Moray SNP News

MORAY MP RECEIVES PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD

Angus Robertson has been announced as the winner of the 'Other Party People's CHoice Award' at the Patchwork Foundation's MP of the Year Awards 2016. The awards were announced by House of Commons Speaker, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, who is Patron of the Patchwork Foundation. The awards are made in recognition for those MPs who have represented and work well with underrepresented, deprived and minority communities across the country.

Receiving the award Angus Robertson MP said:

“I am delighted to receive the People’s Choice Award from Patchwork. Patchwork is an organisation that engages with individuals and groups to have a voice in politics and democracy and that is something that I strive to do in politics.

“As politicians it is vital that we not only engage with those who contact us but also those who are more marginalised whether that is by age, religion, sexuality, social background or for any other reason. In Moray, and across Scotland, there is plenty of work to be done to ensure that everyone gets involved in the political process no matter their background and I’m pleased to work with the Patchwork Foundation to further this aim.”

Nicola Sturgeon, SNP Leader and MSP said:

“The Patchwork Foundation is a fantastic organisation that plays an important role in promoting the involvement of underrepresented groups and minority communities in politics. Their Parliamentary Awards recognise and encourage the endeavours of individual MPs across the parties who are making efforts to get people from all walks of life engaged in politics. The SNP is committed to equality and to ensuring representation and inclusion for all communities, so I am proud that not one but three SNP MPs have been recognised for their contribution at this year’s event.

"As SNP Westminster Leader Angus Robertson has done tremendous work with Patchwork and others to encourage underrepresented communities to engage in politics. He has led the SNP group of MPs in fighting for equality and fairness - challenging policies that would deepen inequality and worsen poverty. I’m delighted to congratulate him on winning the People’s Choice MP of the Year. Congratulations to all those who have won or been nominated for an award - and to Patchwork for the excellent work they do.”

The awards were sponsored by KPMG, Siddiq Musa, KPMG Partner said:

“We are delighted to sponsor these Patchwork Awards for the third year encouraging under represented communities to connect with the political process and celebrating those MPs from across the political divide who have really made a difference to inclusion.  The work done by their volunteers and the time they commit will hopefully inspire young people in all communities to fulfil their true potential.  

"How organisations work with, and within, their local communities is a critical part of inspiring young people.  That’s why KPMG pioneered a School Leaver Programme, a Business Support Academy and also launched our 360 degree apprenticeship programme.  We have committed ourselves to target ranges spanning across the four areas of gender, ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation.  Everyone has the right to feel safe from discrimination and bring their whole self to work, into Parliament or civic life so that they can fulfil their own potential and make a difference to business, our communities and to people’s lives and opportunities.”

Nicola Sturgeon MSP sent a video message in support of the Patchwork Foundation's work and the awards: https://youtu.be/YyIf_IpTQPo