Michelle Thomson for Falkirk East

On Monday this week, I visited the Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre, which serves the Forth Valley area including my constituency of Falkirk East. They offer free and confidential information, advocacy and person-centred support to anyone aged over 13 in the Forth Valley area that has been affected by sexual violence. As with many small charities, they rely on multi-year funding sources and donations - neither of which are certainties. The incredibly important work being undertaken by staff and the Board is fantastic, and it was a pleasure to visit to discuss their work and the issues they face. If you or someone you know would like to know more about Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre, visit https://www.forthvalleyrapecrisis.org.uk/

I attended the Scottish Financial Enterprise reception in the Scottish Parliament, celebrating the contribution the financial and professional services sector has on Scotland’s economy and society. The event was also supported by BNY, a global financial services firm marking 25 years in Edinburgh. Scotland’s financial and professional services industry is worth almost £15 billion in Gross Value Added to the Scottish and UK economies and supports over 150,000 jobs directly and in the supply chain. I was delighted to be able to pop along to this interesting and informative event.

This week the Scottish Government introduced the Scottish Budget 2025/26 to the Parliament and I was delighted to be able to contribute to the discussion. The budget has a clear focus on economic growth, and I was pleased to hear ScotWind monies will be used for their intended purpose. There is also much needed funding for our most vital sectors and the mitigation of the Winter Fuel Payment ; the payments for which were cut by the UK Labour Government. I look forward to future debates starting next week and continuing into the new year.

I also spoke at Portfolio Questions on Education this week. A number of constituents have contacted me ahead of Falkirk Council’s meeting next week on proposals to reduce learning hours. Falkirk Council must make savings to balance their budget, and I know Falkirk Council will carefully consider their options as more information about the real-terms uplift of 3% for spending on education.

I concluded my week by attending the Beira’s Place round table discussion. I was shocked by many of the statistics given in the presentation, including how strangulation is not a specific offence in Scotland despite the huge increase in occurrence. I look forward to taking some of the issues raised in this discussion further with the Scottish Parliament in the coming months.

This week has been extremely eventful!

I was delighted to sponsor the Logistics UK round table in the Scottish Parliament, where they introduced an interesting presentation, triggering discussions around post-EU trade and the various logistical factors of this. Brexit has impacted almost every sector and we must find ways to mitigate its effects.

While visiting Edinburgh from Houston in the USA, Sysco visited the Scottish Parliament. I met with them as a member of the Cross Party Group on USA to find out more abut their ideas for trade connections with Scotland. Having distribution site in Scotland, Sysco sells and distributes food products to several sectors and provide equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries.

I thoroughly enjoyed sponsoring the Scottish Property Federation’s event this week. The Scottish Property Federation represents over 400 businesses, investors and experts in the real estate industry in Scotland. Looking to strengthen Scotland’s built environment through initiatives such as energy efficient business premises, homes and wider amenities, the Scottish Property Federation works with members and both national and local governments to develop an industry which also successfully supports local community investment and job creation across the country.

As well as being asked to be a panellist on Politics Scotland and asking a question at First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, which you can watch in my previous post, I also convened the CPG on St Andrew’s Day ahead of the day itself on 30 November. While some bodies in Scotland recognise the Bank Holiday for our national day, it is imperative we must not forget the significance the day represents in the values and culture in Scotland.

This week I had the privilege of visiting Bosnia for 'Lessons from Srebenica', an event focussed on gaining a wider understanding of the causes and long-term implications of the conflict which claimed the lives of so many innocent civilians. The event served to me as a reminder of the fragility of our democratic system and the reasons why it is so important for representation from all groups to be heard.

It was also a busy week in Parliament, I participated in votes on the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill and the debate regarding 'Keeping the Promise.'

This week I also submitted two motions highlighting the work and successes of local groups in the Falkirk East Constituency.

I kicked off this week with an excellent visit to Candle Shack in Stenhousemuir to learn more about their business supplying luxury candle making equipment and providing expertise to people across the world. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and appreciated the very warm welcome I received from Cheryl and Duncan. You can find out more about Candle Shack and my visit in my previous post here: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1001693675099932&set=a.377949410807698

As previously advertised, I also held my regular Advice Surgery in my constituency office. Forthcoming surgeries are already booking up quickly – if you have an issue that you feel I can assist with and would like to speak with me, please phone 01324 357373 Mon-Fri 9.30-4.30pm for availability.

Many important debates took place in the Scottish Parliament this week, both preceding and following the UK Government’s Autumn Budget announcement. I was grateful to be able to speak in the debate on Fiscal Sustainability, Members’ Business on AI, Portfolio Questions and the Finance and Public Administration Committee Debate on Scotland’s Commissioner Landscape. You can listen back to debates from this week at https://www.scottishparliament.tv/archive

Having long been a supporter of Live Music Now Scotland and working closely with them in my role as Convenor of the Cross-Party Group on Music, I was delighted to speak at their 40th Anniversary event held in Edinburgh on Thursday evening. It was a fantastic event celebrating the hard work of the organisation and looking ahead to their future.

From 28 October 2024, I will be offering an in-person surgery each week in my Constituency office. Appointments will be available most Mondays between 12-1pm.

If you have an enquiry you would like me to assist with, you can make an appointment by calling my office on 01324 357373.

Appointments will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Our waiting area is small, so to avoid overcrowding and ensure my team can manage the surgery effectively, please call to make an appointment beforehand.