Menu
26/05/2011
Scotland's First Minister Sets Out Priorities
In his first major policy speech to the Parliament since being re-elected as First Minister, Mr Alex Salmond said the new Government has an 'ambitious agenda'.
The agenda focuses on a new partnership - the Social Wage - between politicians, public services and people to create the social and economic circumstances to allow Scots to meet their ambitions.
The First Minister said priorities during the next five year term include: Growing the economy; Tackling sectarianism; Addressing alcohol issues; The reform of public services; Jobs; and Internationalisation.
Mr Salmond said: "Already within the Scottish Government, we have secured a no compulsory redundancy deal. Our commitment is to extend this first to the tens of thousands of workers in our NHS, before working to ensure no compulsory redundancies across the public sector.
"And the steps this Parliament has already taken: free personal care, the abolition of tuition fees, the scrapping of tolls and the delivery of free prescriptions are our side of the bargain. As are the next steps, including the freezing of the Council Tax until the end of this Parliament. We know the pressures on family budgets. We know that these tough times are forcing difficult decisions in homes the length and breadth of our nation. Many have accepted a wage freeze. People understand that public spending must be restrained."
Mr Salmond told the Chamber that his continued aim was to deliver a better society for the people of Scotland.
He said: "To make this progress, we need sovereign powers, like any state, but it's the purpose we put them to that is important, the path we choose, the horizon we aim for that counts for me."
(BMcN)
The agenda focuses on a new partnership - the Social Wage - between politicians, public services and people to create the social and economic circumstances to allow Scots to meet their ambitions.
The First Minister said priorities during the next five year term include: Growing the economy; Tackling sectarianism; Addressing alcohol issues; The reform of public services; Jobs; and Internationalisation.
Mr Salmond said: "Already within the Scottish Government, we have secured a no compulsory redundancy deal. Our commitment is to extend this first to the tens of thousands of workers in our NHS, before working to ensure no compulsory redundancies across the public sector.
"And the steps this Parliament has already taken: free personal care, the abolition of tuition fees, the scrapping of tolls and the delivery of free prescriptions are our side of the bargain. As are the next steps, including the freezing of the Council Tax until the end of this Parliament. We know the pressures on family budgets. We know that these tough times are forcing difficult decisions in homes the length and breadth of our nation. Many have accepted a wage freeze. People understand that public spending must be restrained."
Mr Salmond told the Chamber that his continued aim was to deliver a better society for the people of Scotland.
He said: "To make this progress, we need sovereign powers, like any state, but it's the purpose we put them to that is important, the path we choose, the horizon we aim for that counts for me."
(BMcN)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 September 2014
Welsh Councils Urged To Consider Voluntary Mergers
Councils across Wales have been urged to consider a voluntary merger, rather than being forced to. It follows a recommendation from the Williams Commission that the number of local councils be reduced from 22 to 10. It has been suggested that councils leading their own mergers would allow them to "shape their own reforms".
Welsh Councils Urged To Consider Voluntary Mergers
Councils across Wales have been urged to consider a voluntary merger, rather than being forced to. It follows a recommendation from the Williams Commission that the number of local councils be reduced from 22 to 10. It has been suggested that councils leading their own mergers would allow them to "shape their own reforms".
09 December 2009
Salmond's Class Size Claim Investigated
Two former presiding officers of the Scottish government are to investigate opposition claims that First Minister Alex Salmond misled parliament over class sizes. Back in autumn 2007, Mr Salmond told Parliament that the government would fulfil a pledge to cut the sizes of some primary school classes to 18.
Salmond's Class Size Claim Investigated
Two former presiding officers of the Scottish government are to investigate opposition claims that First Minister Alex Salmond misled parliament over class sizes. Back in autumn 2007, Mr Salmond told Parliament that the government would fulfil a pledge to cut the sizes of some primary school classes to 18.
02 April 2014
Wales Could Restrict The Use Of E-Cigarettes In Public Places
New measures to address some of Wales' major public health challenges, including high levels of drinking and smoking, are being put forward by the Welsh Government today.
Wales Could Restrict The Use Of E-Cigarettes In Public Places
New measures to address some of Wales' major public health challenges, including high levels of drinking and smoking, are being put forward by the Welsh Government today.
20 June 2005
Government launches consultation on smoking proposals
The government is to begin consultation on proposals to ban smoking in most public places in England. The government hopes that the consultation will lead to a Bill being introduced in the autumn. The ‘Choosing Health’ Public Health White Paper published last November, unveiled proposals to ban smoking in all enclosed public spaces and workplaces.
Government launches consultation on smoking proposals
The government is to begin consultation on proposals to ban smoking in most public places in England. The government hopes that the consultation will lead to a Bill being introduced in the autumn. The ‘Choosing Health’ Public Health White Paper published last November, unveiled proposals to ban smoking in all enclosed public spaces and workplaces.
30 November 2009
Scottish Makes Independence Bid
Scotland's First Minister today published a White Paper which could lead the way for a referendum on national independence. Alex Salmond said, after a decade of devolved powers to Holyrood, there is now a clear demand for "constitutional progress".
Scottish Makes Independence Bid
Scotland's First Minister today published a White Paper which could lead the way for a referendum on national independence. Alex Salmond said, after a decade of devolved powers to Holyrood, there is now a clear demand for "constitutional progress".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with longer spells of rain during the morning, this rain heavy at times. Generally brighter in the afternoon, but with scattered and at times heavy showers. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A mainly dry evening and night with isolated showers dying out and some longer clear spells. Then it will cloud over towards morning with some heavy showers. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
