This week I spoke in a debate in Parliament on supporting Asylum Seekers in Scotland. I made the point that, when earlier this year I visited Auschwitz, the Nazi extermination camp that saw millions murdered, the tour guide made the point to me that many Jews seeking refuge from other countries were turned away. […]
The Scottish Parliament is debating the regulation of electricians as a profession. The UK charity Electrical Safety first has sent through the following briefing to MSPs about the debate, and may be of interest to those wanting to find out more about the debate.
Below is a briefing from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre on the new social security powers devolved to the Scottish Parliament. Please give the document a moment to load. If you would prefer to access a downloadable copy please click here.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYn_PI5qE6M[/embedyt] Whilst welcoming the ongoing progress being made to support former Armed Forces personnel, I highlighted to the Scottish Parliament this week that there are still gaps in support particularly for veterans involved in the recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Referrals for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health conditions from former […]
As the Planning (Scotland) Bill makes its way through Parliament, I have submitted the following amendments which would hopefully address some of the problems in our planning system. We have an opportunity to change planning so that it works better for communities and I hope these amendments get the support to be included in the […]
As part of the Scottish Crown Estate Bill going through the Environment, Climate change and Land Reform Committee a discussion arose around the harvesting of wild kelp. An amendment to the bill was put forward that would restrict harvesting “where such harvesting would inhibit the regrowth of the individual plant.” The amendment was not […]
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73MQYgeQ3Tw[/embedyt] I was delighted to speak in a Member’s debate in the Scottish Parliament in recognition of the great work of the Ecology Centre in Kinghorn and to congratulate them as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. Visiting the Ecology Centre is a great day out and one that I would recommend to anyone. […]
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlTm-zAo0pw[/embedyt] I was pleased to speak in the debate welcoming the return of the Social Enterprise World Forum back to Scotland for its 10th anniversary. The purpose of the World Forum is for social enterprise leaders, practitioners and supporters from all over the world to come together to share knowledge, build networks and discuss […]
I have joined calls to release figures of the number of veterans who take their own lives. These calls have been made by a number of high-profile individuals to examine the situation including human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar and the former head of the Royal Navy, Admiral Lord West who said it would āmake absolute senseā […]
I raised a motion in the Scottish Parliament on the amazing work undertaken by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) in Fife and across the rest of Scotland. You can see the motion below, as well as a briefing from the SSCPA of the work they have been getting up […]