Constitutional Commission Progress

Last November I proposed a Commission to look back over the past ten years of the Scottish Parliament in order to consider how the next ten years, and beyond, can be even better. My proposal was backed by a big majority vote in the Scottish Parliament followed agreement by the UK government. The Commission is cross party and cross parliament – involving Conservatives, Liberals and Labour at Holyrood and Westminster. Last week I was therefore delighted to see a significant progress step in the launching of this Scottish Parliament Commission, with news of the appointment of Professor Sir Kenneth Calman as the chair.

Professor Calman is a famous Scottish cancer specialist who went on to command the highest of medical and University offices in England as well as Scotland. He is not a tall man – but has a towering reputation!

I was closely involved with Donald Dewar in the setting up of a Scottish Parliament so it is a particular pleasure for me to see the future being looked at so carefully. I strongly believe the vast majority of Scots want Scotland to walk tall but not walk out of the United Kingdom.

30,000 New Modern Apprenticeships

As Labour leader, alongside my colleague and Bill sponsor, John Park MSP, I was proud to launch the Apprenticeship (Scotland) Bill very recently.  It could mean the creation of nearly 30,000 new Modern apprenticeships. The Bill proposes to establish a right for all 16 to 18 year olds, who can meet the entry requirements, to get the chance to be offered a Modern Apprenticeship. How many times do we hear of our young people in Renfrewshire desperate to train but beaten by huge competition numbers for very few places and of employers discovering gaps in important job skills availability? The building of the skills base of the Scottish workforce has never been more vital to our economic success. More and better chances of solid training for our local young people will give them more high quality employment opportunities. I want to ensure the young people of Renfrewshire are very much part of that too.

Education  Cuts Worries

The council’s education budget cuts are beginning to affect local schools.

Local teachers recently slammed Renfrewshire Council’s decision to slash its education budget by around £4.5m. Teachers say the move will affect primary, secondary and special schools across our communities. They warn of reduced number of classes in Primary schools and subsequent increased class sizes.  Secondary schools having to limit the number of subject options they can offer and reorganising timetables at Standard Grade levels. Already many Advanced Higher courses are being withdrawn. Sadly, also learning support services being severely curtailed in primary schools.

The Council must listen to the concerns of those at the front-line in education if we are to ensure local youngsters get the possible start in life.

OXJAM
Buddies are being encouraged to stage their own concerts to help fight global poverty.
Oxfam’s Oxjam music festival starts tomorrow, with events being held across the country to raise funds for the charity’s worthy causes.
Popworld Stars are urging local musicians from all types of musical backgrounds to take part in the event.
Supporting Oxjam will help some of the world’s poorest people earn a living, access water supplies and healthcare, get an education and grow more food.
For more information on how to stage a fundraising gig, please visit the website at www.oxfam.org.uk/poxjam

Linwood Active
Lastly, one for the young families – a Linwood Active Fun Day is being held this Saturday 5th April, 11–1pm in Linwood Community Centre. Sadly I can’t make it along myself this time but I’m told there will be a bouncy castle, face painting, table top sales, music, arts n crafts, refreshments and more….