The Rt Hon Malcolm Bruce MP

Credit review drives case for creative Budget

The review of the UK's credit rating by Moody's is precisely the wake-up call that George Osborne describes. The lack of growth in the economy and the continued turmoil in the euro zone clearly makes it harder to get the public finances back into order.

However, Moody's is clear that this does not call for the change of policy continually called for by the less than credible Ed Balls who created the mess under Labour that the coalition is having to clear up. To borrow more would not only add to the already historically high deficit but would almost certainly spook the markets with horrendous consequences for interest rates.

Following John Swinney's comments on an independent Scotland's future currency, Scottish Liberal Democrat President and former Treasury spokesman, Malcolm Bruce MP said:

"In his attempt to shed light over the Scottish Government's plans for an independent Scotland's future currency, John Swinney has inevitably raised more questions and with it concern.

Malcolm Bruce the MP for Gordon is backing a scheme calling on young people across the UK to share their opinions on the Youth Budget 2012.

The launch of Chance to be Chancellor 2012 calls on schools and young people in Gordon to take up in the challenge to learn about, and share their opinions on, the Budget 2012. Run by the Citizenship Foundation, in partnership with Aviva, Chance to be Chancellor is open to all 14-18 year olds across theUK.

How many millions does a top banker need?

Controversy over the near £1million share bonus awarded to RBS Chief Executive, Stephen Hester, is unlikely to end with his decision, under intense pressure, to decline it.

The bank is 81 per cent Government owned so, unsurprisingly, public opinion suggested the Government should have intervened directly as the principal shareholder.

Commenting on the announcement that initial work on dualling the A90 between Balmedie and Tipperty is to get underway in June, Aberdeenshire Liberal Democrat MSP Alison McInnes said:

"I'm delighted with the news that work is finally set to get underway on dualling this busy stretch of the A90. Along with other campaigners, I've been working for years to push the Government to get started.

North East Liberal Democrat MPs Malcolm Bruce MP and Sir Robert Smith MP are urging the Westminster Government to give a boost to jobs by providing an investment plan for Carbon Capture & Storage.

The MPs met representatives of the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) industry in Westminster to discuss the potential of CCS to stimulate the local and national economies.

The MP for Gordon Malcolm Bruce has called on the PM to assure that the future of Aberdeen's air links will not be threatened as a result of the sale of BMI to the British Airways group.

Mr Bruce who had discussions with BAA Aberdeen in Westminster on a range of issues last week said that the prospective sale of BMI to IAG (British Airway's parent company) means it is unlikely that BA will in future maintain all existing BMI flights to London, particularly to Heathrow, and this could have an impact on competition for Aberdeen passengers wishing to take any ongoing international flights, given the terminal restrictions at Heathrow.

Malcolm Bruce, MP for Gordon has welcomed the release of the first Cold Weather Payments of the winter, issued after the weather station that calculates when payments should be made was changed.

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that the first period of 7 consecutive days of freezing temperatures has been recorded at a new weather station at Aboyne, triggering the release of Cold Weather Payments for constituents in West Gordon.

Malcolm Bruce, Liberal Democrat MP for Gordon, is to seek a meeting with First Bus Aberdeen to discuss proposed changes to the Number 5 bus service.

The MP, whose constituency covers Bridge of Don, is concerned that a move to hourly services in the evenings will affect local residents who use the bus to visit Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, or get to work at Tesco Danestone or ASDA.

Nations emerging from conflict are inherently more fragile, have high levels of poverty and are at great risk of falling back into war. These are the prime reasons why more UK aid is going to precisely these countries. It is inherently risky and in many cases cannot be achieved without the presence of the United Nations.