Dumbarton Liberal Democrats

Scottish Liberal Democrat by-election candidate Christine Jardine has called on SNP candidate Mark McDonald to explain to the people of Aberdeen Donside why he voted for a funding deal which short-changed the city by £21m.

As a list MSP Mr Mcdonald voted to approve the SNP Government's financial package for local authorities which saw Aberdeen receive just 79% of the national average offered to councils - that is below the 85% minimum his party had promised.

Ms Jardine's intervention came as reports emerged that the SNP are also set to snatch an additional £5.5 million of local business rates payments from Aberdeen Council.

Christine Jardine said:

"This money could have made a substantial difference to businesses and families in Aberdeen Donside.

"Anyone who has ever tried to drive into the city or negotiate the Haudigan roundabout in rush hour knows that something needs to be done to relieve the pressure. £21m could have paid for a new Don Crossing with almost £6m left to boost local services, build a stronger economy or invest in child care for families.

"I am disappointed that Mark McDonald was prepared to let his SNP colleagues short-change Aberdeen in this way when they are piling money into high-profile projects like rail improvements and the new Forth Crossing in the central belt.

"Mark McDonald talks about protecting local services but when it came to the crunch at Holyrood he let Aberdeen down. It is high time that he explained why he thinks it is fair that local people should miss out on this essential funding."

Commenting as the Scottish Government announces it has accepted the National Infertility Group's recommendations for access to NHS IVF services, Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Jim Hume MSP said:

Jim Hume"I am hopeful that these changes will help to deliver a fairer and more coherent system of NHS IVF treatments across Scotland. The iniquity of the postcode lottery is an added burden which patients should not have wrestle with.

"The Scottish Government must work with Health Boards to ensure that the new waiting time target is achievable and will become a reality for all patients by 2015. If we are to build a fairer society, we must do more to enable every person to get on in life. Scottish Liberal Democrats support these steps and urge the Scottish Government to do more for our families by extending free childcare to more two year olds."

Commenting on news that the European Commission raided the London offices of BP and Shell for evidence of petrol price-rigging, Sir Robert Smith, Liberal Democrat MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine and member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee said:

Sir Robert Smith"Allegations that firms have profiteered at the expense of motorists are deeply concerning. In Government, Liberal Democrats have helped block fuel duty increases and petrol is 13p per litre cheaper than it would have been under Labour's tax plans. But we know that high fuel prices remain a real burden for families across Scotland and especially in rural areas.

"It is clear that there are big questions to answer and the investigations need to get to the bottom of any potential price rigging as swiftly and as efficiently as possible so that motorists know they are getting the full benefit of the freeze in duty instigated by the Coalition Government."

Commenting on today's employment figures which show the number of those out of work fell by 7,000 to 199,000 between January and March, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie MSP said:

Willie Rennie MSP"This is a positive sign for Scotland's economy but there can be no let-up. The Scottish Government needs to boost efforts into full gear, working in partnership with the UK government to harness the Youth Contract, the Green Investment Bank and give serious consideration to extending free childcare to more two year olds.

"If SNP Ministers would work hand in hand with the UK government it could only ripen further opportunities. With 199,000 still out of work it is clear we must maximise the full potential of devolution."

On the First Minister's remarks, Mr Rennie added:

"This is more silly nonsense from the First Minister. Unemployment up, Westminster is to blame he says. Unemployment down, it's because of John Swinney's fine stewardship he boasts. Claiming credit for almost 200,000 people without a job is the height of complacency.

"With economic powers shared between Holyrood and Westminster means we must work better in partnership on programmes like the Youth Contract, apprenticeship schemes and Green Investment Bank. Boosting the economy is more important than Alex Salmond's obsession with independence."

During a debate at Holyrood today, Scottish Liberal Democrats urgedAlison McInnes the SNP government and the parliament to support a progressive approach to prisoner voting rights.

Commenting after the debate, Justice spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP said:

"A blanket ban on prisoner voting is not a coherent position. We must give a serious look at giving some, short-term prisoners a vote in the referendum.

"Excluding prisoners from the most high-profile, significant decision of our lifetimes is contrary to the primary aims of prison - re-integrating offenders into society, and helping them to better understand their civic responsibilities."

Commenting on the Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's speech givenWillie Rennie today (13th May) on independence, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie MSP said:

"Nicola Sturgeon is keen to tell us what she doesn't like but reluctant to spell out how she'd pay for it. Reversing the UK changes to welfare would cost £2.5billion every year for Scotland alone. Grandstanding on welfare, implying opposition to everything, is no way for a government minister to behave. If she was serious and genuine about reform she would tell us which how she would pay for all the changes to the reforms that she wants to make.

"Of course implementing welfare reform is hard but doing nothing is not an option. I and my colleagues have been working to ensure fair implementation of the changes."

Commenting on the results of the 18th Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce Oil and Gas Survey, which indicated that the independence referendum is affecting the investment plans of more than a third of oil and gas operators and contractors, Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Aberdeen Donside Christine Jardine said:

"This survey of oil and gas operators rooted in the North East shows that the uncertainty around the SNP's independence plans is beginning to claim real casualties - the long term security of our jobs.

"As people working in the oil and gas sector know all too well it is absolutely critical that both of Scotland's governments do what they can to send a stable message about the strength of the industry to potential investors. I want to build a stronger economy which enables more people to get on in life and that begins with putting people's jobs first."

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for North East Scotland Alison McInnes said:

"The SNP is playing a dangerous game and people in the North East should not have to pay the price for the SNP's gamble."