As the Scottish Parliament breaks off for Christmas recess, this week has seen a variety of commitments.
There were two important debates this week in the Scottish Parliament. The first, Stage 3 of the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill, mitigates the ability for elected representatives to stand in both the Scottish Parliament and Westminster seats at the same time, as well as other important aspects of elections including improving candidacy and campaigner
safety. The second, Stage 1 of the Education (Scotland) Bill, introduces the establishment of a new Qualifications Body called Qualifications Scotland and creates a Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland. The Bill will now go to committee scrutiny before it comes before the Chamber again at Stage 3.
safety. The second, Stage 1 of the Education (Scotland) Bill, introduces the establishment of a new Qualifications Body called Qualifications Scotland and creates a Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland. The Bill will now go to committee scrutiny before it comes before the Chamber again at Stage 3.
I also met with Carolyn Currie of Women’s Enterprise Scotland this week. Carolyn is fundamental to the running of the Cross-Party Group on Women in Enterprise within the Scottish Parliament, which I convene on a regular basis. This week I met with her to discuss future topics for the CPG to progress in 2025 following the AGM last month.
On Wednesday I asked a question on mental health support for people living with long-term conditions at Health & Social Care Portfolio Questions. A recent report by IBD UK on Crohn’s and Colitis Care in Scotland found inadequate provision of psychologists and 4 in 5 people being treated for Crohn’s and Colitis in Scotland were not asked about their mental health. You can listen to my question and the answer from Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd MSP in my previous post on Wednesday.
The final Finance & Public Administration Committee meeting of 2024 involved scrutinising the recently announced Budget 2025-26 and looking at the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill’s Financial Memorandum. As the work around formally presenting the Budget before the Scottish Parliament again in the coming months, the Finance & Public Administration Committee will continue to take evidence on the proposals. I look forward to continuing this work in 2025.
Over the last few months, the talented Choir group in the Scottish Parliament have been practicing for our annual Carol Service, which took place on Wednesday evening. I started up the Choir group to bring MSPs and staffers from across the political parties together and encourage a love of music in others. We have had a tremendous turn out and we all thoroughly enjoyed our performance – I hope others enjoyed watching too!
