]> Margaret Smith MSP for Edinburgh West http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/ 2010-07-23T14:25:05+00:00 Margaret Smith MSP 2010-07-23T13:00:00+00:00 2010-07-23T13:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=376

Margaret Smith MSP for Edinburgh West has spoken out against Network Rail’s lack of support for the Forth Rail Bridge’s bid to be awarded World Heritage site status after it appeared on the UK’s Tentative List. The rail operator has raised concerns that the move would impose additional burdens on its ability to operate the bridge. Commenting Smith said:

2010-07-23T10:00:00+00:00 2010-07-23T10:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=375

Margaret Smith has now received a response to the Parliamentary Questions she asked about job losses at Aegon and what support those facing redundancy will receive. The Parliamentary Questions asked and the answers are below:

2010-07-22T15:00:00+00:00 2010-07-22T15:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=373

Margaret Smith and Mike Crockart have welcomed up-to-date guidance issued by the West Neighbourhood Team about dealing with bogus callers after fresh concerns were raised recently. Commenting local MSP Margaret Smith said:

2010-07-22T11:00:00+00:00 2010-07-22T11:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=372

Commenting on reports that a group of youths slashed fire-fighters’ hoses and car tyres as emergency services tackled a blaze at Old Craigroyston High School, local MSP Margaret Smith said:

2010-07-22T10:00:00+00:00 2010-07-22T10:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=374

Margaret Smith MSP for Edinburgh West has launched an online petition against the proposed “kiss and fly” drop off charge at Edinburgh airport.

2010-07-21T13:00:00+00:00 2010-07-21T13:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=371

Margaret is leading the campaign along with Mike Crockart MP to stop drop-off charges being introduced at Edinburgh Airport later this year. The airport is trying to introduce a £1 charge for dropping passengers at its terminal building by car.

2010-07-02T9:00:00+00:00 2010-07-02T9:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=370

Commenting on the news that Edinburgh Airport is going to introduce a charge for motorists wishing to drop off or collect at the main terminal entrance, Margaret Smith MSP for Edinburgh West said:

2010-06-24T15:00:00+00:00 2010-06-24T15:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=369

Following yesterday's announcement that staff in Aegon UK's life and pensions division are to face job losses, Margaret Smith MSP for Edinburgh West has written to the Chief Executive asking that full support be given to those who face redundancy. Commenting Smith said:

2010-06-17T15:00:00+00:00 2010-06-17T15:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=367

Margaret Smith MSP for Edinburgh West today took part in a photo call in the garden lobby of the Scottish Parliament to raise awareness of National Epilepsy Week. The theme of this year’s week is epilepsy and young people. The idea behind the campaign comes from the results of a survey taken by 250 young people who have epilepsy. The main message being that “having epilepsy doesn’t hold you back from doing what you want in life”. The campaign is focused on educating, supporting and informing people affected by the disorder and in doing so helping them manage how epilepsy affects their lives.

2010-06-17T13:00:00+00:00 2010-06-17T13:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=368

Keith Brown MSP, Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning today made a statement about supporting young people in the current economic climate. Ms Smith questioned Mr Brown about the scrapping of Scottish Enterprise's Graduates for Business Scheme which had placed around 250 graduates with Scottish Companies. The initiative had been highly successful with two thirds of the graduates being employed directly by the companies following their internship. Commenting Smith said:

2010-06-17T10:00:00+00:00 2010-06-17T10:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=366

Margaret Smith MSP for Edinburgh West says that it is time for the Government to get its education priorities right.

2010-06-14T13:00:00+00:00 2010-06-14T13:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=364

Commenting on the publication of a Reform Scotland report calling for changes to the way higher education is funded, Margaret Smith MSP said:

2010-06-10T14:00:00+00:00 2010-06-10T14:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=365

Margaret Smith today attended the official launch of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Programme at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Commenting Margaret Smith said:

2010-06-08T11:00:00+00:00 2010-06-08T11:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=363

Margaret Smith today wrote to Councillor Gordon Mackenzie, Convener of the Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee at the City of Edinburgh Council, to welcome the Council's stance in relation to the trams project and the ongoing contractual issues with the contractors. Commenting Ms Smith said:

2010-06-08T8:00:00+00:00 2010-06-08T8:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=362

Margaret Smith MSP for Edinburgh West has welcomed the Education Secretary’s announcement that teachers will have another in-service day in order to prepare for the full roll out of Curriculum for Excellence in August.

2010-06-03T16:00:00+00:00 2010-06-03T16:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=361

Commenting after a debate in the Scottish Parliament on tuition fees in Scotland, Margaret Smith MSP for Edinburgh West said:

2010-06-02T11:00:00+00:00 2010-06-02T11:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=359

Margaret Smith MSP for Edinburgh West has expressed great concern over the lack of jobs that await teachers on finishing their probation.

2010-06-02T11:00:00+00:00 2010-06-02T11:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=360

Commenting on the latest re-announcement by the Scottish Government of primary and secondary school building, Margaret Smith MSP for Edinburgh West said:

2010-05-27T13:00:00+00:00 2010-05-27T13:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=358

As Parliament agreed to the general principles of the Bill, it will move to stage 2.  Any 'whole Bill' objections have fallen and objections to specific parts of the Bill will go forward to stage 2.

2010-05-27T12:00:00+00:00 2010-05-27T12:00:00+00:00 http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/news/news.php?page=news_item&id=357

The Forth Crossing Bill stage 1 debate was held today and Parliament upheld the principles of the Bill by voting in favour of it. Margaret Smith MSP for Edinburgh West spoke in the debate and focused on the detrimental impact that the scheme will have on constituents. Speaking on the issue of consultation with residents, Smith said: