The news from Petroineos on Wednesday has understandably dominated my activity this week and I would stress my commitment to all residents in Falkirk East to work tirelessly in safeguarding the interests of workers, local business and communities who are affected by this announcement.
- Following Wednesday’s announcement I immediately set up a meeting with Petroineos and lodged an urgent question in the Scottish Parliament which was heard on Thursday afternoon. You can watch the full exchange on the following link as well as my earlier question to the First Minister here
- I have met with representatives from one of the main unions and am in the process of setting up discussions with other unions as soon as possible. I have also met separately with Scottish Enterprise and the leader of Falkirk Council earlier today. I intend to have further such regular meetings and have written to the community councils of Grangemouth and Bo’ness, whom I hope to meet with soon also.
- Earlier in the week I had a wonderful visit to Carrongrange High School and was delighted to hear about the fantastic opportunities and experiences which are part of school life. Don’t forget to head along to their Christmas Fayre next Thursday morning – full details on my earlier post here
- I had a really interesting double visit to Drumbowie and Avonbridge Primary Schools on Monday, including some excellent debating time. You can read more on my earlier post here
- While regrettably I had to miss Tuesday’s meeting of the Finance & Public Administration committee, I was delighted to see convener Kenny Gibson MSP picking up the committee’s 2nd award in recent months at The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year 2023 awards on Thursday. I did however attend Wednesday’s Education Children & Young People’s Committtee, where I took part in an important evidence session on the vital Scottish Government commitment of Keeping the Promise. You can watch my opening contribution on this here
