Douglas Alexander MP

Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South

Paisley Daily Express Column - 21 December 2011

A Tough Christmas For Those Without Work

It’s going to be a tough Christmas for 5366 local people. That’s the number of people here in Renfrewshire on the dole this Christmas. Just last week, the latest statistics showed the number out of work had risen again.

With almost 1 in 4 young Scots out of work, and unemployment higher than the rest of the UK, Scotland is in the midst of a full-blown jobs crisis. There are now over 220,000 Scots on the dole.

Both governments have a very serious responsibility to act, with the Scottish Government making serious economic mistakes and an out-of-touch Chancellor who fails to understand the impact of his reckless economic policies on young people and families across the country.

Youth unemployment in Scotland has risen to record levels and is significantly higher than the rest of the UK. The Scottish Government has decided to cut spending on key projects like housing, roads and buildings even faster than George Osborne dared to do.

George Osborne had the chance to change course in last month’s Autumn Statement but he refused to take the action needed to get us out of this mess. Instead, he seems determined to plough on with the failed economic strategy that has resulted in a downward forecast for growth, a rise in Government borrowing to a staggering £158bn and the projected loss of 710,000 public sectors jobs by 2017. It’s clear that the Chancellor’s decision to cut spending and raise taxes too far, too fast has completely backfired.

In these difficult times we need a real plan for jobs and growth to get our economy moving again, and to get people back to work. For the 5366 people in Renfrewshire spending Christmas on the dole, it can’t come quickly enough.

Give the perfect gift this Christmas

This Christmas time I would like to encourage as many people as possible here in Renfrewshire to think about donating blood. I know that many people in the local area are already regular donors and I would encourage those people to continue.  However, we must remember that Scotblood, the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service needs 1000 donations in Scotland every single day if it is to meet patient needs.

This is especially important at this time of year.  Donations usually drop over the winter months, sometimes to less than 50% of the usual amount.  This situation is doubly serious because the Christmas period is traditionally a time when donations are needed most.

I have donated blood myself in the past and I can vouch for the fact that the process is easier than most people imagine.  I would urge those who haven’t previously done so to donate blood this Christmas.

Donating blood is quick, easy and relatively pain-free – you don’t need an appointment and the whole process takes less than half an hour. When you consider that just three teaspoons of blood can help save a premature baby, it’s half an hour well-spent. 

The Scottish Blood transfusion service holds regular donating sessions in Renfrewshire.  For more information call 0845 90 90 999.

A Very Merry Christmas Everyone!

The big day is almost upon us and all across Renfrewshire local people are rushing to buy last minute Christmas food and gifts and preparing for Sunday’s celebrations.

This is the last column that I will write before Christmas so I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in Renfrewshire a very merry festive season. 2011 has been another busy year for many of us Renfrewshire and a holiday is well in order!

I myself am very much looking forward to a family Christmas here at home in Renfrewshire with some good food, family and friends. If you get the chance I would encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of the wonderful festive events that are taking place around Renfrewshire in the next few days.

I am looking forward to attending the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at Paisley Abbey on Christmas Eve.  It’s always a beautiful service that is guaranteed to get everyone into the festive spirit.

All that remains to be said is have a wonderful Christmas everyone!