Michelle Thomson for Falkirk East

This week I was able to take part in both General Questions and an important Scottish Parliament debate. The debate on Scotland’s democratic right to choose was excellent and highlighted the need for Scotland to become independent following the disastrous Brexit fallout. At General Questions, I asked the Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport, Maree Todd MSP, about bladder cancer deaths in Scotland, and what data drives research into providing better care for those diagnosed with bladder cancer.

As Scotland looks towards what further action needs to be taken to achieve our Net Zero ambitions, I was pleased to be able to meet with British Hydropower to find out more about the impact hydropower can have in generating cleaner energy sources.

In my role as a member of the Economy and Fair Work committee, I also met with FSCS to find out more about their work and how they can support consumers of financial services in Scotland.

This week has been a very varied first week back in The Scottish Parliament, and I look forward to another busy week next week!

I had both my committees to attend this week – Finance and the Economy and Fair Work Committees.

On Tuesday I hosted the first in-person CPG on Music since before the Covid-19 pandemic. I was delighted to be able to welcome performers from Music Venues Trust and the City of Edinburgh Music School. Khaleda Noon from Intercultural Youth Scotland spoke about racial inequalities in the music sector and Beverley Whitrick from Music Venues Trust spoke about the importance of keeping our music venues supported. I look forward to our next meeting in March 2023.

I met with Reed in Partnership earlier in the week to discuss the delivery of the Job Entry: Targeted Support Scheme in Scotland. We discussed how Scotland can continue to make similar employability programmes successful in the future.

On Thursday I met with the SSPCA in The Scottish Parliament alongside several other MSPs. The SSPCA have launched their #SayNoToPuppyDealers campaign and even brought along some puppies for a cuddle!

It’s no surprise to learn it has been another busy week in the constituency and parliament.

In parliament I asked questions about what steps we can take to make sure Scotland’s economy works for ordinary people and another question about the Tory budget failing yet again at First Ministers Questions.

I was humbled to meet a couple who spoke movingly about the loss of their daughter to pancreatic cancer - this is a dangerous form of cancer that can remain undetected until it is too late.

The cost of living event held in Callendar Square by myself, Martyn Day MP, John McNally MP and Michael Matheson MSP was sadly necessary. I am very aware that people need practical help and support as we approach a difficult period and I was pleased I was able to give advice to those in need.

Finally I enjoyed attending the business breakfast hosted by Scottish Renewables - Scotland has so much to offer in renewable energy technology. It’s not just about lessening our reliance on greenhouse gases but using our green energy in its abundance to lower our energy bills in Scotland.

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.

As we draw to the end of another busy week, here is my Week in 5.

The Cost of Living (Tenants Protection) Bill was passed this week, and I was very happy to be able to contribute to Stage 1 of the debate as it proceeded through Parliament.

It was also great to meet with two exceptional charities this week, both of which are thoroughly deserving of support - Women and Girls in Sport and Finding Your Feet. I have known Corinne at Finding Your Feet for many years, and the work she has put in to fundraising and helping those with amputations in incredible.

I also met with the David Hume Institute this week regarding balancing the risks on issues such as pensions, insurance and housing. This has given me a broader understanding of some of the issues affecting my constituents in Falkirk East, and I will be hosting a further event in the Scottish Parliament with them next month.

The Scottish Parliament is in recess for the next fortnight, and as such the next Week in 5 will be posted on 28 October.