Moray SNP News

MORAY MP WINS PATCHWORK "MP OF THE YEAR AWARD"

Moray’s MP Angus Robertson has been presented with a Patchwork Foundation ‘MP of the Year Award’

The Patchwork Foundation aims to promote and encourage the positive integration of under-represented, deprived and minority communities into British political society.

The Foundation promotes and highlights best practice in the area of under-represented, deprived and minority community engagement. Each year Patchwork recognises MPs who have worked closely with such communities, by acknowledging them as the MPs of the Year.

Winning MPs have been nominated by individuals or grassroots community organisations and selected by an independent panel of judges.

Comments from judges on Angus Robertson’s contribution included:

“The MP set the agenda of the last 5 years for their party highlighting the suffering of the most deprived communities in the country from issues ranging from the bedroom tax and the rise in food banks.”

“Championed and led their party agenda to promote equality and human rights and campaigned for equality laws and LBGT rights.”

Also mentioned was his work with “white deprived communities and support for charities which mentor school children”.

Commenting on the Award Angus Robertson MP said:

“It is an honour and privilege to receive this award from Patchwork, who do an incredible amount of work supporting people from all backgrounds to have a voice in politics.

“It is vital that, as politicians, we engage with as many people in society as we can and make our democracy accessible for all.

“Working with groups like Skillforce who support disadvantaged young people or Enable, who work with adults with learning difficulties, is enormously important if we are to ensure we are representing all of our community.

“We must also seek to understand cultural differences, such as across religious groups, and ensure that we treat people fairly and equally in everything we do. We need to ensure that we have full democratic accountability and encourage participation in politics from all cultures and backgrounds otherwise as a parliament we cannot reasonably claim to act on behalf of the people.”

SNP Leader and Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“Patchwork is a loudhailer for the voices of underrepresented groups right across our islands and their Parliamentary Awards recognise the endeavours of individual MPs across the parties who are making efforts to get people from all walks of life engaged in politics.

“Angus Robertson has done a tremendous job supporting groups of people who would otherwise be less engaged with democracy and representation and he has encouraged young people especially to be all they can be. I am delighted to congratulate Angus on this award.”

One of the organisations Angus has supported over the years is Skillforce who support children in schools across Moray.

Ben Slade, Chief Executive of SkillForce, said:

“We provide education programmes for children and young people to help them develop self confidence and resilience, and skills for life and work. Angus has been an active supporter of our work in Scotland, and we would like to congratulate him on receiving this award.”