Latest news with #ColinSmyth
The Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Scottish and UK Governments must act to save Alexander Dennis, say MSPs
Immediate action must be taken to ensure bus manufacturing does not end in Scotland, the Scottish and UK Governments have been told. Holyrood's Economy and Fair Work Committee urged the administrations north and south of the border to do all they can to stop the closure of Alexander Dennis in Scotland. Some 400 workers are at risk of redundancy as the company proposes moving its manufacturing from Falkirk and Larbert to Scarborough in North Yorkshire. Colin Smyth, the Labour MSP who convenes the committee, has written to Finance Secretary Shona Robison and Scottish Secretary Ian Murray asking them to set out their plans to save the jobs and wider industry. He said the loss of so many highly-skilled job would be 'devastating' to the local community and country as a whole. 'The committee is clear that the situation is so serious that every possible effort must be made to retain these jobs in Scotland,' he told Ms Robison. Alexander Dennis has said it needs up to 100 bus orders this year and up to 400 next year to avoid the closure of its factories in Scotland. Mr Smyth urged the Finance Secretary to explain what she is doing to bring new orders forward and stimulate demand for the sector. He urged Ms Robison to strengthen procurement to ensure that local firms are prioritised. The SNP has come under fire from opposition politicians for the number of Scottish buses being built in countries like China, rather than at home, which they say has contributed to the company's decision to move to England. Mr Smyth also expressed concerns around reports that £20 million in support from Scottish Enterprise for Alexander Dennis to research and develop net-zero buses may no longer result in any vehicles being built in the country. The committee has written separately to Scottish Enterprise over the funding. He said to Ms Robison: 'Given the strategic importance of Alexander Dennis, the high quality of its workforce and the role of manufacturing in Scotland's future economy, it is vital that every possible action is taken to retain manufacturing, and the jobs it provides. 'The committee urges the Scottish Government to do all it can, working with partners at every level, to secure a positive outcome. 'Ministers must act with urgency and ambition to help keep these jobs and avoid a world-class manufacturer shutting its doors in Scotland.' In his letter to the Scottish Secretary, the committee convener described Alexander Dennis's potential loss as 'deeply concerning'. He said co-operation between Westminster and Holyrood would be 'essential if a viable and sustainable future is to be secured for bus manufacturing in Scotland'. He added: 'I know you agree that the potential end of bus manufacturing in Scotland — with the direct loss of 400 jobs and further losses across the domestic supply chain—would be devastating for the area and for Scotland. 'This is all the more concerning given the growing UK and European demand for buses to support climate, transport, and industrial goals.' He said that while a cross-governmental working group on the issue has already met several times, it was 'clear that urgent decisions are required' as the the redundancy consolation process is set to wrap up on August 15 – something that has already been extended by two weeks. Mr Smyth again raised concerns around the procurement process, saying: 'During our evidence sessions, the Committee heard concerns that, in practice, local content is not being adequately recognised or prioritised in the tendering process.' He added: 'The committee understands that the UK Subsidy Control Act does allow social value to be considered when evaluating bids, enables direct awards, and permits some differential treatment in awarding subsidies.' And he asked Mr Murray to set out what action the UK Government is taking to ensure to ensure domestic manufacturing is prioritised. He said: 'Given the scale of potential job losses in Scotland, the importance of maintaining a strong manufacturing base in the UK, and the proven capability of the workforce at Alexander Dennis Ltd, the Committee believes that urgent and coordinated action is essential. 'We therefore urge the UK Government to use every lever at its disposal – particularly through procurement, investment, and industrial strategy — to help secure a future for bus manufacturing in Scotland and protect these skilled jobs.' Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said he has met with the company several times and is working with the Scottish Government and those in the UK Government 'at pace' to find a solution to the job losses. He urged the Scottish Government to do more to prioritise the company in its own procurement. Mr Murray added: 'I will continue to engage with the Scottish Government on this devolved issue, as well as continuing to seek clarity from the company on what interventions are most likely to retain these skilled jobs. 'Earlier this month the UK Government announced £15.6 billion of funding for local transport projects in England's city regions as part of the Spending Review. 'That is a huge opportunity for Scottish manufacturers and I have written to metro mayors across England encouraging them to consider the options available to support British jobs and skills, in line with the Government's wider consultation on creating social and economic value through public spending. 'The UK Government's Industrial Strategy, published recently, commits to further use the Government's procurement power to strengthen domestic supply chains and support good quality local jobs. 'While procurement is a devolved issue in Scotland, this does create further opportunities within the UK market for British manufacturers.' Ms Robison said: 'Our absolute focus continues to be on exploring all viable options to support Alexander Dennis Ltd, its workforce and the families and communities they support. 'The Scottish Government continues to work at pace and in close collaboration with the company, trade unions, Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland and the UK Government during the consultation period. 'This work includes discussions on potential support for a company furlough scheme and urgently examining options to provide greater confidence regarding short-term demand for bus manufacturing in Scotland. 'As I set out in an update to committee last week, it is important that the UK Government publishes a future pipeline of orders as soon as possible, given the relative scale of the double-deck market in England compared to Scotland.' A Scottish Enterprise spokesperson said: 'Scottish Enterprise has had a strong strategic partnership with Alexander Dennis Ltd for more than 10 years, during which time we have supported technology development, skills and cultural transformation at the company. 'We continue to work closely with them to explore a range of possible options and try to find a positive solution, despite the challenging circumstances.'
The Independent
6 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Committee urges action from Scottish and UK governments to save Alexander Dennis
Immediate action must be taken to ensure bus manufacturing does not end in Scotland, the Scottish and UK governments have been told. Holyrood's Economy and Fair Work Committee urged the administrations north and south of the border to do all they can to stop the closure of Alexander Dennis in Scotland. Some 400 workers are at risk of redundancy as the company proposes moving its manufacturing from Falkirk and Larbert to Scarborough in North Yorkshire. Colin Smyth, the Labour MSP who convenes the committee, has written to Finance Secretary Shona Robison and Scottish Secretary Ian Murray asking them to set out their plans to save the jobs and wider industry. He said the loss of so many highly-skilled job would be 'devastating' to the local community and country as a whole. 'The committee is clear that the situation is so serious that every possible effort must be made to retain these jobs in Scotland,' he told Ms Robison. Alexander Dennis has said it needs up to 100 bus orders this year and up to 400 next year to avoid the closure of its factories in Scotland. Mr Smyth urged the Finance Secretary to explain what she is doing to bring new orders forward and stimulate demand for the sector. He urged Ms Robison to strengthen procurement to ensure that local firms are prioritised. The SNP has come under fire from opposition politicians for the number of Scottish buses being built in countries like China, rather than at home, which they say has contributed to the company's decision to move to England. Mr Smyth also expressed concerns around reports that £20 million in support from Scottish Enterprise for Alexander Dennis to research and develop net-zero buses may no longer result in any vehicles being built in the country. The committee has written separately to Scottish Enterprise over the funding. He said to Ms Robison: 'Given the strategic importance of Alexander Dennis, the high quality of its workforce and the role of manufacturing in Scotland's future economy, it is vital that every possible action is taken to retain manufacturing, and the jobs it provides. 'The committee urges the Scottish Government to do all it can, working with partners at every level, to secure a positive outcome. 'Ministers must act with urgency and ambition to help keep these jobs and avoid a world-class manufacturer shutting its doors in Scotland.' In his letter to the Scottish Secretary, the committee convener described Alexander Dennis's potential loss as 'deeply concerning'. He said co-operation between Westminster and Holyrood would be 'essential if a viable and sustainable future is to be secured for bus manufacturing in Scotland'. He added: 'I know you agree that the potential end of bus manufacturing in Scotland — with the direct loss of 400 jobs and further losses across the domestic supply chain—would be devastating for the area and for Scotland. 'This is all the more concerning given the growing UK and European demand for buses to support climate, transport, and industrial goals.' He said that while a cross-governmental working group on the issue has already met several times, it was 'clear that urgent decisions are required' as the the redundancy consolation process is set to wrap up on August 15 – something that has already been extended by two weeks. Mr Smyth again raised concerns around the procurement process, saying: 'During our evidence sessions, the Committee heard concerns that, in practice, local content is not being adequately recognised or prioritised in the tendering process.' He added: 'The committee understands that the UK Subsidy Control Act does allow social value to be considered when evaluating bids, enables direct awards, and permits some differential treatment in awarding subsidies.' And he asked Mr Murray to set out what action the UK Government is taking to ensure to ensure domestic manufacturing is prioritised. He said: 'Given the scale of potential job losses in Scotland, the importance of maintaining a strong manufacturing base in the UK, and the proven capability of the workforce at Alexander Dennis Ltd, the Committee believes that urgent and coordinated action is essential. 'We therefore urge the UK Government to use every lever at its disposal – particularly through procurement, investment, and industrial strategy — to help secure a future for bus manufacturing in Scotland and protect these skilled jobs.'
Daily Record
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
'Further blow' over new Ayr National Treatment Centre
The plans were put on hold in February last year due to funding problems. The future of The National Treatment Centre at Carrick Glen Hospital, Ayr, won't be known until December. The plans were put on hold in February last year due to funding problems. However, the Scottish Government is now saying there won't be any update on its future until the end of the year. Ayrshire Live previously told how NHS Ayrshire & Arran were forced to 'pause' any new capital projects, including Carrick Glen, from the Scottish Government because of budget constraints. In April 2022, £1.8m of public money was used to purchase Carrick Glen Hospital in order to take it out of the private sector. At the time the overall plan was to build 10 National Treatment Centres across the country and thus reduce waiting times. It was supposedly part of £400m investment in 10 centres across the country from the Scottish Government. They were touted to play a 'pivotal role' in reducing waiting times. Carrick Glen was due to be operational in 2025 and help reduce waiting times in orthopaedics. However, with no fresh finance going towards its completion, the Carrick Glen Hospital plan, which passed all planning hurdles in the summer of 2023, remains in a state of paralysis. And news of this fresh delay has been greeted with dismay. South Scotland Labour List MSP, Colin Smyth, said: 'This is a further blow to plans for a treatment centre in Ayr. 'New National Treatment Centres were at the heart of the SNP's NHS Recovery Plan and these delays spell disaster for waiting lists in the south of Scotland.' Mr Smyth continued: 'This will be very worrying news for patients in south Scotland who are languishing on waiting lists, and show just what a serious situation our NHS is facing. 'Hospitals in Ayrshire, and across the whole of south Scotland, are under huge amounts of pressure and every month we see yet more record high waiting lists. 'Our amazing NHS staff are doing all they can, but they can't work miracles and need the improved facilities they were promised.' The Scottish Government did say they were spending more than £1bn on NHS capital investment this year. A spokesperson added: 'As part of our own Scottish Spending Review, we are undertaking a full review of our capital spending to prioritise the available funding towards projects that drive progress against our priorities. 'We will provide clarity over which projects and programmes will receive funding in the medium term when we publish our new infrastructure pipeline, alongside the 2026-27 Budget and Scottish Spending Review. 'The publication of the new pipeline will put our capital budget back on a sustainable trajectory.'
Daily Record
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Dumfries and Galloway residents urged to have their say on plans for old folks' champion
A consultation is under way on South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth idea for a dedicated commissioner for Scotland's older people. People in Dumfries and Galloway are being urged to have their say on plans for a champion for old folk. South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has been campaigning for a dedicated commissioner for Scotland's older people for a number of years. And now the Scottish Parliament's equalities, human rights and civil justice committee has launched a consultation on his proposal. The Labour MSP said: 'This is a vital opportunity for older people and those who work with them to help shape what I hope will become an important new voice for older people in Scotland. 'We saw during the pandemic just how often the voices of older people were absent when major decisions were made — from access to visit loved ones in care homes to the withdrawal of care packages and the use of do not resuscitate orders. No one was independently speaking up for them. 'Even now, as we face a growing care crisis, too many older people are stuck in hospital or struggling without the support they need. 'But my motivation for this bill goes beyond Covid. Scotland has a rapidly ageing population — something that should be celebrated. Yet too many older people spend their later years in poor health, in poverty, and facing discrimination. They contribute so much to our communities, economy, and public life — but too often that contribution goes unrecognised. Instead of seeing older people as a burden, we need to do more to celebrate their contribution. 'A commissioner would be a strong, independent champion to shine a light on both the challenges and the achievements of older people — and help make sure their voices are heard loud and clear. 'The committee's consultation is now open, and I would strongly encourage everyone — older people, carers, third sector organisations, and anyone with an interest — to share their views. This is your chance to shape the role and ensure it delivers real change.' The commissioner would be a dedicated and independent advocate for people over the age of 60, with a remit to promote and safeguard their rights and interests. Their roles would include raising awareness and understanding of older people's rights, promoting positive ageing and investigating issues that matter to older people. Convener of the equalities, human rights and civil justice committee, Karen Adam MSP, said: 'Over recent decades there has been significant growth in the number of older people living in Scotland, so, in our consideration of this bill, we're keen to understand whether having a commissioner could help address the needs of an aging population. 'In opening this call for views we'd like to hear what older people think of the proposals. We're also keen to hear the views of carers, Scotland's third sector, public bodies and anyone with an interest in the proposal. 'Whether you think that a commissioner would be a great idea or would like to propose another way that older people might have their views considered, we're keen to hear from you.' The consultation, which is open until September 12, can be found on the Scottish Parliament website.
STV News
26-06-2025
- Politics
- STV News
Older Scots urged to have a say on plans for new commissioner
Older Scots are being urged to have a say on plans to create a new commissioner to represent them. Labour MSP Colin Smyth has put forward a Members Bill at Holyrood that, if passed, would establish a Commissioner for Older People. The proposals come more than two decades after Holyrood passed legislation to create the post of Commissioner for Children and Young People in 2003. It is proposed the Commissioner for Older People would give those aged 60 and above a representative who would be tasked with promoting and safeguarding their rights and interests. MSPs on the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee are to scrutinise the plans, set out in the Commissioner for Older People (Scotland) Bill. PA Media Karen Adam, convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, said they wanted to hear what older people think of the plans (Scottish Parliament/PA). PA Media However, earlier this month a Holyrood committee said that new statutory commissioners should be created only as a 'last resort' Karen Adam, convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, noted that 'over recent decades there has been significant growth in the number of older people living in Scotland'. She added: 'In our consideration of this Bill, we're keen to understand whether having a commissioner could help address the needs of an ageing population. 'In opening this call for views we'd like to hear what older people think of the proposals. We're also keen to hear the views of carers, Scotland's third sector, public bodies and anyone with an interest in the proposal.' People have until September 12 to submit their views online. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
