Stewarton's MSP Speaks About Identity Fraud

Stewarton's MSP, Willie Coffey, addressed the SNP conference last week on issues relating to identity fraud.

This was the SNP's 75th annual conference and was held at Inverness.

Mr Coffey said,

"It was a real occasion for all of us involved in the SNP. Our 75th year and our second year in government in Scotland.

"I was fortunate to be able to address the conference on issues relating to Identity Fraud and to alert the public to the dangers faced by ordinary people, particularly at a time of economic recession.

"The UK is by far the worst in terms of number of people who have experienced ID theft or fraud, with more than the totals of Germany, Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands combined having been affected by this.

"Any new government takes a little time to settle in and start delivering the changes that people voted for. But already we have achieved 63 of our manifesto commitments. Great progress indeed.

"We have put over 1,000 more Police officers on the streets with recorded crime now at a 30 year low, frozen the Council Tax, we've abolished tuition fees for students, introduced free school meals, phasing out prescription charges and saved vital accident and emergency units.

"We are helping Scotland's small businesses and our economic recovery plan is in place and will help protect 15,000 jobs.

"And for the first time we have a clear lead in the poll for the general election, building on our consistent lead for Holyrood.

"We have shown the people of Scotland that the SNP has what it takes to realize a positive vision and a brighter future for Scotland.

"Our people are supporting this vision in greater numbers as confidence grows in our ability as a nation to stand up for ourselves."