MSP Highlights 'Ask You Pharmacist' Week

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson is highlighting the importance of Ask Your Pharmacist Week, which takes place from 5^th – 12^th November.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“I applaud and support this significant initiative and the theme of engaging men who should be encouraged to take a more active interest in their medicines.

“It has to be noted that community pharmacists are uniquely accessible healthcare professionals that offer real value and should never be underestimated by customers and patients. 

“We must remember that in some pharmacies – health checks are offered and these should be utilised as in some cases this cuts out the need for patients to visit their local GP.

“For those seeking additional information, please visit:
www.npa.co.uk.”

Scottish Projects Through to Carbon Capture Shortlist

Two Scottish projects have made it through to the shortlist of CCS projects which will now be considered for financial support.

The UK Government today announced that carbon capture projects in Peterhead and Grangemouth had both made it onto a four project shortlist that will be considered for financial support in the New Year.

It was also announced that Peterhead would be considered a reserve project when applying for European funding through the NER300 scheme, while the Sound of Islay Tidal project has been put forward as a full candidate project for NER300 funding.

Commenting, SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson whose Banffshire & Buchan Coast constituency covers Peterhead said:

“It is positive news that Peterhead is one of two Scottish projects to make it onto the final shortlist for funding for carbon capture.

“I firmly believe that Peterhead has an extremely strong case to make and I would certainly hope that the UK Government will fully recognise that when it makes its decisions in the New Year.

“Westminster has a sorry track record when it comes to supporting innovative carbon capture projects in the past, with jobs and investment allowed to slip away before at Peterhead and Longannet.

“People in Peterhead remember all too well that they have been let down before by dithering at Westminster, so what is most important is that history is not allowed to repeat itself.”

Falkirk East MSP Angus MacDonald added:

“The fact that Scottish projects make up half the shortlist for CCS funding clearly reflects the fact that Scotland has the biggest CO2 storage capacity in Europe.

“Getting this technology right can bring huge investment and many jobs to Scotland, but to get there it is essential that these projects are supported in their early days.”

Note: The text of Energy Secretary Ed Davey’s Ministerial Statement can be viewed at http://www.decc.gov.uk/statement along with an accompanying press release at http://www.decc.gov.uk/press

Hudghton in Historic Euro Parliament Vote

On Thursday (25 October) during a voting session at the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, a rare display of political harmony was seen!

Ian Hudghton MEP Voting
in the European Parliament

SNP President and local MEP Ian Hudghton had drafted a Report recommending that national control over fisheries management within the 12 mile limit of each member state should continue. 

In an electronic vote the result was 658 votes in favour, with no votes against and no abstentions.  The Scottish MEP was congratulated by colleagues from all sides of the chamber and the session President.

No one in the Parliament could recall such a result - absolute unanimity - being recorded previously at a plenary session in the EP.  A remarkable achievement!

Commenting, local MSP Stewart Stevenson said:

“Ian has been a staunch defender of Scotland’s fishing communities and this remarkable vote is a mark of the respect in which he is held in Europe when he speaks on these matters.”