The role of an MSP is extremely varied, with this week’s commitments being no exception.
I was interviewed by Sky News earlier in the week. During Storm Eowyn in January, it was reported that NHS Forth Valley was subjected to power cuts, with whistleblowers now sharing their experiences of when the back-up generators also failed. I raised concerns with the Scottish Government at the time of the event, and I await the findings of a report. Given the whistleblowing allegations which have come to light, the UK and Scottish Governments should be considering routinely stress-testing our critical infrastructure.
The UK Government announced their Spring Statement this week, and I was pleased to speak to Politics Scotland about the implications this will have for many people in Scotland. You can find out more about this, including an excerpt, on my previous post.
The much anticipated Land Reform (Scotland) Bill came before the Scottish Parliament this week. While I support the general principles of the Bill, there is still a long way to go in the process, with consideration of amendments at Stage 2. I look forward to seeing this Bill progress and voting accordingly when in comes back before MSPs at Stage 3. This week the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson, also brought a motion to the chamber celebrating Scotland’s renewed status as a Fair Trade Nation. Not only important for businesses and communities across Scotland, this status puts Scotland on the global stage as a country with open markets, trade liberalisation and the entrepreneurial spirit for good trade deals.
Finally, I submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament this week after hearing Murray Leslie of Tesco in Redding has been awarded a Community Achievement Award for his charitable work in store. Murray has encouraged staff and customers to contribute towards fundraising efforts, supporting several Falkirk-based charities and organisations, including Strathcarron Hospice, Polmont Playgroup, Go Kids, Wee Braes Choir and Wallacestone and District Pipe Band. Congratulations once again to Murray for this achievement. You can read the full motion at: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-16935
