Perth and Kinross 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."

Scottish Liberal Democrats plan to propose amendments to the Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Bill that would seek to enable offenders serving short-term sentences to vote in the referendum on Scottish independence in 2014.

The party's justice spokesperson, Alison McInnes MSP, has urged that there be a measured and responsible approach to a debate on the issue, explaining that such a move could help contribute towards the rehabilitation of offenders as they prepare to return to society.

Commenting ahead of the stage one debate on the Franchise Bill, Ms McInnes said:

Alison McInnes"The outcome of the referendum on independence will have irrevocable and far-reaching consequences for every person in Scotland. A general election chooses the government for the next five years. This referendum could change the entire country for the next five hundred years and beyond.

"I believe that we must give serious consideration to allowing prisoners the chance to have a say in that decision. The primary aim of prison is rehabilitation, but if we are serious about that and about reducing reoffending, then we have to ensure that prisoners are more engaged with society. Allowing certain prisoners a vote can be an important step in encouraging them to take greater responsibility and to play a more positive role as they prepare to re-join the community.

"After detailed discussions and a review of existing policies across Europe, Scottish Liberal Democrats will be seeking to amend the referendum franchise bill to give some offenders - those serving short term sentences - the right to vote.

"The bill will be debated for the first time in the Scottish Parliament this coming week and we hope it will be a measured and responsible debate from all parties. In a discussion around the very foundations of our country, it seems reasonable that we take a mature look at exactly who should be allowed to participate in that democratic decision.

"Excluding short-term prisoners from voting in the independence referendum is likely to reinforce the sense that they are isolated.If we remove some offenders from a decision that will fundamentally affect their future, then far from helping to rehabilitate them, we actually risk alienating them still further from society.

"This week's debate gives us our first opportunity to set out these proposals. With eyes from around the world watching, I hope that everyone will carefully consider the arguments and make a measured contribution to the debate on this issue."

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have today announced that Christine Jardine has been selected as their candidate for the Aberdeen Donside parliamentary by-election.

Cllr Steve Delaney, Alison McInnes MSP, Willie Rennie MSP, Christine Jardine, Sir Malcolm Bruce MP

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie MSP joined local representatives Sir Malcolm Bruce MP and Alison McInnes MSP at the party's North East conference today (Saturday 11th May) where the candidate was formally announced.

Speaking after the announcement, former BBC Aberdeen reporter Christine Jardine said:

"I am delighted to have been chosen to stand for the Scottish Liberal Democrats in the Aberdeen Donside by-election. The North East needs a strong voice in parliament, not yet another nationalist who will bang the drum for independence.

"For too long the SNP government has overlooked Aberdeen. This year alone they short-changed the City Council's funds to the tune of £20 million.

"I'm pressing the SNP Government to reverse their £20 million cut to local council services and for improved rail links to the central belt. Donside towns like Dyce drive the engine of our oil and gas economy, which should mean the North East is better connected to the rest of Scotland.

"We can send a powerful message to the Labour council to get on and build the third Don crossing. There should be no more dither and delay over a project with such clear benefits for the local community. These are things we can do for the people of Donside today, building a stronger economy and enabling every person to get on in life.

"I will be urging the SNP Government to match the expansion of childcare in England. So far the SNP has blocked our costed and reasonable plans which could benefit over 1000 two year olds in Aberdeen. As a mother I know the value of good childcare and this is a real initiative which could help to build a fairer society.

"A vote for me in the by election is a vote for a strong local team with MP Malcolm Bruce and MSP Alison McInnes. I want to build a stronger economy and a fairer society which enables every person to get on in life. On fair funding for council services, improved rail services to the central belt, expansion of childcare and for the third Don crossing, the people of Donside deserve a strong voice to stand up for the North East."

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie MSP said:

"Christine will be a strong voice for the North East. As a mother she understands the need for good quality childcare, enabling our young people and families to get on in life.

"Working in partnership with local MP Malcolm Bruce and our North East MSP Alison McInnes, Christine is the woman who will work to deliver a stronger economy and a fairer society for the people of Donside."

Alan Reid MP has called on the SNP National Leadership to stopAlan Reid interfering in Argyll & Bute Council affairs.

Mr Reid was speaking after the SNP suspended its Argyll & Bute Council group because they had agreed to form a coalition with the Liberal Democrat and Conservative groups to run the troubled Council.

Mr Reid said:

"At last May's elections the people of Argyll & Bute voted in the SNP as the largest group on the Council, but didn't give them overall control. Over the past year the SNP administration has lurched from one crisis to another.

"This chaotic situation could not continue, and so, when the SNP Leader Councillor James Robb invited the Liberal Democrat and Tory Council groups to join a rainbow coalition, our Councillors readily agreed.

"I had high hopes that this coalition would bring stable, sensible Government to Argyll & Bute, so I am outraged that the SNP National Leadership has stepped in to block this coalition being formed. National party leaders should keep out of local government and allow local Councillors to get on with the job which their constituents elected them to do.

"I have emailed Alex Salmond and called on him to keep out of Argyll & Bute Council affairs. This SNP control freakery must end. It is clearly a foretaste of what an independent Scotland under SNP rule would be like - Presidential edicts from Edinburgh interfering in local decisions throughout the country.

"Local Councillors must be allowed to tackle the many problems in Argyll & Bute without having to wait for Alex Salmond's consent."

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie MSP added:

"I'm not surprised that the puppet master in Bute house is trying to pull the strings in democratic local politics. I'm pleased that our excellent team of councillors will be able to deliver a stronger economy and a fairer society for Argyll and Bute. I trust them to make the right decisions for their area, I didn't know about this decision but it's their call and if it's good for Argyll and Bute it's good for me."