Women on the agenda - MSPs Nora and Margaret visit East Dunbartonshire

12.18.08pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 25th Apr 2005

Liberal Democrats plan to invest £millions more in education and childcare

Leading Liberal Democrat MSPs Margaret Smith and Nora Radcliffe joined East Dunbartonshire Lib Dem candidate Jo Swinson last week, to underline how Liberal Democrat policies will work across the board to end the ongoing discrimination against women.

The three women were welcomed by local Councillor Cathy McInnes who organised their visits covering Lenzie, Kirkintilloch and Bishopbriggs. Starting off at Lenzie Nursery (celebrating it's 50th Birthday) they saw how hard work by the staff and committee over many years has created a vibrant facility for young children. Nora Radcliffe said, "Liberal Democrat plans for a Maternity Income Guarantee of £170 per week for new working mothers will allow women to start a family with less worry that they cannot afford it. We are committed to giving mothers the choice to spend more time with their child in the early months without feeling financially

pressurised to return to work."

The group then visited East Dunbartonshire's Citizen's Advice Bureau. Margaret Smith commented, "The bureau handles a range of complex problems and provides vital advice. It is very welcome that this service will be expanded in the future to reach even more local people."

Continuing their visit, Jo, Nora & Margaret visited a local women's refuge. Everyone was impressed by the excellent facilities and dedication from the support staff which has created a very warm, welcome and nurturing atmosphere for women and children escaping abuse. Jo commented, "East Dunbartonshire's Women's Aid are a priceless asset to our community and this visit has only served to seal that impression in our minds."

The final visit of the day was to Balmuildy Primary school where the women met up with Bishopbriggs Liberal Democrat Councillor Margaret McNaughton. They all chatted with the parents waiting at the gates and listened to the issues which were of concern to the parents.

Jo Swinson also used the day to talk to Nora and Margaret about her campaign to end pensions injustice for women. She said, "The current pension system discriminates against women because a woman's contribution history can be incomplete due to caring responsibilities. On average women get £40 per week less than men on retirement. The Liberal Democrat solution is a Citizen's Pension based on residency not on contributions. For the first time, women will be guaranteed a pension in their own right."