22nd January 2024: A Week in Parliament

 Rwanda Bill

The Tory’s Rwanda Bill is deeply callous and immoral. It's a further demonstration that Westminster's values are not Scotland's values - Scotland has a proud history of welcoming those fleeing war and persecution. The Scottish Government is committed to creating an immigration system which is centred around fairness and dignity and prioritises safe and legal routes for refugees fleeing war and persecution. My SNP colleagues and I will continue to call out the UK Government’s inhumane and morally bankrupt immigration policies at every possible opportunity.

Palestine

Disgracefully Starmer has now reneged on Labour’s pledge to recognise Palestine unilaterally, saying he will only do so if Israel consents. With Netanyahu restating he will never recognise a Palestinian State then it is clear that it needs other countries to force their hand if there is ever to be a proper peace in the region. Sweden and Iceland and many Central European countries do, but more western countries need to do so.

University Places

Record numbers of full-time entrants are coming to our universities from the most deprived communities in Scotland, taking advantage of free tuition and the world-class education on our doorstep. Scotland’s student support offering and policy on free tuition supports over 120,000 students every year. The Scottish Government continues to invest nearly £2 billion a year on Scotland’s universities and colleges, despite the most difficult public spending environment since devolution. Through this, the SNP in government continues to protect the right to free tuition and drive forward a commitment to widening access. From a parliament question, I have it confirmed that students in England will pay a 9% income tax surcharge on all earnings above £27,00 for an average period of 30-40 years to pay off their tuition fees. Conveniently forgotten when Tories and Labour bang on about income tax in Scotland!

Holocaust Memorial Day

Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day I signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, in doing so pledging my commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust as well as paying tribute to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people today. Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people from Kilmarnock and Loudoun and all across the UK to reflect on the darkest times of European history. By signing the Book of Commitment, I pledge to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust and speak out against all forms of antisemitism, which in recent months has risen exponentially and which needs to be tackled head on.

Burns Night 2024

As we mark Burns Night, I look forward to attending and hosting Burns Suppers over the coming days, revelling in the immortal words of our national bard. On Sunday, I had the honour of laying a wreath at Burns' monument in Mauchline, symbolising our respect for his work which is known the world over. The Burns Supper tradition not only unites us in joyous camaraderie but also serves as a profound homage to Burns' contributions.