10 Jan 2003

UNISON throws its weight behind 129 MSP's

UNISON, Scotland's largest union, today wrote to all Scottish MPs urging them to back the Scottish Secretary's proposal to retain 129 MSP's for the Scottish Parliament, whatever the final number of MPs.

Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary said "UNISON decided almost a year ago, that the principles on which the Scottish Parliament was established would be undermined if there was a reduction in its size. The important committee work, proportionality, accessibility, equality of representation and accountability would all be jeopardised if the number of MSPs were cut.

"UNISON is calling on all Scottish MPs to back the current size of the Scottish Parliament.

ENDS

For Further Information Please Contact: Matt Smith (Scottish Secretary) 0845 355 0845(w) 07771 548 997(m) Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser P&I) 0845 355 0845(w) 07787 558 410(m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)

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