Climate, crofting and assisted dying have all been topics of debate at Scottish parliament
Holyrood Notebook by Rhoda Grant
In parliament, my focus recently has been on the Land Reform Bill, which has the potential to modernise land management across Scotland but particularly in the Highlands and Islands.
I am advocating for provisions that strengthen the rights of communities to be offered the opportunity to purchase the land they live, work and farm on. This would help prevent opaque transactions like the recent sale of the Macdonald estate on Skye.
My colleagues and I are engaging with stakeholders to ensure their views are fairly represented as the bill progresses.
Closely linked is the reform of crofting legislation. While complex, the goal is to correct the shortcomings of the previous bill and remove barriers that hinder crofting from thriving for another 150 years.
Earlier last month I hosted a parliamentary reception on Scotland’s peatlands, highlighting their importance for nature, climate, and communities. Climate change is already impacting Caithness’s peatlands, which need to be managed to ensure that they are carbon sinks rather than carbon emitters.
We need to cut carbon for the environment but also move away from fossil fuels due to geopolitical instability, such as threats to oil supplies from the Middle East – this underscores the urgency of the Labour government’s push for net zero, energy independence and a rapid transition to green energy.
On a related note, I was alarmed by the data from the Caithness Health Action Team, showing that patients will travel over 1.7 million miles for out-patient appointments at Raigmore. This is a stark example of the unintended consequences of the SNP government’s failure to plan effectively.
While claiming to support green targets, their policies are forcing residents to generate unnecessary emissions just to access basic healthcare. You couldn’t make it up!
The downgrading of local NHS services is further highlighted by maternity statistics: Orkney saw 140 births last year with only 40 off island. In contrast, Caithness had just 18 local births with 215 at Raigmore. This disparity is unacceptable. Caithness deserves better.
I led a debate on combatting commercial sexual exploitation, drawing attention to the unacceptable legality of prostitution in Scotland. This complements Ash Regan MSP’s proposed Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill which seeks to criminalise the purchase of sex, while decriminalising those selling sex and supporting them to leave this exploitative trade in human beings.
Another deeply emotive issue that attracted a huge postbag from constituents was the passage through parliament of stage one of the Assisted Dying Bill, which prompted a respectful and heartfelt debate in the chamber.
While I appreciate the range of views, I will not support the bill as it progresses through parliament. Instead, I will advocate for stronger palliative care services across Scotland.
On a more positive note, I was relieved to hear that my lobbying to Ofgem regarding the Radio Teleswitch (RTS) switch-off has been successful. Ofgem has agreed to a phased approach with supplier’s performance monitored to protect households from sudden disruptions.
I urge all affected constituents to contact their energy supplier and visit Ofgem’s RTS webpage for more information.
Finally, I acknowledge Fergus Ewing MSP’s decision not to stand for the SNP in next year’s election. I share his view that the SNP has lost its way under John Swinney by failing to prioritise the real needs of the Scottish people.
We have seen the overwhelmingly positive changes a UK Labour government are now delivering. The chance to have a Scottish Government that does the same here is less than a year away and after 18 years of a tired and failing SNP government, the country can vote for a better future.
• Rhoda Grant is a Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands.