Stihler Submits Response to Referendum Consultation
I have submitted my response to the Scottish Government’s Consultation on the Referendum on Independence. It is of the utmost importance that the views of the people of Scotland are taken into account in this process. View my thoughts on the Government’s proposals here.
The Answer is Plain
‘The Answer is Plain’ is Cancer Research UK’s newly launched campaign to encourage the Government to make cigarettes less attractive to children by stripping packs of their glitzy style and branding.
The charity has published their report on packaging of tobacco products alongside a short video illustrating how children can be easily attracted to cleverly designed cigarette packaging.
Having spearheaded the campaign to have bolder anti-smoking messages on cigarette packets and campaigned for years to highlight the effects of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - which is closely linked to smoking - I am pleased to see that Cancer Research UK are leading the way in this new campaign. As can be seen from the charity's report, children can be easily influenced by attractive packaging and can be extremely susceptible to messages put out by marketing professionals.
Please show your support for the campaign by signing Cancer Research UK's petition to encourage the Government to insist on the removal of all branding from tobacco packaging and, in doing so, help protect the next generation from the dangerous effects of smoking.
Response to UK Government Referendum Consultation
I have submitted my response to the UK Government's consultation on Scotland's constitutional future. I believe it is of the utmost importance that the people of Scotland take the opportunity let their views be known on the future constitutional setup of Scotland.
The UK Government's consultation is now closed but anyone can feed into the Scottish Government consultation until the 11th of May, which can be accessed here.
My response to the UK Government's consultation can be viewed below.
Response to ‘Scotland’s Constitutional Future’
A Legal Referendum
Order Making Powers
Acknowledging the need for legislative change in order to facilitate for a referendum on independence, I am of the opinion that the change by order-making powers under a ‘section 30 order’ is a sensible option.
If the Scottish Parliament were to legislate on a referendum under the Scotland Act 1998, the legislation could be legally challenged. This is wholly undesirable. A section 30 order to legislate to give the Scottish Parliament the power to deliver a referendum on independence would sensibly avoid the threat of legal challenge by an individual or one of the Law Officers.
Under a section 30 order, legislation on a referendum would be agreed between both UK and Scottish Parliaments and governments. Providing the opportunity for debate in each of these forums is incredibly important: it ought to be borne in mind that separation would impact not only on the people of Scotland, but directly on others elsewhere in the UK.
A Fair Referendum
Electoral Commission and the Irish Model
I firmly believe that the Electoral Commission – and not the Scottish Government or any political organisation – should oversee a referendum on Scottish Independence.
In Ireland, prior to 1995, the Government was able to use public money to fund their favoured side of the argument in a referendum situation. However, in the 1995 case of McKenna, the Supreme Court ruled that this practice was unconstitutional; this principle was upheld in the Coughlan Supreme Court judgment of 2000, when it was stated that in a referendum public resources must be equally available to both sides.
I do not want to see a situation where the legitimacy of legislation on any referendum is contested in Court by either an individual or by one of the Law Officers. This process would be arduous, timely, costly, and is entirely avoidable: it is possible for the UK Government to pass legislation providing for a section 30 order. However, equally I do not want to see public funds used to litigate on any improper use of Government funds on one side of a referendum argument. I feel we should learn from the now established Irish model and ensure that the Electoral Commission leads at every step: in the monitoring of funds spent; in ensuring proper public consultation; in requiring complete equality and fairness to both ‘yes’ and ‘no’ campaigns in the debate (including in terms of media air time and money spent); and importantly in composing an appropriate question for the referendum paper. The whole process must be fair and neutral. This is only fair to the electorate when making their decision on Scotland’s constitutional future.
Franchise
I think the franchise should be open to all those who pay tax in Scotland. In this regard, I feel that those not fully resident in the UK but paying tax should form part of the franchise. (These people are not necessarily currently included in the consultation proposal – that the franchise of any referendum should match that of Scottish Parliamentary or local government elections.)
A Decisive Referendum
Question(s)
I think it is important that only one question is asked in a referendum in order to provide for a clear and decisive result. Currently, questions of ‘devo-max’ and ‘devo-plus’ are instilling confusion in the electorate as the concepts are neither presently clear nor properly explained. There is evidence to show that in order to obtain a clear outcome in a referendum, the paper should display a single, easily understood question.
It would be entirely undesirable for a referendum result to be ambiguous. On this issue, a clear and simple question is needed for a clear outcome.
Timing of a Referendum
The consultation document asserts that the whole process – from legislating for a referendum to holding the ballot – need not take longer than a year. I am firmly of the opinion that any referendum should be held as soon as possible. Lingering on this issue is bad for the Scottish economy and potentially for public morale. The sooner a referendum is held, the sooner we can begin to focus on issues that are really affecting the people of Scotland in these hard times: jobs, housing, education and health ought not to be sidelined for years to come.
The draft section 30 Order
As stipulated, I think that providing for a section 30 Order would be the best method by which to provide for legislation on a referendum. I think the draft section 30 Order is well expressed, expect insofar as I disagree with the Order (at 3(5)) on franchise, as explained above.
FOI Request of FOI Request
In May 2011 I submitted a Freedom of Information request, asking the Scottish Government whether they had received legal advice on the status of an Independent Scotland’s EU membership. It struck me that the Government were so laid back about automatic EU entry that they must have the evidence to back up their assertions. However, they refused to answer my question on the grounds of ‘public interest’.
Following this, I requested an internal review and have now taken an appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner. Since then, the SNP have made various different assertions on EU membership: even their politicians are unclear as to their line on this issue. It is ridiculous to suggest that providing clarification on such an important point is contrary to public interest.
This month I found out that there has been an FOI request submitted on the contents of the original request I put in. However, I am more than happy to make available all correspondence between myself and the Scottish Government on this issue and have nothing at all to hide: on the contrary, I think it is important to be fully honest and transparent regarding the implications Scottish Independence may have on EU membership.
With this in mind, I have decided to make the correspondence that has been requested available here on my website.
With the Government unwilling to be clear with the Scottish people, it remains our responsibility as Labour representatives to seek the truth.
To view the correspondence between me and the Government on this issue, see the pdf document, below.
Engender launches CEDAW Video
Engender have made a new video on CEDAW - the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women - explaining what the Convention does and why we need it. It can be viewed here on Engender's website.
By signing up to CEDAW, the UK made a moral and legal commitment to ending discrimination against women in the UK, to reporting back to the UN every four years on their progress in putting CEDAW’s provisions into practice, and to being held to account by the Committee on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women.
Stihler wins greater protection for bank account holders
Catherine Stihler MEP today welcomed the passing of new rules to protect bank accounts if banks fail.
The Deposit Guarantee Scheme gave peace of mind in 2008 to thousands of Northern Rock & RBS customers. However, the rules only applied to the value of £50 000 for each parent company. In the UK this represents a particular problem where the Royal Bank of Scotland owns so many bank brands such as R.B.S. National Westminster Bank, Ulster Bank, Drummonds and Coutts & Co.
Mrs Stihler's amendment to the report in the powerful IMCO committee, of which she is a Member, secured extra rights for UK bank account holders.
'This is fantastic news for UK bank account holders.' Mrs Stihler said in Strasbourg, 'The extra protection means people can rest assured that no matter what bank they use, no matter if a bank fails, savings up to the amount of £85000 per bank is protected by this EU law.'
'This law now protects temporary high balances, for example from the sale of a house. Although house sellers can spread the amount once the money is in their account, this can often take time. In the current economic conditions, I'm really pleased that the European Parliament is able to deliver greater protection.'
ENDS
For further queries please contact Stephen O'Donnell on 00 32 471452718
Labour Women's Network (LWN) is an organisation of female members of the Labour Party dedicated to supporting Labour women to play a full and active part in the Party. An integral role of the LWN is to provide training for members and to promote gender balance.
Ahead of the Leadership election, LWN have written to the 3 candidates for Leader: Tom Harris MP, Johann Lamont MSP and Ken MacIntosh MSP, and three candidates for the Deputy Leadership: Ian Davidson MP, Lewis MacDonald MSP and Anas Sarwar MP.
Responses can be read online
The Labour Party: winning for women in Europe
Back (l-r) Catherine Stihler MEP, Mary Honeyball MEP, Glenis Wilmott MEP
Front (l-r) – Linda McAvan MEP and Glenis Wilmott MEP
This picture was taken in March to mark International Women’s Day (8 March 2011)
The 16th November 2011 marked World COPD day. The European COPD Coalition were active in the European Parliament, spreading awareness of the disease and calling for urgent action now.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a neglected epidemic. It is the umbrella term for a group of fatal lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
It kills more people in the UK, each year, than both bowel cancer and breast cancer and many of the localities with the highest recorded rates are in Scotland. There are around 100,000 people a year in Scotland suffering from the disease, with a predicted increase of 33% by 2030.
I fully support the work of the European COPD Coaltion who are calling on all politicians, patients, carers, medical experts and suffers of other lung diseases to unite their voices. COPD is a debilitating and costly disease - it is also sharply on the increase. The vast majority of COPD cases could be prevented or delayed if more action was taken to address the known risk factors - tobacco use, air pollution, dampness and health inequalities.
In 2007, I launched a declaration in the European Parliament calling for widespread recognition and funding to tackle COPD.
The SNP are insulting the people of Scotland. How can it possibly be 'contrary to public interest' to release what legal advice the Scottish Government have sought regarding an independent Scotland’s entry to the EU?
In May of this year I wrote to the Scottish Government to seek clarification on the matter, only to be told that there was no need for the information to be published. The case has now been allocated to the Scottish Information Commissioner for review.
I recently received a letter from Fiona Hyslop MSP - Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs. During a Parliamentary Debate in September of this year, Ms Hyslop confidently stated that Scotland would join the EU and then contradicted this later on in the Chamber by suggesting that we may be a member of EFTA instead. I subsequently wrote to Ms Hyslop, only to receive the following response
Catherine, David and son Alex are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their new little boy, Andrew John Stihler, weighing in at 6lbs 14oz. He was born at 7.53pm on 1 November 2011. Both mother and baby are doing well. Thanks to all the staff at Forth Park Hospital, Kirkcaldy and everyone for their kind wishes.
On 13th October I organised a meeting between the President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, who is from Poland, and Dumfriesshire author Aileen Orr, who wrote 'Wojtek the Bear, Polish War Hero'. Wojtek the Soldier Bear was found as a cub in Northern Iran during World War II by the Poles released from the Russian Gulags as they tried to join the Polish Army, which was in Egypt. He played a significant part in the Italian campaign. Aileen's grandfather was a regular soldier with the KOSB and met the men with the bear in Palestine. On return to Scotland, Wojtek spent 18 months of his life roaming free on Sunwick farm in Berwickshire, where Aileen now lives. The bear was much loved in this local community. He retired from duty to Edinburgh Zoo in 1947.
Mrs Stihler stated:
“It is important that we keep alive the memory of Wojtek, who was a war hero in his own right. Not only did he carry the shells for the soldiers and allegedly capture a spy in one of their camps, he also provided close companionship, entertainment, morale and laughter.
The legend of Wojtek celebrates the rich historical links between Scotland and Poland.
I was delighted to help facilitate the meeting between President Buzek and Aileen Orr, who has written a fascinating book documenting the wonderful bear’s life”.
The European Commission have announced proposals (28 September 2011) for a new European Financial Transaction Tax - a measure that Labour MEPs have long backed. A small tax on financial transactions could raise billions for important areas such as health and climate change.
The Commission's backing is a first, crucial step. It is imperative that the British government listen and engage in the process - now is not the time to dismiss the idea just to please the City. We must look at the proposals and every detail of them in order to find a way in which the financial sector can pay its fair share in taxation.
The government must listen to the campaigners' and voices of the hard working majority who are calling for fairness.
More information on the Robin Hood Tax can be read here.
THE FIGHT TO SAVE HOME BIRTH SERVICES
NHS Fife recently proposed withdrawing the home birth service. I am strongly against such a cut and will fight to save the service.
NHS Fife are currently not pursuing this plan of action because it goes against national policy. At a recent meeting, held at the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, members of the Operational and Divisional Committee, agreed to contact the Scottish Government to review the current legislation. Mothers' and their birthing partners should have the right to chose the place and method of birth. If the proposals to cut the home birth service go ahead, then this would be a shocking example of placing women at the forefront of cuts.
I have contacted the Scottish Government urging them to not reverse national policy.
MORE ACTION TO TACKLE VIOLENCE AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS AND WOMEN
The EU currently lacks a comprehensive strategy on ending gender based violence.
In partnership with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, the European Women's Lobby, representatives of the 11th International Women's Health Meeting and some fellow MEPs, I hosted a roundtable event on the issue of violence against women and girls in the European Parliament (22 September 2011).
We need greater action and investment to allow girls to meet their potential.
More information on the call for action and the event can be read here.
Dr Catriona Burness, a writer and consultant on politics, has produced an excellent handbook which charts the representation of women in Parliaments across the UK.
Labour are the party of fairness and strive to ensure equality for women. However, getting more women into Scottish politics, at all levels, will be a significant challenge and all parties will need to take positive action. There is a striking low number of women in the SNP group - only 19 out of 69 are female.
I highly recommend Dr Burness's handbook.
On Tuesday 30th August 2011 the 'Labour Movement for Europe in Scotland' hosted a successful event entitled: "Europe in Crisis: Is there a Labour response". They keynote speaker was Barnoss Helen Liddell of Coatdyke, former Secretary of State for Scotland.
Barnoss Liddell gave a powerful and insightful speech on restoring economic responsibility and highlighting the fact the British government are steadfastly diminising our interests in Europe.
A full copy of the speech can be read here
REPORTING EUROPE IN THE AGE OF NEW MEDIA
On Friday 25 August I chaired a panel of journalists and new media contributors at the 'Reporting Europe' event - part of the lively Festival of Politics 2011
There is a real taste for new social media and with the advancement of new technologies, it is becoming an increasingly popular tool for resporting news. Interestingly much of the coverage of European affairs is available through online media postings and blogs, whilst national politics is often reported through more traditional means - i.e papers, radio.
It was great to see a packed room and be part of such a lively discussion. I highly recommend the Festival to all.
SNP IN EU MEMBERSHIP COVER UP
On 30 May of this year I wrote to the Scottish Government, under Freedom of Information laws, requesting information on what legal advice they had received regarding an independent Scotland's entry to the EU. Despite uncertainly over an independent Scotland's position in Europe, Salmond has long told us that Scotland would be a full and active member. We need facts, not assumptions. Before any referendum on Scottish independence can be held the people of Scotland need to know the full legal and constitutional facts before making an informed decision.
I was refused this information on the grounds that it is "contrary to public interest".
Labour are calling for the SNP to come clean and put the facts on the table.
The Daily Record ran the story on 17 August 2011.
Catherine Stihler and David Martin were delighted to meet with the delegation of ED's Cycle Co-Op, who travelled all the way from Bishopbriggs. Bike Co-Op's are great initiatives, encouraging active travel and healthy exercise. The enthusiasm of the young cycle activists was inspiring.
On Sunday 26th June 2011 I took part in the Cancer Research UK Race for Life in Kirkcaldy, Fife a long with my researcher Sonia Campbell. Every penny raised goes toward tackling cancer - a disease that affects all of us. I would like to thank everyone who sponsored me and to congratulate all of the organisers and participants who took part.
Above I am pictured with Andrew Nortcliffe and Daniel Smith, Medicinal Chemistry PhD students at the University of St Andrews. Both Andrew and Daniel are sponsored by Cancer Research.
Best wishes,
Catherine
LATEST CONSUMER RIGHTS NEWS:
EXTORTIONATE CREDIT CARD SURCHARGES TO BE BANNED UNDER NEW EU RULES
SCOTCH WHISKY WINS VITAL LEGAL PROTECTION
Catherine Stihler MEP added:
"Consumer rights remain at the heart of European policies. One of the key aims of the EU is to protect the safety and economic well being of all European citizens. Scots benefit greatly from EU membership; we have protected airline consumers, enforced strict safety standards in hotels and have put a stop to exortionate mobile phone charges within the EU".
More information on EU consumer policy can be found here.
Standing up for Scottish consumers in Brussels
Catherine's latest edition of her Trade Union Matters Newsletter is available online. For a hard copy please call the office
Scottish Labour MEPs CATHERINE STIHLER AND DAVID MARTIN have put their full support behind the Robin Hood Tax Campaign
A small tax on banks has the potential to raise billions to tackle poverty, climate change and to help us recover from the economic crisis.
Have you signed up?
Labour in Europe have a proud record of fighting for women’s rights. Labour are the party of equality and continue to lead the way to ensure that women get a fair deal in the workplace. We have more than doubled maternity pay and as a result millions of women have the right to request more flexible working hours, whilst not comprising their work-life balance.
This picture was taken in March to mark International Women’s Day (8 March 2011)
Key Issues
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Stihler Response to Referendum Consultation
I have submitted my response to the Scottish Government's Consultation on the Referendum on Independence, focusing on the need for full transparency and accountability in the referendum process, including a...
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VICTORY ON MOBILE PHONE CHARGES THIS SUMMER
Bills on mobile phone calls for travellers in Europe will come down from 1st July this year after a vote in the European Parliament in Brussels today (Thursday)....
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Europe Matters Newsletter
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO BROWSE MY RECENT NEWSLETTERS. THESE WILL GIVE YOU AN INSIGHT INTO THE WORK I DO FOR YOU IN BRUSSELS AND STRASBOURG....
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Contact me
I am always pleased to hear from you. Address: Catherine Stihler MEP Parliamentary Office Church Street Inverkeithing, Fife KY11 1LG Telephone: 01383 417799 Fax: 01383 413335 Email: cstihlermep@btconnect.com...
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