http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: SNP candidates ‘and how their policies would affect Edinburgh’ en Thu, 21 May 2026 05:49:29 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275&page=2#post-369390 Sun, 23 Jul 2023 17:49:44 +0000 Frenchy 369390@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Can only be good that the first minister has been trying out a handcycle and talking to disabled cyclists: <a href="https://twitter.com/HumzaYousaf/status/1683057959633289216" rel="nofollow">https://twitter.com/HumzaYousaf/status/1683057959633289216</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367623 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 20:14:57 +0000 chdot 367623@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks</p> <p>Nonsense then! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367622 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 19:50:48 +0000 DdF 367622@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>And the commmitment to 'active freeways' in the Climate Change Plan Update (below) was for "identification and design development" not implementation. The sum allocated was anyway far too small for building anything "throughout Scotland." They remain a mystery.</p> <p>"<em>To build on this we are committing an additional £50 million to ‘Active Freeways’ which will involve identification and design development of the strategic active travel network, to<br /> provide segregated active travel routes on main travel corridors to city and town centres and major trip attractors linking communities throughout Scotland.</em>" </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367621 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 19:24:08 +0000 chdot 367621@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks… </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367620 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 18:39:05 +0000 Morningsider 367620@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>They were first announced in December 2020 (<a href="https://www.gov.scot/publications/securing-green-recovery-path-net-zero-update-climate-change-plan-20182032/documents/">Climate Change Plan update</a>, page 122) and have been re-announced at fairly regular intervals since then. No real detail of what they are, where they might be built, who will build them or when they might see the light of day have ever been announced. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367619 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 18:32:23 +0000 chdot 367619@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>P.s.</p> <p>Does “development” mean ‘planning’ or delivering? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367618 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 18:30:56 +0000 chdot 367618@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“active travel freeways”</p> <p>Ooh</p> <p>What?</p> <p>Where?</p> <p>When?? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367617 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 18:06:24 +0000 Morningsider 367617@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hmmm - the Scottish Government's new prospectus "<a href="https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/strategy-plan/2023/04/equality-opportunity-community-new-leadership-fresh-start/documents/equality-opportunity-community-new-leadership-fresh-start/equality-opportunity-community-new-leadership-fresh-start/govscot%3Adocument/equality-opportunity-community-new-leadership-fresh-start.pdf">Equality, opportunity, community New leadership – A fresh start</a>" is possibly a new low in poorly written policy documents. Cycling gets two feebly re-heated policies. By 2026 the Scottish Government commits to having:</p> <p><blockquote>Made progress on our target to reduce car kilometres by 20% by 2030. This will include having more 20mph zones, improved road safety and Low Emission Zones in our four largest cities.</p> <p>Delivered a significant step-up in investment in spaces where people can walk, wheel and cycle safely and confidently, when undertaking short everyday journeys, and ensured there are more spaces that put people first, not cars, with the development of active travel freeways underway.</blockquote> Looks like we will have to keep Pedalling on Parliament for the forseeable. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367440 Wed, 05 Apr 2023 13:06:03 +0000 Baldcyclist 367440@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Recent events starting to make a bit more sense now:<br /> <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-65187823" rel="nofollow">https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-65187823</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367347 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 11:14:55 +0000 chdot 367347@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“I'm just really surprised that our new FM hasn't got round to calling a Scottish Parliamentary election yet“</p> <p>I get the irony and it’s a reasonable point!</p> <p>Obviously there’s no point in expecting politicians to be consistent…</p> <p>The ‘democracy’ of allowing party members to choose a new leader who will then become First/Prime Minister is highly questionable, but that’s “The System”. </p> <p>‘We’ the punters/voters/subject/citizens vote (if we do) for a person. </p> <p>Generally they have a Party label attached. We may or may not hope that enough people in that Party are elected and take on ‘government’. </p> <p>At the time of voting, each Party will have a leader. One will then head the Gov. BUT ‘we’ are involved in electing a Party not the P/F M. </p> <p>If a leader is subsequently changed - for whatever reason, by whatever means - ‘the government’ usually continues. </p> <p>Not sure that leaders being able to choose the date of the next election is democratic. </p> <p>FPTP is essentially undemocratic. </p> <p>Coalitions are undemocratic in the sense they ‘weren’t on the ballot paper’. </p> <p>Arguably minority rule (CEC style) is very undemocratic!</p> <p>‘We’ deserve better. ‘We’ want it now. </p> <p>But </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367345 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 10:27:32 +0000 Baldcyclist 367345@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Yodhrin wasn't the principle argumnent about democracy though, and new leaders not having the democratic mandate of the people?</p> <p>Both the Torys, and also the SNP's record of failure is laid out plain for everyone to see, but the arguments before were about mandate. :) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367344 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 10:19:07 +0000 Yodhrin 367344@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Baldcyclist pop back in once they've changed leadership and policy platform two or three more times since the previous election &amp; crashed the entire economy with their budget and maybe that equivalence will ring a little less false. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367336 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 07:30:06 +0000 chdot 367336@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>@KevinStewartSNP has been appointed as transport minister, who is listed below Net Zero and Just Transition Secretary @MairiMcAllan in the new Scottish Government line up, </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/alastairdalton/status/1641167389470457857" rel="nofollow">https://mobile.twitter.com/alastairdalton/status/1641167389470457857</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367325 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 16:52:14 +0000 Baldcyclist 367325@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm just really surprised that our new FM hasn't got round to calling a Scottish Parliamentary election yet, given how adminent SNP were that others should call elections after leadership changes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367323 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 14:46:45 +0000 chdot 367323@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Herald</p> <p>“</p> <p>2:40pm<br /> Humza Yousaf has unveiled his first cabinet.</p> <p>Shona Robison, the new Deputy First Minister, will take on the Finance portfolio, including responsibility for the Scottish Budget</p> <p>Michael Matheson becomes the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care</p> <p>Jenny Gilruth joins Cabinet for the first time as Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills</p> <p>Màiri McAllan joins Cabinet for the first time as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition</p> <p>Neil Gray joins Cabinet for the first time as Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy</p> <p>Mairi Gougeon remains Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands</p> <p>Angus Robertson remains Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture</p> <p>Shirley-Anne Somerville becomes Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice</p> <p>Angela Constance returns to Cabinet as the new Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs</p> <p>“ </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367321 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 14:02:58 +0000 Morningsider 367321@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Looks like we are getting a new transport minister, although cycling probably still in Patrick Harvie's remit. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367288 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 22:55:42 +0000 acsimpson 367288@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If his commitment to 1960's roads is unshakeable I wonder if it's worth lobbying him to ensure that the roads come with parallel and world leading cycle infrastructure? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367286 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 19:35:48 +0000 Morningsider 367286@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Humza Yousaf Tweet from 1 March 2023:</p> <p><blockquote>HY: "In terms of the A9, absolute commitment to dual it. We have got to, for safety, for transport accessibility to the north of Scotland, make sure that we're demonstrating urgency when it comes to dualling the A9, a plan of how we'll push that forward."</blockquote> And quoted in the P&amp;J on 6 March 2023:</p> <p><blockquote>“I am absolutely committed to dualling the A96 Inverness to Nairn, including the Nairn bypass.</p> <p>“Within my first few weeks in office, I will ensure the statutory orders are signed off to start the work on this important commitment.</p> <p>“I will bring urgency and pace to the review of options being considered for the dualling of the rest of the A96, a vital project for our communities in the north and north-east.”</blockquote> Sounds like "MOAR ROADS" to me. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367285 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:35:49 +0000 gembo 367285@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>At least his vote was more than the 22000 members who didn’t vote.? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367284 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 17:08:42 +0000 Frenchy 367284@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>As #TransportMinister you understood the value of #activetravel and *acted* boldly</em></p> <p>Also, of course, approved the Sheriffhall scheme... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367283 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 16:59:26 +0000 Yodhrin 367283@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Well that was probably the best outcome to be hoped for. Some(me) might disagree he acted all *that* boldly given the givens, but when the alternatives were Kate "MOAR ROADS" Forbes or Ash "But What About The Poor Oil Industry?" Regan and neither of them would have had the Greens to help restrain them, you take what you can get. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367281 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 16:13:30 +0000 chdot 367281@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>Congrats @HumzaYousaf</p> <p>As #TransportMinister you understood the value of #activetravel and *acted* boldly</p> <p>“</p> <p>more -</p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/spokeslothian/status/1640358334736785409" rel="nofollow">https://twitter.com/spokeslothian/status/1640358334736785409</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367279 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 14:35:26 +0000 chdot 367279@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/snp-leadership-humza-yousaf-elected-new-party-leader-after-bitter-contest-to-replace-nicola-sturgeon-4081108" rel="nofollow">https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/snp-leadership-humza-yousaf-elected-new-party-leader-after-bitter-contest-to-replace-nicola-sturgeon-4081108</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367273 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 09:30:00 +0000 chdot 367273@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>Part of the reason for relief and some guarded optimism is that upset also brings the possibility of reset. And boy does Scotland need it. A weekend conference organised by the Yes group Scotonomics heard a Plaid Cymru politician describe the considerable advances being made in Wales, despite a smaller population and weaker devolved powers than Holyrood. The Labour/Plaid Welsh Government has cancelled major road-building projects, ploughing cash into improved public transport, announced plans to set up a publicly-owned renewable energy development company, a national construction company and a national care service. Wales has also appointed a future generations commissioner – one outcome of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2016, which prompted former Labour MP Tom Harris to describe Labour Wales as “the wokest country in Europe”. What – woker than Scotland? </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230327082238/https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/viewpoint/23413325.will-no-continuity-new-snp-leader---whoever-wins/" rel="nofollow">https://web.archive.org/web/20230327082238/https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/viewpoint/23413325.will-no-continuity-new-snp-leader---whoever-wins/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367272 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 09:15:54 +0000 chdot 367272@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Seems AR didn’t bother to talk to EN. </p> <p>Now we just wait for the result with excitement, trepidation or indifference. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367259 Fri, 24 Mar 2023 14:16:01 +0000 Arellcat 367259@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><blockquote>Morningsider for FM!</blockquote></p> <p>Finding it hard to determine a compelling argument against this motion. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367257 Fri, 24 Mar 2023 13:39:01 +0000 Morningsider 367257@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The SNP didn't just try to "pull the plug on Edinburgh's tram project", they actively tried to scupper it. Ministers prevented Transport Scotland from providing project management assistance. They let the city carry the burden of extra spending as costs spiralled - rather than providing the type of extra cash lavished on over-budget road projects, such as the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. Ministers sniped from the sidelines - delighting in project failures, rather than offering help and assistance. All for perceived political gain over the then Labour/Lib Dem administration, regardless of the costs to the taxpayer.</p> <p>Lest we forget, they also cancelled the Edinburgh and Glasgow airport rail link projects, de-scoped the Edinburgh-Glasgow rail improvement programme, butchered the upgrade to the Highland Mainline and "value engineered" the Borders rail link to the bare minimum - meaning it is highly susceptible to disruption.</p> <p>Not everyone has as short a memory as these leadership candidates might like. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367256 Fri, 24 Mar 2023 12:01:46 +0000 chdot 367256@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>When the SNP first came to power in 2007 it tried to pull the plug on Edinburgh’s tram project, but now the city council is hoping for Scottish Government funding to expand the existing network. Mr Yousaf, a former transport minister, said: “I'm a great supporter of what's been done with the tram network and I also really applaud Edinburgh city council under successive administrations for the active travel initiatives brought forward. They lead many other local authorities when it comes to the active travel footprint they are creating. I would look to see what more we could do to support Edinburgh in relation to access to public transport. It's not just the trams – I think they have been a great success – but I’m really impressed by Lothian Buses and the bus network too.” On the possibility of a congestion charge for the Capital, he said matters like that, and a workplace parking levy, were best decided locally. "These are decisions which, if I’m First Minister, I will leave in the hands of the local administration to decide what’s best in their city.” </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/politics/humza-yousaf-says-he-wants-a-new-deal-with-local-government-if-he-is-scotlands-next-first-minister-4077377" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/politics/humza-yousaf-says-he-wants-a-new-deal-with-local-government-if-he-is-scotlands-next-first-minister-4077377</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367249 Thu, 23 Mar 2023 16:41:22 +0000 neddie 367249@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Morningsider for FM! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21275#post-367248 Thu, 23 Mar 2023 16:08:22 +0000 Morningsider 367248@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>No politician seems to see the existence of large numbers of commuters for what it really is - a dramatic failure of industrial, economic, housing and land use policies. </p> <p>Rather than trying to facilitate mass car commuting, politicians should be looking to remove the need for it wherever possible. </p>