On Tuesday in Parliament, I made a speech on the proposed National Care Service. I very much welcome that the Scottish Government has recognised the need for social care reform. But I believe we need to be open and honest: their proposals are for a national care commissioning service, not a national care service. Whereas […]
CAMHS Waiting Lists Hit Record High
New statistics show Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting lists have hit their highest point on record in Greater Glasgow & Clyde, with nearly 3,000 young people waiting to be seen at the end of June. Of these, nearly half have been waiting longer than the target of 18 weeks and one in […]
Scottish Child Payment
The SNP pledged to double the Scottish Child Payment in their 2021 election manifesto – from £10 a week to £20 a week. However, when asked when this would be implemented this week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon merely signalled that it would be introduced “sooner rather than later”. The one in four children who live […]
Anne’s Law
In its election manifesto, the SNP made a manifesto commitment to deliver Anne’s Law. This would ensure designated visitors be given the same rights as staff to enter their loved ones’ care homes, while following infection prevention rules. However, four months since this pledge was made, families continue to be given minimal contact with loved […]
New Year’s Day Working
As a trade unionist, I’m proud of the victories our movement has won over the years. The weekend, the right to paid holidays and rights for those who work part time were not bestowed upon us by bosses but a result of tireless campaigning by working people. That’s why I fully support USDAW’s campaign to […]
Letter to First Minister
Today, I wrote to the First Minister regarding the unfolding crisis in Afghanistan. I spoke about the need to make a clear and ambitious pledge on the numbers of refugee we house here in Scotland and committing to ensure they are given safe, secure accommodation.