Analysis finds pension costs more affordable in an independent Scotland

Wednesday, 10 April 2013 21:07

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By a Newsnet reporter

It is time for the No campaign to start explaining why welfare and pensions should be left in the hands of Westminster, the SNP has said – with a majority of Scots believing that the Scottish Government would be best at deciding welfare and pensions for Scotland.

A new analysis published on Wednesday by the Scottish Government shows that pensions and welfare costs in an independent Scotland would not only be more affordable than in the rest of the UK, but that Scotland would be in a better position than the majority of EU15 countries.

Spanish Prime Minister: Scotland and Catalonia are 'absolutely and totally different' cases

Tuesday, 09 April 2013 19:26

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By a Newsnet reporter

After meeting with David Cameron in Madrid on Monday, the Spanish Prime Minster Mariano Rajoy has stressed that the cases of Scotland and Catalonia are "absolutely and totally different".

Mr Rajoy made the statement during a press conference at the Palace of Moncloa, the seat of the Spanish government, however Mr Rajoy said that neither he nor Mr Cameron mentioned "a single word" on the independence referendums due to be held in Scotland and Catalonia.

Concern at UK government's 'lack of planning' for possible Scottish independence

Tuesday, 09 April 2013 19:18

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By a Newsnet reporter

The House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee has published its report into the implications for the UK of Scottish independence and has criticised the UK government for its lack of planning for a possible Yes vote.

The report, from a committee consisting entirely of representatives from the anti-independence parties, unsurprisingly focusses on what the committee sees as the negative impact of independence on Scotland's economy.

Scottish budget at risk from privatisation in English NHS

Saturday, 06 April 2013 22:28

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By a Newsnet reporter

The SNP is today calling on the UK government to give assurances that "savings" made from the privatisation of the National Health Service in England must not be used to try and justify another cut in Scotland's budget.

The changes to the NHS in England began to come into effect on 1 April, under the terms of the new regulations it is now compulsory for the new local commissioning bodies in England – the so-called clinical commissioning groups – to use market mechanisms to commission health services.

No campaign left with nuclear 'headache' after Cameron's visit

Saturday, 06 April 2013 19:45

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By a Newsnet reporter

Yes campaigners say that David Cameron's visit to Scotland this week has left the anti-independence campaign with a major headache as they attempt to justify his nuclear weapons claims to a Scottish public that is overwhelmingly opposed to nuclear weapons.

Reaction to David Cameron’s claims that North Korea is currently capable of attacking the UK with a nuclear missile has been overwhelmingly negative, with former Tory Defence Secretary Michael Portillo describing the claims as "absurd".

Plea with Labour councils to 'see sense' on Bedroom Tax

Friday, 05 April 2013 21:27

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By a Newsnet reporter

The SNP has called on Johann Lamont and the Labour leadership to intervene and prevent petty politics blocking the SNP's Bedroom Tax Declaration which aims to prevents council tenants being evicted.

This follows the Labour administration in Fife Council voting yesterday to block an SNP motion calling for a clear "No Bedroom Tax Evictions Policy" for council tenants.

Cameron facing ridicule after claiming North Korea could nuke the UK

Thursday, 04 April 2013 22:31

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By G.A.Ponsonby

Prime Minister David Cameron is today facing ridicule after claiming that North Korea had the capability of launching a nuclear attack against the UK.

The PM made the surprise comments on a visit to Scotland in order to promote the renewal of the Trident Nuclear Weapons system that is housed on the Clyde.