Latest news with #StAndrew'sDay
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Nicola Sturgeon joins campaign trail with Hamilton by-election candidate Katy Loudon
John Swinney was also in the town this week amid a flurry of party leader appearances. First Minister John Swinney highlighted the impact of the Winter Fuel Payment as he made his latest by-election campaign visit to Hamilton, this week visiting the busy community cafe at the St Mary's for All centre. He joined SNP candidate Katy Loudon to meet volunteers running the community space and its popular Beechwood Cafe, as well as customers at a busy lunchtime and even took part in K-Otic Productions' regular drama class at the Auchingramont Road venue. It kicked off another week of high-profile campaigning in the hotly-contested Holyrood by-election for the Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse seat, with Ms Loudon also having been joined for weekend events by former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Mr Swinney made his second visit in five days to Hamilton as he announced his government's plans to reinstate a Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300 for impacted pensioners by November 30, and said of his conversations with voters: 'The issues that we are confronting are issues of concern to the public in Hamilton. One of those which we're hearing a lot of anger about, is Labour's decision to remove the Winter Fuel Payment as one of their first acts in government. 'The SNP government has decided to restore that payment and will make sure all those payments are undertaken before St Andrew's Day so that we can get those into the hands of pensioners to protect them over this winter. That's just one of the issues of concern about the Labour government causing enormous frustration in this by-election, and I'm determined that the SNP will deliver on the public's priorities.' He added of the by-election: 'We are working very hard to win it. I'm going to this by election to retain [the seat and] want to retain it in memory of my dear colleague, Christina McKelvie.' Mr Swinney told the Hamilton Advertiser of his local campaigning: 'The underlying issues are both concerns about fuel payments, cuts to benefits that are proposed by the UK government, the essential balancing of the books on the back of the poor – underlying the cost of living and standards of living. 'Some of those issues have cropped up in my conversations, but another important element which has cropped up is the really positive, beneficial value of facilities like this in the community that create gathering spaces where good work can be undertaken. 'I saw some of that today, where people can come together in a spirit of community, and St Mary's for All is a splendid example of that.' The SNP are bidding to retain the seat held by late MSP Ms McKelvie for the past 14 years, with a record field of 10 candidates appearing on the ballot paper. Asked about the rise of Reform, the First Minister noted that 'there's undoubtedly support' for the party and said: 'What's driving it is people's frustration with their standard of living and with issues around their public services. 'I accept my responsibility with the Scottish Government to do something about that, which is why I'm taking forward the steps I am on the health service, the cost of living or on the peak rail fares.' Also campaigning this week with Ms Loudon was Ms Sturgeon, who joined her on a weekend visit to Hamilton Gymnastics Club and meeting residents in Earnock. The former First Minister called the SNP candidate 'brilliant' and highlighted party policies including the Scottish Child Payment and expansion of free early learning and childcare. Ms Loudon told the Hamilton Advertiser that voters 'really appreciate' the senior figures' campaign visits, and said: 'The First Minister is really keen to speak to people on the doors. 'It says a lot about his approach and the important part for me is listening to people. 'People are really keen to speak about the NHS, primary care services, and a lot are feeling terribly let down by Labour. 'I've been a councillor since 2017 and know this area really well and my priorities are supporting residents.' A total of 10 candidates are standing in the constituency's by-election on June 5. The full list of those appearing on the ballot paper is: Collette Bradley (Scottish Socialist Party); Andy Brady (Scottish Family Party); Ross Lambie (Reform); Katy Loudon (SNP); Janice MacKay (UKIP); Ann McGuinness (Green); Aisha Mir (Liberal Democrats); Richard Nelson (Conservative); Davy Russell (Labour); and Marc Wilkinson (independent).
Scotsman
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Winter fuel allowance: Sir Keir Starmer wants more pensioners to be eligible in payment axe U-turn
A reversal of the UK Labour government's position on winter fuel payment cuts has been foreshadowed by Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions. 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... Sir Keir Starmer has announced a partial U-turn on axing winter fuel payments, saying he wants to make sure 'more pensioners are eligible'. The Prime Minister made the comments, which has been mooted by reports in recent weeks, to the House of Commons on Wednesday. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sir Keir Starmer has indicated a partial U-turn on winter fuel payments Speaking early during Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir said he wanted to expand the number of pensioners eligible for winter fuel payments. READ MORE: North Sea leaders and energy workers urge Keir Starmer to scrap oil and gas windfall tax The impact of the winter fuel allowance cut He has faced pressure from Labour ranks to change course over the squeeze on benefits. Around 860,000 Scottish pensioners were to be impacted by the UK government means testing winter fuel payments. The policy had been due to limit winter fuel allowance to pensioners not receiving other benefits, reducing the number of people eligible by around ten million across the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sir Keir told the Commons: 'We want to make sure people feel those improvements in their days as their lives go forward. That is why we want to ensure that as we go forward, more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payments.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaking in the House of Commons. Picture: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire He said the government would 'only make decisions we can afford' and would therefore look at this as part of a fiscal event. The admission was made after Tory leader Kemi Badenoch asked Sir Keir if his government was considering reversing winter fuel cuts. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Starmer had faced Scotland pressure Sir Keir had previously admitted Labour politicians in Scotland raised concerns about his decision to dramatically scale back the winter fuel allowance. The Prime Minister said late last year that "tough decisions" had to be made, but stressed he was not immune to the hardship many are facing. Sir Keir's comments during Prime Minister's Questions came just 48 hours after John Swinney confirmed a universal pension age winter fuel payment of at least £100 would be introduced in Scotland by St Andrew's Day on November 30. The First Minister had sought to contrast his own Government's action on winter heating support with that of the UK government, saying Sir Keir had cut a 'vital lifeline' for pensioners. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Exact date over one million State Pensioners in Scotland to get winter fuel payment back – worth up to £300
Mr Swinney vowed he would not leave OAPs struggling due to 'Labour broken promises' WINTER WARMER Exact date over one million State Pensioners in Scotland to get winter fuel payment back – worth up to £300 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OVER one million state pensioners in Scotland are to benefit from a new winter fuel payment. The UK Government scrapped the scheme for OAPs last year unless they receive eligible benefits. 1 Over one million state pensioners are to benefit from a new winter fuel payment Credit: Alamy The Scottish Government followed suit, meaning almost a million struggling pensioners north of the border lost out. First Minister John Swinney confirmed to the Daily Record that a new universal payment for older Scots is to be introduced. It will be worth up to £300. Mr Swinney said he will not leave OAPs struggling due to "Labour broken promises". He added: "It is so inexplicable that one of the first things Keir Starmer did when he became Prime Minister was to cut this vital lifeline for our pensioners. 'Labour scrapping the Winter Fuel Payment was a complete betrayal – up there with Thatcher's poll tax or Nick Clegg on tuition fees. "I am not willing to see Scottish pensioners left to struggle because of Labour broken promises. So we listened to what people were telling us and we took action. "That means older people in Scotland will receive this crucial support before we get into the worst of the winter weather – and unlike Labour, we will never abandon this vital support for our pensioners. That is my guarantee." The new pension age winter heating payment will be dished out by November 30, St Andrew's Day, this year. Mr Swinney says low-income households on pension credit will receive a higher payment of between £200 and £300 based on age. Martin Lewis issues urgent warning to hundreds of thousands of pensioners missing out on 'superpower' benefit worth £3,900 a year Other OAPs will receive £100. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced last year that those not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits would no longer get the annual payments of between £100 and £300. Ms Reeves blamed the move on a higher-than-expected deficit inherited from the Tories when Labour took over after the General Election.
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
We are living longer and for good of society we should try to live healthier too
British Heart Foundation research says progress made in reducing cardiovascular disease in Scotland risks being lost. The charity's analysis is staggering. It shows Scottish heart health has declined more quickly in the 2020s than in any other decade over the last 50 years – with the first increase in death rates among working age adults from cardiovascular disease in a generation. In 2023 the rate stood at 68 deaths per 100,000, compared with 60 deaths just four years earlier. At the same time, there are record numbers of people dying from diabetes and obesity rates are also climbing. It is a complex area, but clearly these trends have to be reversed. The British Heart Foundation has called for greater use of artificial intelligence to aid prevention. It also wants increased money for research and for the NHS to improve care for those with heart conditions. We have no hesitation in echoing those demands, which will, in the end, benefit society as a whole. But support from charities and government are only part of the solution. Each of us can do more to live better lives. As individuals we need to take more responsibility for our own health. Better food choices are not always possible for those struggling to make ends meet. But when it is possible, a healthier diet will make a difference. Increased exercise will also help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. We are living longer lives and for the good of society and our own wellbeing we should try to live healthier ones too. The announcement by John Swinney in today's Daily Record – that a universal winter fuel payment will be brought in by St Andrew's Day – is to be applauded. Many pensioners relied on the benefit and struggled throughout the cold months without it. While some could afford to take the hit, the cut meant real hardship for the least well-off. The UK Government has received much criticism for axing the benefit, which came at a time energy costs were going through the roof. Keir Starmer hinted at partly reinstating the payment earlier this month, only to dash people's hopes once more. This has just disappointed older voters across the country. There have been noises that Labour may reintroduce the payment in a belated attempt to undo the damage caused by the unpopular policy. The UK Government should follow the Scottish Government's lead and bring back a universal benefit for next winter.
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Winter fuel payment to be brought back for over one million Scots on St Andrew's Day
EXCLUSIVE: First Minister John Swinney told the Record the new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will be paid by November 30th. Over one million pensioners will benefit from a new winter heating payment from the SNP Government by St Andrew's Day. First Minister John Swinney also compared Labour's decision to snatch the payment from around 900,000 Scots to Mrs Thatcher 's poll tax. In his column for the Daily Record, the SNP leader provided an exclusive update on a universal payment worth up to £300 for some older Scots. He wrote: 'It is so inexplicable that one of the first things Keir Starmer did when he became Prime Minister was to cut this vital lifeline for our pensioners. 'Labour scrapping the Winter Fuel Payment was a complete betrayal – up there with Thatcher's poll tax or Nick Clegg on tuition fees. 'I am not willing to see Scottish pensioners left to struggle because of Labour broken promises. So we listened to what people were telling us and we took action. 'And I wanted to let Record readers be the first to know that the SNP Government's winter fuel payment will be paid to Scotland's pensioners by November 30th - St Andrew's Day - this year. 'That means older people in Scotland will receive this crucial support before we get into the worst of the winter weather – and unlike Labour, we will never abandon this vital support for our pensioners. That is my guarantee.' It comes after Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves decided to scrap winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners across the UK. Her decision to link the cash to benefits like pension credit meant nearly one million Scots lost out. The SNP Government said at the time the decision had complicated their own plans to use the devolved benefits system to introduce an alternative last winter. But their new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, which will replace the Westminster scheme, will come into force within six months. From this winter, low income households on pension credit will continue to receive a higher payment of between £200 and £300 based on age. Other pensioner households that have lost out under Reeves' cut package will receive £100. Scottish Government estimates suggest PAWHP will go to 812,000 households and it could affect over one million pensioners. Labour insiders admit the WFP cuts have derailed the Starmer Government and are largely responsible for the party's plummeting poll ratings and defeat in the recent Runcorn and Helsby by-election. Party figures told the Record the Reeves decision is coming up regularly on the doors during the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election. Starmer is reportedly considering a partial u-turn after a revolt by his own MPs worried about their seats. During a recent trip to Albania, the Prime Minister did not deny he is reconsidering the policy: 'We took difficult decisions, but the right decisions, at the budget, including the decision that we took on winter fuel. We are now seeing the benefits of that in the interest rate cuts and the growth figures. They were difficult decisions but the right decisions.' Swinney will confirm the November 30th date today during a campaign visit to HLS, a seat the SNP are trying to retain. He said: "This decision I've taken as First Minister means that 36,000 pensioners in South Lanarkshire will be supported with their heating bills this winter. Scotland will always be an afterthought to Labour. The SNP always has and always will put Scotland first. We're on your side." We reported on Saturday that senior Scottish Labour figures fear they could come third in HLS behind the SNP and Reform. Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: "While the Labour government delivers the greatest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation, makes work pay and grows the economy, all John Swinney can do is deliver a devolved benefit late. 'On John Swinney's watch our NHS has been broken, thousands have been forced into the arms of private healthcare and the number of homeless children is at a record high. 'Scots want a new direction for our country, and Scottish Labour is ready to deliver it."
