Latest News –  Martin Whitfield MSP

Martin Whitfield MSP has called on the Scottish Government to take up Scottish Labour's plans to expand the Winter Fuel Payment, after new figures revealed it could help some 9,778 people in East Lothian, and tens of thousands more across South Scotland.. Last week Scottish Labour called on the government to introduce a £70 winter fuel supplement for low-income pensioners and struggling families, as the cost of living crisis looms. On October 1 the energy price cap rose by £139 - the largest increase since it was introduced in January 2019. In contrast, the rate of Winter Fuel Payment has [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP welcomed his local hero Ruth Davie to Holyrood today for the official opening ceremony of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament. Ruth, who was joined by her mother Jessie for the event, was chosen because of her work supporting local people through the Fundamental Foods project at the Pennypit Community Development Trust in Prestonpans. The opening ceremony included a speech by HM the Queen, a programme of music and entertainment from across Scotland and a special reception celebrating the contributions of the various local heroes selected by MSPs to attend the ceremony. Commenting, Martin Whitfield MSP [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has committed to supporting the Fair Trade Pledge for MSPs to promote the benefits of fair trade during the current parliamentary session. Fair Trade has always been an important part of challenging global inequality and poverty. COVID-19 has exacerbated these inequalities, making Fair Trade more essential than ever before. The Fair Trade pledge is a way for MSPs to show their support for all actions which improve the livelihood of farmers and workers who produce many of the products which we consume every day. Speaking about his support for the pledge, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “Towns and [...]

Commenting on the announcement by Health and Social Care Partnerships across the Lothians about potential cuts to home care packages in the coming weeks, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “The fact that all of the Lothian’s health and social care partnerships have had to make this joint announcement underlines the unprecedented nature of the challenges facing the NHS and social care services. “NHS Lothian has been underfunded for years, while local authorities, including East Lothian, have also experienced year-on-year budget cuts. It’s clear that these Scottish Government cuts have contributed to the severe pressures health and social care services are now [...]

Scottish Gas have contacted MSPs to provide information for customers who have recently joined them from failed energy suppliers, including People's Energy. The information provided includes advice on potential sources of assistance for customers as we head towards the winter period, including the British Gas Energy Trust and the Warm Homes Discount. The full advice and information provided is posted below, but anyone requiring further support can contact Martin at martin.whitfield.msp@parliament.scot. British Gas Energy Trust The British Gas Energy Trust (BGET), which incorporates the Scottish Gas Energy Trust, is an independent Charitable Trust established funded solely by British Gas. Since [...]

Responding to reports that many staff members at medical practices in East Lothian have experienced high levels of abuse from the public throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Martin Whitfield MSP said: "The high level of abuse being reported by staff at local medical surgeries is appalling and totally unacceptable. I add my voice to those condemning this behaviour and urge the public to treat health staff with respect at all times. "Whatever frustrations people may feel, there is never an excuse for being abusive or rude to staff who are only trying to do their job, often under very difficult circumstances." [...]