In Parliament
Today in the Scottish Parliament, I raised awareness of the centenary of the death of John MacLean - a leading figure of Red Clydeside - and asked what role there is for the Scottish Government to celebrate John MacLean's contribution to Scotland's rich social history.
Today in the Scottish Parliament I spoke in the Scottish Government Debate on the Expansion of Vocational and Technical Qualifications in Scotland’s Secondary Schools. I was particularly pleased to mention John Paul Academy in my constituency which was praised in a recent inspection of the schools of provision of vocation pathways. I was also pleased to mention the work of Glasgow Kelvin Collage, based in Springburn, on the foundation apprenticeships they offer.
I was pleased to be able to speak in a Members' Business motion brought by Gillian Martin MSP on the Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal 2023.
As Convener of the Scottish Parliamentary Group on Palliative Care, and with a wonderful Marie Curie hospice in Springburn, I have a particular interest in this area.
The Scottish Government’s scheme to provide free bus travel to under 22’s has been a strong success. However there has been delays, including anyone applying for their Young Scot or National Entitlement Card using a paper form. I raised these delays with the Transport Minister today, as well as the specific issues faced by refugees and asylum seekers under 22 applying for the card.
Anyone locally who has an issue then please do get in touch with my office.
Today in the Scottish Parliament I asked the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to increase voter turnout in both Scottish parliamentary and local government elections.
I spoke in Parliament yesterday on the Scottish Government's new Dementia Strategy which is being prepared. I shared some personal experience of dementia, as well as highlighting the views of some patrons of the wonderful Musical Memories, Springburn group in my constituency. I fed these views directly into the Scottish Government consultation.
I was privileged to take part in today's debate marking the one year anniversary of Russia’s illegal war being waged on the people of Ukraine. The people of Ukraine have our hearts, and they have our solidarity.
Today in Parliament, I spoke of the progress made by the Scottish Government in delivering a thirteenth Scottish benefit.
Today, I raised concerns in the Scottish Parliament about a constituent being forced to make a purchase in a shop before they can use the PayPoint facility.
PayPoint is an essential service used by many people - often the most vulnerable in our society - to pay bills and top up a pre-payment energy meter.