First Minister’s Questions today were dominated by the weather. Alex Salmond faced attacks from all sides concerning the Scottish Government’s response to the worst cold spell for 50 years. With temperatures hitting -14C in parts of Scotland and hundreds of schools closed due to heavy snow, the Government has faced mounting criticism with regards to their response.
Iain Gray centred his line of questioning on the alleged lack of information on the ‘big freeze’ for elderly and vulnerable members of society. Mr. Salmond responded by stating that information had been posted today on the Scottish Government’s website and that Local Authorities had requested that the public be directed to them rather than a centralised helpline.
Annabel Goldie attacked the SNP Government claiming they were to slow in their response to clearing roads and pavements and for not making better use of people ordered to carry out community service. Mr. Salmond’s response was comprehensive, in which he outlined community service orders were already being used in some areas of the country, while urging Local Authorities to be innovative with the limited resources available following further Met Office warnings of continued bad weather to come.
For information on the severe weather please see the Scottish Government’s website.
By Luke
The Garden Lobby 