Monday, February 28, 2005
Scottish Executive should help foreign multinationals
Well, that's the spin that could be put on the most recent request by Calum to have the Scottish Executive provide financial assistance to the fishfarming industry.
The reality of fishfarming is nowhere near as rosy as Calum likes to claim, and part of that is down to his own inaction.
The industry is essential for parts of the Western Isles where it provides key jobs in very remote locations. Then the product is shipped to cold, damp, and unattractive factories where the locals won't put up with the conditions and Ukranians gut the fish. The profits then disappear to Norway or Belguim, where the parent companies use Norwegian or Chilean imports to undercut their own Scottish product.
The same companies rebrand Norwegian and Chilean product as "Scottish" to emphasise it's quality.
Now Calum suggests we give more money to the rapacious marine landlords.
Not quite. If Calum had bothered to get involved in the debate, rather than appearing only when forced to, the industry would never have fallen into the shabby state it is now in. Support for small local farms, and the creation of an independent voice for these farmers would have seen more jobs locally, and more locally owned farms. If the EU had been pressurised by Westminster (and Westminster by Calum) then it is likely that anti-dumping measures would have been implmented and enforced much, much earlier.
Why should taxpayers money be squandered by giving it to foreign employers to keep the locals employed at poor wages, when the product will never be sold at a profit?
The reality of fishfarming is nowhere near as rosy as Calum likes to claim, and part of that is down to his own inaction.
The industry is essential for parts of the Western Isles where it provides key jobs in very remote locations. Then the product is shipped to cold, damp, and unattractive factories where the locals won't put up with the conditions and Ukranians gut the fish. The profits then disappear to Norway or Belguim, where the parent companies use Norwegian or Chilean imports to undercut their own Scottish product.
The same companies rebrand Norwegian and Chilean product as "Scottish" to emphasise it's quality.
Now Calum suggests we give more money to the rapacious marine landlords.
Not quite. If Calum had bothered to get involved in the debate, rather than appearing only when forced to, the industry would never have fallen into the shabby state it is now in. Support for small local farms, and the creation of an independent voice for these farmers would have seen more jobs locally, and more locally owned farms. If the EU had been pressurised by Westminster (and Westminster by Calum) then it is likely that anti-dumping measures would have been implmented and enforced much, much earlier.
Why should taxpayers money be squandered by giving it to foreign employers to keep the locals employed at poor wages, when the product will never be sold at a profit?
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Human Rights
Calum has been a (moderately ... nothing too exciting, now) critic of the continued illegal detentions in Guantanamo Bay. Quite right too.
Seven people were held illegally in Belmarsh Prision by the British Government. Calum was silent.
Last night Calum voted to remove the rights of some British citizens (as selected by the Home Secretary) to be placed in internal exile - outwith the judicial system - on the basis of gossip, hearsay, and unchallengable "proof" from the Security Services. Exactly as Bush has done.
Thankfully, they are only proposing step one, and not the full military prison camp on Scalpay (yet!)
You may trust Charles Clarke, but last year it was David ("I'm the daddy") Blunkett, and next year it could be Peter ("Brazilianboyfriend personal assistant") Mandelson.
As The Register points out: "New Labour could self arrest under new terror law". Delicious irony.
I give gorgeous George Galloway a week before they lock him away.... and then they could be coming for me or you.
Seven people were held illegally in Belmarsh Prision by the British Government. Calum was silent.
Last night Calum voted to remove the rights of some British citizens (as selected by the Home Secretary) to be placed in internal exile - outwith the judicial system - on the basis of gossip, hearsay, and unchallengable "proof" from the Security Services. Exactly as Bush has done.
Thankfully, they are only proposing step one, and not the full military prison camp on Scalpay (yet!)
You may trust Charles Clarke, but last year it was David ("I'm the daddy") Blunkett, and next year it could be Peter ("Brazilian
As The Register points out: "New Labour could self arrest under new terror law". Delicious irony.
I give gorgeous George Galloway a week before they lock him away.... and then they could be coming for me or you.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Register of Interests
An intriguing little snippet from Calum's entry (no pun intended)
Who was this lucky mystery guest?
| 5. | Gifts, benefits and hospitality (UK) | ||
| 4-6 June 2004, weekend stay at Amhuinnsuidhe Castle in my constituency, accompanied by my partner, as guests of the owner Mr Ian Scarr-Hall. (Registered 27 January 2005) | |||
Who was this lucky mystery guest?
What will the Free Church think?
Motion:
'The offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel are abolished.'.—[Dr. Evan Harris]
For the motion - Calum MacDonald.
'The offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel are abolished.'.—[Dr. Evan Harris]
For the motion - Calum MacDonald.
Monday, February 21, 2005
WHFP recommends independence
In this week's WHFP, Iain MacKinnon writes about Norway:
Since independence from Sweden exactly a hundred years ago, Norway has soared to become the world’s number one country. The United Nations says that for the past four years Norway has been the country with the best living standards in the world — this is in no small measure due to the fact that, per head of population, it is also one of the
However, it’s not just money that has taken Norway to the top. It also has a history of enlightened behaviour in its dealings with the rest of the world.
If it's good for Norway, which has fewer resources than Scotland ....
Since independence from Sweden exactly a hundred years ago, Norway has soared to become the world’s number one country. The United Nations says that for the past four years Norway has been the country with the best living standards in the world — this is in no small measure due to the fact that, per head of population, it is also one of the
However, it’s not just money that has taken Norway to the top. It also has a history of enlightened behaviour in its dealings with the rest of the world.
If it's good for Norway, which has fewer resources than Scotland ....
CalMac
"All in favour of privatising CalMac, please raise their hands. Calum, Alasdair, you're the only two with their hands up. Why?"
"Explain to me how privatising the services via a Polish or Greek operator will help the Western Isles; or why CalMac should try to transfer it's employees to the Channel Isles to save money i.e. rob the Exchequer, in order to 'compete' in a 'market' that is being impossed on it."
I've never been one for strike action, but if there was ever a case of an gross inequity and the potential destruction of services, this is it.
CalMac has it's faults - of that there is no doubt. But I'd rather have a grumpy Hearach serving me breakfast than have to rely on a monolingual Greek in a Minch storm.
"Explain to me how privatising the services via a Polish or Greek operator will help the Western Isles; or why CalMac should try to transfer it's employees to the Channel Isles to save money i.e. rob the Exchequer, in order to 'compete' in a 'market' that is being impossed on it."
I've never been one for strike action, but if there was ever a case of an gross inequity and the potential destruction of services, this is it.
CalMac has it's faults - of that there is no doubt. But I'd rather have a grumpy Hearach serving me breakfast than have to rely on a monolingual Greek in a Minch storm.
UK to shun ‘clean’ hydrogen energy
According to the Sunday Herald this weekend:
THE UK government is set to reject investment in a clean energy source identified by the US, Japan and China as a major alternative to fossil fuels and with potentially important spin-off benefits to Scotland.
[snip]
The report argues that the production of grid electricity is “the most CO2-effective use of limited renewable resources”, and adds that “it is not currently possible to assess whether hydrogen could enable the exploitation of remote renewables”. This latter assertion has met with strong opposition among the country’s fledgling hydrogen and fuel cell businesses, which argue that the report ignores the potential for applying the new technology in rural communities with an abundance of renewable energy potential, notably the Western Isles, the Northern Isles and parts of the Highlands.
David McGrath, managing director of Aberdeen-based fuel cell company siGEN, reacted angrily to the report’s recommendations. He says it suffers from “fundamental errors that will block any developments north of the Border”.
[snip]
Alistair Carmichael, MP for Orkney and Shetland, also criticised the report saying it was too “London-centric”.
--------
So, there you have it. Labour are trying to prevent the Western Isles from developing an alternative to Nuclear and (possibly) to windfarms, and Calum doesn't say a thing.
THE UK government is set to reject investment in a clean energy source identified by the US, Japan and China as a major alternative to fossil fuels and with potentially important spin-off benefits to Scotland.
[snip]
The report argues that the production of grid electricity is “the most CO2-effective use of limited renewable resources”, and adds that “it is not currently possible to assess whether hydrogen could enable the exploitation of remote renewables”. This latter assertion has met with strong opposition among the country’s fledgling hydrogen and fuel cell businesses, which argue that the report ignores the potential for applying the new technology in rural communities with an abundance of renewable energy potential, notably the Western Isles, the Northern Isles and parts of the Highlands.
David McGrath, managing director of Aberdeen-based fuel cell company siGEN, reacted angrily to the report’s recommendations. He says it suffers from “fundamental errors that will block any developments north of the Border”.
[snip]
Alistair Carmichael, MP for Orkney and Shetland, also criticised the report saying it was too “London-centric”.
--------
So, there you have it. Labour are trying to prevent the Western Isles from developing an alternative to Nuclear and (possibly) to windfarms, and Calum doesn't say a thing.
Friday, February 18, 2005
The CSA
As anyone who has had any involvement with the CSA will tell you, it is the source of more marital dispute and upset than almost anything else.
Computer systems don't work; absent parents don't get chased for money; parents with care never see what they are entitled to; the amount taken from one parent doesn't equate to the amount received by the other.
In short, a mess. No wonder supposedly about one-third of all MPs mail is about the CSA.
So how do Labour sort this mess out?
Simple. The boss of the CSA is made a Commander of the Order of the Bath (a what??) ; Tony Blair tells us he has 'resigned'; and now we find he is simply 'moving on' at some time in the futute, in the best traditions of the old boy network to a new (and better paid) post. The Civil Servants must be quacking in their boots at such strong leadership.
New Labour = New Tories
Computer systems don't work; absent parents don't get chased for money; parents with care never see what they are entitled to; the amount taken from one parent doesn't equate to the amount received by the other.
In short, a mess. No wonder supposedly about one-third of all MPs mail is about the CSA.
So how do Labour sort this mess out?
Simple. The boss of the CSA is made a Commander of the Order of the Bath (a what??) ; Tony Blair tells us he has 'resigned'; and now we find he is simply 'moving on' at some time in the futute, in the best traditions of the old boy network to a new (and better paid) post. The Civil Servants must be quacking in their boots at such strong leadership.
New Labour = New Tories
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Calum's achievements deserve credit
Writing in his parlimentary report in January 2003, Calum advised us of "My local priorities for 2002 - update". A wonderful hostage to fortune, so let's revisit the claims and promises - my comments are in red.
Last January, I said that I would have 3 priorities for 2002 – a new housing programme for the islands, the relocation of jobs from the Department of Work and Pensions to the islands, and a new Gaelic digital broadcasting service in the Western Isles. Good progress was made on all these over the past 12 months. Really?
On 16th December Margaret Curran MSP, the Scottish Housing Minister, made a welcome repeat visit to Stornoway to announce a doubling to the house-building programme for 2003/4. This was an excellent result from over 2 years of lobbying and a great credit to the MSP, to the Council’s Housing officials and Councillors, and also the local housing association movement. Margaret’s announcement last month, however, is not the end of the matter – we need a sustained programme of new house-building over the long term to boost the construction industry and to tackle the Council waiting list. Under 30 houses built - with a waiting list of 600! I am convinced that new house-building is as important as new jobs in tackling depopulation and retaining and attracting back our young people. When our young go away to college and university on the mainland, they gain experience of living in their own accommodation. Most of them want to continue to enjoy the same freedom after they graduate. That is not feasible if they return to the islands, however, because of the housing shortage. That is one of the reasons why a new house-building programme is so important. If your Government hadn't prevented Councils from building new houses for over 10 years, we wouldn't have this problem would we?
As regards the relocation of jobs, recruitment has already begun for the proposed new debt centre and the Minister (Malcolm Wicks) recently repeated his commitment to me to have created at least 70 new jobs by the end of 2003. It's now 2005, and we have lost (sorry 'relocated') as many jobs as we gained - estimated at 30. We now process debt collection, and local pensioners have to contact Motherwell for advice.
Finally, the campaign for a Gaelic TV channel took a giant step forward last week with confirmation from the Government, in response to a Commons debate I initiated, that the Communications Bill will set up a new Gaelic Media Service with the power to hold a broadcasting licence across the whole UK and also to distribute its programmes over the internet to the Gaelic diaspora abroad. I am now devoting my efforts to the campaign for additional funding so that we can make the new service a job-creating reality in the Western Isles. Outcome - silence and no progress.
So there you have it - who said Calum doesn't achieve anything?
Last January, I said that I would have 3 priorities for 2002 – a new housing programme for the islands, the relocation of jobs from the Department of Work and Pensions to the islands, and a new Gaelic digital broadcasting service in the Western Isles. Good progress was made on all these over the past 12 months. Really?
On 16th December Margaret Curran MSP, the Scottish Housing Minister, made a welcome repeat visit to Stornoway to announce a doubling to the house-building programme for 2003/4. This was an excellent result from over 2 years of lobbying and a great credit to the MSP, to the Council’s Housing officials and Councillors, and also the local housing association movement. Margaret’s announcement last month, however, is not the end of the matter – we need a sustained programme of new house-building over the long term to boost the construction industry and to tackle the Council waiting list. Under 30 houses built - with a waiting list of 600! I am convinced that new house-building is as important as new jobs in tackling depopulation and retaining and attracting back our young people. When our young go away to college and university on the mainland, they gain experience of living in their own accommodation. Most of them want to continue to enjoy the same freedom after they graduate. That is not feasible if they return to the islands, however, because of the housing shortage. That is one of the reasons why a new house-building programme is so important. If your Government hadn't prevented Councils from building new houses for over 10 years, we wouldn't have this problem would we?
As regards the relocation of jobs, recruitment has already begun for the proposed new debt centre and the Minister (Malcolm Wicks) recently repeated his commitment to me to have created at least 70 new jobs by the end of 2003. It's now 2005, and we have lost (sorry 'relocated') as many jobs as we gained - estimated at 30. We now process debt collection, and local pensioners have to contact Motherwell for advice.
Finally, the campaign for a Gaelic TV channel took a giant step forward last week with confirmation from the Government, in response to a Commons debate I initiated, that the Communications Bill will set up a new Gaelic Media Service with the power to hold a broadcasting licence across the whole UK and also to distribute its programmes over the internet to the Gaelic diaspora abroad. I am now devoting my efforts to the campaign for additional funding so that we can make the new service a job-creating reality in the Western Isles. Outcome - silence and no progress.
So there you have it - who said Calum doesn't achieve anything?
How the wind blows....
Does anyone know Calum's definative position on wind farms?
Community windfarms are A Good Thing, we all agree, but his latest pronouncement seems to be an attempt to face all ways at once.
In January 2004 he was saying "In the Western Isles, in particular, we certainly need at least one big development in order to finance the interconnector or sub-sea cable to carry our energy over to the National Grid. That is why I am so strongly in favour of AMEC’s big project in North Lewis, for example, provided that AMEC can guarantee that there will be plenty of spare capacity in the interconnector for future community-owned windfarms to access. Indeed, the public planning authorities must be very alert to any arrangement between the prospective big developers that allocates all the space on the proposed interconnector between them and shuts out small locally-owned windfarms."
Now that makes a lot of sense, but how does that square with his statement in September 2004 that "In my view, renewable energy has the potential to transform the economy of the islands and to make us into one of the most prosperous parts of the UK. But that will happen only if islanders make sure that they are in the driving seat of any proposed development so that they can maximize the income that goes into the community rather than it getting exported to various company headquarters on the mainland." Which seems to oppose the Amec development.
According to the radio, this week he appears to have come out aginst anything but community developments.
Having stirred up the anti windfarm campaign with false promises about the Executive, Calum is now like a piece of debris being blown around the streets of Sy - not sure where he'll be blown next.
And as for the invisible Alasdair ....
Community windfarms are A Good Thing, we all agree, but his latest pronouncement seems to be an attempt to face all ways at once.
In January 2004 he was saying "In the Western Isles, in particular, we certainly need at least one big development in order to finance the interconnector or sub-sea cable to carry our energy over to the National Grid. That is why I am so strongly in favour of AMEC’s big project in North Lewis, for example, provided that AMEC can guarantee that there will be plenty of spare capacity in the interconnector for future community-owned windfarms to access. Indeed, the public planning authorities must be very alert to any arrangement between the prospective big developers that allocates all the space on the proposed interconnector between them and shuts out small locally-owned windfarms."
Now that makes a lot of sense, but how does that square with his statement in September 2004 that "In my view, renewable energy has the potential to transform the economy of the islands and to make us into one of the most prosperous parts of the UK. But that will happen only if islanders make sure that they are in the driving seat of any proposed development so that they can maximize the income that goes into the community rather than it getting exported to various company headquarters on the mainland." Which seems to oppose the Amec development.
According to the radio, this week he appears to have come out aginst anything but community developments.
Having stirred up the anti windfarm campaign with false promises about the Executive, Calum is now like a piece of debris being blown around the streets of Sy - not sure where he'll be blown next.
And as for the invisible Alasdair ....
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Newspapers to the Western Isles
Early Day Motion 332 attacks the withdrawal of the ban on newspaper publishers making different charges for delivery to different parts of the UK. In the Western Isles this will result in the publishers charging full cost for delivery, meaning that we're going to have to pay more for our papers.
Despite the Comhairle bringing this to his attention, Calum still hasn't signed it. However, he has managed to sign EDM 386 on sugar and bananas, which I am sure will be of great interest to everyone cultivating the vast plantations in Bernera.
Despite the Comhairle bringing this to his attention, Calum still hasn't signed it. However, he has managed to sign EDM 386 on sugar and bananas, which I am sure will be of great interest to everyone cultivating the vast plantations in Bernera.
Save the Regiments campaign
On 10 November 2003, Calum said: “The rumour appears to be that the Government White paper will demand the end of five infantry battalions. Given the commitments of the UK to the UN and in Iraq,Bosnia, Kosovo and Northern Ireland, my view is that the disbandment of The Highlanders would be incredible. This is particularly so given that regimental recruiting is now on the increase again.”
On 10 November 2004 this had changed to “I therefore have an open mind about the proposed restructuring by the Army Chiefs of Staff, so long as it manages to preserve regimental identities in an appropriate form."
What happened in the passing year to persuade Calum to accept the incredible? Was it being lied to in 2003 and then finding the new party line in 2004.
Certainly his trip to Afghanistan with the British Army has not helped, although the image of Calum in fatigues and acting menacing on a 'tour of duty' is one that is seared on my consciousness.
No wonder the Save the Scottish Regiments campaign is after his head.
On 10 November 2004 this had changed to “I therefore have an open mind about the proposed restructuring by the Army Chiefs of Staff, so long as it manages to preserve regimental identities in an appropriate form."
What happened in the passing year to persuade Calum to accept the incredible? Was it being lied to in 2003 and then finding the new party line in 2004.
Certainly his trip to Afghanistan with the British Army has not helped, although the image of Calum in fatigues and acting menacing on a 'tour of duty' is one that is seared on my consciousness.
No wonder the Save the Scottish Regiments campaign is after his head.
Monday, February 14, 2005
What the BBC think ...
Somewhat unfairly the BBC describe Calum thus: "He has a low profile in Westminster, particularly since 1999 when, after having helped to deliver Scottish devolution, he was dropped from his role as a Scottish office minister." That's most unfair -- Calum is never shy to issue a press release when advised to do so by Brian Wilson.
Friends of Calum .....
How did one of Calum's election team, who is also a Labour Councillor and WIE Board member, get interviewed and appointed to a non-job in WIE? Is there any other HIE employee who is allowed to have a second job? What do the normal terms and conditions of employment say about political activity? What adjustment is made to his salary for the time spent in the Comhairle?
Did no-one see the potential conflicts of interest and flak WIE would receive?
Did no-one see the potential conflicts of interest and flak WIE would receive?
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Middle-East
As we watch the Iraqi results come in, I am torn between many different emotions:
- Happiness at the voters having the opportunity to vote in an open manner
- Cynicism at the pretext of democracy that gives us elections where the candidates dare not show themselves in public
- Disgust at Dubya for trying to impose his placeman on the Iraqis
- Joy at him coming third, despite being almost the only face on TV
- Fear that the exclusion of the Sunnis will only cause more death and destruction.
On the up side, at least it was a universal franchise, even if many were far too terrified to take up the opportunity, with a 4% turnout in some provinces.
Now, Dubya is looking around for other countries on which to impose American democracy - that is to say, free, fair and open elections that will result in the US supported candidate winning.
Why not ask Calum about his recent jolly to Saudi Arabia in February 2004, where a high powered (sic) delegation of Calum, Clive Betts (who?) Crispin Blunt (who?) and David Atkinson (who?) no doubt berated Crown Prince Abdullah over his totalitarian misogynist regime. Or maybe not, as the whole freebie was paid for by the Council for the Advancement of Arab-British Understanding. How could the CAABU afford this when the director's report for 2003 shows that they have had to slash everything just to survive?
Could it be related the directors statement: "Members of Parliament, like property prices, have shot up in value. When a Labour government has such a massive majority, the Prime Minister can afford to ignore or downplay the odd momentary lapse of loyalty from the backbenches". Calum MacDonald has a majority 1,074.
So what prompted this sudden interest in Arab-British matters? Calum has never shown any sign of interest in Saudi affairs, but perhaps the promise of a freebie momentarily spurred his interest. I'd love to tell you what was discussed, but none of the MPs seem to have placed any information about their discussions or their 4 day trip into the public domain.
However, as we celebrate the extension of the universal franchise, Calum (and Labour, and their leader George Dubya Bush) are silent over the exclusion of Saudi women from the sham elections also happening this week in that oil-rich dictatorship. However, the Al-Saud clan are our friends, and consequently are 'good' dictators.
Friday, February 11, 2005
The start ...
Thanks to www.bloggerheads.com for the inspiration.
This is an unoffical site to appreciate the good and diligent works carried out by Calum for all the people of the Western Isles. I've started this because Calum seems so shy to publicise all the work he does, and it's about time his full accomplishments were recognised.
This is an unoffical site to appreciate the good and diligent works carried out by Calum for all the people of the Western Isles. I've started this because Calum seems so shy to publicise all the work he does, and it's about time his full accomplishments were recognised.
