This week, I have spoken in the Chamber on a variety of issues.
The Scottish Greens raised a motion for debate this week on budget priorities. The motion called for the Scottish Government to explore all avenues to raising revenue in order to support people. At both this debate and First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, I raised the need for investment and growth in the economy.
At Education Portfolio Questions, I raised concerns regarding the ‘Gender-based Violence in Schools’ guidance published in March. Recently, GirlGuiding Scotland found a fifth of girls surveyed had experienced sexual harassment whilst in an educational setting, and the University of Glasgow found a third of girls surveyed had experienced personally-invasive behaviour in the preceding three months. There is no place for violence of any kind in educational settings. Whilst schools implement this guidance as they see fit, the rights of all parties involved must be recognised. You can watch my question here at 14:07 https://www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/portfolio-questions-october-10-2024
This week I submitted three motions to the Scottish Parliament, two of which celebrate Bo’ness businesses and groups. I was delighted to be able to recognise Thomas Burns & Son, of Bo’ness, on their success at the Scottish Craft Butchers Awards 2024, and the Bo’ness Breastfeeding Support Group on reaching their one-year anniversary. I also submitted a Members’ Business Debate motion on St Andrew’s Day. As the Convenor of the Cross-Party Group on St Andrew’s Day in the Scottish Parliament, I look forward to bringing this motion celebrating Scotland’s culture and global significance to the chamber in time for 30 November.
