Alison Thewliss

More cuts to disability benefits “completely unacceptable”

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Alison Thewliss MP sitting at her desk in Parliament

Alison Thewliss, SNP MP for Glasgow Central, has described planned further cuts to disability benefits as “completely unacceptable” and called for an assurance that disabled people will not be left financially worse off under new proposals from the UK Government.

The UK government has announced emergency legislation to change the eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payment, and overturn the decision of two tribunal rulings against the Department for Work and Pensions last year. The UK Government claims that these changes would reduce spending on disability benefits by £3.7 billion. In reality, the changes will deny over 160,000 people access to Personal Independence Payment, cutting vital support which helps people cope with the extra costs of living with disability.

These changes come on the back of the comments made by Tory MP and head of the Number 10 Policy Unit George Freeman, who said that the changes would ensure that benefits went to people who are “really disabled” rather than people “who suffer from anxiety”. Mr Freeman’s comments have drawn criticism from disability rights organisations for the insensitive way that he portrayed sufferers of anxiety.

Commenting on the legislation, Alison Thewliss MP said:

“For a Tory MP, and one of Theresa May’s most senior advisers, to suggest that people with a mental health condition are not “really disabled” is completely unacceptable and wrong. George Freeman’s words highlight this Tory government’s total lack of understanding or compassion when it comes to providing for those who are less fortunate than others.

“The Tories said there would be no further cuts to disability support during this parliament, but once again they have shown that the price of their failed austerity project is to be borne by those who are least able to afford it.

“The UK government must urgently clarify what these new proposals will mean for people who currently receive Personal Independence Payment and give a concrete assurance that any changes will not result in a reduction in financial support for disabled people.

“I have signed the “prayer” motion laid down in the House of Commons to formally object to this legislation and I call on MPs from across the House of Commons to unite in opposition against these changes.”

MP sets goal to make football grounds breastfeeding friendly

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A Member of Parliament has launched a campaign to request that all football clubs in Scotland consider declaring their stadiums as being breastfeeding friendly.

Alison Thewliss MP’s bid to secure the status for all forty-two football grounds in Scotland was sparked by the efforts of Championship side, Ayr United, which recently declared Somerset Park as being a breastfeeding friendly ground.

Thewliss – herself a lifelong Motherwell fan – has written to every football club in Scotland, encouraging them to follow in Ayr United’s footsteps. Over half of all clubs have already responded and taken up the initiative by declaring their grounds as breastfeeding friendly. Breastfeeding in public places has been a legally protected right in Scotland since 2005, following the introduction of the Breastfeeding, etc. (Scotland) Act by Labour MSP, Elaine Smith.

Speaking of her campaign, Alison Thewliss MP said:

“The 2005 Breastfeeding Act specifically makes it an offence to stop a mother or child from breastfeeding in public and that is a hugely welcome protection. What gives further reassurance to breastfeeding mums is for as many places as possible to be pro-active and declare themselves “breastfeeding friendly”.

“Football crowds have changed a lot over the years and stadiums are becoming a much more family friendly environment. The vast majority of clubs understand the need to build future generations of fans.

“I’ve been going to Fir Park with my family and supporting Motherwell for over 20 years. Once I became a mum, I took the decision to take my son to the Europa League game against Aalesund when he was a month old. I was a bit nervous about doing so, but was very much supported by my family and neighbouring fans. I’ve had a positive experience at Scotland games too, and I would encourage all clubs to play their part.

“By making a positive declaration that stadiums are breastfeeding friendly, this will go some way to letting people know that breastfeeding is normal and need not be a taboo issue.

“With the exception of one or two clubs, the initial response from the majority of Scottish football clubs has been absolutely fantastic and it’s encouraging that so many folk are uniting to make Scottish football a breastfeeding friendly environment”.

People with arthritis need more support to work says MP

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A local MP has called on the government to provide more support for workers with arthritis to help close the ‘arthritis employment gap’

Arthritis is the number one cause of pain, disability and working days lost, according to Arthritis Research UK, which highlighted the issue to Alison Thewliss MP at a recent parliamentary briefing. Arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions like back pain affect one in six of us.

Musculoskeletal conditions cause pain, stiffness and fatigue that can make every day work tasks such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and typing difficult. They are the leading cause of workplace absence in the UK, causing 32.4 million sick days each year.

Only 60% of working age people with a musculoskeletal condition are in work, compared to 80% among those without a health condition or a disability. This ‘arthritis work gap’ means that 600,000 people with arthritis are currently missing out on the opportunity to work.

Now, following the Government’s Improving Lives consultation on employment support for disabled people, Ms Thewliss is calling on the Government to ensure that people with arthritis have the support to stay at work for longer:

“It’s clear how enormous the impact of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions is on our local communities. The ability to work is something that we often take for granted, but I’ve learnt today that for those living with arthritis this can be an incredibly difficult task. Undoubtedly thousands of local people with conditions like this want to work, but do not always have the necessary support to be able to do so.

“That’s why I’m supporting Arthritis Research UK’s ‘Work Matters to Me’ campaign, putting this vital issue on the map. The Government must ensure that there is a level playing field so that people with arthritis who are able to work have the right support and employment opportunities.”

Dr Liam O’Toole, chief executive officer at Arthritis Research UK, commented:

“I’m delighted that Alison Thewliss MP is supporting our campaign to give people with arthritis the freedom from their condition in employment, enabling them to live their life to the full.

“The current situation for people living with the daily pain of arthritis is untenable. Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain are the number one cause for workplace sickness absence in the UK.

“Our retirement age has increased and we’re an ageing working population, so even more people are going to be living with the pain and unpredictability of arthritis, and face an uncertain working future.

“But with the right kind of support and job; work can benefit your mental and physical health as well as financial position.

“We need to see Government action to address the employment needs of people with long term conditions such as arthritis, so that they have the right support and opportunity to maintain their freedom and quality of life.”

MP calls for guarantee for the right to remain for EU citizens

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On Monday (20 February 2017), I was delighted to show my support for a mass lobby of Parliament organised by the3million.org.uk, UNISON and New Europeans in support of EU citizens’ right to stay in the country after Brexit.

I was proud to sign a pledge to call on Theresa May to guarantee unilaterally the rights of EU citizens living in Scotland and the UK, as the SNP-led Scottish Government has called on them to do following the result of the EU referendum. MPs from six different parties signed this pledge, representing the widespread concern of parliamentarians on this issue. Around 180,000 EU nationals are currently resident in Scotland and make a highly important contribution to Scottish society.

I believe workers from across Europe play a vital role in our public services, especially in the NHS where in Scotland 5% of the overall NHS workforce are EU nationals. Many of these people are long existing residents of Scotland and the UK, they and their families deserve better than years of uncertainty and being reduced to bargaining chips in the upcoming negotiations.

The Government must reconsider their stance on this important issue and unilaterally grants the Right to Remain for EU citizens before the process of Brexit negotiations begins.

Alison Thewliss MP calls for public response on domestic abuse victim tax

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Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central, is calling upon her constituents to help scrap the Tory government policy to tax victims of domestic abuse for exerting their right to child maintenance.

Ms Thewliss is urging constituents to sign a petition that calls for the UK Government to remove the 4% collection charge on child maintenance payments that applies to parents using the ‘Collect-and-Pay’ service.

Payments made to the ‘Collect-and-Pay’ service are managed by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) and can be removed directly from the paying parent’s bank account and have enforcement powers to ensure maintenance is paid on time and in full.

The CMS exempt victims of domestic violence from the £20 application fee, but do not make any exemptions from the monthly charges. In response to a written question tabled by SNP MP Angela Crawley, the UK Government said the charges are in place to encourage parents to pause and consider whether they require the ‘Collect-and-Pay’ service – encouraging parents to utilise the less bureaucratic ‘Direct-Pay’ scheme.

However, Ms Thewliss stressed that the ‘Direct-Pay’ service does not offer the same protections as ‘Collect-and-Pay’ and can continue the cycle of abuse. She is urging constituents to go online and sign the petition.

Commenting, Alison Thewliss MP said:

“Victims are domestic abuse should be protected by the UK government, not punished financially for their inability to engage with an abusive ex-partner.

“The UK Government advises victims of domestic abuse that they should utilise their less safe ‘Direct-Pay’ scheme, which has no powers of enforcement and allows continued communication through bank transfers.

“The Tories have shown a complete lack of compassion by introducing this charge and even worse, they actually risk putting the lives of domestic abuse victim-survivors and their children in real danger.

“The UK Government must look again at this unfair tax and listen to calls from charities, the public and MPs to scrap it – ultimately, it will be the children that child maintenance payments are intended to support who will lose out.”

Yemen air bombing campaign raised in Parliament

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Alison Thewliss MP speaking in the House of Commons

Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central, today (Tuesday 21st February) raised with Foreign Office Ministers the difficulty posed to aid workers in Yemen as a result of the sustained Saudi air bombing campaign.

The SNP MP is a leading member of the APPG on Yemen and recently met with a delegation of aid workers in Parliament to hear first-hand the difficulties NGOs face as a result of “perpetual bombardment”.

Responding to the Glasgow MP, Foreign Office Minister Tobias Elwood undertook to raise this matter with Saudi Ministers in Riyadh later this week.

Commenting, Alison Thewliss MP said:

“The perpetual bombardment of Yemen by Saudi Arabia is decimating the region and has led to a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions.

“Thousands of people have died, millions have been displaced and many children are severely malnourished. Adding to this miserable situation, Yemen is now at risk of famine.

“The in-country aid workers I spoke to recently told me some really horrific stories about their work in the Yemen. Workers being stopped at checkpoints are being exposed to serious risk, and indiscriminate bombing is severely limiting the action NGOs and aid workers can safely take to meet the growing humanitarian need.

“I am grateful to the Minister for undertaking to raise these concerns later this week when he visits Saudi Arabia.

“We cannot stand back any longer whilst Yemen is in such severe crisis”.

 

Bill published to crack down on formula milk promotion

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A new Bill has been published today (Tuesday 21st February) which will tackle the “excessive and misleading marketing techniques” deployed by infant formula milk companies.

The proposed law, which is due for second reading in Parliament later this week, has been welcomed by health professionals, parents and campaigning groups – including Unicef Baby Friendly.

The new legislation, drafted by Glasgow Central MP Alison Thewliss, will:

– Introduce plain packaging for all formula milks;
– Establish a body, totally independent of industry, to test all products and verify the claims of manufacturers prior to them being licensed for sale;
– Ban the use of misleading terms such as “follow-on” or “growing-up” formula milks;
– Stop companies from circumventing existing laws by introducing a ban on identical packaging for stage two and subsequent products;
– Prohibit formula companies from advertising in health journals and magazines;
– Bring forward tougher penalties for companies who flout the legislation, including greater financial fines and prison sentences for company CEOs;
– Ban advertising of formula milks on TV, social media, the internet and through parenting clubs.

Alison Thewliss MP – who chairs the UK Parliament’s All Party Parliamentary Group on Infant Feeding & Inequalities – said:

“The Bill I have published today is a major step forward in tackling the excessive and misleading marketing techniques deployed by formula milk companies.

“For too long, these enormously powerful multi-nationals have been pushing the boundaries and circumventing existing legislation to relentlessly promote their products to parents and families. The more we see new aggressive marketing techniques, the more we see ever higher prices for formula milk, which is borne by the consumer.

“I absolutely understand and respect that some families will choose to use formula milk; this is absolutely not about breastfeeding versus bottle feeding. I want to make sure parents are protected from misleading advertising and can access impartial, trusted information when making feeding decisions for their children. The consultation I carried out demonstrated that many parents are making decisions based on marketing alone, which is deeply worrying.

“There have been examples of products being recalled or discontinued after they make it to the shelves, for example for being found to have excessive protein. Other concerns include the introduction of prebiotics, which may not be necessary. Without an independent agency to test these products and verify the claims being made by companies, we have a situation of self-policing which simply isn’t working.

“Under the current arrangement, formula companies are also banned from advertising formula milks for new babies but they simply get around this by branding their products almost identically, with packaging showing stages 1, 2, 3. “Follow-on” or “growing up” milks look the same as their baby milks, so parents are led to assume there is a progression. The reality is that there is generally no need for formula after the age of one. This loophole is costing families dear, with most formulas costing around £10 per packet.

“For too long, formula companies have been running roughshod over the 2007 legislation which is no longer fit for purpose. In addition, the consumer has been picking up the cost for an ever increasing marketing war – this Bill will go some way to ending this and ensuring that parents are free from commercial influence and pressure when making choices about how they feed their children”.

World Cancer Day 2017

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On World Cancer Day (Thursday 9th February) I was delighted to show my support for Bowel Cancer UK’s early diagnosis campaign. 9 out of 10 people survive bowel cancer with an early diagnosis, so it’s important that people get tested as early as possible as it could save your life. The Scottish Bowel Screening Programme routinely offers tests to those aged between 50 and 74 – find out more about the screening progamme.

Alison Thewliss MP shows her support for the 49,000

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Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central, has committed to support the charity Together for Short Lives’ call to provide better support for children and young people who need palliative care and their families.

The charity, which speaks out for the 49,000 children and young people in the UK who are expected to have short lives, held a special Westminster reception on Tuesday (7 February) to highlight the devastating impact that life-limiting and life-threatening conditions can have on children and their families. MPs heard about the action that Together for Short Lives would like the Chancellor of the Exchequer to take to help these vulnerable families when he delivers his Budget on 8 March.

During the reception Ms Thewliss heard from Rachel Thompson, the mother of nine year old Frank who was diagnosed with a rare life-limiting condition when he was just four. Rachel told parliamentarians about the pressures of coordinating Frank’s 24/7 care and the support she and her family receive from their local children’s palliative care services.

The reception also saw the launch of the new All-Party Parliamentary Group for Children Who Need Palliative Care. The group will provide an important forum for MPs and Peers to hear about the issues facing these seriously ill children – and what action they can take in Parliament to help.

Children with life-limiting conditions require a wide range of professionals working together across different health and care services to support them. Unfortunately, there is a postcode lottery of support for children and their families as many cannot access the care that they need. This is because it is not available in their area or there are not enough professionals with the right skills and experience to care for them.

Alison Thewliss MP said

“I really appreciated having the opportunity to hear Frank’s story and to learn about the wonderful support he receives from a range of services, including his local children’s hospice.

“It was evident at the reception that there is much more to do to help families overcome the serious challenges they face on a day to day basis. I support the charity’s call to make the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance available to children under three who are dependent on heavy and bulky life support equipment. Currently this benefit is only available to children aged three or over. I look forward to working with Together for Short Lives in Parliament to support children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families.”

You can find out more about Together for Short Lives’ work to transform the lives of children with life-limiting conditions at www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk or join the conversation using #forthe49000.

Alison Thewliss MP supports World Cancer Day 2017

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Alison Thewliss, SNP MP for Glasgow Central, attended an event in Parliament yesterday (Wednesday 1 February) to show her support for World Cancer Day on Saturday 4 February 2017. Ms Thewliss met with representatives from seven of the UK’s leading charities, who have joined forces to help people affected by cancer.

Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Care, Breast Cancer Now, CLIC Sargent, Anthony Nolan, Bowel Cancer UK and Marie Curie are calling on people across Glasgow to show their support by wearing a Unity Band or donating. By joining forces, the charities will make a bigger impact in transforming the lives of millions who are affected by cancer. One in two people born in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime.

The Unity Bands are made of two parts, knotted together, to symbolise strength in unity and the power of what can be achieved when people join forces. The bands are available from each charity on their websites, shops and other retail outlets for a suggested donation of £2. All money raised from the Unity Bands will go towards the charities’ individual work.

Alison Thewliss MP said:

“I’m calling on people in Glasgow to join me by wearing a Unity Band, making a donation or spreading the word on social media in support of World Cancer Day, which is taking place on Saturday 4 February.

“Whatever your motivation – to remember a loved one, celebrate people who have overcome the disease, or to rally in support of those going through treatment – World Cancer Day is a chance to get involved and transform the lives of millions of people who are affected by cancer.”