Stevenson Welcomes Scottish Government Commitment to Dairy

Banffshire & Buchan Coast SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson today [Thursday] welcomed the Scottish Government's commitment to the dairy industry.

In an Oral Question to the Minister, he invited the Scottish Government to address recent challenges facing the dairy industry in the North-east.

Mr Stevenson went on to reference the positive work of NFU Scotland, Opportunity North East and Aberdeenshire Council who are commissioning an evaluation of alternative processing options in the North-east.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said,

“Due to challenges within the market place it remains difficult for our dairy producers to get a fair price. Therefore it remains essential that we continue to develop industry supportive strategies.

“The Scottish Government continues to provide support through the Dairy Growth Board, Scottish Dairy Hub and has plans to be involved in an industry led working group that will consider what support can be given in the immediate term.”

“I welcome the commitment of the Scottish Government to work with all stakeholders and assist the industry through this difficult time. Equally, I commend the action of NFU Scotland, Opportunity North East and Aberdeenshire Council decision to initiate the evaluation process for alternative dairy processing options in the North East.

“Both the Scottish Government and I recognise the value of local and industry innovation. This evaluation is pursuing exactly the kind of innovation that is necessary to protect the industry in the North East.”

Local MSP Hails Primary School Physical Education and Nutrition Figures

Banffshire & Buchan Coast SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson has hailed new figures showing 99% of Aberdeenshire schools reach physical education targets and an increased uptake by those eligible for free school meals.

The SNP extended free school meals to all children in P1-3 in 2015, a policy benefitting around 135,000 children and deliver savings for families of at least £330 a year for each eligible child.

The Healthy Living Survey 2016 also showed that the number of primary school pupils in Aberdeenshire receiving at least 120 minutes of PE has increased from 79% in 2012 to 99% this year.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“The SNP is making sure every young person has the best start in life. The delivery of free school meals for all primary 1-3 pupils is part of that commitment. We continue to do all we can to uplift our young people by tackling inequality and poverty.

“The latest Healthy Living Survey shows an increase in the number of primary schools reaching the target of 120 minutes of physical education across Aberdeenshire. This is a welcome step in guaranteeing our children begin their lives as both physically active and healthy.

“Being active in childhood is critical to development and encourages healthy habits vital to helping children learn. These figures once again demonstrate the SNP Government is successfully encouraging Scotland to be a healthier place.

“The Scottish Government continues to ensure children have the best start. By continuing to focus on education and young people throughout this parliament, the SNP Government will ensure that Scotland continues to become a healthier and more active nation for generations to come.”

Stevenson Backs Post-Study Work Visa

Banffshire & Buchan Coast SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson has called for the reinstatement of the post-study work visa.

Mr Stevenson challenged the UK Government to reintroduce the post-study work visa during a debate in Scottish Parliament. He stressed the impact the policy failure had on rural communities and the need for a policy that works for Scotland.

The post-study work visa was scrapped by the UK Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition Government in 2012.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“The decision to scrap the post-study work visa and wider UK immigration policy does not suit Scotland. The post-study work visa was an effective policy that allowed the retention of exceptional people prepared to invest in Scotland.

“Scotland has a historical problem of emigration. We can see through data that while the Highlands and Islands have a high employment rate but it tends to be part-time jobs and coupled higher numbers of people that are of pensionable age. Scotland’s rural communities can only benefit from young talented families like the Brain family.

“An effective system would allow Scotland to take advantage of the incredible abilities that people wish to bring to this country. There are many very bright and gifted people throughout the world, we should be welcoming them.

“Much of the academic and social success of the US has been based on a visa system built to attract talented individuals. The system allowed the country an almost magnetic pull for much of the world’s brilliant minds, there is something to learn there.

“The Scottish Parliament has already demonstrated a clear desire for the reinstatement of the post-study work visa. It is clear that Scotland demands an alternative immigration system to the rest of the UK. The dilemma of the Brain family is a sad reflection of this.”