Glasgow MSP Sandra White, slammed the ConDem coalition for its plans to forge ahead with  plans to raise national insurance alongside the increase in VAT as evidence emerged that the moves will cost public services in Scotland nearly £140 million.

Parliamentary answers have shown that the changes will cost the NHS over £40 million and the Scottish Government and its agencies over £50 million, at a time when frontline services are already under pressure due to further budget cuts due to be announced by the Westminster Government.

Sandra White MSP for the Glasgow Region has today written to Glasgow's new Leader asking him to consider the proposal of a lasting memory of Glasgow's first Poet Laurate and Scotland's own Makar, the late Edwin Morgan, who passed away on the 19 August 2010, aged 90.

Morgan who was considered to be one of Scotland's greatest poets studied and lectured for a large part of his life at Glasgow University and many of his works reflected his experiences of and thoughts upon Glasgow at the time.

Glasgow City Council has been urged to apply for the latest round of 'safer street' funding announced by the Scottish Government and to use the money to ensure that Glasgow's City Centre continues to flourish as one of the best destinations to go for an enjoyable evening out.

The latest funding of  £400,000 will be awarded to Community Safety Partnerships for community safety initiatives such as high visibility police patrols in 'hot spot' areas, targeting of street drinkers and late night taxi marshals all aimed at reducing alcohol-related violence and disorder in cities and town centres.