Recent changes to election law in Scotland has increased the franchise regarding who is eligible to vote in all Scottish elections. That is for Holyrood, Council and any referendum.
I'd like to start by thanking my friend Layla Moran. Layla, you fought a passionate campaign, full of energy.
I'd like to start by thanking my friend Layla Moran.
Since becoming an MP, you have inspired so many people, particularly young people. Your future is bright and I look forward to you playing a big role in my team.
The next Scottish Parliament election on 6 May 2021 will be a major test for the Scottish Liberal Democrats. With some recent polls suggesting increased support for Scotland leaving the United Kingdom the stakes could not be higher.
We opposed Brexit and oppose Scotland leaving the United Kingdom. Another independence referendum would be a massive distraction from sorting out the problems Scotland faces.
It's been a month since the murder of George Floyd. His death has sparked a global conversation about the discrimination faced by black people every day.
Other times, you struggle to find words to explain the deep hurt, so you stay silent.
Black women have had to deal with both gender and racial discrimination all their lives. To us, the current discussion is nothing new; it is our everyday experience, often only discussed when amongst your black friends. These forums are where we talk about the constant policing and judgement of everything from our hair, our clothes, our body and of course, the tone of our voice. Dealing with microaggressions (covert, subtle slights which demean, belittle and ridicule marginalised groups) is normal for us. The list is endless; from being mistaken for another black woman at work and at Party Conference, to being told "you're pretty... for a dark-skinned woman" or that you should stand for election in a posh area because "you speak quite well".
The latest Immigration Statistics, published this morning, show that 51,906 people are waiting for an initial decision on their asylum claims, an increase of 33% since last year. 31,516 have been waiting for more than six months, a 68% increase.
People who've come to the UK having fled war or persecution should welcomed, not trapped for months on just £5.39 a day
No, I don't believe the world should 'go back to normal' That's what has got us into this place in the first place. We should take the opportunity to reset things. I believe in transforming our economy and way of life to support and enable a just, fair, transition to a sustainable, circular economy.
