SCOTTISH GOVT ONLINE SITE COLLATES HELP AND SUPPORT
Local MP Richard Thomson has urged residents and businesses in the North-east, who may be struggling with the cost of living crisis, to use a Scottish Government online portal designed to collate help and advice.
The website - https://costofliving.campaign.gov.scot/ - aims to provide support with paying bills, claiming benefits and managing debt, as well as support for...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson marked World Cancer Day at a special Cancer Research event at Westminster this week focussed on improving cancer survival across the UK.
Taking place in February each year, the awareness day is an international initiative which inspires individuals and communities to unite against the disease.
The Gordon MP met with Cancer Research staff, researchers and ambassadors to discuss how...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has welcomed the decision by former Post Office Chief Executive Paula Vennells to hand back the CBE she was awarded in 2019.
Mr Thomson had written to the Chair of the Honours Forfeiture Committee stating that “continued possession of a CBE by Ms Vennells is wrong and disrespectful to those who suffered wrongful prosecution during her leadership of the Post Office”.
Commenting, Richard...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has reached a significant milestone, dealing with over 10,000 items of casework from constituents since he was elected in December 2019.
The SNP MP and his office reached the total last month, which coincided with four years representing Gordon Constituency in the Westminster Parliament.
Commenting, Richard Thomson MP said:
“As an MP, my key responsibility is to stand up for my constituents...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson is reminding constituents that the planned switch-off of 3G will take place across Scotland from next week.
Mobile operators are switching-off 3G as part of Ofcom’s plans to help bring faster and more reliable 4G and 5G to more people across Scotland.
Commenting, Richard Thomson MP said:
“The vast majority of mobile customers are already using a 4G or 5G device and...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has said the announcement from Ofgem – the government regulator for the electricity and downstream natural gas markets – that it is to allow certain energy companies to force-fit prepayment meters to customers’ homes will require careful monitoring.
Ofgem has announced that certain suppliers including Scottish Power, EDF, and Octopus can now restart the installation of involuntary prepayment meters...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has said “enough is enough” when it comes to the “rip-off” grid charges faced by Scottish electricity generators and demanded the Westminster government reform the system or devolve energy powers to Scotland.
The call comes as energy bills were set to increase again on 1 January.
Energy companies based in Scotland pay the highest charges in Europe to access...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson is urging constituents to take a look at NHS Grampian’s Winter Package of advice and support.
NHS Grampian are encouraging people to prepare ahead for this winter and have produced a resource full of information, advice and useful contacts to help keep warm, keep safe and keep well.
Commenting, Richard Thomson MP said:
“Each winter brings with it pressures on our health service,...
Richard Thomson, MP for Gordon, demonstrated his support to improving the lives of people with a vision impairment at an event in the House of Commons held by the charity Guide Dogs.
The Guide Dogs event celebrated key campaign successes from 2023, including the requirement that will see the majority of buses fitted with audio-visual announcements, reversing plans to close...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has teamed up with ‘Pets at Home’ this Christmas in support of their campaign to help inform constituents how they can keep their pets happy and healthy over the festive period.
Whilst Christmas can be a magical time to spend with our family and pets, it is important to be mindful about the impact that festivities can have...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson paid a visit to Inverurie Royal Mail Delivery Office this week to see how it manages to get all our parcels, cards and letters to our loved ones in time for Christmas.
Each December, the office deals with four times the amount of mail it usually handles. The Inverurie sorting office covers the corridor from Kemnay to...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has expressed concern at the findings of a new survey by LINK that the total number of cash machines (ATMs) in the constituency have fallen by 26%.
LINK – the UK’s largest cash machine network – have issued the results of a survey which show that between November 2018 and November 2023, the number of ATMs in Gordon...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson took time out to visit NFU Scotland’s event at Aldi’s Beach Boulevard Aberdeen Branch recently to thank local farmers for promoting Scottish produce and support their efforts in getting the message across to the public.
Local farmers and NFUS officials were joined by NFUS Vice-President Andrew Connon and handed out food fresh from the barbecue to shoppers and...
GORDON MP BACKS MESSAGE EMPHASISING HIGH SCOTTISH FOOD STANDARDS
SNP MP for Gordon Constituency Richard Thomson has backed the message from the NFUS that the public can buy Scottish eggs and poultry with trust and confidence.
The message comes as Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is reminding consumers to take care when handling and cooking poultry products at home, including chilled and frozen chicken and...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has given a cautious welcome to progress in the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s investigation into the maladministration by the UK Government in the case of the WASPI women affected by changes to the State Pension age.
The Parliamentary Ombudsman has now shared its provisional views about injustice resulting from the maladministration identified during their stage one investigation and their thinking...
INDEPENDENCE ONLY ROUTE BACK INTO EU FOR SCOTLAND
Gordon MP and SNP Trade spokesperson Richard Thomson has said independence is Scotland’s route back to the EU and Single Market after a report reveals nine out of ten UK manufacturers are still facing trading difficulties with the EU, three years after Brexit.
The survey by trade body, Make UK, shows that there has...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson took the threat to the egg industry from the UK Government’s new trade deals to the floor of the House of Commons yesterday.
The SNP MP asked for an assurance from Trade Minister Greg Hands that eggs and, importantly, egg products will be afforded sensitive product status by the UK in future free trade agreement negotiations, and that...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has welcomed the latest research from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) which have rated Balmedie and Aberdeen beaches as ‘Excellent’ and Collieston as ‘Good’ in terms of quality of bathing water.
In 2024 98% of Scotland’s bathing waters will again meet, or exceed, the Sufficient classification - with 84% achieving the higher standards of Excellent or Good.
Commenting, Richard Thomson...
SMEs URGED TO CHECK FOR LETTERS GIVING THEM 6 MONTHS TO RESOLVE BANKING COMPLAINTS
SMEs who have complained to their bank, but were unsatisfied with their response, may have further options available to them.
SMEs should check to see if they are eligible for free and independent dispute resolution from the Business Banking Resolution Service (BBRS).
Those who have received a referral...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has urged the UK Government to commit to ruling out any further duty increase on Scotch whisky, and instead invest and protect the long-term future of the industry.
It comes following reports the UK Treasury will hit the Scottish whisky industry with a 15% duty rise, costing around £100M in 2023/24.
The decision would contradict the Conservatives’ 2019...
As many households manage the cost of living this winter, local MP Richard Thomson is urging residents to check if they are entitled to additional support with household energy costs.
On Wednesday 8 November, Richard Thomson met with Scottish Gas and its parent company Centrica to discuss the help and support available to households. The supplier, which has committed £100 million to help...
MP for Gordon Constituency Richard Thomson has said this week’s King’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament was symptomatic of a government which is running out of road and ideas.
The King’s Speech – the first to be delivered in parliament by a King since 1951 – sets out the UK Government’s legislative plan for the coming Parliamentary Session, widely expected...
MP for Gordon Constituency Richard Thomson has welcomed the announcement that veterans and the families of those in the armed forces are to receive more tailored healthcare under a new scheme for GPs.
The General Practice Armed Forces and Veterans Recognition Scheme is now open to GP surgeries across Scotland, including in the North-east, following a successful pilot. It includes easy access...
MP for Gordon Constituency Richard Thomson has welcomed Asda Supermarkets’ winter initiatives aimed at supporting customers and communities this winter.
Full details of the initiatives are listed below but include the return of the ‘Winter Warmers’ deal for over 60s to enjoy soup, a roll and unlimited tea and coffees for just £1 in any Asda café, and also free hot drinks for...
Gordon SNP MP Richard Thomson has welcomed the latest round of lottery funding which sees five groups in the constituency receive payouts from the National Lottery’s Community Fund.
Welcoming the funding awards, Mr Thomson congratulated the organisations and said he is keen to encourage more applications from local groups to get more lottery money coming to Gordon Constituency.
Commenting, Richard Thomson MP said:
“I am delighted for the organisations concerned who will...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson is highlighting assistance available to eligible Scottish Gas customers with energy costs this winter.
Scottish Gas have announced their Warm Home Discount Scheme for 2023/2024 is now open for applications.
Commenting, Richard Thomson MP said:
“Warm Home Discount is a one-off £150.00 payment towards electricity bills, paid directly by energy suppliers to their customers. The payment is targeted to those on low...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has said people should continue to have the choice to use cash as a means of payment.
The MP is backing constituents who wish to continue to have the freedom to choose their own methods of payment in light of the UK Government’s commitment to the development of a ‘digital currency’.
Figures released by trade body UK Finance...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson visited the Future Farming Expo event this week, held at the Exhibition Complex Aberdeen (TECA) in his constituency.
The SNP trade spokesperson hailed it as an innovative event for an industry noted for innovations.
Commenting, Richard Thomson MP said:
“I was pleased to be able to visit Future Farming Expo on Tuesday and experience such a platform for agricultural and technological innovation.
“Innovation...
SUPPORT SHOWN FOR CHALLENGE POVERTY WEEK 2023
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has called on the Conservatives and Labour to commit to ending the ’cruel’ two child cap and associated rape clause, after figures revealed by the Poverty Alliance showed that over 250,000 children in Scotland have been pushed into poverty by Westminster.
The data, released to coincide with the beginning of Challenge Poverty Week 2023 (Mon 2 - Sun 8...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has said the newly-published Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill represents an opportunity to shape Scottish farming for years to come.
The Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill will reform how the government will support farming and food production in Scotland. It will legislate to introduce a new framework of support to replace the current Common Agricultural Policy.
The Bill aims...
WESTMINSTER HOLDING SCOTLAND BACK FROM TRUE POTENTIAL
New research from the multinational professional services brand PwC has named Scotland as the UK's most productive manufacturing part of the UK.
PwC's Industrial, Manufacturing and Services Productivity Tracker highlighted that output per hour was 19% higher than the UK average, at £47 per hour. The tracker attributed Scotland's success in manufacturing to key...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has expressed his frustration that there is still no decision from the UK Government’s Department for Transport on improving access at Insch Station.
While rail in Scotland has largely been devolved, accessibility at railway stations bizarrely remains within the remit of the UK Department for Transport. A bid for funding has been made for Access for All funding...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has said the UK Government has given away control after he questioned the Minister for Industry and Economic Security in the House of Commons yesterday about the lack of border checks on food imports.
The SNP MP said the threat to the country’s food safety and security through the failure of the UK Government to introduce checks of...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has expressed his anger after Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick reneged on a commitment made on the floor of the House of Commons to meet to discuss the shortage of seasonal workers in Scotland’s agriculture sector.
Speaking in the House of Commons prior to the summer recess, Richard Thomson MP said:
“The Minister and I will clearly never agree on whether immigration...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has reacted with dismay after the Minister for Pensions rejected his call to start the process of issuing compensatory payments to WASPI women affected by the changes to their state pensions.
During 2021, the findings of an investigation by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, condemned the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for “maladministration” in relation...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has welcomed the climbdown by the UK Government on draconian plans for football supporters’ matchday buses which would have seen a range of restrictions introduced on where the buses can stop and what time they can arrive at fixtures.
Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain, Richard Turfitt, said in a statement:
“I have listened to the strength of feeling expressed...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has welcomed the climbdown by the UK Government on draconian plans for football supporters’ matchday buses which would have seen a range of restrictions introduced on where the buses can stop and what time they can arrive at fixtures.
Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain, Richard Turfitt, said in a statement:
“I have listened to the strength of feeling expressed...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has expressed concern for the future of State Pension payments under both the Conservatives and Labour as the Prime Minister failed to commit to maintaining the triple lock on pensions under questioning at Prime Minister’s Questions.
At Prime Minister’s Questions, Rishi Sunak was challenged by SNP Westminster Leader Stephen Flynn to commit to maintaining the state pension...
MP for Gordon, Richard Thomson, has said that Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership need to move forward with a credible, community-based plan for the future of Insch Hospital.
The MP was commenting following a meeting with the Friends of Insch Hospital where he reiterated his support for the local campaign for a community healthcare facility in Insch.
Mr Thomson has previously met...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has welcomed today’s announcement that a contract has been awarded using funding from the Scottish Government for a new Sustainable Transport Study on reconnecting the North-east corner to the railway network.
The project has the backing of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce who, given their track record with other public contracts, are managing the financial side of...
Responding to the news the UK Government has recognised delayed Brexit import checks will increase inflation, the SNP’s Business spokesperson and Gordon MP, Richard Thomson said:
“This Conservative UK Government should be finding ways to support households through this tough cost of living crisis, instead they seem determined to make it as difficult as possible for ordinary people to cope.
“Brexit has been an unmitigated...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson attended the launch of Gordon Rural Action’s ‘Bikery’ in Huntly and has praised it as a very welcome addition to the town’s retail offer.
The MP made a return visit to the Bikery for the official launch, having previously toured the facility in May when he was updated on a number of local projects operated by Gordon Rural...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has repeated his call to the UK Government to start the process of issuing compensatory payments to WASPI women affected by the changes to their state pensions.
During 2021, the findings of an investigation by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, condemned the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for “maladministration” in relation to changes to women’s...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has welcomed the announcement by independent regulatory body Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets) is taking action against OVO Energy following the company’s sub-standard handling of and response to complaints.
OVO Energy took over the domestic customer accounts of SSE which had previously taken over Scottish Hydro Electric, meaning the company has a particularly large customer base...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has welcomed recent figures which show over 3700 affordable and social homes have been completed in Aberdeenshire since 2007 – with 341 completed in 2022/23 alone.
Statistics show that almost 10,500 low-cost ownership, mid-market rent, and social rent homes were completed across Scotland in the financial year 2022/23; bringing the total since Scottish Government affordable housing programmes began in 2007...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has welcomed the new pay settlement reached between the Scottish Government and junior doctors. The deal means that Scotland is the only nation in the UK to have successfully averted NHS strikes.
The SNP MP said that this is “testament” to the First Minister and Scottish Government’s commitment to protecting Scotland’s NHS and delivering fair pay for junior...
INDEPENDENCE KEY TO A FAIRER, HEALTHIER AND WEALTHIER SCOTLAND
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has said "independence is key to a fairer, healthier and wealthier Scotland" - as new research reveals the UK lags behind its European neighbours on sick pay.
The independent analysis, commissioned by the SNP, shows Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the UK has been cut by almost a tenth (8.84%) in real...
SNP ONLY PARTY OFFERING ESCAPE FROM BREXIT WITH INDEPENDENCE
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has said "securing independence, and regaining Scotland's place in the EU, is key to boosting our economy" - amid warnings the UK is set for five years of lost economic growth.
The National Institute for Economic and Social Research (Niesr), which is one of the UK's oldest economic forecasting bodies,...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson secured a meeting with the UK Government’s ‘Hydrogen Champion’ Jane Toogood, which brought together officials from NFU Scotland.
Green hydrogen has emerged as a key component of Scotland’s decarbonisation plans. Green hydrogen is an alternative fuel to natural gas and can be used as storage for other forms of energy.
The SNP MP arranged the meeting after meetings with NFUS where...
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has welcomed new figures released which show more medical training posts have been accepted at this stage of the recruitment year than ever before – exceeding last year’s record by 100 posts.
NHS Education for Scotland data as of 25 July 2023 shows that 1,061 posts have been filled so far this year from 1,137 advertised.
This includes 100%...