Brendan O&#8217;Hara MP, Newsletter

Saving Channel 4 from privatisation is essential to democracy | Brendan O'Hara MP

5 days ago

Yesterday alongside some of my SNP colleagues at Westminster, I called the UK Government's desire to sell-off #channel4 "politically driven spite". When they're removing folk from the electoral register & suppressing the right to protest, we more than ever, need #channel4news to be that independent non-compliant media ready to scrutinise policy and hold decision-makers particularly this Tory government to account. brendanoharamp.scot/2021/07/21/saving-channel-4-from-privatisation-is-essential-to-democracy/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Plans by UK Government to sell-off C4 are 'politically motivated" and "vindictive" Today I took part in a Westminster Hall debate on the Privatisation of Channel 4 and spoke about the real reasons why...

1 week ago

At least 145,000 school children across Scotland including around 1463 from Argyll & Bute, are set to benefit from an increase in the School Clothing Grant announced by the SNP Scottish Government.Research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) estimates that the £11.8million investment from the Scottish Government in the support means more families will have access to support to pay for school clothes and shoes.Eligible families will receive the increased annual grant of £120 for every primary school pupil and £150 for every secondary pupil.The SNP Scottish Government has already helped thousands of low-income families across Scotland through progressive policies including the Best Start Grants, Best Start Foods, Scottish Child Payment and with help with costs of school. This includes Free School Meals and the School Clothing Grant which helps families with costs of buying school clothes and shoes.This is another demonstration of the difference between two governments as the one in Edinburgh builds a fairer more equal society whilst the Tory government in Westminster is preparing to cut Universal Credit, which could plunge 20,000 children in Scotland into poverty.Last week the Scottish Government also announced fees for children learning a musical instrument at school will be removed thanks to more than £7 million funding.Councils will also receive £6 million to waive core curriculum charges which can be levied on families for things including materials for home economics or theatre trips associated with drama qualifications. ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago

Just back from an absolutely cracking day on a very, very sunny Isle of Bute. If you haven’t been to Bute recently, or ever… you really don’t know what you’re missing, and you should get yourself over ASAP. It was also a timely reminder of what a privilege it is to represent such a stunningly beautiful constituency. Today I visited local businesses, caught up with old friends & popped into to see the lovely folk from Bute Pride and LEAP Sports Scotland. Perfect day. ... See MoreSee Less

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£5billion cut to UK Foreign Aid budget will devastate developing world | Brendan O'Hara MP

2 weeks ago

Thanks to all constituents across Argyll & Bute who contacted me with concerns about plans by the Tory government to cut the Foreign Aid budget by £5 billion. Last night this went to a vote and while the SNP and all other opposition parties voted against these cuts, the Conservatives including all of their Scottish MPs, voted it through. This decision will be devastating for millions of people across the developing world as well as the many charities and NGO's working to help them. brendanoharamp.scot/2021/07/14/5billion-cut-to-uk-foreign-aid-budget-will-devastate-developing-wo... ... See MoreSee Less

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Walking away from international responsibilities, "fundamentally wrong and morally repugnant" Yesterday the Tories finally abandoned any pretence of a moral responsibility to the world's poor by agree...

No promised 'sea of opportunity' for Scottish fishing industry | Brendan O'Hara MP

2 weeks ago

This morning I took part in a Westminster Hall debate on ‘Fisheries Management after the UK’s departure from the EU’ and spoke about the direct impact of Brexit on four businesses across Argyll & Bute – Easdale Seafoods at Balvicar on Seil, Islay Crab Exports, Lochfyne Langoustine in Tarbert, and Jonathan McAllister’s fishing business based in Oban.The reality of Brexit is rising costs, disappearing markets, ridiculous amounts of red-tape and labour shortages. There has been no 'sea of opportunity' for them. That is why we voted against Brexit.Lochfyne Seafarms Islay Crab Exports Ltd. Easdale Seafoods Ltdbrendanoharamp.scot/2021/07/13/no-promised-sea-of-opportunity-for-scottish-fishing-industry/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Seafood businesses from Oban to Islay counting the cost of Brexit This morning I took part in a Westminster Hall debate on the ‘Fisheries Management after the UK’s departure from the EU’ and spo...

3 weeks ago

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3 weeks ago

Delighted to be a supporter of Bute Pride. Looking forward to meeting you all next weekend.We would like to thank the following businesses & people for displaying our flyers & posters for Saturdays Drop-in event, and for supporting us with raffle prizes. We KNOW many more businesses would have displayed flyers - but our funds would only stretch to 20 (4 are on walls / unoccupied premises) Isle of Bute Gin The coffee stopHarry Haw'sMusiker.co.ukBute Island AllianceWestendcafeBonnieClydeAmbience Bute - Fabulous FoodDiscovery CentreScottish Honky-TonkCaleDonia Coffeehouse & BistroBrendan O’Hara MPThe Candle CollectorHands On Massage ButeMount Stuart HouseAnd a special thanks to Bute Island Radio for giving us the opportunity to advertise our event and talk about the reasons & aims of the group. And of course thanks to Print Point for making such an amazing job of turning our design into reality. If you would like to donate a prize - or purchase tickets for the raffle - please get in touch, or come along on the day! All funds raised go straight back into organising Bute PRIDE events. Saturday 17th July 2-6pm Bank of Ideas opposite the Castle ... See MoreSee Less

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Avatar Argyll and Bute Council@argyllandbute·

Brendan O'Hara MPFollow

15h

The Covid-19 rapid testing centre is running in Garelochhead this week for those with no symptoms.

Getting tested is a key step in reducing infection rates.

Testing is available Wed – Sat, 9.30am – 4.30pm in Gibson Hall. No appointment necessary. https://bit.ly/3ly66XD

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Avatar Scottish Fire and Rescue Service@fire_scot·

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We are urging everyone to take care around water. If you find yourself in trouble, stay calm, extend arms and legs and float on your back, shout for help.

Make sure everyone is aware of the risks and please stay safe in this warm weather.

Read more: http://ow.ly/sBFB50FD6e5

Avatar An Gorta Mór Glasgow @GortaMorGla·

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This is your day. This is your city. This is your memorial. You have built it

Avatar Alison Thewliss 🧡@alisonthewliss·

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Congratulations and thanks to the decidated @GortaMorGla Committee for their work to build this memorial to An Gorta Mór.

A very moving ceremony to unveil The Tower of Silence in it's home in St Mary's in the Calton this afternoon.

Avatar DCC Will Kerr@DCCWillKerr·

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Please, please, be careful if swimming in one of the many beautiful Lochs and rivers across Scotland.

The past 48hrs have seen the deaths of 3 children (a further child is still missing), and 2 adults in water accidents.

Absolutely heartbreaking so please take care in water.

Avatar Brendan O'Hara MP@BrendanOHaraMP·