Assisted Dying Bill: Speech
17th March 2026: I start my speech with the words of Kate Buchanan, who was a constituent of mine. Kate said: “I don’t want to die, but I am going to … I want to… Read More »Assisted Dying Bill: Speech
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Parliament speeches
Young Carers Action Day 2025: Speech
Thursday October 30th 2025 I thank my colleague Paul O’Kane for introducing his members’ business debate. I am absolutely delighted to speak in praise of our young carers and their support staff across Scotland, and… Read More »Young Carers Action Day 2025: Speech
Scotland’s support for the culture sector: Speech
14th January 2025: I am pleased to contribute to the debate, and I welcome members’ speeches. Arts and culture play a vital role in the lives of people across Scotland. They enrich our communities, support… Read More »Scotland’s support for the culture sector: Speech
Benefits Take-up: Speech
20th June 2024: I am pleased to lead the members’ business debate today. As we all know, the current economic climate is extremely challenging, with years of austerity in Westminster, the cost of living crisis… Read More »Benefits Take-up: Speech
Lyme Disease Awareness Month: speech
22nd May 2024: I thank Alexander Burnett for leading the debate. Lyme disease is an issue close to my heart. Colleagues may remember that I led a debate on the subject last year. I recently… Read More »Lyme Disease Awareness Month: speech
Scotland’s International Culture Strategy: speech
16th April 2024: I am pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to this debate on Scotland’s international culture strategy. Scotland and its worldwide connections have been on my mind recently, and I think that… Read More »Scotland’s International Culture Strategy: speech
Cardiomyopathy: speech
17th January, 2023 Callum Ferrier was a tall, happy young man. He played shinty and had just taken up rugby. With hopes of becoming a motor mechanic, he had his whole life ahead of him.… Read More »Cardiomyopathy: speech
World Menopause Month
Parliamentary speech – 1st November 2022 I thank Siobhian Brown for the debate and for sharing her experiences, as other members are doing tonight. At an event in summer 2018, my daughter said to me,… Read More »World Menopause Month
Scottish Tourism Month 2022
22nd March 2022 I am delighted to lead this debate on Scottish tourism month—a month when our nation’s tourism industry comes together to host events under the Scottish tourism banner. I thank all members who will contribute to the debate. The… Read More »Scottish Tourism Month 2022
Endometriosis awareness
January 11th 2022 I thank Rachael Hamilton for bringing this important debate to the chamber and highlighting a condition that affects many women in Scotland, including me. I have endured endometriosis all my adult life,… Read More »Endometriosis awareness
