Glasgow has been officially revealed on the shortlist of potential host cities for Eurovision 2023.
Seven UK cities were announced as part of the shortlist this morning including Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.
The shortlist was revealed on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, with a guest appearance from Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl, declaring the Host City race ‘good to go’!
The selection of the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be decided by the BBC in conjunction with the EBU, and the successful city will be announced in the Autumn.
Commenting, Glasgow Central MP Alison Thewliss said:
“It would have been such a special moment to see Ukraine hosting Eurovision next year. But under the current circumstances, this is sadly not possible.
“It is such a proud moment to once again see Glasgow listed as a potential host of an international event.
“I think Glasgow has shown itself to be the number one choice to host next year’s Eurovision. Glasgow is a unique city full of life and culture, and I can see plenty of reasons why the banks of the Clyde would be the ideal location to step in for Ukraine and host the contest.
“COP26 and the 2014 Commonwealth Games brought the world to Glasgow and the city was recognised for the success of these events. The Hydro and the wider Scottish Event Campus have some of the best facilities in the UK and would be more than capable of hosting such a prestigious and adored event like Eurovision.
“With Glasgow’s location, experience and facilities combined, it forms the perfect place to host Eurovision next year.”
During this cost-of-living crisis, it is important that the constituents of Glasgow Central are given as much support as possible. There are a number of services available in the Glasgow Central constituency to help during what will be a difficult time for many. These services can be found below:
Emergency Services
Emergency: 999
Non-emergency : 101
NHS 24: 111
Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or speech impaired callers using a Textphone (minicom) should dial 18000 in an emergency.
CWIN has been running a food security programme since 2012. In February 2022 we transformed our former food bank into a community food hub, enabling our community members to access community food provision with more dignity and have choice over the food they take home.
Pollokshields Community Food Point is located at 423 Shields Road in Pollokshields, Glasgow. We stock fruit and vegetables, milk and bread, tinned goods and other groceries, and basic household essentials for those living in the G41 area of Glasgow and struggling to afford their weekly shopping. When possible, we also offer hot meals cooked by members of Pollokshields Mutual Aid.
423 Shields Road
Pollokshields
Glasgow
G41 1NY
Open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 3pm to 5pm.
Fuel Banks are currently available in selected foodbanks and advice agencies across Great Britain and provide a top up voucher that provides approximately two weeks’ worth of fuel to clients who use a prepayment meter to heat their home and to cook with, and who have been deemed as in ‘crisis need’ by an independent referrer.
We strive every day to give people struggling with bad housing or homelessness the help they need, through our advice, support and legal services. Our advice helpline is the best way to contact us for any emergencies.
Tel: 0808 800 4444
Homelessness Services (Glasgow City Council)
We have a legal duty to help people who are homeless or are threatened with homelessness. During office hours, you should contact your nearest Community Homeless Service.
Every day we help make good things happen for people facing extremely difficult circumstances. We’re here to provide consistent, friendly and informed support so that people can explore options and take the next step towards a positive future.
Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Tel: 116 123
Legal and money advice services
Govanhill Law Centre
GhLC’s aim is still to “root out discrimination and exploitation” and improve the wellbeing of local people. We provide the full range of legal services.
Castlemilk Law & Money Advice Centre is a community controlled law centre providing legal advice and representation on social security, housing law, debt and employment law. We also provide advice on women’s rights and disability rights.
Money Matters has adopted a holistic approach to dealing with advice issues. Our Welfare Rights service includes representation at Social Security and Disability appeal hearings. We are pro-active at providing in-work benefits advice such as Tax Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
For all enquiries about Money Matters’ services or to arrange an appointment for the Energy team, please contact us via telephone, fax or email.
Money Advice Scotland is Scotland’s money charity. Our mission is to be the driving force towards financial wellbeing for the people of Scotland.
We offer anonymous, confidential, and non-judgemental ways to chat with someone. You can talk to a friendly adviser using our webchat service, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or email. These services can all be accessed on the website.
We provide refugees and people seeking asylum with practical support when it is most needed, build connections between people and use what we learn to campaign for change.
The best way to get in touch is to email info@rst.org.uk, but if you would prefer to communicate by telephone, leave a message providing your contact number and we will call you back as soon as possible.
Refuweegee is a community-led charity that gives people a way to welcome and embrace those newest to arrive. We strive to ensure that people who have been forced to flee their homes arrive in Scotland to a warm welcome and some of the things that will help them to feel more at home here.
We are an independent charity dedicated to supporting people in need of refugee protection. Through our direct services we provide practical support, advice and a listening ear to help people rebuild their lives in a sustainable and meaningful way. We work with communities and community groups. And we speak out against an unjust asylum system and campaign for policy changes that make a positive difference to people’s lives.
Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living is run by disabled people for disabled people. We believe that barriers disable people, not impairments. Our support, payroll, training, housing, employment and consultancy services enable disabled people to assert more control over their lives as equal citizens.
Run by and for disabled people, we have 5000+ members across Greater Glasgow — diverse disabled people, people with long term conditions, and member organisations led by disabled people; and a thriving network of associate members — people, partners and allies who support our aims.
Our programmes support disabled people and those with long term conditions across Glasgow – you do not need to be a member to take part.
Glasgow Disability Alliance
Suite 301, The White Studios, Templeton Business Centre
In order to tackle loneliness and isolation, The No.1 Befriending Agency runs a befriending service where trained volunteers visit isolated older people and spend some time with them to have a wee chatter, a cup of tea, and to hear their stories.
Drop us an email anytime or call us during our office hours, Monday – Friday 9 AM – 4 PM.
Note: Due to COVID-19, our office is currently closed. We hope to welcome you back soon.
Support for victims of domestic abuse
Glasgow Women’s Aid
We have a range of different services to support you with your own experience of domestic abuse. Our support is women cantered meaning that you are at the centre of the support and your thoughts and opinions are always taken into consideration.
Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid provides safe temporary refuge accommodation to women, children, and young people, and provide crisis support to people living in the community. They can meet you in a place of safety to talk.
If you feel scared of or around your partner or if you are worried about someone you know, get in touch with Scotland’s 24 hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline, email, or visit the website.
The Daisy Project provides an integrated domestic abuse advocacy and support service. We offer one to one advocacy and advice in a safe and non-judgemental environment. Our Support Workers (IDAA’s) use a Risk Assessment tool to allow them to discuss your particular level of risk with you as well as highlighting any potential issues around your safety.
One Parent Families Scotland aims to enable single parent families to achieve their potential, to reach a decent standard of living and contribute to Scottish society.
Families on low incomes may be eligible to receive a School Clothing Grant award of £120 for a Primary aged child or £150 for a Secondary aged child. The award is given annually to assist with the cost of purchasing essential school clothing for families who are on a qualifying benefit.
Glasgow’s Pre-loved Uniforms provides school uniform to all families who need it, ensuring that children and young people can wear warm school uniform, shoes and jackets regardless of their family’s financial situation.
If you are receiving housing benefit or housing costs within universal credit but are still having difficulty meeting your rent payments, you may be able to get extra help from the Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) Fund.
The Glasgow Key Fund is a service provided by Ypeople with two separate strands of service provision: a rent deposit guarantee scheme and temporary accommodation sourced from the private rented sector.
Access to both strands of the service is managed by Homelessness Services Community Casework and Prison Casework teams.
The Pyramid is a community space in the heart of Anderston, Glasgow. We have spaces available to hire – and run a welcoming, inclusive programme of events and activities for all!
The Barn is also a dedicated youth centre with a concern for the welfare and informal education of young people aged between 8 to 24 years old. It is a place where young people come along voluntarily and choose to be involved.
Central and West Integration Network is a Scottish Charity which works with individuals and groups to support asylum seekers and refugees, migrant workers and black and minority ethnic people, and works with all communities to promote integration, in the City Centre and West End of Glasgow, across the city of Glasgow and beyond.
Run by volunteers for over 37 years, the Nan McKay Memorial Community Hall has a comprehensive programme that brings together resources to improve the quality of life for all residents of Pollokshields.
End of St John’s Road, Adjacent to 29 St Andrews Drive
Toryglen Community Hall is a cultural hub, enriching the lives of individuals and surrounding communities, thus helping to improve their quality of life and health and well-being. The hall is a social hub for a variety of activities, tackling social isolation and fostering community cohesion.
Townhead Village Hall (TVH) Community Centre is designed to be friendly and flexible to offer services to and a base of operation for various community groups and a host space for other activities within Townhead and surrounding area.
Bridging the Gap is recognised across Scotland for its innovative, exciting and challenging work in schools transition, tackling sectarianism and building community.
The Calton Heritage & Learning Centre (CHLC) is a community hub that aims to promote and celebrate the area’s heritage as well as providing a hub for the people of the area to access services, particularly learning opportunities.
On Tuesday, Glasgow Central MP and SNP Treasury Spokesperson, Alison Thewliss, called on the Chancellor to either mitigate real-terms cuts to the budgets of devolved governments or give them the power to raise funds to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.
Inflation has tripled since the UK Spending Review, where benefits and tax credits were set to be uprated by 3.1% in April this year – it’s now running at 9.1%. The Spending Review also predicted that inflation would peak at 4.4% in Q2 2022, which is less than half of the current rate.
A real-terms cut to the Scottish government budget of 5.2% this year will impact Scotland’s recovery from the pandemic and put further pressure on services and public sector wages.
Commenting, Alison Thewliss MP said:
“The UK Tory Government continue to exacerbate the pain felt by people across the country as inflation worsens by cutting budgets to devolved governments.
“Inflation is a global problem but the Chancellor is presiding over the highest inflation rate in the G7.
“Allowing real-terms cuts to go ahead means further pressure on public sector wages and vital services for those in need.
“It comes at the worst possible time for people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
“Independent countries across the world are introducing measures to ease the burden on the public. Ireland has reduced public transport fares to help people save on ticket and petrol prices.
“These measures are funded by borrowing. Scotland does not have the ability to help in this way because of the devolved funding arrangements.
“The Scottish Government has done all it can with its fixed budget – uprating the Scottish Child Payment, making public transport free for under-22s, and expanding energy efficiency schemes to cut energy bills – but providing further support requires having control of more finance levers.
“If Rishi Sunak refuses to mitigate cuts to the Scottish Government’s budget, he should support giving the devolved parliament the borrowing powers to do so itself.”
Last week, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), the national charity and leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding training across the UK and Ireland, brought its annual Drowning Prevention Week campaign to Westminster.
Alison Thewliss came together with the RLSS UK CEO and Charity Director, lifeguards, Olympian Professor Greg Whyte OBE, Paralympian Ellie Robinson MBE, and over 50 other Parliamentarians to discuss the importance of spreading water safety awareness, as well as what practical steps could be taken in Glasgow Central to address the issue.
At the event, Thewliss had the chance to see this guidance first-hand, including how to use throw lines, how to respect bodies of water, among other resources and also check out the cutting-edge equipment that is now being used to keep our shorelines and lakes safer than ever.
The RLSS UK also showed MPs the charity’s brand-new animation aimed at educating parents and their children about water safety and starting conversations of how their family can enjoy the water safely this summer.
Over 400 people die every year in the UK and Ireland from accidental drowning, yet every drowning is avoidable. Of those who drown, some 40% had no intention of entering the water in the first place. Yet people should still feel free to enjoy the water, as with the correct education and awareness, this can be done safely.
Drowning Prevention Week, which began on 18th June and continues until 25th June, encourages the public to be ready to enjoy being in, on, or around water this summer by ensuring that they and their families have a good understanding of water safety.
Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said:
“With June, July, and August proving to be the months with the most fatalities, it is vitally important that everyone understands water safety, especially during the summer months.
“We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy their summer break and enjoy being in or around water but be safe in the knowledge that they, and their children, have the skills and understanding about water safety, which could potentially save a life.”
“It is fantastic to have Alison Thewliss supporting our Drowning Prevention Week campaign and highlighting the issues surrounding water safety education and helping to educate communities in Glasgow Central.”
Olympian Professor Greg Whyte OBE, said:
“I have been privileged to work with the Royal Life Saving Society UK for many years, as we strive to spread awareness around water safety and help people to enjoy water safely.
“Every MP who came along to our event, and who helps us spread the message and awareness of this important campaign is helping us reach our ultimate goal of zero water deaths, and for that I am grateful.”
Paralympian Ellie Robinson MBE, said:
“While swimming ability is of course crucial, far more worrying is the statistic that some 40% of people who drown had no intention of entering the water in the first place. Only by spreading greater awareness of water safety can we help people to enjoy water safely and reduce fatalities.”
The event came quickly after the inaugural meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Water Safety. This took place earlier this month and aims to establish more accessible water safety education across the UK to prevent future drownings.
Damien Moore MP, Chair of the APPG on Water Safety, said:
“Every drowning is a tragedy, and despite the RLSS UK’s excellent education campaign having reached an estimated 20 million people across the UK, these horrific accidents continue to happen.
“It is my sincerest hope that by hosting this event in Parliament, we have helped to further spread awareness of how best to enjoy water safely, so that ultimately lives can be saved.
“I want to thank the RLSS UK, along with every MP who came along to our event, for the vital work that they are doing in spreading awareness.”
Alison Thewliss, Shadow Chancellor for the SNP and MP for Glasgow Central, has demanded that the Government takes immediate action on collapsed betting company, Football Index.
A debate was held today, Tuesday 6th June, on the impact of the collapse of the company, which took place in March of 2021. The company had its licence stripped by the Gambling Commission and was forced to enter administration.
It has been estimated that customers collectively have over £90 million in open stakes trapped in the platform following its collapse – leaving average losses of around £3,000 per customer.
Following confirmation that a debate would be taking place on the company, Thewliss has demanded that the time is now to ensure the customers affected by the collapse are compensated for.
Alison Thewliss MP said:
“The Government have been tiptoeing around the issue of Football Index for over a year now. Constituents in Glasgow Central have contacted my office and explained the distress they felt, having invested significant money into the company. They now feel completely betrayed by the lack of support following the collapse, and frustrated by the lack of action by regulators.
“A support package must be put in place for victims of the scandal, particularly given the precedent set by the UK Government on the London Capital and Finance failure. It is entirely unfair that those who continue to have money locked away in the accounts of the now-collapsed firm are being left in the dark.
“There remains a real worry that scandals such as Football Index could be repeated unless action is taken by the Gambling Commission. The Government must acknowledge the recommendations made by Michael Sheehan QC and implement these as soon as possible.
“I am deeply disappointed that the Minister didn’t recognise that the Football Index scandal isn’t about people being compensated for gambling losses – it is a clear failure in regulation. On that basis, compensation should be due to those that have lost their life savings to a government-regulated Ponzi scheme.”
Glasgow Central MP Alison Thewliss demonstrated her support for improving liver health in Scotland by attending the Love Your Liver roadshow, hosted by the British Liver Trust, in Glasgow on Thursday 19th May 2022.
Ms Thewliss is an advocate for the British Liver Trust’s work and recognises the importance of improving early diagnosis of liver disease. She encouraged her constituents and the people of Glasgow to attend the roadshow and find out the steps they can take to improve their liver health.
90% of liver disease is preventable and if caught at an early stage liver damage can be reversed. However, the alarming reality is that three-quarters of people with cirrhosis are diagnosed when it is too late for effective intervention or treatment.
Commenting, Alison Thewliss MP said: “I am delighted to support the Love Your Liver campaign and the charity’s work to improve early detection. Liver disease is a public health crisis and thousands of Scots are at risk. The Love Your Liver roadshow is a really important campaign, which is helping people better understand the importance of looking after their liver.”
Members of the public were encouraged to pop along to the Love Your Liver mobile unit in Argyle street to take a free liver screener, which assesses the potential for liver damage against the three main risk factors of alcohol, obesity and viral hepatitis. A free FibroScan was offered to those who had a potential risk and those with high readings were recommended to speak to their GP.
Scotland has a significant liver disease crisis with around 900 deaths each year. In 2020, it was one of the leading causes of death in Scotland in those under the age of 75. Mortality rates are also four times higher in deprived areas compared to more affluent areas.
Pamela Healy OBE, Chief Executive of British Liver Trust, said: “One in five of us are at risk of liver disease and the numbers of people being diagnosed have been increasing at an alarming rate. Liver damage develops silently with no signs or symptoms and people often don’t realise they have a problem until it is too late. Although the liver is remarkably resilient, if left until symptoms appear, the damage is often irreversible.
“Our Love Your Liver roadshows are a great opportunity for people to find out their risk of liver disease and receive a free liver scan to see if there is any early damage. Approximately one in five people that are scanned are advised to have further checks.”
The British Liver Trust’s Love Your Liver campaign focuses on three simple steps for liver health:
1. Drink within recommended limits and have three consecutive days off alcohol every week
2. Cut down on sugar, carbohydrates and fat, and take more exercise
3. Know the risk factors for viral hepatitis and get tested or vaccinated if at risk
For more If you couldn’t attend the events you can still find out if you are at risk and check your liver information on our Roadshows, visit: Love Your Liver Roadshows
Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central, has called upon the Government to step in immediately to stop the rising waiting times for passport applications.
Her Majesty’s Passport Office has warned that applicants for new passports should “be prepared” for significant delays to applications in the coming months.
The impact of the pandemic saw over five million people delaying their renewal of passports between 2020 and 2021. With travel returning back to normal, applications for new passports for travellers are now reaching record highs.
Speaking on the impact of these delays, Thewliss described how difficult it has been for Glasgow Central constituents to receive their passports after applying for them.
Alison Thewliss said:
“Glasgow Central constituents have been contacting me to express their concerns over lengthy delays from the Passport Office – despite applications going in months ago.
“With a huge backlog of applications to deal with after the pandemic, I completely appreciate how difficult it must be for the workers in these offices to process the requests in a timely manner. I am hopeful that the UK Government will acknowledge the pressure being put on Passport Offices across the country and employ more people to deal with the backlog of cases.
“I am deeply concerned, however, by accounts from my constituents of being let down and lied to about their applications during a time of stress and uncertainty for them. One constituent in particular, Scott came to me with a list of false information he was given in relation to his passport application.
“This ranged from being told people could go to collect their passport, which he said was not possible, to being told he would only need to wait 10 weeks to receive his passport, despite eventually waiting 12 weeks to receive it.
“It is clear that there is immense pressure being put on Passport Offices across the country, but it remains completely unacceptable that my constituents are being given a false sense of hope during a time where they will no doubt be extremely nervous about being able to receive their passport in time.
“The Government must ensure that the information being provided by Passport Offices is honest and accurate.”
The SNP has accused the UK government of “all talk no action” over the spiralling Tory cost-of-living crisis, with new research revealing that people face another hit to their pockets with continued higher food bills this year.
Analysis by Kantar found that grocery prices were 5.9% higher this month than a year ago – the biggest rise since December 2011 – and that the average food bill could increase by £271 this year.
It follows recent figures this month that highlighted that prices are increasing at their fastest rate in decades with inflation rising to 7% – a staggering 30-year high.
It comes after the scandal-hit Boris Johnson urged his Cabinet today to promote the UK government’s inadequate measures and to look at ways to tackle the crisis – despite ignoring the SNP’s repeated calls for an Emergency Budget to deliver real support to struggling households.
Commenting, the SNP’s Shadow Chancellor Alison Thewliss MP said:
“The Tory government is too engulfed in scandal to get on with the day job of tackling the cost-of-living crisis spiralling out of control under its watch.
“With new research revealing that people face yet another hit with the average food bill potentially increasing by a staggering £271 this year, families need action not more hot air from this out of touch Tory government.
“The reality is that the Prime Minister’s remarks are all talk and no action.
“The SNP has been consistently clear that the UK government must deliver an Emergency Budget that finally puts money into people’s pockets.
“That Emergency Budget must include at the very minimum converting the £200 energy loan into a more generous grant, scrapping the National Insurance tax hike, reversing the £1040 cuts to Universal Credit, matching the Scottish Child Payment UK-wide, introducing a Real Living Wage to boost incomes, reducing or removing VAT on household energy bills, and following the Scottish Government’s 6% uprating of benefits.
“On 5th May, people in Scotland can send a message to Boris Johnson and prioritise action to tackle the cost of living by voting SNP in the local elections.”
SNP MP, Alison Thewliss, will lead a debate today in Westminster Hall calling on the UK government to scrap the two child cap and ‘rape clause’ on working tax credits and Universal Credit.
The Glasgow Central MP described the policy, which limits the social security claimants can receive based on how many children they have, as ‘unspeakably cruel’ and demanded Tories end their dystopian policies punishing families and forcing survivors of sexual assualt to relive trauma.
Over 1.1 million people are affected by the policy which the UK is alone in the world in implementing, being the sole country to limit benefits past 2 children.
Alison Thewliss, the party’s Shadow Chancellor, said that due to the cost of living crisis the Tories must reconsider the policy and introduce further measures to alleviate households’ cost concerns.
The SNP are also calling for the introduction of the Real Living Wage, a reversal to Tory Universal Credit cuts, the turning of the energy support loan into a more generous grant and a u-turn on national insurance hikes.
Commenting, Alison Thewliss MP said:
“This is an unspeakably cruel policy that hasn’t worked to achieve its dystopian purpose and is now only exacerbating the cost of living concerns families are experiencing – with over 1 million people affected by this policy.
“Families shouldn’t be punished for having children, nor have limits placed on them by the government over how many they can have, and in no civilised country should survivors of sexual assault be made to relive trauma to prove they’ve been raped to access vital benefits – that is disgusting.
“The policy has been wrong from the beginning, that the Tories haven’t scrapped it on moral grounds is nothing short of a disgrace but they must at least now listen to our concerns given its impact on the cost of living crisis.
“This policy is yet further proof that it hasn’t just been Tory inaction that has led to this crisis, but also direct Tory action with cruel policies such as this one.
“In stark contrast the Scottish Government is providing for families with a, recently doubled, Scottish Child Payment – putting over £1,000 a year into the pockets of families in Scotland.
“If the Tories won’t listen to us now it’ll prove, once again, that only with the full powers of independence can we provide support to families with the dignity and fairness they deserve and put more support on the table for households.”
In response to UK government’s recent announcements that it will begin sending people claiming asylum to Rwanda, and also that it will open a new asylum accommodation centre in Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire, Alison Thewliss MP, Chair of the APPG on Immigration Detention, has made the following statement:
“The plans introduced by the UK government to send asylum seekers to Rwanda from Britain are utterly appalling.
“The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has already condemned these plans on ethical and legal grounds, while senior Home Office officials say there’s no evidence the arrangment will provide value for money. There are serious questions of transparency and how the Home Office can ever be held to account for what happens to the individuals it sends to Rwanda. But this is just another example of the Government abandoning its responsibility to offer sanctuary and support to those fleeing persecution.
“My recent visit to Napier Barracks allowed me to see first-hand how profoundly unsuitable and dehumanising such sites are for asylum seekers. The dilapidated former barracks used by the Government to house asylum seekers are inadequate, lacking in facilities and people there struggle to get access to lawyers and adequate healthcare. It is frightening to imagine what a facility located in another country thousands of miles away from scrutiny will be like.
“I would have hoped that the Tory Government would learn from the comments made after our visit. Yet despite the warnings given to them about the conditions in Napier, the government is proceeding with plans at Linton-on-Ouse. With other members of the APPG, I have repeatedly called for Napier Barracks to close and for the UK government not to open any further similar sites. I reiterate that call today.
“It is time for the government to get a grip and stop with these tactics to divert the attention away from the chaos within this Government. Thousands of human lives are at risk here, they must be protected. During the worst cost of living crisis to date, the Government should be focusing on allowing all people to have enough money to feed themselves, rather than pandering to the dog whistle politics of the far right.”
