We Need a Fourth Budget Amid Cost of Living Crisis

I have written to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer backing calls for the UK Government to produce a fourth budget with more support for people impacted by the cost of living crisis, which has seen inflation hit a 40-year high of 9%, and immediately restore the £20 Universal Credit uplift cut […]

Nursing Vacancies in Fife at All Time High

I have great concerns over the official statistics published this week by NHS Education Scotland showing 506 nursing and midwifery posts in NHS Fife are currently vacant, accounting for 11% of the nursing and midwifery workforce in Fife.    These startling statistics have led the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) to comment, “Nursing staff levels […]

Concerns over Scottish Water Dunfermline HQ Closure

I have raised a motion in the Scottish Parliament and written to the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Michael Matheson MSP over the closure of Castle House, the headquarters of Scottish Water in Dunfermline, amid concerns that trade unions have been sidelined in the process. I recently met with representatives of the […]

More Action Needed on Paint Recycling

I have called for the Scottish Government to take action and support introduction of paint recycling options across the country. In a letter to Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, which you can read below, I wrote of the need for the Scottish Government to support local authority initiatives and […]

ScotRail Ticket Office Consultation

In January 2022, train operator Abellio ScotRail announced proposals to reduce ticket office opening hours at 117 of its 143 managed stations. Under these proposals three ticket offices would close altogether (Cartsdyke, Clydebank & Woodhall). The full list of affected stations and the proposed hours are available here – https://www.scotrail.co.uk/scotrail-ticket-office-consultation and Appendix 1 lists the […]

Homeowners Need to be Aware of Fire Alarm Law Change

I am encouraging all homeowners to be aware of upcoming changes in fire alarm regulations which will mean every home in Scotland must by law have interlinked fire alarms by February 2022. The Scottish Government also need to do more to raise awareness of the change in the law and to support those who need […]

COP26 Transport Day

One of the key issues in tackling climate change is access to proper public transport. Decent, affordable public transport services can massively cut carbon emissions by providing greener alternatives for travelling. Despite this, public transport jobs and services are under threat. On transport day at COP26 I support RMT Scotland’s plan for protecting public transport […]

Improve Carers Wages to Tackle Crisis in Care

I joined with carers from across the country at the Scottish Parliament this weekend to make the case for a £15 an hour minimum wage for all care workers. A major contributor to the difficulties with recruitment and retention in health and social care is low pay. All carers must be paid the rate for […]

Fife Council Must Get Recycling Rates Back On Track

I have written to the Chief Executive of Fife Council calling for an immediate review to find out why the local authority’s recycling record has fallen so drastically and asking for urgent action to address rising waste.  The most recent household recycling target was for 60 per cent of household waste to be recycled by […]