversation we need to have', adding it has been a 'transformative piece of legislation'. The policy stands in stark contrast to the Labour UK Government's decision to keep the two-child cap, which has been described as the single biggest driver of child poverty in the UK by several charities. Loudon branded it "cruel and horrible". The Scottish Government has also announced plans to scrap the two-child cap by April next year. The Child Poverty Action Group estimate this could lift 15,000 children in Scotland out of poverty. Action and delivery The word 'delivery' is one we've heard Loudon mention again and again this campaign, and she believes it is key to set the SNP apart from the 'heat and noise' of Reform. It's well-known the SNP have not been without their own problems in recent years and performance in Government has been far from perfect, but unlike Reform they do have a record of action they can shout about, and with the UK Labour Government in the doldrums with the public, speaking about mitigating against their cruellest policies will surely stand them in good stead. 'The most important thing for me this by-election has been to get out and speak to as many people as we can and we're doing that because we have a message of hope to deliver to people and we have a message about delivery,' Loudon told The National. SNP leader and First Minister John Swinney and SNP candidate Katy Loudon with two-year-old Grace Ure during a visit to Juniors Charity in Hamilton (Image: Jane Barlow) 'I think we're the only party in this by-election in the midst of all the heat and noise who are actually able to say we are going out and are able to speak about what we're going to do. 'There's been a distinct lack of that from Labour but particularly Reform in terms of the television debate that took place on Monday evening. We did not get any straight answers. 'I think we heard something about a manifesto maybe with some policies at some point next year – that's not good enough. People want to hear about action and delivery.'
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Midlothian family-run cafe announces 'difficult' closure amid rising costs
The owners of a Midlothian cafe have announced its closure amid rising costs and thanked locals for their support. Callum Anderson opened up Ian's Wee Cafe back in 2023, in honour of his late father who instilled his passion for cooking. He's now made the tough decision to close, with the cost of national insurance and utilities going up. Despite the news, they're "very proud of what they've built." READ MORE: Edinburgh police on scene of third collision on same road within a week READ MORE: Horrified Edinburgh residents watch as car is engulfed by flames Posting to Facebook, owners said: "We're closing our doors, but not our hearts. "With a heavy heart, we announce that Saturday, April 26, will be our last day of trade as Ian's Wee Cafe at 5 Meadow Place, Bilston. Regrettably, a combination of factors, including the significant impact of the Labour UK Government's policies on small businesses, has made it impossible for us to continue. "The Minimum Wage Increase, Employer's National Insurance (NI) Contribution Increase, and Utilities Price Increase have put us in an extremely difficult position, alongside ongoing challenges within our business location. Despite all this, we are incredibly proud of what we've built here. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "Ian's Wee Cafe has been more than just a place to grab a bite; it has been a hub for the community, a space for local groups and organisations to come together, and a cornerstone for many of you who became part of our extended family. For that, we will forever be grateful." Callum Anderson opened up the cafe in honour of Calum's late father, Ian, who passed away in 2006. Speaking to Edinburgh Live back in 2023, Calum said: "Before he passed away, his sort of mobility was limited. "I was taught to cook by him, either being in his chair or through the bedroom, just shooting sort of order through to the bedroom and how to cook things sort of step by step. Since then sort of my passion has just become stronger." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "With dad it took a bit of a downward spiral, but he's always sort of been unwell for sort of, most of my life." Locals were left gutted by the news of the closure. One said: "So sorry to hear this! You always made us feel so welcome." Another added: "Sorry to hear you are closing. It's so hard for small independent businesses nowadays. Good luck with whatever you choose to do in the future." A third posted: "So sorry to hear this! Wishing you guys all the best with your next chapter."
