Firefighters need adequate showering facilities to wash off carcinogenic toxins. 14 Scottish fire stations don’t have running water, many don’t have adequate showering facilities, and 75% have “bad” or “poor” conditions. I was pleased to speak in the Scottish Parliament’s debate on Firefighter Memorial Day 2023 to remember those who have lost their life in […]
Evictions Ban Loopholes
The Scottish Government told me in the Chamber it won’t “unpick” the evictions ban, but there are clear loopholes being exploited. Potentially hundreds of insecure tenants remain at risk of eviction in Scotland. I believe ministers should listen to tenants unions like Living Rent and address this.
FOI Member’s Bill Update
Thank you to all who participated in the consultation on my proposed member’s bill to reform Freedom of Information (FOI). I was pleased to see such a cross-section of the public providing submissions, from individuals to campaigners and those representing organisations such as housing associations, health boards, local authorities and trade unions. FOI affects almost […]
Ferguson Marine
The governance, management and financial safeguarding at Ferguson Marine has been appalling, but the right lessons must be learned. Yard workers and islanders have been failed at every turn. These ferries need to be delivered and the jobs need to be here, not outsourced abroad.
Rent Controls
It was good to get confirmation yesterday the Scottish Government is introducing legislation for a rent controls scheme this Summer. Tenants have suffered enough dithering on this issue. Only by tackling ownership and regulation in the sector will we improve housing for all.
Student Rent Freeze
Consultation on FOI Reform Bill
FOI affects almost every area of politics and how our society is run. Yet currently, private providers of vital public services such as care homes are entirely exempt from this kind of transparency. It’s time for this to end. Please participate in my consultation for reform before it ends on 14 March: http://ow.ly/zgzT50MION3
Fire Brigades Union Debate
Over 100 of Scotland’s fire stations lack adequate showering facilities to wash away the cancer causing toxins firefighters are exposed to. Some don’t have a water supply. As I set out in the debate below, the Scottish Government must urgently invest to upgrade facilities.
Violence Against Women Debate
I spoke in this important debate on the International day for the elimination of violence against women and girls and the following 16 days of activism. I talked about some horrendous examples which demonstrate the need to take eliminate violence against women and girls in this country and worldwide.
National Drugs Mission
I was proud to speak in the debate on tackling the stigma around people who use drugs in Scotland. We need policies that address poverty, deprivation and Scotland’s wider health inequalities. I argued that successful harm reduction programmes can reduce the stigma around drug use. Therefore, it is important that discussions are taking place in […]