]> http://www.margaretsmithmsp.com/ Margaret Smith MSP for Edinburgh West en-gb 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: Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:00:00 +0000 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: Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:00:00 +0000 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: Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:00:00 +0000 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: Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:00:00 +0000 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. Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:00:00 +0000 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. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:00:00 +0000 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: Fri, 02 Jul 2010 9:00:00 +0000 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: Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:00:00 +0000 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. Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:00:00 +0000 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: Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:00:00 +0000 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. Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:00:00 +0000 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: Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:00:00 +0000 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: Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:00:00 +0000 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: Tue, 08 Jun 2010 11:00:00 +0000 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. Tue, 08 Jun 2010 8:00:00 +0000 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: Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:00:00 +0000 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. Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:00:00 +0000 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: Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:00:00 +0000 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. Thu, 27 May 2010 13:00:00 +0000 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: Thu, 27 May 2010 12:00:00 +0000