In the past fortnight I had a lot to speak about in Parliament. First up, was a debate on a motion written by a Tory MSP. The motion was perfectly reasonable; it pointed out the effects that inequalities have on people’s health. This is something that I, and many others fully acknowledge. The World Health … Continue reading Clare’s Column in the Rutherglen Reformer

It would be fair to say that 2016 was an exciting, tumultuous and tragic year, in equal measure. As we start 2017, I have been reflecting on the significant events of the last year, from a personal, national and global perspective.

Being accessible to constituents is an important part of any elected representatives’ role. I was delighted, therefore, after several months of planning and organising, to be able to open my permanent Constituency Office on the 19th of November.

Away from the hustle and bustle of my Parliamentary schedule, one of the most enjoyable aspects of my constituency work has been visiting primary and secondary schools in the area.

As if the impact of Brexit were not bad enough, the fallout from the UK Conservative Party Conference last week plumbed new depths. In a thinly disguised display of xenophobia the UK Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, suggested that employers across the UK should be compelled to produce lists of "foreign workers" on their books in order to shame them into employing more British staff.

I also had the opportunity to speak in Parliament last week during a debate on the results of a Welfare Conditionality Study carried out by six universities including research from Glasgow University.

Children and young people should, rightly, be at the heart of the work of the Scottish Parliament and this has been highlighted recently through a number of initiatives. Starting with our youngest citizens, a competition to design a baby box that will be given to all newborn children in Scotland has been launched.

The Health Service is an important and treasured pillar in our society and we are privileged to have a service that is still free at the point of need. As such, it is important that the service works effectively when it is required and that its effectiveness is, quite rightly, monitored by politicians.

The Scottish Parliament has returned from summer recess and it has been straight down to business as MSPs last week debated the Programme for Government, put forward by the First Minister and her Cabinet. The Programme includes proposed new legislation, in line with our Manifesto commitments, that will help us build a more prosperous nation with a dynamic, sustainable and inclusive economy.

A cursory glance at the work the Government is actually “getting on with,” even whilst Parliament is in recess, shows these demands up for what they are: lazy, unconstructive, carping from the side-lines.