No Show Politicians

The SNP was quick to 'call-out' MPs who failed to turn up to a meeting of the Scottish Affairs Committee which met in Kirkcaldy the other day.

SNP leader at Westminster Ian Blackford said: 

“It is more than a pity that none of the Tory, Labour or Lib Dem members on the committee could be bothered to turn up. Thank goodness all the SNP members on the committee were there to hear the evidence presented. #dayjob”

Deidre Brock, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, attacked the absence of her fellow MPs with following withering comment: 

“This was an important meeting and the failure of MPs from the Scottish Tories, Labour and Lib Dems to even show up speaks volumes about their priorities.

“I appreciate MPs face diary constraints, but Brexit is the biggest issue facing Scotland, and poses a huge risk to the Scottish economy.”

Now I agree with these comments, I have to say, because Brexit is the biggest issue of the day and you would expect Scottish MPs to turn out in all force when such an important meeting is being held in their own 'back yard'.

And I think you could say the same thing about the Equal Pay Briefing held on 9 February 2018 for Glasgow MSPs, and MPs especially as the fight for equal pay is such a huge issue for so many local  people.

   

Glasgow - Equal Pay Briefing (09/02/18)

Well, we had a great equal pay briefing in Glasgow earlier today to which local MSPs and MPs were invited.

A4ES was there along with Unison, the GMB and a group of equal pay claimants to help get our message across.

Not one of Glasgow's eight constituency MSPs turned up which I found very surprising since the fight for equal pay is a burning issue for many of their local constituents.

In any event Stefan Cross laid out the background to this long-running dispute in a factual, matter of fact way which impressed an audience which included Annie Wells MSP, Paul Sweeney MP and Andy Murphy (on behalf of Alison Thewliss MP) .

Stefan explained the significance of the recent Court of Session decision and highlighted the blatant pay discrimination which runs through the City Council's WPBR pay scheme from top to bottom.

Here is Frances Stojilkovic's take on the briefing session followed by a tweet I sent later in the day to one of Glasgow's constituency MSPs, James Dornan.

Frances Mowat Stojilkovic February 9 at 5:39pm

What a great meeting Stefan Cross explained everything to us very well so I don't get why the officials cant see why the WPBR is unfit for purpose .....And after this meeting I cannot believe how much our own Council and employees have been ripping us off and conned us all stupid bloody shocking. Thank you so much Stefan for coming to Glasgow to explain this to us very much appreciated.Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at our march xx.

James Dornan SNP‏Verified account @glasgowcathcart

Prepare for the next Independence Referendum folks.

Mark Irvine

Replying to @glasgowcathcart

An important story, but so was the Glasgow briefing on equal pay earlier today to which all MSPs and MPs were invited. A4ES was there along with several claimants and Unison and the GMB. No Glasgow constituency MSPs turned up which was really surprising and slightly shocking!

So, all in all a successful day although there is clearly work to be done with the city's politicians who seem strangely reluctant to get involved in matter of huge importance to their local constituents.

I will be sharing the A4ES briefing on the blog site as well as circulating the details to all MSPs, MPs and local councillors in the days head.

In the meantime, let's all get behind tomorrow's March and Rally which is assembling on Glasgow Green at 11.30am and will be followed by a rally in George Square at 12.30pm.

I'd be grateful if readers can let me know the names of any local Glasgow councillors, MSPs or MPs who turn up to show their support.