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This White Paper is a wish list, not an action plan – Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, speaking after the release of the Government’s Brexit White Paper, said:

“Today’s White Paper is indicative of the Government’s whole approach to Brexit.

“For months they have refused to publish a plan or allow proper scrutiny, and when they are finally forced to produce a White Paper it is rushed, limited and not well thought through.

“The White Paper offers no certainty for EU citizens living in the UK, no additional detail on how workers’ and consumer rights will be protected, and nothing on how full tariff-free access to the single market will be delivered.

“It’s a wish list, not an action plan.

“Labour has said throughout that there needs to be accountability and scrutiny throughout the Brexit process.

“Next week we will debate amendments to the Article 50 Bill that would achieve that – in particular by guaranteeing a meaningful vote that ensures our Parliament votes on the Article 50 deal before the European Parliament does. The Government should welcome that, not reject it”.

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Labour • • •

Sarah Champion responds to Government’s failure to provide assurances on funding for revenge porn helpline

Sarah Champion MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, responding to the Government’s failure to provide assurances that it will continue to fund the national revenge porn helpline, said:

“Once again, the Tories are all talk but no action when protecting women and girls from violence.

“The revenge porn helpline is an invaluable resource for victims who are desperate to receive advice on how to have indecent images removed from the internet and how to pursue a prosecution if they so choose.

“Coming forward as a survivor of revenge porn takes such bravery and we need to send the message that those victims will be supported in every way possible.

“Labour is urging the Government to maintain this vital, value-for-money service. Ministers must now clarify and publish their continued funding arrangements for the helpline.”

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Labour • • •

Debbie Abrahams responds to Government’s ‘Fuller Working Lives’ strategy

Debbie Abrahams MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on the Government’s ‘Fuller Working Lives’ strategy, said:

“It’s right that the Government is taking steps to boost employment for older people.

“However, more than half a million workers aged over 50 rely on in-work support – and that support is at risk of being rolled back through Universal Credit.

“That’s why Labour is calling on the Tories to reverse cuts to Universal Credit, which could see some older workers worse off by £2,600 a year.”

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Labour • • •

SNP priced out of function room hire… by the SNP

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2 Feb 2017

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson MSP speaking during First Minister's Questions held in the Scottish parliament, Edinburgh today. 09 June 2016. Pic - Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament

The SNP’s business rates hike has been slammed by its own party, after a nationalist north east branch was priced out of a hotel it’s been using since the 1970s.

The Banff Springs Hotel in Aberdeenshire has been hit with a £50,000 rates rise thanks to Scottish Government changes.

As a result, it’s been forced to pass on that additional cost to customers, or face going out of business.

And now it’s emerged the Banff and Macduff branch of the SNP is one of those customers refusing to pay the increased rate.

It told the hotel: “The increase in hire fee is excessive to say the least. Should this apply … I can confirm there will be no further booking and our business will be taken elsewhere.”

The embarrassing revelation was raised at First Minister’s Questions by Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, as she attacked the SNP on its increasing of business taxes.

That move, along with income tax hits to be announced in the budget later, makes Scotland the highest-taxed part of the UK.

However, instead of addressing the concerns shared by her north east branch, she merely said the hotel would have an opportunity appeal the rise.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said:

“Even the SNP’s own branches are opposing the hike in business rates, so perhaps it’s time for Nicola Sturgeon to listen.

“These unfair increases, which see businesses like the Banff Springs Hotel paying more than double their current rates, could force closures and job losses.

“The SNP won’t listen to reason or hard evidence, so perhaps it will take notice now it’s been embarrassed in the Scottish Parliament.

“If the First Minister’s own party doesn’t support this policy, surely even she recognises it’s time to do something about it.”

To see the letter of complaint by the SNP Banff branch, visit: http://www.scottishconservatives.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Hotel-complaint.jpg

The SNP organisation has been using the hotel since 1976: https://www.facebook.com/BanffandMacduff/posts/1104255902998301

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Scottish Conservatives • •