JOHN MASON SLAMS LABOUR ON SCHOOLS

02 Feb 2010

The SNP MP for Glasgow East, John Mason, has today (Tuesday) slammed the Labour Party, following the City Council’s announcement of further planned school closures.

The SNP MP is particularly concerned because St Mark’s Primary, one of the schools that would face the axe under Labour’s latest plan, serves the communities of Shettleston and Tollcross in the city’s East End.

John Mason, who is also the SNP spokesman on Work & Pensions said:

“The Labour Party have utterly failed the people of the East End. The City Council has been under their control for decades, and they have consistently failed to spend money on our schools.

“I understand that St Mark’s Primary has a falling school roll, but with well over 100 pupils the numbers are quite similar to other schools that are due to get ‘new build’ replacements!

“I know that there are many families who live within the catchment area for St Mark’s who send their children to other schools in the East End. This is hardly surprising, given the current condition of the building at St Mark’s.

“The Labour Council have allowed too many of our schools to become dilapidated. It is a betrayal of our children’s future.”

The East End MP concluded:

“I am keen to consult with those parents whose kids attend St Mark’s. Their views are the most important factor. If the Labour axe has to fall, they – like me – will need more information on what is being planned.”

UK GOVERNMENT LETS GLASGOW DOWN WITH STUDENT LOANS COMPANY REDUNDANCIES

27 Jan 2010

SNP MP for Glasgow East, John Mason, has hit out at the UK Government for letting Glasgow and Scotland down after it was announced the Student Loans Company (SLC) was set to make 150 people in the city redundant and move 45 jobs to Darlington. The SLC is a private company which is formally established as a non-departmental public body of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills – part of the UK Government.

Commenting, Mr Mason said: “The UK Government has let Glasgow and Scotland down. Just a few months ago, Prime Minister Gordon Brown was promising ‘jobs for all’ – now his Government is making people redundant.

“These jobs are going because the UK Government altered the agreement between the Student Loans Company and the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. UK Government Ministers should hang their heads in shame.

“Any redundancies are a blow but this announcement comes at a crucial time – as the Scottish economy is beginning to turn a corner.”

John Mason warns of deadly Carbon Monoxide risk

26 Jan 2010

John Mason MP has urged Glasgow East residents to protect themselves against the deadly threat of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. New research shows that 75% of households in Scotland are putting themselves at risk of poisoning by not having an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm. Carbon Monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that has no colour taste and smell, making it impossible to detect without an alarm.

John is supporting the ‘Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed!’ campaign which encourages people to ensure they have an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm and that they have all fuel burning appliances serviced annually by a registered and qualified engineer. The campaign is also backed by Kirstie Allsopp, of Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location.

John Mason says:

“Carbon Monoxide is a deadly gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. I urge every householder in the East End to make sure that they have an alarm and that they have their fuel-burning appliances serviced each year by a professional.”

“I would like to see a requirement for all new homes to be fitted with an alarm and for landlords to provide an alarm before they can receive their annual gas safety certificate.”

Christine McGourty, Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign spokesperson, said:

“We regularly hear about members of the general public whose lives have been saved by a Carbon Monoxide alarm – it’s the only way to detect this killer. You can buy an alarm from around £15 at DIY stores, supermarkets, high street shops or directly from energy suppliers. A number of retailers will also be offering special discounts in support of our campaign this January and we’re delighted that John Mason has added his weight to the campaign.”

The Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign recommends four simple steps to keep your household safe:
• Fit an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm which should be marked with the ‘EN50291′ safety standard
• Have fuel-burning appliances serviced annually by a registered professional
• Don’t block ventilation and get chimneys swept at least once a year
• Learn about the danger signs and symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning at www.co-bealarmed.co.uk

ENDS

LABOUR ARE DECEIVING GLASGOW ON G.A.R.L.

21 Jan 2010

John Mason, SNP MP for Glasgow East, has condemned the Labour party’s deceit over the Glasgow Airport Rail Link. This was exposed yesterday (Wednesday) as they failed to use their ONE remaining opportunity to put forward proposals to reinstate the project. Labour also failed to ask the Scottish Parliament to reject the Government’s budget.

In contrast to Labour’s deceit, the SNP Government was honest from the start of the budget process that there is no longer enough money in capital budgets for the Glasgow Airport Rail Link or to sustain the project in future years.

John Mason, who has represented the East End at Westminster since 2008, said:

“Labour has deceived the people of Glasgow and played games with Scotland’s budget. In the current climate no one will welcome their empty gestures and broken promises over serious spending commitments.

“Labour has known for months that funding cuts from their Government in London left the Scottish Government without the money to pay for the Airport Link.

“To reinstate GARL, money would have to come from cutting another programme.

“Instead of facing up to those difficult decisions Labour took the easy option and voted against freezing council tax, help for small businesses, funding for affordable housing and more support for Scotland’s students – a decision that they will struggle to live down.

“As a Glasgow MP, I remain committed to GARL. But money does not grow on trees and with budgets tightening this year and major cuts coming from Westminster for the next ten years it would have been irresponsible for the SNP to pretend this project could continue.

“The SNP was honest with the people of Glasgow. Labour have spread deceit. Labour have done nothing more than posture and gripe without delivering a single alternative proposal.”