Cathy Jamieson today gave her backing to greater legal protection for rail and bus staff and called for an extension of the current Emergency Workers legislation and more British Transport Police (BTP) in Scotland.
She said that according to BTP statistics only 50 per cent of attacks on staff are detected and
more action is needed to ensure that offenders are caught and then dealt with by the courts.
Ms Jamieson said:
"Many Scots rely on trains and buses.
"We've seen too many examples of transport staff being assaulted while trying to serve the public.
"Rail staff can often be in a dangerous situation where they are enclosed with the aggressor
until the next station.
"In the case of buses it often results in services being withdrawn and communities left isolated.
"I would like to see the Emergency Workers legislation extended to rail and bus staff and more support given to the BTP to increase their detection of criminals who attack transport workers and members of the public.
"As well as brutal assaults we have seen spitting and verbal abuse.
"Often the assault can be followed by months of worry about health.
"If Scotland wants decent public transport services then we have give our transport workers greater protection.
"That's why I'm proposing that the Emergency Workers legislation should be extended to rail and bus staff.
ASLEF is backing Cathy Jamieson's call to amend the emergency service workers legislation to include transport workers.
Kevin Lindsay ASLEF's Regional Organiser called on all political parties to support Cathy's vision for a safer Scotland by backing the legislative amendment.
He said:
"This move is vital to stop transport workers suffering verbal or physical assaults.
This move would also ensure that the transport network was safer for the people
of Scotland."
Web link to ASLEF : http://www.aslef.org.uk/
Promoted and Published by Hugh Henry on behalf of Cathy Jamieson, 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ
30.8.08
Jamieson Renews Windfall Tax Call
Responding to the huge increase in charges being levied by Scottish Power, with gas rising by 34 per cent and Electricity by 9 per cent, Labour leadership contender Cathy Jamieson said:
"If this news doesn't convince people that it's time for a windfall tax it should.
"The tax should be used to cut fuel bills for those in fuel poverty before the cold weather kick in.
"Labour in Scotland need to unite around this call and ensure that action is taken to assist families under pressure and pensioners facing difficult choices this winter.
"I'm not prepared to stand by and say nothing on this issue.
"I also want to see the Scottish Government back my idea for a fuel hardship fund in Scotland.
"The public expect action on fuel prices and government both at Westminster and Holyrood need to deliver."
"If this news doesn't convince people that it's time for a windfall tax it should.
"The tax should be used to cut fuel bills for those in fuel poverty before the cold weather kick in.
"Labour in Scotland need to unite around this call and ensure that action is taken to assist families under pressure and pensioners facing difficult choices this winter.
"I'm not prepared to stand by and say nothing on this issue.
"I also want to see the Scottish Government back my idea for a fuel hardship fund in Scotland.
"The public expect action on fuel prices and government both at Westminster and Holyrood need to deliver."
29.8.08
Listen to Cathy on Building the Party, Education, Poverty and Transport
Download Cathy's audio files.
Right click on the links below and select "Save Target As..." for
Building the Party : http://www.cathyj.org.uk/audio/buildingtheparty1.mp3
Education : http://www.cathyj.org.uk/audio/education1.mp3
Poverty : http://www.cathyj.org.uk/audio/poverty1.mp3
Transport : http://www.cathyj.org.uk/audio/transport1.mp3
Published and promoted by Hugh Henry, on behalf of Cathy Jamieson. All care of 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ.
Athlete Screening Just the Start
Labour leadership contender, Cathy Jamieson has called on the Scottish Government to immediately pledge help to those who are identified as 'at risk' through the recently established screening programme for young athletes.
The two-year pilot programme launched recently, offers cardiovascular screening to amateur sportsmen and women over the age of 16, and is designed to identify those at risk of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD).
Ms Jamieson supports the scheme, established after the death of Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell but highlights the issue of aftercare for those who are identified as 'at risk'.
Ms Jamieson said:
"I welcome the introduction of the screening programme.
"However, I am concerned at what support will be in place for those who are assessed as being
at risk of SCD.
"These people will most likely be advised to withdraw from their sporting activities, which could be traumatic in itself.
"But there are other implications which do not appear to have been addressed so far.
"Those identified as 'at risk' at an early stage may need information, counselling and support about theirmedical condition.
"They will also need advice about the longer term implications of the diagnosis, including potential difficulty in obtaining mortgages, life insurance and travel insurance as well as access to certain types of employment.
"Hopefully there will be a very small number of people identified as in the ' at risk' category, but it is not enough to screen them, identify problems, and then just leave them to cope with the consequences.
"The Scottish Government should ensure that appropriate supports are in place, and there needs to be further discussions with financial services and insurance providers to examine
what can be done to assist those affected.
"Finding the problem is just the start - I hope that Nicola Sturgeon will see this
as a natural extension of the scheme and act quickly to put in place the right
help."
Promoted and Published by Hugh Henry on behalf of Cathy Jamieson, 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ
The two-year pilot programme launched recently, offers cardiovascular screening to amateur sportsmen and women over the age of 16, and is designed to identify those at risk of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD).
Ms Jamieson supports the scheme, established after the death of Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell but highlights the issue of aftercare for those who are identified as 'at risk'.
Ms Jamieson said:
"I welcome the introduction of the screening programme.
"However, I am concerned at what support will be in place for those who are assessed as being
at risk of SCD.
"These people will most likely be advised to withdraw from their sporting activities, which could be traumatic in itself.
"But there are other implications which do not appear to have been addressed so far.
"Those identified as 'at risk' at an early stage may need information, counselling and support about theirmedical condition.
"They will also need advice about the longer term implications of the diagnosis, including potential difficulty in obtaining mortgages, life insurance and travel insurance as well as access to certain types of employment.
"Hopefully there will be a very small number of people identified as in the ' at risk' category, but it is not enough to screen them, identify problems, and then just leave them to cope with the consequences.
"The Scottish Government should ensure that appropriate supports are in place, and there needs to be further discussions with financial services and insurance providers to examine
what can be done to assist those affected.
"Finding the problem is just the start - I hope that Nicola Sturgeon will see this
as a natural extension of the scheme and act quickly to put in place the right
help."
Promoted and Published by Hugh Henry on behalf of Cathy Jamieson, 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ
27.8.08
View Cathy's latest campaign photographs on Splashr
Click on the picture opposite to see an enlarged version
Cathy filming campaign videos
Cathy seen here filming forthcoming videos for You Tube for her campaign.
To see a larger version of this picture, click on it.
More support needed for Scottish Arts
Labour leadership contender, Cathy Jamieson has highlighted the need for apprenticeships in the creative industries following a meeting with Creative and Cultural Skills Scotland.
She met with John Stalker, the Chair, and Caroline Parkinson, Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
During the Edinburgh festival the population of the capital doubles with visitors and it's vital that the creative industries such as theatre and music are supported, said Ms Jamieson.
In Scotland, the creative economy employs 60,000 people and is worth £4 billion to the Scottish economy but the number of training places for craft skills such as lighting and sound are rare.
Ms Jamieson said:
"The creative industries are not just about the writers and performers but also about those who can amaze us with their craft skills.
"Scotland is fortunate that we have skilled lighting designers, sound engineers, costume and set designers and makers, but in all aspects of the creative arts we will continue to need the
people to actually put the shows on.
"It's time that there were proper apprenticeships available for people wanting to join Scotland's £4 billion creative industry and if we really want to continue putting on the one of the biggest arts festivals in the world this is something that needs to be sorted out.
"Not only is it the right thing to do in terms of improving Scotland's arts capacity - it makes financial sense too.
"I warmly welcome the work being done by Creative and Cultural Skills Scotland. Its hard work and innovative ideas deserve the widest possible support.
"It's time to invest in vocational opportunities to underpin the long term health of the creative industries. It needs the financial backing and political support of the Scottish Government.
"These apprenticeships would complement the high quality FE courses already available.
"Along with the musicians, actors, artists, and writers of the future we also need to find the technical staff to keep Scotland's creative industries fit, healthy and vibrant."
Promoted and Published by Hugh Henry on behalf of Cathy Jamieson, 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ
She met with John Stalker, the Chair, and Caroline Parkinson, Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
During the Edinburgh festival the population of the capital doubles with visitors and it's vital that the creative industries such as theatre and music are supported, said Ms Jamieson.
In Scotland, the creative economy employs 60,000 people and is worth £4 billion to the Scottish economy but the number of training places for craft skills such as lighting and sound are rare.
Ms Jamieson said:
"The creative industries are not just about the writers and performers but also about those who can amaze us with their craft skills.
"Scotland is fortunate that we have skilled lighting designers, sound engineers, costume and set designers and makers, but in all aspects of the creative arts we will continue to need the
people to actually put the shows on.
"It's time that there were proper apprenticeships available for people wanting to join Scotland's £4 billion creative industry and if we really want to continue putting on the one of the biggest arts festivals in the world this is something that needs to be sorted out.
"Not only is it the right thing to do in terms of improving Scotland's arts capacity - it makes financial sense too.
"I warmly welcome the work being done by Creative and Cultural Skills Scotland. Its hard work and innovative ideas deserve the widest possible support.
"It's time to invest in vocational opportunities to underpin the long term health of the creative industries. It needs the financial backing and political support of the Scottish Government.
"These apprenticeships would complement the high quality FE courses already available.
"Along with the musicians, actors, artists, and writers of the future we also need to find the technical staff to keep Scotland's creative industries fit, healthy and vibrant."
Promoted and Published by Hugh Henry on behalf of Cathy Jamieson, 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ
26.8.08
Pathetic and predictable response from Salmond
Cathy Jamieson today condemned the "pathetic and predictable "response from the SNP to team GB's success at the Beijing Olympics.
She said:
"Most Scots are rightly proud of what was achieved and the contribution made by Scots athletes.
"It's pathetic and predictable that the immediate response from the SNP is to call for the break up of that successful team.
"Alex Salmond knows that a separate Olympics team would require independence and he just
trying to further an unpopular policy on the back of the success of team GB.
"The vast majority of Scots support Team GB.
"Even triple gold medal winner Chris Hoy says he is opposed to the idea of a separate Scottish Olympics team."
She also condemned Alex Salmond's approach to the question of an Olympics football team.
"I want to see a GB football team at the London Olympics but I don't want to prejudice the Scottish football team.
"It would be sad if Scots were not able to participate in this fabulous event.
"The sensible thing to do is to sit down and negotiate guarantees and safeguards.
"Why does Alex Salmond always try to have a constitutional argument?
"He would start a fight in an empty room if he thought it would help to break up Scotland's place in the UK."
Promoted and Published by Hugh Henry on behalf of Cathy Jamieson, 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ
She said:
"Most Scots are rightly proud of what was achieved and the contribution made by Scots athletes.
"It's pathetic and predictable that the immediate response from the SNP is to call for the break up of that successful team.
"Alex Salmond knows that a separate Olympics team would require independence and he just
trying to further an unpopular policy on the back of the success of team GB.
"The vast majority of Scots support Team GB.
"Even triple gold medal winner Chris Hoy says he is opposed to the idea of a separate Scottish Olympics team."
She also condemned Alex Salmond's approach to the question of an Olympics football team.
"I want to see a GB football team at the London Olympics but I don't want to prejudice the Scottish football team.
"It would be sad if Scots were not able to participate in this fabulous event.
"The sensible thing to do is to sit down and negotiate guarantees and safeguards.
"Why does Alex Salmond always try to have a constitutional argument?
"He would start a fight in an empty room if he thought it would help to break up Scotland's place in the UK."
Promoted and Published by Hugh Henry on behalf of Cathy Jamieson, 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ
24.8.08
Labour need to explain why partnership is best for Scotland
Labour leadership contender Cathy Jamieson today said that Labour could no longer just criticise the SNP's misguided plans for independence but had to clearly explain why Scotland was better off in a partnership within the United Kingdom.
Ms Jamieson said:
"For most people the constitutional questions so beloved by the SNP are a sideissue compared to the things that really matter like good schools, clean hospitals and a successful economy.
"However, we cannot merely have a negative approach to talking about Scotland's constitutional future.
"Labour needs to argue the positives.
"Being part of the United Kingdom has produced the lowest unemployment levels in the United Kingdom, resilience during the current global economic problems and one of the strongest economies in Europe.
"To throw that away is not a leap of faith but a leap into the dark.
"I am always happy to talk positively about Scotland. I can do this while still arguing the benefits of partnership within the United Kingdom.
"We need to be confident in asserting Scotland's role and identity in that partnership.
"Most people identify themselves as Scots first. Labour must respond to this, not be scared of arguing a Scottish perspective, and show that we can and will stand up for Scotland's interests.
"I want Labour to lead the debate about Scotland's interests and its role in the United Kingdom.
"I want us to make decisions in Scotland for those matters for which we have responsibility.
"At the same time, I want Scotland to continue to play a full part in the decisions best made at Westminster.
"And we need to show that Scotland's corner is being fought in both Parliaments.
"Labour took a bold but correct decision with devolution.
"The Calman Commission will trigger a debate about the next phase.
"It's not enough to say that independence is the wrong choice.
"I want to talk up Scotland and the United Kingdom.
"I want Scots to be positive about the partnership which has worked so well.
"I also want us to feel proud of what we contribute to, and not just look at what we can take from, that partnership."
Promoted and Published by Hugh Henry on behalf of Cathy Jamieson, 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ
Ms Jamieson said:
"For most people the constitutional questions so beloved by the SNP are a sideissue compared to the things that really matter like good schools, clean hospitals and a successful economy.
"However, we cannot merely have a negative approach to talking about Scotland's constitutional future.
"Labour needs to argue the positives.
"Being part of the United Kingdom has produced the lowest unemployment levels in the United Kingdom, resilience during the current global economic problems and one of the strongest economies in Europe.
"To throw that away is not a leap of faith but a leap into the dark.
"I am always happy to talk positively about Scotland. I can do this while still arguing the benefits of partnership within the United Kingdom.
"We need to be confident in asserting Scotland's role and identity in that partnership.
"Most people identify themselves as Scots first. Labour must respond to this, not be scared of arguing a Scottish perspective, and show that we can and will stand up for Scotland's interests.
"I want Labour to lead the debate about Scotland's interests and its role in the United Kingdom.
"I want us to make decisions in Scotland for those matters for which we have responsibility.
"At the same time, I want Scotland to continue to play a full part in the decisions best made at Westminster.
"And we need to show that Scotland's corner is being fought in both Parliaments.
"Labour took a bold but correct decision with devolution.
"The Calman Commission will trigger a debate about the next phase.
"It's not enough to say that independence is the wrong choice.
"I want to talk up Scotland and the United Kingdom.
"I want Scots to be positive about the partnership which has worked so well.
"I also want us to feel proud of what we contribute to, and not just look at what we can take from, that partnership."
Promoted and Published by Hugh Henry on behalf of Cathy Jamieson, 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ
We Must Protect Scottish Football
Labour leadership contender Cathy Jamieson said that nothing should get in the way of Scotland's continuing participation in international football.
She said that it would be wrong to lose Scotland's place in international football for the sake of entering a Team GB football team in the next Olympics.
She also said that we should explore the home nations going into a play off for the right to be the Team GB contender.
Ms Jamieson said:
"Scotland has a long international footballing tradition and I would not do anything to jeopardise that.
"The best way forward is for a deal to be reached that will both allow a Team GB football side but also ensure the home nations' international football future.
"The Nationalists say they want a Scottish Olympics team.
"I think they've completely misread the public on this.
"Most Scots are happy to celebrate Chris Hoy and Bradley Wiggins as great sportsmen.
"I want the Football and Olympic Authorities to sit down and work out a solution.
"One option could be a Home Nations football tournament with the winner representing the UK at the Olympics.
"Team GB should include a football team, but not at the expense of Scotland's football team.
"It would be wrong to gamble with the identity of Scotland's football team."
Ms Jamieson's comments come after her call for 2014 to be a Scottish Year of Sport to coincide with the Commonwealth Games.
She said that the most fitting tribute to Team GB's Beijing glory would be to ensure that there is 'a revolution in sport for Scotland's youngsters'.
Promoted and Published by Hugh Henry on behalf of Cathy Jamieson, 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ
She said that it would be wrong to lose Scotland's place in international football for the sake of entering a Team GB football team in the next Olympics.
She also said that we should explore the home nations going into a play off for the right to be the Team GB contender.
Ms Jamieson said:
"Scotland has a long international footballing tradition and I would not do anything to jeopardise that.
"The best way forward is for a deal to be reached that will both allow a Team GB football side but also ensure the home nations' international football future.
"The Nationalists say they want a Scottish Olympics team.
"I think they've completely misread the public on this.
"Most Scots are happy to celebrate Chris Hoy and Bradley Wiggins as great sportsmen.
"I want the Football and Olympic Authorities to sit down and work out a solution.
"One option could be a Home Nations football tournament with the winner representing the UK at the Olympics.
"Team GB should include a football team, but not at the expense of Scotland's football team.
"It would be wrong to gamble with the identity of Scotland's football team."
Ms Jamieson's comments come after her call for 2014 to be a Scottish Year of Sport to coincide with the Commonwealth Games.
She said that the most fitting tribute to Team GB's Beijing glory would be to ensure that there is 'a revolution in sport for Scotland's youngsters'.
Promoted and Published by Hugh Henry on behalf of Cathy Jamieson, 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ
Jamieson calls for tough action to improve bus services
Picture shows Cathy with Councillor Alistair Watson, Chair of SPT.
Click on it to an enlarged version of it.
Labour leadership contender, Cathy Jamieson, has called for a root and branch reform of Scotland’s bus services.
Describing some of Scotland’s bus services as "woefully inadequate and ineffective" she proposes new legislation to put the travelling public first.
Speaking during a visit to Union Street in Glasgow, Ms Jamieson said:
"Too many communities endure bus services which are driven more by the bottom line of bus companies and less by the real needs of those communities.
"Bus provision during the day may be adequate, but these bus services vanish at night leaving people as prisoners in their own community.
"It’s time to put passengers first.
"I am committed to making bus services much more publicly accountable.
"I will do what it takes to ensure that isolated communities have bus services – not just during the day when there are profits to be made, but also in the evenings and weekends.
"The public is sick of woefully inadequate and ineffective services.
"The Tories removed the need for bus companies to talk to local communities.
"I want to change that and put communities first.
" will propose amendments to the Transport Act to ensure that there will be statutory consultation before any new services are introduced or existing services are withdrawn.
"This will ensure that it is the public that is shaping our bus services.
"There needs to be tighter control of bus services to ensure that passengers get the services they deserve.
"I want regular, clean, affordable services that people will be happy to use.
"The status quo is not an option.
"If bus companies want to operate services they will have to offer a full service, not just cherry pick the most profitable routes and times.
"If we want a cleaner Scotland then our bus services need to be better.
"It that takes legislation then I expect the Scottish Parliament to pass the laws to make that happen."
Chair of SPT, Alistair Watson said:
"I welcome Cathy's commitment to improving Scotland's bus services.
" We really need to do more to deliver good quality bus services where they are most needed.
"It is not enough that these services are driven solely by profit.
"We must take into account the social need for services where they may not be profitable and ensure that people do not become isolated within their communities."
Promoted and Published by Hugh Henry on behalf of Cathy Jamieson, 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ
Time to build upon Olympic Success
As the Beijing Olympics draws to a close, Labour Leadership contender Cathy Jamieson praised Team GB and the contribution made by Scotland's Olympians.
She said that the most fitting tribute to their Beijing glory would be to ensure that there is 'a revolution in sport for Scotland's youngsters'.
Ms Jamieson outlined a series of measures that she said would get sport back into schools and also make Scotland fitter, healthier and more successful in sport.
The measures include:
• A 'Scotland's sports ambassadors fund' to help young sportspeople to
represent Scots abroad whether it's the Special Olympics or young golfers
moving onto the pro circuit.
• The Scottish government sponsoring school sport competitions in sports such
as football, athletics, swimming and basketball. This would promote both
participation and competition.
• Expanding the professional coaching structure learning from the successes in
cycling and swimming.
• A 10-years investment programme to renew our football infrastructure and
the creation of a national development fund to support new national football
facilities - including 1500 grass pitch upgrades, refurbishing 500 changing
facilities, and providing 200 new synthetic pitches
• A delegated budget to each school to buy in the expertise needed to develop
the sporting potential of our young people.
• Every child in Scotland having the opportunity of free swimming lessons and
developing their talents
Promoted and Published by Hugh Henry on behalf of Cathy Jamieson, 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ
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