Press Release
7th December 1999
Now there’s no excuse not to get involved!
MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, today welcomed a bold new step taken by the Public Petitions Committee (PPC) of the Scottish Parliament. The PPC has thrown its doors open to petitions from any member of the public or organisation and has published guidance to make petitioning the Parliament easier.
The guidance offers clear, easy instructions for anyone wanting to petition the Parliament.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr McNeil said:
"I am delighted that the PPC has taken this step. Any initiative which brings the work of the Parliament closer to the people can only be good for our democracy. I want our Parliament to be open to everyone and everyone to get involved.
"Petitions are an ideal way to raise issues with the Parliament and to gain publicity for causes. A petition can relate to a matter of public concern or interest; an individual complaint; a request for the introduction of legislation; or any other matter for which the Parliament has responsibility. Any individual, company, interest group or association can make a petition.
"This is not an empty gesture: All petitions submitted must be considered by the PPC, who then decide how to proceed.
"I would therefore urge any individual, group or association in Inverclyde who would like to petition the Parliament to get themselves a copy of the guidance and do so.
"The guidance is available free of charge from my office, from the Parliament’s Public Information Centre (0131 348 5411), or from Greenock Central Library. Alternatively, they can log on to the Scottish Parliament website (http://www.scottish.parliament.uk) from where they can also submit petitions electronically."
ENDS
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