Latest News and Information
09 Apr 2008
Overhaul Sentencing Policy
Responding to comments from the Chief Inspector of Prisons that overcrowding in Scottish prisons is making Scotland a more dangerous place, Margaret Smith MSP has urged the Scottish Government to press ahead with a radical overhaul of sentencing policy in Scotland.
05 Apr 2008
Smith to raise Care Home concerns with Government
Following the recent concerns highlighted by a local press investigation into Ashley Court Nursing Home, Margaret Smith MSP will be writing to the Care Commission and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, to raise concerns about staffing and training problems and the treatment of older people in Scotland.
04 Apr 2008
Queensferry concerns over toll removal congestion
Margaret Smith MSP has written to the Scottish Government’s Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson MSP after a number of South Queensferry residents raised concerns about the traffic problems caused by the abolition of the Forth Bridge tolls.
27 Mar 2008
Smith welcomes cross party support for FAI campaign
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed cross party support for her campaign to enable inquiries to be held into the deaths of Scottish military personnel killed abroad.
26 Mar 2008
SNP resorting to ‘soundbite’ politics to solve booze culture
Margaret Smith MSP has lodged questions in the Scottish Parliament to ascertain how well local authorities are enforcing the existing legal drinking age and is calling for more action to prevent under-18 year olds being able to buy and consume alcohol.
25 Mar 2008
BBC investigation raises questions about DNA databases
Margaret Smith MSP is writing to the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police Force asking him to justify the explosion in spending on DNA testing.
18 Mar 2008
Prison Service must not wash its hands of absconding Prisoners
Margaret Smith MSP has urged the Scottish Prison Service not to wash its hands of absconding prisoners.
10 Mar 2008
Number of accidents involving emergency vehicles a serious concern
Margaret Smith MSP has raised concerns over the number of accidents in recent years which have involved emergency services vehicles.
07 Mar 2008
Smith welcomes reprieve for Lion
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed the decision to keep Ronald Rae’s ‘Lion of Scotland’ sculpture at Holyrood for the next three years.
07 Mar 2008
Smith prompts review of Fatal Accident Inquiries
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed news that her proposal to introduce Fatal Accident Inquiries for military personnel killed abroad will be examined by Lord Cullen as part of a wider review of Fatal Accidents.
06 Mar 2008
Smith urges radical attitude change towards rape victims
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament during a debate about rape and sexual offences, Margaret Smith MSP welcomed the Scottish Law Commission’s Report, but called for a radical change in attitude towards rape victims.
06 Mar 2008
Smith and Liberal Democrats Propose Airgun Licensing Scheme
Following questioning from Margaret Smith MSP, the First Minster recognised the part the Liberal Democrat policy for a tough licensing scheme for airguns could play in the future of firearms legislation in Scotland.
04 Mar 2008
Smith celebrates retention of cancer services at Sick Kids
Margaret Smith MSP was today celebrating the news that acute cancer services are to be retained at the Sick Kids hospital.
28 Feb 2008
Smith votes to scrap Graduate Endowment
Margaret Smith MSP joined a majority of MSPs in voting for the Abolition of the Graduate Endowment in Parliament today.
22 Feb 2008
Smith welcomes Government moves on Victim Notification Scheme
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed Government moves to extend the Victim Notification Scheme.
22 Feb 2008
Replace very short term jail sentences with tougher community sentences - Smith
Following the publication of the Scottish Prison Service’s provisional statistics showing that the daily average number of prisoners has increased by 3 per cent, Margaret Smith MSP has, once again, called for very short term prison sentences to be replaced with tougher community sentences.
21 Feb 2008
Smith welcomes ‘new beginning’ budget from Council
Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Scottish Government to stop stalling over Fatal Accident Inquiries for investigating the deaths of Scottish military personnel killed overseas.
19 Feb 2008
Smith urges Government to stop stalling over Soldier Inquests
Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Scottish Government to stop stalling over Fatal Accident Inquiries for investigating the deaths of Scottish military personnel killed overseas.
15 Feb 2008
Smith objects to Cramond overdevelopment
Margaret Smith MSP has submitted objections to a further planning application for Cramond Campus. The Edinburgh West MSP has been working for many years with local residents and elected representatives to ensure the best development for the community in this area.
15 Feb 2008
Mark European Victims’ Week with real action demands Smith
Margaret Smith MSP has demanded that the Scottish Government mark European Victims’ Week by taking real action to help the victims of crime.
12 Feb 2008
Smith and Pringle Issue Sick Kids Warning
Having welcomed the recent Government Neurology Report that recommends neurological services are retained at the Sick Kids, Margaret Smith MSP and fellow Edinburgh MSP Mike Pringle have issued a warning to Edinburgh residents over Cancer care services, calling for confirmation from the Government that they will also be retained.
11 Feb 2008
Government must keep close watch on Forth Bridge congestion
Margaret Smith MSP has called for close monitoring of traffic levels on and around the Forth Bridge following today’s abolition of the bridge tolls.
07 Feb 2008
Smith leads calls for swift action on Edinburgh Park halt
Margaret Smith MSP held a Members Debate in Parliament today calling for action to include Edinburgh Park Railway Station as a stop on the Glasgow to Edinburgh mainline.
30 Jan 2008
Tackle root cause of crime to cut reoffending
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed support for schemes that prevent offenders committing more crime, but urged Ministers to take a long term approach to cutting reoffending rates.
28 Jan 2008
Shock DNA figures more evidence against database
Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Scottish Government to reconsider their decision not to roll out domestic abuse courts across Scotland.
23 Jan 2008
Government must reconsider Domestic Abuse Courts roll-out
Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Scottish Government to reconsider their decision not to roll out domestic abuse courts across Scotland.
23 Jan 2008
Report exposes SNP spin on police numbers
Commenting on the publication of the Justice Committee report into police resources, Margaret Smith MSP called on the SNP to stick to their manifesto pledge and recruit 1000 extra police.
22 Jan 2008
Scottish Government offering a Budget of broken promises
Margaret Smith MSP has criticised the Scottish Government for failing to provide funds in their budget to keep their manifesto promises and for putting short term populist policies before the long term future of Scotland.
17 Jan 2008
Smith welcomes MacAskill’s support for murder fund
Liberal Democrat Shadow Justice Secretary Margaret Smith has welcomed the response from the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill to calls for a fund to cover the cost of cleaning up homes after a murder.
16 Jan 2008
Government must not turn its back on Specialist Courts
Margaret Smith MSP has urged the Scottish Government not to turn its back on rolling out specialist courts across Scotland. The Justice Secretary today announced that the Scottish Government had halted a planned national roll out of youth courts.
16 Jan 2008
Smith slams Government’s sports sackings
Margaret Smith MSP has spoken out against the Scottish Government’s sacking of Sportscotland chairwoman Julia Bracewell and Chair of the Scottish Institute of Sport, Dougie Donnelly. The pair were compelled to resign from their posts yesterday by Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell following last week’s announcement about the future of the sport agencies.
16 Jan 2008
Transport Scotland survey shows majority opposed bridge
Responses from the Transport Scotland survey on the new Forth crossing released to the Transport Committee yesterday show that only one in four survey participants favoured the bridge option chosen by the Scottish Government. 48% of respondents favoured a tunnel, 27% wanted the bridge with the remainder having no preference or opposing a new crossing altogether.
16 Jan 2008
Smith calls for Holyrood debate on Edinburgh Park
Margaret Smith MSP is bidding for a debate in the Scottish Parliament on why Edinburgh-Glasgow trains do not stop at the Edinburgh Park. After many years of campaigning on this issue, the Edinburgh West MSP has tabled a motion in Parliament calling for this issue to be debated and the stop to be included on this route.
14 Jan 2008
Smith continues fight for Murder Clear up Fund
Following her earlier calls for a fund to help the families of murder victims in Scotland, Margaret Smith MSP has now tabled a motion to seek support from MSPs for this fund and to press the Scottish Government to deliver this.
10 Jan 2008
Minister Forced to Apologise for Misleading MSPs
Following concerns raised by Margaret Smith MSP and others, Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell has had to apologise to Parliament for the way in which the Scottish Government announced that the sportscotland would not be axed, and for misleading Parliament over the details of the national sport agency’s future.
09 Jan 2008
Smith slams SNP Government’s disregard for sportscotland staff
Margaret Smith MSP has criticised the Scottish Government’s decision to relocate the main headquarters of the new sportscotland to Glasgow.
09 Jan 2008
Government must step up fight against organised crime
Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Scottish Government to build on the progress made by the previous Executive in tackling organised crime.
03 Jan 2008
Create fund to help Victims’ families
Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Scottish Government to pay for the clean up costs of murders that have occurred in homes.
27 Dec 2007
Smith calls for national roll out of Non-emergency Number
Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Scottish Government to ease pressure on the emergency services by a national roll out of a non-emergency telephone number.
20 Dec 2007
Smith supports the Sick Kids Hospital Campaign
Margaret Smith MSP has pledged her support for the campaign to keep Children’s cancer services at Edinburgh’s Sick Kids Hospital. The services at the Hospital are under threat as a result of proposals to centralise all cancer services in one or two centres in Scotland.
19 Dec 2007
Smith slams Scottish Government U-turn on Forth Crossing
Margaret Smith MSP has slammed the Scottish Government’s decision to construct another bridge across the Forth, after the First Minister said following the election that he was in favour of the tunnel option.
19 Dec 2007
Extra cash for Edinburgh Police a victory for campaigners
MSP for Edinburgh West Margaret Smith has welcomed the news that Lothian and Borders Police Force will receive an additional £217,000 a year as a victory for all those who have campaigned for the recognition of Edinburgh’s capital city status and extra responsibilities.
18 Dec 2007
We need to tackle the root cause of violent crime
Responding to figures showing the number of homicides in Scotland has increased by a quarter, Margaret Smith MSP has promised to hold the Scottish Government to its commitment to tackle violent crime.
18 Dec 2007
Smith says methadone not the only option for drug addicts
Margaret Smith MSP has warned the Scottish Government away from becoming overly reliant on the methadone prescription programme.
15 Dec 2007
Concerns about Council Officials’ conduct over Newbridge
Margaret Smith MSP, supported by local MP John Barrett, has lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Executive of Edinburgh Council regarding the behaviour of Council Planning Officials in relation to regeneration plans for Newbridge.
14 Dec 2007
More must be done on Scots military deaths
Margaret Smith MSP has commented on the news that officials from the Scottish and Westminster Governments met today to discuss procedures for handling the deaths of Scottish military personnel killed overseas.
13 Dec 2007
Finance Statement ‘Slap in the face’ for Edinburgh
Following the Ministerial Statement on Local Government Finance today Margaret Smith MSP has expressed serious disappointment with the Scottish Government’s support for Edinburgh.
13 Dec 2007
Protect Civil Liberties
Margaret Smith MSP has called for Scotland to stand out from the rest of the UK and resist the erosion of Civil Liberties.
13 Dec 2007
Smith calls on Government to commit to future of SportScotland
Margaret Smith MSP and colleagues have been urging the Scottish Government to make a firm commitment to the future of SportScotland. In a debate in Parliament today, the Edinburgh West MSP highlighted the benefits of the national sports agency and called on the Government to abandon plans to scrap it.
12 Dec 2007
SNP must support Police across Scotland
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed the news that an extra £1million is to be allocated to Strathclyde Police.
10 Dec 2007
Public must have confidence in bail process
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed the announcement of a shake up to the bail process in Scotland.
27 Nov 2007
Public Safety must be key to Sentencing Reform
Margaret Smith MSP has urged the Scottish Government to make public safety a key consideration as it reforms sentencing policy.
23 Nov 2007
Smith seeks Government support for Soldier Inquest Bill
Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Government to build on today’s announcement that Armed Forces personnel with health problems, caused by service to their country, are to get priority NHS treatment. The Edinburgh West MSP wants the Government to support her Members’ Bill calling for a change in the law to allow Fatal Accident Inquiries to be held into the deaths of Scottish soldiers abroad.
22 Nov 2007
Smith calls for better help for victims of domestic abuse
Margaret Smith MSP has called for continued improvements to the support provided to victims of domestic abuse and children affected by violence and abuse in the home. Speaking at a debate in the Scottish Parliament today, the Edinburgh West MSP highlighted the extent of the problem in Scotland and the wide ranging negative consequences for the women and children affected.
22 Nov 2007
Smith grills Scottish Government on future of SportScotland
Margaret Smith MSP has questioned the Government on the future of SportScotland following their pledge to abolish the agency. Speaking in Parliament today, the Edinburgh West MSP asked the Minister for Communities and Sport, Stewart Maxwell when the Scottish Government would make their decision on the future of SportScotland, the national agency for sport, currently based in South Gyle.
21 Nov 2007
Smith Welcomes Law Commission Study
Edinburgh West MSP Margaret Smith has broadly welcomed a request from the Scottish Government to the Law Commission of Scotland to review various aspects of the law in the light of the controversy surrounding the ending of the “World’s End” murder trial.
19 Nov 2007
Smith supports Newbridge Development Application
A Planning Application for outline planning permission has been lodged for the development of the former Continental Tyre Site in Newbridge. The application would provide housing, financial support for Hillwood Primary School, a nursing home, environmental improvements and a community centre. Margaret smith MSP has written to the Council expressing support for the application.
15 Nov 2007
Smith calls for action to stop more Forth Bridge congestion
Margaret Smith MSP has raised serious concerns with the Scottish Government about the impact of the removal of Forth bridge tolls on west Edinburgh. Speaking at a debate in Parliament today on the Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Bill, the Edinburgh West MSP questioned the Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson about how the Scottish Government would alleviate the negative impact of the increased bridge traffic.
15 Nov 2007
Scottish Government must safeguard local wildlife
Margaret Smith MSP has urged the Scottish Government to ensure that the wildlife of Queensferry is not destroyed by a new Forth crossing. The Scottish Government have pledged a commitment to safeguarding Scotland’s biodiversity and the Edinburgh West MSP asked the Environment Minister today to reassure local residents that they would consider this commitment in relation to any development decisions in the Firth of Forth.
15 Nov 2007
Smith seeks answers from Salmond on Police numbers
Margaret Smith MSP has called on Alex Salmond to explain how the additional Police Officers the SNP has promised will be provided. During First Minister’s Questions in Parliament the Edinburgh West MSP challenged the First Minister to explain exactly where the additional capacity needed to police against terrorism in the city and across the country would come from.
13 Nov 2007
SNP delivering lowest police numbers since devolution
Edinburgh West MSP Margaret Smith has revealed that the Scottish Government is on track to deliver the lowest number of new police officers since devolution.
12 Nov 2007
Margaret and John Pledge ‘Police not Plastic’
Edinburgh West MSP Margaret Smith and MP John Barrett have teamed up to oppose the UK Government’s compulsory identity cards scheme and have called for more money for front-line policing.
08 Nov 2007
Smith to Introduce Bill to speed up Military Death Inquiries
Margaret Smith MSP is to introduce a Member’s Bill to the Scottish Parliament that would allow fatal accident inquiries to be held into the deaths of Scottish servicemen and women abroad.
02 Nov 2007
Controlled Parking is coming to Craigleith
The City of Edinburgh Council is extending its Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) to Craigleith from November 5th. Letters explaining the changes have gone out to all residents in the area and the Council will also be distributing information leaflets to any cars parked in the new CPZ during the first week of the changes.
01 Nov 2007
Smith brings Tribunal concerns to Minister
Margaret Smith MSP has raised concerns about the problems with Additional Support for Learning Tribunals with the Minister for Community Safety Fergus Ewing MSP.
30 Oct 2007
MSP and Local Police back calls for Non-Emergency Police Number
At a meeting of the Justice Committee in the Scottish Parliament today, Councillor Iain Whyte of Lothian and Borders Police Joint Board confirmed that the introduction of a non-emergency police number would have a beneficial impact on local police. Councillor Whyte was responding to a question from Committee Member and Edinburgh West MSP Margaret Smith, who has been backing calls for a non-emergency number.
29 Oct 2007
Smith presses First Minister to support Edinburgh Zoo
Margaret Smith MSP has tabled a Parliamentary Question and written to the First Minister asking him to consider direct financial support for Edinburgh Zoo. The Zoo faces a &poumd;20m budget shortfall for their modernisation plans and the Edinburgh West MSP has been campaigning for over a year for Scottish Government assistance for the facility.
29 Oct 2007
Smith calls for greater focus on knife crime
Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Scottish Government to build on the good foundations left by the previous Executive and place a greater emphasis on tackling knife crime. Figures reported today show that more than 2,200 weapons have been confiscated by police during a three week national crackdown on knife crime.
26 Oct 2007
Smith calls for permanent hovercraft service across Forth
Margaret Smith MSP has urged on the Scottish Government to support a permanent hovercraft service across the Forth. The service was trialled this summer and the financial analysis by Stagecoach published yesterday has confirmed a clear business case for the launch of a permanent crossing.
25 Oct 2007
Smith urges Scottish Government to support Edinburgh recycling
Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Scottish Government to work with local Councils to expand recycling schemes and achieve recycling targets.
25 Oct 2007
Smith welcomes Council decision on Trams
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed the City of Edinburgh Council’s decision today to give the green light to the city’s trams project. The Final Business Case for the development was published last week and approved by all Councillors except the SNP group this afternoon.
25 Oct 2007
Smith Condemns SNP on Police Numbers
During a debate in the Scottish Parliament, Margaret Smith MSP has condemned the Scottish Government’s U-turn on police numbers. The Scottish Parliament held a full debate on the SNP’s failure to fulfil its manifesto pledge of 1,000 extra police officers in Scotland.
25 Oct 2007
Smith calls for joint efforts to tackle problem drinking
Speaking at a debate in the Scottish Parliament as part of Scotland’s first Alcohol Awareness Week, Margaret Smith MSP has called for a holistic approach to problem drinking, incorporating measures across a range of policy areas, including health and education as well as justice.
23 Oct 2007
Congratulations to Beautiful Queensferry
Margaret Smith MSP has tabled a parliamentary motion congratulating Queensferry on being named ‘Best Neighbourhood’ in Beautiful Scotland’s ‘Keep Edinburgh Growing’ competition.
18 Oct 2007
Smith welcomes Final Business Case for Trams
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed the release today of the Final Business Case for Edinburgh’s Trams project.
18 Oct 2007
Smith takes local Forth Bridge concerns to Minister
Margaret Smith MSP has met with Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson to discuss the proposals for a new Forth Crossing and the future of the existing Forth Road Bridge.
15 Oct 2007
Scottish Government must confirm Forth Bridge safety
Margaret Smith MSP is calling on the Scottish Government to provide confirmation that the Forth Road Bridge is safe to use in its current state.
10 Oct 2007
Smith calls for action to tackle reoffending
Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Scottish Government to take action to replace, where appropriate, very short term prison sentences with community sentences.
08 Oct 2007
Smith supports tougher laws to tackle hate crimes
Edinburgh West MSP Margaret Smith has pledged her support for a Private Member’s Bill launched in the Scottish Parliament which would make attacking someone because of either their sexual orientation or their disability an aggravating factor.
06 Oct 2007
Smith Welcomes Extended Stay for ‘Lion of Scotland’
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed the news that Cramond-based artist Ronald Rae has agreed to offer his ‘Lion of Scotland’ sculpture to the Scottish Parliament on an extended loan in recognition of local support.
05 Oct 2007
Smith Hails Planning Committee Support for Corstorphine Hill Green Belt
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed news that Edinburgh Council’s Planning Committee has passed a motion to remove plans to develop housing on the zoo site from the finalised Edinburgh City Local Plan.
04 Oct 2007
Smith Welcomes Council Support for Newbridge Regeneration
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed the decision by Edinburgh City’s Planning Committee to recognise the work of the Newbridge Regeneration Working Group, and take this work into account as a material consideration in future planning decisions.
04 Oct 2007
Smith Blasts Salmond on Community Sentencing
Edinburgh West MSP Margaret Smith has slammed the SNP Government for scrapping innovative new measures for tackling crime and reducing re-offending.
04 Oct 2007
Smith Calls for Government Action on Class Sizes
Edinburgh West MSP Margaret Smith has questioned the Scottish Government about their commitment to deliver reduced class sizes across Scotland.
30 Sep 2007
Smith Remembers Courageous Police Officers
Margaret joined members of the police force, their relatives and friends, the Home Secretary and the Lord Advocate at the 2007 National Police Memorial Service on September 30th, held at Edinburgh’s International Conference Centre. The service, now in its fourth year, is held in memory of all those police officers who have died or been killed in the line of duty in the UK, and in recognition of the bravery and dedication of our national police forces.
27 Sep 2007
Row over independence of judges ‘unprecedented’
Commenting on a row between the Lord Advocate and the Lord Justice General on the independence of Scotland’s judiciary, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Margaret Smith MSP, said: “A public disagreement of this nature between the Lord Advocate and Scotland’s most senior judge is unprecedented. Many people will be concerned at any claim that the independence of the judiciary is under threat.
27 Sep 2007
Smith to scrutinise Government’s Rail Link Alternative
Margaret Smith has tabled questions about the SNP’s alternative to the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link. During a debate in the Parliament Ministers were unable to answer basic questions about their proposed alternative to EARL, an extra station at Gogar on the Fife line to allow airport passengers to join the proposed Edinburgh tram network.
27 Sep 2007
Smith Backs Calls for National Non-emergency Police Number
Margaret Smith MSP has responded to an Audit Scotland review of Police Call management in Scotland by backing calls for a national non-emergency telephone number for people needing to speak to the police.
25 Sep 2007
Smith Supports Tougher Action on Business Crime
Edinburgh West MSP Margaret Smith has tabled a Parliamentary motion supporting the joint Business Protection Policy Group initiative by Lothian and Borders Police and the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.
20 Sep 2007
Smith supports ‘Wear it Pink’ Charity Event
70 MSPs from all parties joined Margaret Smith in supporting Breast Cancer Campaign by wearing pink in Parliament on September 20th. As well as wearing the traditional pink tie or blouse , Members also wore anything from feather boas to false moustaches for a photocall to raise money and highlight the issue of Breast Cancer in Scotland.
18 Sep 2007
Westminster should follow Scotland’s example
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed a report from the Nuffield Council on Bioethics that calls for anyone not convicted of a crime to have their details wiped from the DNA database.
13 Sep 2007
Smith questions Lord Advocate over World’s End case
Margaret Smith questioned Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini about the need for a public inquiry in relation to the collapse of the trial of Angus Sinclair in the so-called ‘World’s End’ case.
13 Sep 2007
SNP propose ‘Second Best’ Airport Plan
Edinburgh West MSP Margaret Smith has expressed disappointment at the SNP Government’s plans to scrap the direct rail link to Edinburgh Airport. EARL would have linked 64% of the country’s population directly to the Airport by rail.
10 Sep 2007
World’s End trial a ‘major disappointment’ for families
Margaret Smith MSP for Edinburgh West has commented on the collapse of the World’s End murder trial. Mrs Smith said: “A trial for a crime which happened so long ago was always going to risk ending like this. This will be a major disappointment for the families who have waited many years for justice.”
07 Sep 2007
Smith shares Forth Crossing concerns with Transport Scotland
Margaret Smith has submitted her comments about the new Forth Crossing to the Transport Scotland consultation, including concerns about the poor publicity given to the consultation itself.
05 Sep 2007
Smith rejects blanket DNA retention
A universal DNA database is the logical outcome of the UK Government’s current policy, according to Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Margaret Smith.
04 Sep 2007
Smith urges Ministers to focus on cutting reoffending
Responding to figures showing a rise in recorded crime, Margaret Smith MSP, as Scottish Liberal Democrat Shadow Justice Secretary has called on Ministers to make reducing reoffending a key priority. Official figures show that the number of recorded crimes rose by 0.4% last year.
23 Aug 2007
Smith calls for ambitious approach to tackling youth offending
Responding to Audit Scotland’s report on the Scottish Executive’s youth justice strategies, Scottish Liberal Democrat Shadow Justice Secretary Margaret Smith MSP has called for the new Executive to be ambitious when developing its youth justice strategy.
23 Jul 2007
Smith calls for action to tackle drug addiction
Following the publication of the Executive’s review into methadone treatment, Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Executive to develop a package of services to tackle Scotland’s growing drug problem.
06 Jul 2007
Smith Campaigns Hard to Save Corstorphine Hill
Margaret Smith has written to the Council asking that they change their plans to re-zone greenbelt land on Corstorphine Hill in the Finalised Edinburgh Local Plan.
04 Jul 2007
Newbridge Group meets new Council Leader
Margaret Smith MSP, local councillors and members of the Newbridge Regeneration Working Group have met the new Council Group leader Jenny Dawe to give her a copy of the Group's Regeneration Plan for the villages of Newbridge and Ratho Station.
04 Jul 2007
Smith visits Local Schools
I'm delighted to have been re-elected as the Member of the Scottish Parliament for West Edinburgh and I’m looking forward to supporting residents and working with local organisations over the next four years.
27 Jun 2007
Smith welcomes Trams U-Turn and Consultation on Forth Crossing
Edinburgh West MSP Margaret Smith has welcomed the Scottish Executive’s plans to go-ahead with the first phase of Edinburgh’s trams scheme, following an overwhelming vote in favour of the project in the Scottish Parliament.
20 Jun 2007
Don’t trash Edinburgh’s trams
Margaret Smith MSP joined with other Edinburgh politicians in support of the Trams scheme.
13 Jun 2007
Smith given Justice post
Margaret Smith has been appointed Scottish Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson following her re-election in May.
06 Jun 2007
Executive must ensure crime policies effective
At a debate in the Scottish Parliament, Margaret Smith called on the Scottish Executive to ensure that their policies to fight crime and tackle anti-social behaviour are balanced, proportionate and effective.
Margaret Smith MSP
Margaret, Cllr Phil Wheeler and John Barrett
MP at the Corstorphine Fair, summer 2006
Margaret with Scottish Lib Dem leader Nicol
Stephen MSP
Margaret with colleagues from the Holyrood, Westminster and European
parliaments at the Make Poverty History march
Margaret with Cllr Robert Aldridge at the Drum
Brae Gala Day, summer 2006
Margaret at the Promenade with South Queensferry Councillor George Grubb
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