BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats

Scottish Liberal Democrats have today warned that the UK Government's "chaotic and cavalier" approach to Brexit is putting council services and projects at risk, after it was revealed that Scotland's local authorities have obtained over £100m from the EU over the past three years.

Figures collected by the Scottish Liberal Democrats from 30 of Scotland's 32 councils, show that at least £106.4 million of funding has been assigned to local authorities from EU sources since 2015/16.

Responding to the Scottish Government's new recommendations for standardised testing, Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Tavish Scott said:

"The last thing Scottish teachers want is yet more guidance to plough through. So much for reducing bureaucracy in the classroom.

"The government's own review of testing has not yet reported so why would they throw out these recommendations? Once again, the government makes it up as they go along."

Responding to revelations of "shocking" treatment of patients at the Carseview mental health unit in Tayside, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said:

"These horrific reports suggest patients are being mistreated in a potentially life-threatening fashion.

"Restraint is supposed to be a last resort but the sheer number of occurrences shows that it is anything but.

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP and deputy convener of the Equalities and Human Rights Committee Alex Cole-Hamilton has today lodged fresh amendments to the Age of Criminal Responsibility Bill, calling for the Scottish Government to prohibit locking up children in police cells.

Mr Cole-Hamilton has called for a "children's rights revolution" to ensure that Scotland becomes the best place in the world to grow up.

Commenting on today's A&E figures which show that more than 300 patients had to wait over 8 hours during the week ending 7 April, and performance against the 4 hour target of just 88.5%, Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:

"Despite the best efforts of our hardworking healthcare staff, patients are still too often waiting for hours for treatment.

Responding to the findings of the new report by Unison and the Jimmy Reid Foundation, which calls for a "fundamental review" of local government funding, Scottish Liberal Democrat communities and local government spokesperson, Cllr Peter Barrett, commented:

"Just like Holyrood, local councils should have the power to raise the majority of the money that they spend. Looking at a new land value tax and giving them the purse strings would empower them in a way that has been prevented in recent years.

Scottish Liberal Democrat animal welfare spokesperson Jenny Marr has today praised the Fire & Rescue Service for their diligent and tireless work supporting communities across Scotland, after new research by the Scottish Liberal Democrats revealed the service responded to 2276 callouts for animal-related emergencies between 2013 and 2018.

Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Willie Rennie has today has warned of experienced police call handlers could "stream for the exits" as he revealed that over 120 staff have received pay cuts of up to £6,400.

Now a Scottish Liberal Democrat freedom of information request has revealed that 128 staff face pay cuts of up to £6,400 as a result of changes to back and night shift allowances. The new pay deal came effect on 1 April.

Responding to Nicola Sturgeon's statement that she will outline her thinking on another independence referendum after the Easter recess, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said:

"Brexit or no Brexit, the SNP will always put independence first.

"The SNP should be working with us to deliver a People's Vote and an end to the constitutional strife that is dividing the UK, not kicking off more chaos of their own making.

Responding to comments from SNP backbencher Angus MacNeil MP and former deputy leadership contender Chris McEleny demanding a second independence referendum this year, Scottish Liberal Democrat constitutional affairs spokesperson Wendy Chamberlain said:

"Brexit or no Brexit, SNP fundamentalists will always put independence first.