This week, the Scottish Parliament saw an Emergency Budget review being implemented. Inflation means that our annual budget today is worth £1.7 billion less than when it was published last December. The initial package of £560 million in savings for 2022-23 was increased in the Emergency Budget Review, which set out a further £615 million in savings to counter Tory Westminster failings.
Alongside very busy Parliamentary Business, I’ve managed to meet with lots of pupils from high schools across Falkirk. It was a pleasure to learn more about the Fuel Poverty Challenge and congratulate the hard work of those involved. I also met with Advanced Higher Modern Studies pupils from Braes High School to do a Q&A about their dissertations.
I was thrilled to host an event marking 175 years of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in the Scottish Parliament and it was a resounding success. I was honoured to be able to speak at the event and welcome staff, current students and fellow alumni from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. It was a joy to hear some excellent musicians play, including a unique group of four classical accordionists.
Meeting constituents, local groups and businesses is incredibly important, both to recognise challenges but also congratulate those doing excellent work around Falkirk East for their local communities and wider causes.
