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 “A Diverse and Independent Media is vital Locally and Nationally” – Fiona Hyslop Local Constituency MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop has said that a diverse and independent media is vital and that the Scottish Government will not introduce plans requiring the press in Scotland to sign up to a state approved regulator. However Fiona warns that any plans pushed for by Westminster must consider the impact the will have north of the border. Fiona said; “A diverse and independent media is vital to sustaining a flourishing democracy. Press Regulation and the court system are devolved matters and the Scottish Government have no plans to require publishers to pay for the court costs even if they win a defamation case in court, as has happened in Westminster. “A move to regulate…

Hyslop Welcomes Health Investment in Blackburn Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has welcomed £500 million funding for 2017/18 announced this week from the Scottish Government for health care facilities across Scotland including the completion of Bathgate Partnership Centre in Blackburn. The new facility will provide patients in Blackburn with treatment in purpose-built, 21st century settings. Fiona commented; “This £500m funding across Scotland 2017-18 is a welcome investment and I am pleased that the Blackburn Partnership Centre will benefit from this. “A facility where local people can access the services and support they need in one place is vital to provide safe, effective high quality care and I look forward to the completion of the building project and opening of the new integrated Health and community services.”  

Local MSP Condemns Race Hate Comments Local Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop has condemned the comments made by 34 year old Colin Robertson from Linlithgow after he was exposed as the man behind the far right extremist blog ‘Millenial Woes’ and a YouTube “vlogger” channel, where he spouts white ­supremacist views and promotes hatred of black people, Jews and women. Fiona said, “This type of disgraceful behaviour has no place in society. “Racism must always be called out and I am glad that this race hate has been exposed. “People in Linlithgow will be appalled that such hatred was being broadcast from someone in the town and doesn't reflect the tolerance and respect for others which is the normal character of the place and the people." 

Christmas and New Year Message from Fiona Hyslop MSP December 2016 “As your MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, I am delighted to wish my constituents a very merry Christmas all the very best for the year ahead. “The Festive break provides us all with an opportunity to reflect on the year gone by. I have been working hard to make the case for keeping jobs local at the HMRC premises in Bathgate and plan to continue representing my constituents who are affected by this. The current economic climate presents challenges for many families, but I can assure my constituents that I will use all my efforts to support opportunities for jobs and economic growth in West Lothian. This time of year also encourages us to look forward. After a year…

Alexander and Emily Most Popular Names in West Lothian 2016 Speaking after the announcement of Scotland’s top 100 baby names, Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has commented on the results for West Lothian. “Despite Jack still being the number one boys name across Scotland, Alexander is now the number one boys name in West Lothian. Interestingly, Alexander is only in 10th place Scotland wide. “Emily is still proving to be a popular girl’s name, coming top in West Lothian, but has lost out Olivia nationally. “It is always interesting to see what names are chosen by proud parents across West Lothian.” To see if your name made the top 100, visit the attached link: Top 100 names in Scotland: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/files//statistics/popular-forenames/2016/babies-names16-table1.pdf   Top names by local authority: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/files//statistics/popular-forenames/2016/babies-names16-table3.pdf  

Hyslop Backs Plans to Keep Scotland in Single Market Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop, who also has responsibility in the Scottish government for International engagement, has backed proposals to keep Scotland in the European Single Market and stop the “national disaster” of a hard Brexit. The paper – “Scotland’s Place in Europe” – was published on Tuesday, 20 December and outlined the SNP’s determination for Scotland to remain in the European single market. The paper also outlined substantial new powers that should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament as a result of Brexit. Commenting, Fiona said; “People in Scotland voted to remain in the EU by an overwhelming 24-point margin – and 58% of those who voted in West Lothian, voted to Remain. “While we believe that full EU membership…

Hyslop Welcomes Budget for Scotland that supports local Families and Businesses Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the Scottish budget which focusses on equality and economic growth, supporting families and local businesses. The budget supports young families with an increase in childcare provision to 1,140 hours, and will see West Lothian Council receive a share of £120m for schools to use at their discretion to close the attainment gap. Fiona commented; “An increase in nursery hours of up to 1,140 per child and a share of £120m for local schools to close the attainment gap goes a long way to tackle inequality in West Lothian, investing in our future generations from birth and the earliest years, through school and beyond, it is clear that education is this Government’s number one…

Hyslop Congratulates Whitburn Church on £4,500 Award Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has written to Whitburn Pentecostal Church to congratulate them on their £4,500 Award as part of the Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All Initiative. Fiona said; “I am very pleased that Whitburn Pentecostal Church has been awarded this £4,500 funding. The Church runs the West Lothian Foodbank and I understand that the funding will be used for volunteer support costs. “Particularly at this time of year, our local foodbanks work extremely hard for hard pressed families. This is welcome funding to a worthy cause at an important and special time of year.”  

Fiona Thanks Christmas Royal Mail Delivery Posties Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has visited Royal Mail’s delivery offices in Linlithgow and in Bathgate to pass on Christmas wishes and thanks to the postmen and women at their busiest time of year. Fiona was shown round the offices and was introduced to the postmen and women who are working hard sorting and delivering cards and parcels in the Linlithgow and Bathgate areas in the run-up to Christmas. Fiona commented: “It is always great to meet the dedicated, hard-working Royal Mail postmen and women in West Lothian and to see first-hand just how much effort they put into delivering for people at this time of year. “The staff at our local delivery offices in Linlithgow and Bathgate do such an important job…

Hyslop Encourages Shopping Local this Christmas In advance of Small Business Saturday this weekend (Dec 3rd) Fiona Hyslop, MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, is encouraging her constituents to shop local this Christmas. Fiona said; “Small Businesses are at the heart of our communities, so it’s quite right that they should be highlighted and supported over the festive period. “West Lothian has huge variety of independent, locally run businesses, such as Again Clothing Shop in Whitburn, Boghall Butchers in Bathgate or ‘A Wee mindin’ in Linlithgow. Each business offers its town something unique and special. “If they’ve not already started, I would encourage my constituents to kick off their Christmas shopping this Saturday (Dec 3rd) – a day dedicated to recognising small businesses – and shop local this Christmas.” ENDS Notes…