Many of the refugees who come to Scotland are doctors and dentists. The SNP Scottish Government have introduced a great scheme which allows them to re-enter the medical profession. I asked the Cabinet Secretary about this today (16th May).
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SCHEME SUPPORTS 4,287 SOUTH LANARKSHIRE BUSINESSES
New figures show that the Scottish Government’s business rate relief scheme saved businesses in South Lanarkshire £210 million between 2009-10 and 2016-17. Across Scotland, this scheme has saved taxpayers around £4.5 billion between 2009-10 and 2015-16 by reducing their rates liability and taking many firms out of business rates altogether.
DEBATE ON NHS TAYSIDE’S SUICIDE RATES
Last week (9th May), I took part in a debate looking into the tragedies of male suicides within the NHS Tayside boundary. One suicide is one too many, and I welcome the inquiry into NHS Tayside to see whether there have been particular failings by the health board.
DEBATE ON THE TRANSPORTATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS
Clare took part in a debate on the transport of nuclear weapons - highlighting studies which have found that Trident warheads were transported through her Rutherglen constituency on the M74.
COMMENT – STOP-SKIPPING
99.7% and 99.4% of trains scheduled to stop at Cambuslang and Rutherglen station during this period did so. Stop-skipping may be infrequent but it is highly inconvenient for those passengers affected.
DEBATE ON DOG ATTACKS
Over the last 18 months, I have been working closely with Friends of the Calder, and in particular with the group's chair Susan Lindner Kelly, regarding dogs in Blantyre parks. I therefore took part in a debate looking at the figures of dog attacks in Scotland.
RUTHERGLEN FAMILIES TO BENEFIT FROM £1 BILLION CHILDCARE INVESTMENT
Families across Rutherglen and Cambuslang will benefit from a share of almost £1 billion of Scottish Government investment in free childcare, SNP MSP Clare Haughey has said. Following extensive engagement to reach a shared understanding of the costs of the expansion, Scottish Ministers and COSLA Leaders have reached agreement on a multi-year funding package
RUTHERGLEN MSP BECOMES ‘SPECIES CHAMPION’ FOR BIRCH TREES
SNP MSP Clare Haughey has earned a new title after being named as a species champion for one of Scotland’s most iconic trees. The Holyrood representative for Rutherglen was given the title of ‘Species Champion for Birch’ as part of an initiative run by the charity Scottish Environment LINK to earn political support for the protection of Scotland’s threatened wildlife.
RUTHERGLEN POLITICIANS HAIL HALF MILLION POUND WINTER ROAD BOOST
Elected representatives for Rutherglen have welcomed an announcement by the Scottish Government that South Lanarkshire Council is in line for £500,000 in extra funding for road repairs.
COMMENT – UPDATE ON 2 SISTERS, CAMBUSLANG
I met with Scottish Government Business Minister, Paul Wheelhouse last week and he has agreed to host a roundtable meeting in Rutherglen on 17th May where the relevant agencies will update elected representatives and stakeholders on the extensive work which has already been carried out to support employees through this difficult time.