Today, I again, asked the Scottish Government to take responsibility for the maintenance backlog which has developed across Scotland’s school estate. I made it clear to the Scottish Government that given the extreme pressure local government budgets face, the financial settlements given must be re-evaluated. If this dose not happen I believe that Scotland’s local […]
Today I set out my vision for how we can strengthen Local government and make it more responsive, reflective and meaningful to voters. It is my belief that people are put off by politicians but are enthused by issues; especially local issues which mean so much to people. I have outlined what I believe are […]
During Today’s committee Proceedings SNP committee members acted in a discourteous and un-parliamentary manner towards expert witnesses. The committee convener failed to bring members to order despite repeated calls for her to do so by opposition members. Professor Adam Tomkins has officially complained, due to the way in which he was treated. Professor Adam Tomkins […]
The Report from the European and External Relations Committee on the Scottish Governments proposals for an independent Scotland: membership of the European Union. I spoke in the debate on the report brought forward from the above committee. Below is what I said in the introduction to the debate and in the concluding comments. The whole […]
Today I spoke in the debate regarding the local government committee’s Inquiry into the Delivery of Regeneration in Scotland. I stated my belief that tackling poverty and regenerating in our communities will only be achieved if we invest in education, skills and jobs. I also stated that although there are many useful projects undertaken […]
Today I Spoke about an alternative vision for Scotland future, a radical Labour future. I described my dismay at the SNP’s unwillingness to use the powers that we have under devolution to build a fairer more prosperous Scotland. I made it clear that Independence is a constitutional change and that it is strong policy and […]
A Fife MSP is pushing for more training and skills opportunities for Fifers to be able to access work in the oil and gas sector of the Scottish Economy. Alex Rowley raised the issue of a national training strategy for oil and gas in the Scottish Parliament with Cabinet Secretary John Swinney stating that […]
Today I spoke in a debate regarding the housing Scotland bill which is making its way through parliament. Although the bill contains many provisions which I support, I made it clear to the government that I believe the most important challenge we face in housing is the lack of appropriate and affordable houses in […]
Scottish Labour’s Party Leader Johann Lamont presented the results of the Devolution Commission at the Scottish Labour Party Conference this past weekend. She has commented that “This is an important piece of work which we hope will answer people’s desire to have a stronger, more […]
Video: Business debate on Scotland’s finances 26/03/14 Today I made the following speech on Scotland’s finances; outlining the real choice between a progressive Scottish Labour vision versus a closed minded, unequal SNP future. It is now clear that we are stronger together, united, and less resilient and equal apart: I do not disagree with […]