Archive for the ‘Family’ Category

Gordon Brown’s death tax

Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley says that ministers are secretly planning a “death tax” of up to £20,000 per head to pay for their plans for a National Care Service.

“Gordon Brown needs to come clean with the public and say how he will fund his new National Care Service”, Lansley said.

“Behind closed doors Ministers are secretly planning a death tax of up to £20,000 per head which would be levied on the estates of grieving families.”

Lansley added that even this death tax would not raise enough to pay for this new National Care Service, meaning that Labour are also planning to take away cash disability benefits from the elderly and cut money from the NHS. “It is another top-down, bureaucratic, costly plan from Labour for which every one of us would end up paying the price”, he said.

Philip Hammond, the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury,  described the problem this death tax would cause: “When you die, a Labour Government would take £20,000 from what you leave to your children and family.  For those with the most modest savings Labour’s plans could leave them with nothing.”

In contrast, he said the Conservatives want to help people in old age so that they can “leave as much of their lifetime’s savings as possible to the next generation”.

“We will offer people the chance to pay a one off premium of £8,000 into a voluntary scheme to cover the cost of residential care in old age. So under our plans no-one would be forced to sell their home to pay for care.”

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I was delighted to see David Cameron taking a stand for common sense and ordinary people when he pledged support for householders who take a stand in defending their properties and families.

For far too long we have seen soft touch justice by this Labour Government who seem more interested in trumpeting the human rights of evil criminals along with support from their Liberal partners in crime.

I hear all too often of people exasperated that the law does not seem to be on their side. There are countless examples of people who quite rightly have stood up to people who damage their property within the bounds of common sense and restraint but who have found themselves reported to the Police and then hauled in and questioned and sometimes arrested and charged just because they either tried to apprehend someone or told someone off for damaging their property.

Ofcourse its not the fact that the law is not on peoples side. The Police simply enforce the law. The problem lies with the Government and the legislators who interpret the law and who apply pressure on the respective Police forces. I have a high regard for the Police in particular Northen Constabulary but over zealous Police officers such as Officer Stuart Gray (Shiny Buttons) simply brings the reputation of the Police down.

We need common sense at every level and a serious resistance mounted in not only limiting political correctness but abolishing it altogether.

David is right to speak out for people all across the country and the nonsense of human rights legislation must be done away with to ensure our courts and law enforcement agencies are free to operate and function properly.

Labour has let the people down in so many fundamental ways that we simply cant go on like this. Its time that ordinary people were put first and a Conservative Government will ensure that justice is restored to the people.

Jim Ferguson

Tory leader pledges backing for people who take on intruders they find in their own homes

Raiders have forfeited their human rights, says Cameron

By Gavin Cordon

Published: 01/02/2010

People who break in to people’s homes “leave their human rights outside” the moment they do, Tory leader David Cameron said yesterday.

He said that Conservatives would strengthen the law to protect householders who exercise their “legitimate” right to self-defence when confronted by an intruder.

“It’s to make sure that fewer cases, frankly, are taken to court, that fewer people are arrested for doing what I think is perfectly legitimate, which is to defend yourself in your own home,” he said.

“The moment a burglar steps over your threshold, and invades your property – with all the threat that gives to you, your family and your livelihood – I think they leave their human rights outside.”

Mr Cameron has previously spoken out on the issue after TV presenter Myleene Klass complained that she was cautioned by police for waving a knife at intruders who entered her garden.

He said that under the Conservative proposals, householders would only face prosecution if they used “grossly disproportionate” force against a burglar.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson dismissed the suggestion that burglars should forfeit their human rights as impractical.

“It’s a wonderful soundbite but that’s all it is. You know it’s not a practical policy,” he said.

“It’s not a practical principle of law that you can operate when you say that anyone who is attempting to burgle another house, thereby renounces all their rights under the law. What sort of country is he trying to create?

“Of course it will receive short-term public applause from those who want to get tough on burglars, as we do in our government, but where’s the practical commonsense policy thinking?” added Lord Mandelson.

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Gordon Brown’s legacy will be the Great Recession

Commenting on the news that the UK is the last G20 economy to leave the recession, Shadow Chancellor George Osborne said “Gordon Brown’s promise that Britain would lead the world out of recession lies in tatters”.

“We were one of the first in and now, today, we are the last out. Gordon Brown’s legacy will be the Great Recession.”

Not only is the UK the last G20 economy to leave the recession, but:

• The UK was one of the first countries to enter recession, and the last G20 country out.
• Some countries emerged nine months ago.
• The pound has fallen significantly against other major currencies.

Osborne added that a key reason for this was that “Gordon Brown’s decisions as Chancellor left Britain ill-prepared and his judgements as Prime Minister made the recession even worse.”

The Conservatives have published a document explaining how Gordon Brown made the recession worse – you can read it in full below.

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The Highland Capital of Inverness is seeing its unfair share of drug activity and as I took part in a multi agency briefing at Police Headquarters I could not help but be moved by the story of Kate Shanks who lost her Daughter Suzanne through addiction to drugs.

Families are being devastated through their children becoming addicted to drugs and the anguish this causes not only for the person who becomes addicted but also the family is truly tragic. For the sake of our communities I would urge that every member of the public be more aware and contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where they can report all drug dealing in total confidence without giving away any personal details.

Our communities must take a stand and support the Police in bringing these evil drug dealers to justice but the Courts and the Criminal Justice System must ensure these people are removed from the streets of Scotland and no longer threaten our families and young people and take a harder stance as far as drug dealing is concerned.

Jim Ferguson

Kate Shanks speaks to BBC

BBC NEWS
Mother’s plea over drug dealers

The mother of a woman who died of a suspected heroin overdose has appealed to the public to help police catch drug dealers.

Kate Shanks, of Elgin, lost her daughter Suzanne earlier this year. The 30-year-old was found dead in her flat in Culloden by her father Gordon.

Mrs Shanks spoke out to add weight to efforts by Northern Constabulary and Crimestoppers Scotland.

She said: “Drugs only lead to misery and heartache.”

Northern Constabulary have previously warned that Inverness’s expansion as a city had made it and the surrounding area a target for drug gangs.
“ I would encourage people to report anyone they suspect someone may be dealing or using drugs ”
Kate Shanks

The force is promoting Crimestopper’s Ditch a Dealer campaign.

Last month, a study by the University of Glasgow suggested the number of injecting drug users in Scotland was continuing to increase.

The researchers estimated that in 2006, 23,933 people in Scotland were injecting drugs representing about a 30% rise on estimates for 2003.

Mrs Shanks said in total there were about 55,000 drug addicts in Scotland.

She said: “I would encourage people to report anyone they suspect may be dealing or using drugs.

“There are a number of reasons why people take drugs, but in the case of youngsters it is usually peer pressure. Suzanne was only 18 or 19 when she became a full blown addict, having experimented with other drugs prior to that.

“I would like to say to all youngsters – drugs only lead to misery and heartache and no one wants to end up like Suzanne or put their family through the torment we have gone through.”

In the summer, drug users, their families and friends were offered training in spotting signs of an overdose in a bid to cut drug-related deaths in the Highlands.

NHS Highland, which was leading the pilot project, said at the time that six people who abused illegal substances had died in the area since January.

Training covered calling the emergency services and basic first aid.

Naloxone, an antidote to drugs including heroin, was also made available.

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I am very pleased to be involved with Blue Light which is a partnership of several organisations working together including, BID (Business Improvement District in Inverness), Northern Constabulary, Safe Inverness, Crimestoppers, Inverness Crime Prevention Panel, Highland Council,  Youth Inclusive, Street Pastors and Brook Advisory.

Jim Ferguson

DJ “Unicorn Kid” and “Look Mum its the Dj’s” were the star performers at the last event when 200 young people were entertained at a Blue Light Disco at the Ironworks. The evening was a huge success for young people from all over the area, some from as far as Wick.

Unicorn Kid had been requested by fans who had been entertained at Belladrum earlier this year and was besieged by autograph seeking attendees at the end of the evening!
Most youngsters attending, left with either an autograph or a photo taken with him.

The evening had been supported by Next, Tesco and Macdonalds with generous Raffle Prizes.

Liz Gilchrist, Vice Chair of Inverness Crime Prevention added:
“I was really pleased at the support received from the four national companies who have businesses based in Inverness, particularly Tesco who have been proactive supporting this type of partnership initiative throughout the country and encouraging safer neighbourhoods”.

Jim Ferguson Chair of Crimestoppers Highlands and Islands also thanked the companies for their generous support and said:
“I hope the Disco’s go from strength to strength as it is the type of event which is to be encouraged, proving that a fun evening could be had without alcohol”.

Steven Kerr of Inverness Business Improvement District and newly appointed Chairman of the Blue Light Steering Group said:
“I was delighted with the success of the evening and we are working to encourage even more young people to attend future Blue Light Discos. Steven went on to say that visits would be made to all the Senior Schools in the area to promote future events to the 13 -16 year age groups, the next being on 27^th November and a Silent Disco on 20^th December.”

Both events are to be held in the Ironworks.

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Sex offenders figures down – or are they?
By Olivia Bell
Published: 29 October, 2009

THE Highlands and Islands has dropped down the rankings in the Scottish sex offenders league in the latest set of figures published by the authority which monitors and manages them.
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Instead of being third in Scotland for the number per 100,000 of the population on the sex offenders’ register, the region has dropped to sixth place out of nine areas during 2008/2009.

But the way the figures are collated has changed from last year’s statistics, which gave the region a high ranking.

This year the Northern Community Justice Authority – which covers Grampian and Highlands and Islands – has reduced the number of sex offenders shown by taking out those in prison awaiting pre-release, only showing those who live in the community.

However, there are now five sex offenders classed as level three – who pose the most risk of serious harm to the community and need high level monitoring – one more than last year.

And the authority’s annual report states: “It is envisaged the total number of registered sex offenders will rise year on year.

“This is not a cause for alarm as the increase is due to the fact that offenders often remain on the register for longer than 12 months, with some being registered for life.”

This year, on March 31, there were 167 living in the community, which equates to 58.5 per 100,000.

In August, the Highland News Group highlighted that in 2007/2008 there were 71 registered sex offenders per 100,000 in the region, with only Fife and Glasgow ahead in the statistics.

At the time, Jim Ferguson, Inverness Crime Prevention Panel and Highland Crimestoppers chairman, questioned whether this meant offenders were being moved to the Highlands and Islands from other areas.

The HNG has now asked Scottish Information Commissioner Kevin Dunion to look into Northern Constabulary’s refusal, through a Freedom of Information request, to give the number moving into the region and also the cost of managing such offenders.

In our original story, the HNG highlighted two high profile cases where offenders broke their release conditions and were sent back to jail.

Dangerous sex offender John Angus (55) was caged for two years at Inverness Sheriff Court for breaching a court order to curtail his movements in Inverness.

And freed rapist David Penman (34), who lived in Nairn, breached a sex offenders prevention order which banned him from approaching women after an early release from prison and was recalled to serve the rest of his sentence in custody until 2010.

This week, Jim Ferguson praised the HNG for continuing to chase the figures and suggested the goalposts could have been moved this year, making the statistics more difficult to understand.

“I think it is in the general population’s interest to know if there are sex offenders moving into the area, while it is also important that no harm comes to the offender from people who may want to take things into their own hands,” he said.

“Nevertheless, the public has the right to more information about this.”

Linda Dorward, vice-chair of the Northern Community Justice Authority’s strategic oversight group, said its report provided clear evidence that it has the appropriate structures and measures in place to identify, assess and manage the risks posed by serious and violent offenders.

She rejected claims that this year’s figures, overseen by the Scottish Government, gave a false picture and were difficult to compare to last year’s due to the change in how they were reported.

“It does not make a difference because all the regions are measuring these in the same way,” she added.

o.bell@highland-news.co.uk

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Its unacceptable to see such distress caused to people who take a pride in their property and who seem to be getting plagued by acts of vandalism. Of course its not the Police who we should be blaming as they are doing a great job overall. Its the courts and the pathetic weak justice system under this present SNP Administration and until stiffer sentances and proper deterents are put in place we will see this kind of problem growing worse.

Jim Ferguson

CALLS for tougher punishments for vandals who cause blight their communities have been made following a spate of attacks on Hallowe’en.
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At least three homes, one car, a garage and garden walls had yellow paint thrown on them in Balnakyle Road, Lochardil, overnight on Saturday.

Jim Ferguson, chairman of Inverness’s crime prevention panel, believes communities must be on their guard.

“We are once again witnessing acts by people who think they can get away with basic lawlessness,” he said. “The vast majority of people are sick to death of this kind of behaviour.

“What we really need is strong measures to thoroughly punish the perpetrators of damage and vandalism and, until we can find the stomach and will to do that, we are going to see more and more incidents happening across the region and it’s unfair on hardworking, decent people who have mindless thugs wrecking their property.”

Hard labour for older culprits and fines for the parents of younger vandals have been suggested by Mr Ferguson, who is also chairman of the Highlands and Islands branch of Crimestoppers – an agency which he believes could be key in catching these criminals.

“Crimestoppers offers anonymity to those with information,” he said. “But people are scared of what is being done and the problem is that there is no deterrent.

“The only way we are really going to stop these people is to make them too frightened to actually commit such crimes and at the moment they are not, which is the whole crux of the matter.

“They are basically giving two-fingers to the entire system and the community because they know they are going to get away with it and until we actually knuckle down and take robust action we are not going to get far.”

One of the victims of Saturday’s night vandalism in Lochardil was retired policeman Colin Sutherland, who was away when the paint was thrown at his window and garden wall.

“This is not an isolated Hallowe’en incident,” he declared.

“There has been other incidents. They covered the bollard in paint two or three weeks ago.”

The street bollard which was smothered in green paint. Bobby Nelson

He explained neighbours on both sides of the street had suffered similar vandalism and complained of underage drinking in the area.

“We are suffering intolerable disturbance here and over the years we have been phoning the police and getting very little or minimal response, so much so I have already written to my councillor and intend to write to my MP because it is not good enough,” continued Mr Sutherland, who praised Highland Council staff for cleaning the paint from his window last Sunday.

“The neighbours are equally incandescent with the police response over the last few years to repeated complaints of disturbance, annoyance and vandalism.”

Other vandalism on Hallowe’en included a car windscreen being broken in Ardconnel Terrace overnight and a wing mirror being ripped off a vehicle in Hill Street.

The attacks add to a series of worrying incidents over the past month including 15 cars being damaged in Hilton, paint stripper being thrown over three vehicles at Highland MOTS in Seafield Road and a £1300 window at the new £10.5 million Highland Archive and Registration Centre near Bught Park being smashed.

Inverness police are appealing for information on any of the incidents, particularly the Balnakyle Road vandalism.

“Those responsible may well have been covered in paint,” said a Northern Constabulary spokeswoman.

Anyone with information about these crimes should contact Inverness police on 01463 715555 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

andrew.dixon@inverness-courier.co.uk

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JIM FERGUSON AND MARY SCANLON

Conservatives working together in the Highlands of Scotland

Jim and Mary handing food parcels over to the Highland Food Bank at Blythswood Care

Jim  Ferguson said:

“Blythswood should be highly commended on this worthwhile local community project.

I pay tribute to Lorna Dempster and her team for the hard work and dedication they give to making a real difference to people in desperate need. They have our full support. This is the kind of local community action that reaches out to the people who most need it and I’m proud to see such effort and dedication.”

Mary Scanlon said:

Blythswood Care have been doing sterling work to support people in poverty in many countries throughout the world for many years. I congratulate Blythswood on the excellent local project, “The Highland Foodbank” which has been up and running for almost three years.
The foodbank is supported by donors, churches, volunteers and partner agencies and fulfils a vital role by providing emergency three-day supplies of food to individuals and families who are in financial crisis.

Already in Inverness, Home Start helps people with furniture and household items to make a fresh start. Last year, 1700 people were helped by the Foodbank project which was an increase of 70% from the previous year.

Blythswood have identified a local need and are working very effectively to address this need.”

Working to make a better future.

Join us and make a difference!

Telephone 01463 233986

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Many people in Inverness who are so poor due to delays in receiving their benefits have no money to buy food. The news story broke in Local papers which shocked many of us into action.

I am proud to say that my local Conservative members have donated £250. I went into Tesco today and told them that If they were prepared to match or exceed the amount donated I would also donate £250 from my own company The Castle Group.

We will see if they are big hearted enough to assist us.

Meanwhile Danny Alexander MP for Inverness Nairn Badenoch and Strathspey of the Lib Dems was quoted as saying “It is my impression and evidence from my own constituency contacts that things have got worse for benefit claimants in the Highlands since the system was centralised to a call centre in Clydebank,” he maintained.

“I have no doubt that in some cases the food bank is a lifesaver.”
Wow…..inspiring stuff Danny. You have no doubt eh ! So what exactly have you been doing since you were elected in 2005 ?

What did you do that would have highlighted or solved this problem before it could have become so bad. ? …….  Not a lot.

Its time to put our money up front – despite all the talk of some politicians, actions speak louder than words. Lets see if our sitting MP Mr Alexander can match our initiative.

what about the S.N.P and Labour members ?

What will you do now that I have thrown this your way Mr Alexander ?
Donate some money to these poor and needy folk ? I won’t hold my breath.

Full article:

Stocks low at Highland food bank

By Val Sweeney – Inverness Courier

Published: 04 March, 2008

IN the space of an hour, six people call at the Highland Food Bank in Inverness to collect emergency supplies. They include a single mother-of-three accompanied by a teenage girl whose mother recently died.

“There was no one else to care for her — she is the daughter of my best friend,” she explained. “I felt so sad for her. So, I decided to take her in to help her out until we can get things sorted.”

But finance is tight and a social worker has referred them to the food bank which operates four days a week out of the Free North Church hall in Madras Street, Merkinch.

A few minutes later, the pair depart clutching a couple of carrier bags filled with an assortment of ingredients while they debate who will be cooking the evening meal.

Like many people, the mother was previously unaware of the centre’s presence. “I think it is a fantastic idea,” she said. “I am not too proud to take help when I need it.”

The steady trickle of callers also include an elderly man, who chats to a member of staff over a cup of tea and a biscuit before leaving with his groceries, and a middle-aged man who has to hurry away for a job interview. Two young Polish men who speak limited English are the next to arrive.

“We are looking for jobs,” one explained. “We have been in Inverness for one month and cannot find jobs. We have been looking every day.” The pair now appear to be homeless and down to their last £20. “It is a very difficult situation for us,” he reflected.

It is about two-and-a-half years since the food bank opened its doors to needy families and individuals. Operated by the Christian relief agency, Blythswood Care, it is the only one of its type in Scotland and demand is rising. Last year the food centre helped more than 1700 people in crisis, a 70 per cent rise from the previous year, while in the first two months of this year about 340 people have been given boxes of food.

Co-ordinator Lorna Dempster acknowledged it was “a huge rise” and speculated over the reasons. “Obviously, I think awareness has grown in that a lot more people are being referred to us,” she said. Mrs Dempster had mixed feelings about the increasing use of the service. “It is a concern there is such a great need in Inverness in 2008 but to be able to do something is good — it is good we are able to step in and meet that need,” she said.

The reasons why people are referred are varied. By far, the biggest group are those whose benefit payment has been delayed — 37 per cent so far this year compared with 36 per cent for all of last year. Other reasons include debt (13 per cent), homelessness (12 per cent), low income (11 per cent), refused crisis loan (8 per cent), benefit cuts (4 per cent), domestic violence (2 per cent) and unemployment (1 per cent). The remaining 9 per cent are down to “other reasons” which could include theft of someone’s money, Mrs Dempster explained.

“It could even be things like someone whose fridge has broken down so that the items in the fridge are damaged and not usable,” she said. “It could be a case of getting the fridge repaired, or buying food. They might be told to get the fridge repaired and we would provide the food for a few days.”

Mrs Dempster stressed clients were from a broad range of backgrounds. “Need is no respecter of persons,” she said. “It could happen to anyone. The first guy who came in today used to have a good job but because of circumstances and problems in his life, he found himself in a difficult situation.”

Clients using the food bank have to hand in vouchers distributed by such agencies as GPs, social workers, community nurses, housing associations and citizens’ advice bureaux. In return, they are given a three-day supply of non-perishable foodstuffs.

The arrangements mean assessments are carried out by another organisation other than Blythswood and also ensure clients do not become reliant on the food boxes.

“People can have three vouchers in a given period of time,” Mrs Dempster explained. “That can be extended, if the people distributing the voucher think another couple of vouchers would help the person get back on their feet again.”

The packs, which contain a menu guide on how the food can be used to provide three meals per day, include such items as cereal, pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit, soup, corned beef, ham, tea and coffee.

The food bank recognised, however, there could be difficulties for some clients depending on their domestic arrangements. “If people are in bed and breakfast accommodation they might have a microwave or kettle so we try to give items that they are able to use,” she said. “For cup-a-soups and things like that, people can usually get by with just a kettle.”

Highland Food Bank co-ordinator Lorna Dempster. Gary Anthony

A couple of tables with chairs are also set out so anyone calling in can also stop for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat with the volunteers.

But not everyone lives near enough to collect supplies from the Madras Street centre so boxes of food are available for delivery by care professionals to clients.

Food supplies are donated largely by the public. In 2007 three tonnes of food were donated through harvest thanksgiving services at churches in Inverness and Easter Ross.

The first food bank schools appeal in the spring of 2006 attracted responses from 17 schools in the Inverness area while last year pupils from 26 primary schools in Inverness and Easter Ross participated.

“We are planning an appeal through schools in May but we need donations from the general public.” Mrs Dempster said.

Certainly, awareness of the project is spreading. At Christmas time, for the last two years, the Richard Fraser Charitable Trust donated money to buy festive foods such as Christmas puddings or selection boxes for the food parcels. Supermarkets such as Tesco Metro store in Tomnahurich Street, Inverness, have organised collections for customers to donate.

One former client, grateful to the food bank, is James Boyd, now a volunteer. Mr Boyd (39) of Huntly Place, Inverness, was referred to the project by staff at Caley House in Millburn Road which helps people with alcohol and drug problems.

“Things were not going too well and they gave me a voucher,” he said. “I went along to the food bank and they sat me down with a coffee. They were very nice people. It came along just at the right time.”

Subsequently, Mr Boyd turned his life around and as well as helping to distribute food parcels, he also puts together packs of toiletries with items donated by the Destiny Church which meets at the Columba Hotel in Inverness on Sunday mornings and of which he is a member.

Mr Boyd, a volunteer at the food bank for about nine months, said it was a way of saying “thank you”. “I know what it feels like when you have nothing,” he said.

Danny Alexander, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, praised the work of the food bank but was also concerned about the proportion of clients being referred due to delays in benefit claims. “It is my impression and evidence from my own constituency contacts that things have got worse for benefit claimants in the Highlands since the system was centralised to a call centre in Clydebank,” he maintained.

“I have no doubt that in some cases the food bank is a lifesaver.”

Tinned meat, tinned potatoes, UHT whole milk, dried fruit and packets of rice are the top five items required most urgently by the food bank.

Other items on the list include breakfast cereal, dried pasta, oatcakes and crackers, tinned vegetables, tinned tomatoes, tinned fruit, tinned fish, tinned soup and Cup-a-soup, tinned custard and rice pudding, tea bags, coffee and sugar. Donations can be left at any Blythswood shop, or collection can be arranged by phoning 0845 456 9460.

v.sweeney@inverness-courier.co.uk

As discussed earlier, I along with our Conservative Party members with the Help of Tescos raised between us £837 worth of food. I can confirm that the food has all now been delivered to the Food bank at Blythswood.

If you remember, I had laid down a challenge to the other political parties to get involved and ask their respective members to donate seeing as this was a crisis and local people who had not received their benefits were in desperate need.

I have to say I was very disappointed that not one of the other parties were prepared to help. They made some lame comments about already donating to local charities etc etc but the worst of all was Liberal Democrat MP Danny Alexander for Inverness Nairn Badenoch and Strathspey who despite claiming some of the largest expenses couldn’t be bothered to give anything at all. Instead he said politicians should be doing something so that the situation should not have arisen in the first place.

I’m sure that really made these local hungry people feel much better!

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