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 […]
Category: Parliamentary Updates
Scotland Future: A radical Labour agenda for Scotland! 30/4/14
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 […]
Fifers must get access to skills and jobs
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 […]
My speech in the Housing (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1 debate. 24/4/14
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 […]
A new approach to Devolution for a fairer, more prosperous Scotland
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 […]
Business debate on Scottish finance 26/03/14
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 […]
Curriculum for Excellence
At Fife Council I had become concerned about the need for further support for teachers working on the implementation of CfE and through discussion with the EIS had asked officials to carry out a review of where schools were at and as a result of this we had […]