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Hyslop Condemns UK Government’s License Fee Decision for Older People 7,168 People in West Lothian to Lose Free TV License Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has condemned the decision made by the Conservative UK Government to scrap the free TV license for over 75s affecting 7,186 older people in West Lothian. It is estimated that 60% of over-75s in West Lothian will be forced to pay an extra £154.50 in household bills when the free TV licence policy for over-75s is axed. Fiona said; “I am very concerned to learn that 7,168 older people in my constituency will have the extra burden £154,50 to pay following the UK Government’s disgraceful decision to scrap the free TV license for over 75s. “As if the Conservative Government at Westminster has…

Hyslop Welcomes 17% Fall in Serious Violent Crime in West Lothian Local Constituency MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed new figures which show there has been a 17% fall in serious violent crime in West Lothian over the last ten years.  Police recorded crime figures have also revealed that serious assault and attempted murder cases fell by 38% across Scotland. Fiona commented; “These new figures are encouraging, and reflect a significant reduction in violence in our communities – yet more proof that the Scottish Government’s evidence-based approach to justice and rehabilitation is working.  “The fall in violent crime also coincides with a rise in police numbers since the SNP came to power – in contrast to England and Wales, where police numbers have fallen by almost 20,000.  “It’s vital…

[caption id="attachment_2484" align="aligncenter" width="4031"] — picture by Donald MacLeod [/caption]   Local Linlithgow MSP, Fiona Hyslop has marked International Museum’s Day at the Scottish Parliament and also highlighted the new Linlithgow Museum in her constituency. International Museums Day falls on Saturday, 18th May and was created in 1977 with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of museums as a means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and the development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples. Fiona said; “I was delighted to speak at a reception in Parliament this week (Tuesday 14th May) to mark International Museums Day and to highlight the new Linlithgow museum which officially opened just last month. “It is impossible not to recognise the role that museums play in terms of developing relations and…

  Hyslop Welcomes Brown Tourist Signs for Korean War Memorial Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the news that new brown tourist signs on the M8 and M9 can be erected to direct tourists to the Korean War Memorial in the Bathgate Hills. Fiona wrote to the Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans, Graeme Dey MSP, inviting him to visit the Korean War Memorial in February, which he did. She also wrote to the Minister asking that he encourage the Transport Secretary Michael Matheson and Transport Scotland to find a way of permitting brown tourist signs for the Korean War Memorial in Bathgate to be positioned on the M9 and M8 to help visitors find it. Fiona commented; “I am delighted that following the visit by the Veterans Minister…

  Hyslop Welcomes Transport Secretary to Winchburgh Transport Secretary Invited to discuss Transport Plans for Winchburgh Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop invited the Scottish Transport Secretary, Michael Matheson to visit the new Winchburgh Development and to hear from Transport Scotland, Scottish Canals, Scotrail Alliance, Sustrans, First Bus, Winchburgh Community Council, Winchburgh Community Development Trust and West Lothian Council about the transport links that will support the ambitious development. Mr Matheson was taken on a site tour around the development by John Hamilton, CEO of Winchburgh Developments Limited and Sweco the transportation engineers working on this project, prior to meeting with the various transport organisations. The development once completed will include a new four-way motorway junction on the M9, a marina on Union Canal, and a new railway station. Commenting…

Hyslop Condemns UK Government Welfare Cuts that Drive Foodbank Use 5,776 emergency food supplies provided to families in West Lothian Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has condemned the UK Government’s Universal Credit delays saying that they are driving the use of foodbanks in West Lothian The number of emergency parcels handed out by food banks in Scotland rose by nearly a quarter over the last year, according to the UK’s largest food bank provider. In West Lothian 5,776 of three-day emergency food supplies were provided to people in crisis by food banks, 2,073 of those were to children. The food bank provider said that issues with the Tories flagship welfare reform Universal Credit were a “key driver” of increasing food poverty. Fiona said; “Westminster’s failing Universal Credit has been nothing short…

Linlithgow MSP Highlights Importance of Early Diagnosis Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop is highlighting the importance of early diagnosis in support of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. (April). Fiona commented, “Scotland was the first country in the UK to introduce a simpler bowel screening test called the faecal immunochemical test—FIT. Since its introduction in November 2017, there has been a substantial increase in levels of participation in the bowel screening programme. “It is good news that the biggest improvement has been among those who live in the most deprived areas, where uptake has increased by 10 per cent.  “The bowel screening test is the best way to catch bowel cancer early. I urge all constituents who have been sent a test to do it as soon as they receive it…

Linlithgow MSP Welcomes Official Opening of new Linlithgow Museum Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the opening of Linlithgow Museum, which can now be found at the Linlithgow Partnership Centre on the High Street. The museum used to be located in Annett House. Linlithgow Heritage Trust (LHT) received a grant of £240,000 from The National Lottery for the “A New Museum for Royal Linlithgow” project which aimed to enable community involvement in the development, delivery and interpretation of heritage. Fiona said, “I am delighted to see that the new Museum for Linlithgow has officially opened. This free attraction, located in the heart of Linlithgow allows local people to find out more about the history and heritage of their town. “The museum features three new galleries and a bespoke…

EU Citizens Urged to stay in West Lothian Fiona Hyslop MSP: “You will always be welcome in Scotland” SNP MSP Fiona Hyslop has made an impassioned plea to EU citizens living in West Lothian to stay in Scotland amid ongoing Brexit uncertainty. This week First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, made a commitment to EU citizens that Scotland remains their home - promising to continue making a strong case for their rights to be protected in any EU exit scenario. Fiona Hyslop has previously written to the thousands of EU citizens in her constituency following a successful campaign to push the UK government to scrap the £65 “settled status” fee. Fiona said; “It is important to make clear that EU citizens will always remain welcome in West Lothian and I will continue…

Hyslop Highlights Dementia Centre Services in Livingston Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop attended the opening day of Alzheimer Scotland’s new Dementia Centre at Grampian Court in Livingston on April 1st to hear about the variety of services and support available at their new centre. Fiona commented; “I was delighted to see round the new Dementia Centre in Livingston this week (Monday 1st April) and to meet staff and volunteers who work with Alzheimer Scotland. “As well as a lovely social café space, the facilities also includes private meeting rooms and a cosy area. Their services extend the length and breadth of West Lothian, so if someone you know has been diagnosed with dementia, I would urge making contact with this local charity who are keen to offer their support and…