Margaret Curran has been selected to fight Glasgow East for Scottish Labour at the next general election – and immediately challenged he opponent John Mason MP to support the Welfare Reform Bill in tonight’s vote.
 
She was unopposed and received the unanimous backing of party members at the selection meeting. Speaking immediately after the selection, Margaret Curran said:

“Last summer, I said the fightback starts here. I said that politics is a cause and not a career. I meant it then, and I mean it now.

“The choice at the next general election is between a Labour or Tory government. I remember the last Tory government. So does Glasgow – with terror. We have not forgotten the lack of opportunity, the lack of hope, and the lack of care.

“John Mason says there is no difference between a Tory and a Labour government and voted with the Tories three times in his first week as an MP.

“I know the difference, because I stand for something. I stand for helping our community and defending the people of Glasgow.

“I will work to win back the trust of the people so we continue our party’s eternal fight against poverty and injustice. That will never happen if the Tories form the next government, and that’s why I am standing again.”
 
Margaret Curran went on to challenge John Mason MP to support Labour’s Welfare Reform Bill at its final stage in the House of Commons.

The Bill will help drug users on benefits by requiring them to attend drug treatment sessions to get clean but is described by the SNP as “unethical” and “bureaucratic”.
 
Margaret Curran said:

"It is bizarre that the SNP think it too bureaucratic and unethical to help get drug users off drugs - it is vital.

“These measures are workable solutions to stop the hand outs and give addicts a hand up. 70% of drug addicts are dependent on benefits and most live unfulfilled and damaging lives. We want them to attend NHS treatment in exchange for the financial support they receive, to kick start rehabilitation and put an end to the cycle of abuse.

“I challenge John Mason and the SNP to support the Welfare Reform Bill tonight by voting for it in the House of Commons.”

17 March 2009