Michelle Thomson for Falkirk East

This week I met with a range of groups. A special shout out to the fantastic children of Sacred Heart Primary School for their brilliant questions. Other groups I met included Future Asset, who provide opportunities for our young women to hone their skills in business and financial services.

In my Education, Children and Young People Committee this week, we took futher evidence on the Additional Support for Learning Inquiry, and in my Finance and Public Administration Committee, we took evidence on the Aggregates Tax and Devolved Taxes Administration (Scotland) Bill.

My office will be closed today as my team and I are completing a First Aid Training programme by SafeHands who are based in Rumford. First Aid training includes excellent skills for anyone to have. If you or your business are interested in undertaking training, you can find out more about their training programmes here https://safehandsfirstaidtraining.co.uk/

As part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week I visited Thornbridge Sawmills in Grangemouth and enjoyed learning more about their business operations and the opportunities offered to young people through apprenticeship programmes.

My parliamentary committee work affords me a keen interest in how care experienced young people are supported and ensuring work continues in “Keeping the Promise”. I was delighted to visit The Hub with Blue Triangle to learn more about housing services provided to local care experienced young people in my constituency.

During the Scottish Government’s debate on Scotland’s Place in the World I highlighted the important part Scotland can play in lifting others out of poverty globally.

Marked International Women’s day with some excellent shared learning and discussion at an international conference for women parliamentarians on the topic “Resilient Women: Moulding Girls into Strong Women”.

Following a couple of critical weeks for budgetary matters, during this week’s Finance and Public Administration Committee, I asked a number of important questions of Tom Arthur MSP, Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance. You can watch committee proceedings back here : https://www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/finance-and-public-administration-committee-march-5-2024

While it’s been another busy week in Parliament, Monday started with a lovely visit to Inchlair ELCC in Stenhousemuir. I very much enjoyed speaking with staff and also having some outdoor learning time with the children. #PlayIsTheWay

On Tuesday during the Scottish Government’s Budget debate, I highlighted the vacuum of ideas from UK & Scottish Labour on growing the economy. Meanwhile our SNP Government passed a fair and progressive budget which invests in public services and alleviates pressures on household incomes during challenging financial times.

I was pleased to be a panel member on BBC Debate Night on Wednesday evening, speaking on a variety of topics including the shambolic goings on at Westminster and the untenable position of the Speaker.

On Thursday during parliamentary general questions, I highlighted the crucial issue of UK Government cuts to the Scottish capital budget. You can watch the exchange earlier on my Facebook page here

Away from a busy meeting schedule in parliament, I also enjoyed an excellent evening of debate at Airdrie & Shotts SNP branch and am looking forward to Martyn Day’s candidate adoption evening in Linlithgow tomorrow.

This week started with a really enjoyable visit to Parkhill ELC in Polmont followed by a busy afternoon around the constituency.

The future of industry in Grangemouth and the implications for the community continue to be a critical focus for my work in parliament. You can watch my question to the Cabinet Secretary during Thursday’s ministerial statement on the Grangemouth refinery here https://fb.watch/qopvxF2kbi/

My Education, Children and Young People’s committee began hearing evidence on our enquiry into Additional Support for Learning which is an important concern for local constituents.

For parents of children starting school, February 29th is a fast approaching deadline for applying for the Best Start School Age Grant. I raised questions on this during Thursday’s portfolio questions which you can watch here: https://fb.watch/qopzBaRMjh/ Information on applying is also contained on this post.

On Wednesday I had a very enjoyable evening sponsoring a parliamentary event for CivTech Scotland showcasing the very best of technological innovation and their vision to transform public services across Scotland.

This week has been Parliamentary recess. My team and I have continued to work hard, beginning 23 new cases over the last five days. We have taken on 171 cases since the beginning of 2024, with some of these still ongoing.

I also submitted 4 motions to the Scottish Parliament this week celebrating the achievements of constituents. These included Link Housing Group’s ‘Link in the Community’ initiative, Carrongrange High School’s Challenge for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, a constituent being selected for the Over-60’s Cricket World Cup and regeneration funding for Slamannan. You can read more about these motions here as they garner support from other MSPs: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber.../votes-and-motions...

I have continued to meet with constituents, community groups and third-party organisations across the constituency. Parliament business will return next week, and I look forward to my Committees and speaking in two debates later in the week.