At First Minister's Questions this week, I asked about the actions the Scottish Government is taking to improve the mental health and wellbeing of our children and young people.

Clare spoke in a debate on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).  ACEs might be a relatively recent term in our social discourse, but childhood trauma is far from a new phenomenon. For many decades, psychologists, social scientists and educational experts have insisted that events that we experience in our early years can go on to form how we think, act and form relationships in adulthood. 

Clare took part in a Scottish Parliament debate on unpaid trial shifts. Her SNP colleague, Stewart McDonald MP, has launched a Bill at Westminster to outlaw their use.

Clare questioned the Cabinet Secretary for Health on Lightburn Hospital - which the Scottish Government has recently announced that it will save from closure.

Last week (18th Jan) I took part in a debate marking the Scottish Government’s publication of a draft strategy on tackling loneliness and social isolation – which is the first of its kind in the UK and one of the first worldwide.

This August, Glasgow are co-hosting the inaugural European Championships. Hopefully, as happened with the Commonwealth Games, Rutherglen can see a rise in visitor numbers - boosting our local economy.

On the 9th January, I spoke with the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work regarding so-called City Deals.

During a debate on alcohol and drug-related deaths, I have a speech advocating for the introduction of safer consumption facilities. Commonly known as DCRs, they are places where illicit drugs can be used under the supervision of trained staff.

The Scottish Government's draft budget was announced on December 14th. Clare questioned the Cabinet Secretary on the funding made available for NHS primary care.

Ethnic minorities still face many barriers in everyday life, and to help tackle this the Scottish Government recently published a ‘Race Equality Action Plan’. I took part in a debate marking its release on the 14th December.