Following publication of the Queen's Speech today, Scottish MPs have welcomed the measures announced.

Des Browne, MP for Kilmarknock & Loudoun, said:
“This set of bills will achieve its core objective – making Scotland a fairer place for everyone. There is no doubt that putting economic stability at the heart of the Queen’s Speech is right. When people are worried about their jobs and own circumstances, it is vital that the Government responds.

“I know that the bills outlined today will be welcomed the vast majority of Scots because they address people’s real concerns.”

Nigel Griffiths, MP for Edinburgh South, said:
“These bills have substantial impact on Scotland and show the strength of the United Kingdom in tackling our common challenges.

“In all areas, the SNP need to put aside their dislike of the United Kingdom and work constructively with the Government to benefit Scots.”

On the Welfare Reform Bill, Ian Davidson MP for Glasgow South West, said:
“The Welfare Reform Bill is essential to getting people back to work. Everybody should have right to maximum help to get them into work, but no-one has the right to refuse to work when they can.

”I think most working families are happy to help people who cannot work, but not to provide support for people who are simply unwilling to work when jobs are available. I know from work in my own area of Glasgow that personalised help is essential and Labour’s new bill will help that happen. Labour remains the only party committed to full employment.

“The plans will particularly help the long-term unemployed start training courses and skills assessments when people first claim.

“It is vital that the SNP actually start to work constructively with the Government to make the support programmes work effectively.”

On the Banking Bill, John McFall MP, Chair of the Treasury Committee and MP for West Dumbartonshire, said:
“The Banking Bill shows that the government will step in after the spectacular failure of the banks to reassure customers and businesses that their interests are being protected.”

On the Savings Gateway Accounts Bill, Russell Brown, MP for Dumfries and Galloway, said:
“This Bill will be of huge help to 8 million people on benefits and tax credits. The scheme will be run through the Post Office, credit unions, banks and building societies. The Government will provide 50p for each £1 saved. This is vital to help savings during difficult economic times and hundreds of thousands of Scots will benefit.”

On the Child Poverty Bill, Gordon Banks, MP for Ochil, said:
“The Child Poverty Bill enshrines in law the commitment to eradicate child poverty by 2020. This is one of the most progressive Bills ever brought forward in parliament and will end the type of unfairness that should have ended in Victorian times. This Bill reminds me why I passionately support Labour’s values.”

On the Equality Bill, Anne Begg MP for Aberdeen South said:
“The Equality Bill will streamline laws on sex, race and religious discrimination and improve enforcement where people are discriminated against. I know this Bill will improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of Scots in the workplace and in the communities in which they live. Labour’s commitment to equality and fairness is unmatched and will will always combat prejudice wherever it is found.”

On the Policing and Crime Bill, Mark Lazarowicz MP said:
“The plans to impose tighter controls on lap-dancing clubs is welcome. I believe they should be licensed as adult establishments, not as entertainment venues. The SNP should follow the Government’s lead on this in Scotland.”

On the Children, Skills and Learning Bill, Lindsay Roy MP said:
“The bill promises an apprenticeship place for every suitably qualified young person by 2013 – but won’t apply in Scotland. The ball is now in the court of the SNP to support my colleague John Park’s bill to do the same in the Scottish Parliament. It is vital to give people skills and help the economy.”

3 December 2008