Leaders in the UK could learn from the bold policies of the New York Democrats to tackle the country's problems - my take in The Scotsman www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...

As a former journalist I will always stand up for a free press as a vital cornerstone of democracy. And in this #JournalismMattersWeek recognise the important of local reporting to our communities.

Last week in Parliament we marked the 75th anniversary of the rebuilding of the Commons Chamber, following its destruction during the Second World War. The Chamber was restored to show that democracy endures and remains today a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal.

Evidence matters. This week in Parliament, #EvidenceWeek is bringing researchers, MPs and the public together to look at how we use facts and data to make better decisions. A great reminder that good policy starts with good evidence.

Privileged to meet the Speaker of the Icelandic Parliament and learn how politicians there have worked to create a gender equal society as part of my work with the Women and Equalities select committee.

South Gyle station car park will close from 24 November until the 5th of December 2025 to allow the safe installation of the new bridge. If you have any queries relating to the work, please contact 03457 11 41 41 or contact @NetworkRailSCOT

As part of a Women and Equalities Select Committee visit to Iceland, I was honoured to meet three of the women who organised the women's "day off" 50 years ago as part of the campaign for gender equality. The country has topped the World Economic Forum's gender equality table for the past 15 years.

There must be a balance between economic strength and social fairness. A strong economy should enable a fairer society where everyone is supported and able to thrive. This Autumn Budget should prioritise investment in innovation, ensuring that economic growth helps build a more resilient future.

My week last week!

Sport should be universal, but inequality still defines too much of it. From pay and equipment to safety and research - women continue to face barriers that must be broken down. My thoughts in this weeks column @TheScotsman : www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...

Too many families are left waiting on clarity over the licensing of cancer drugs . I have won assurances for a meeting with ministers to discuss how to give patients the access they deserve.

Major work to electrify the line between Edinburgh and Fife means no trains between Haymarket and Dalmeny from 17-26 January. Please check your journey before travelling at nationalrail.co.uk or follow @NetworkRailSCOT for updates.

We need a faster, fairer system that processes claims quickly and tackles the backlog. Moving asylum seekers from hotels to military bases isn’t saving money - it’s just shifting the cost.

Pleased to meet VodafoneThree in Parliament to hear about their new apprenticeship scheme for Women in Leadership, and how they support women throughout their careers to develop their knowledge and skills.

I joined representatives from the Muslim Council of Britain to hear concerns about the rise of Islamophobia and religious hate crimes in our communities.

Raising statutory maternity/paternity pay to match the National Living Wage is a clear way to support families and provide financial security for parents. We must ensure that these changes are accompanied with requirements to publish data so that large employers can be scrutinised.

My constituents around Edinburgh Airport have waited too long, and put up with too much over the design of new flight paths. it's vital for them and our economic future that this latest consultation exercise is a success. www.scotsman.com/news/transpo...

The Scottish Government's lack of investment has left our industries short of vital skills. We need to change that now if sectors like renewables are to grow and thrive. My thoughts in this weeks column: @scotsman.com www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...

What I have been up to this week!

LGBTQI+ people should never face fear or abuse in detention. I have called on the Home Office to act now to protect vulnerable people and end these harmful practices.

Families deserve compassionate end-of-life care that’s properly supported and accessible to all. I have signed a cross-party letter urging the Government to protect and properly fund our hospices.

Remembrance Sunday is only a month away. Poppy Cabs is offering a fantastic free cab service for veterans on remembrance Sunday who wish to attend a service. Please get in touch with them using the details below if you think you or someone you know could benefit from this service.

With antisemitism and Islamophobia on the rise, leaders must act responsibly. Comments or decisions that inflame tensions help no one. We need properly resourced policing and voices that calm, not divide.

Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating in Edinburgh West and Across the UK. May this festival of lights bring warmth, happiness and togetherness to you and your loved ones.

The Labour Government’s VAT on private school fees is a short-sighted policy that is harming schools across Scotland. By forcing pupils out of independent schools and into an overstretched state system, they’ve made resources tighter for everyone. theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2025/10/decl...

The ceasefire in the Middle East is fragile and the future shape of potential peace unclear. We must use our experience of building the Good Friday agreement and creating reconciliation to help Israel and Palestine find peace. www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...

A snapshot of my week last week!

Want to design a Christmas card to go to hundreds of people from me this festive season? There is also a prize for the winning design! If you want your card to go homes and offices across the country get in touch with your entry by November 14th!

A focus on insulation and renewables could half energy bills within a decade. At Edinburgh College’s Renewables Centre, we saw how training young people is key to making that vision a reality. www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/lib-dem...

I’m delighted the Government has finally committed to ending the cruel and outdated Forced Swim Test on small animals. A landmark moment for animal welfare and for science. www.falkirkherald.co.uk/news/politic...

Suicide takes more than 700 lives a year in Scotland. It’s the biggest killer of men under 40. Prince William’s honesty last week mattered - showing vulnerability can save lives. Let’s keep breaking the stigma. My thoughts: www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...

No-one should be waiting months or years for treatment. If you are struggling or know someone who is, you can call @samaritans.bsky.social on 116 123.

What I got up to last week!

I do not want to live in a country where anyone has to be brave to be who they are. Manchester has to be a turning point in how we approach the country's problems. My thoughts in The Scotsman www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...

Lovely to pop into Knit and a natter at Ratho Library today. Great to chat to such a friendly group whose skills put my own to shame!

I am heartbroken and appalled by the horrific attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur. There is no place, and must never be a place, for antisemitism in our society. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and our Jewish community.

More than five thousand pupils and teachers joined this year’s @edbookfest Schools Programme. The Festival team are now looking for feedback to help shape next year’s events. Schools completing the survey by 17 October will be entered into a draw to win a bundle of books: tinyurl.com/27shsyhc

Mandatory Digital ID is unnecessary and a breach of civil liberties. No system is hack-proof - why put all our personal data in one place?

STV's plan to cut jobs and regional slots will impact lives and deprive communities of vital local news. www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...

Digital ID cards are not only a breach of our civil liberties but totally unnecessary. Liberal Democrats will fight these proposals. www.falkirkherald.co.uk/news/politic...

It was fantastic meeting such engaged young people with the Patchwork Foundation - chatting politics, careers and ambitions in a really welcoming space.

What I have been up to this week! #ukpolitics #edinburghwest #politics

We have lost a giant of Liberalism. Sir Menzies Campbell gave a lifetime of service and was always supportive and kind to those of us who came along after him. This was when he launched my campaign in 2017. He will be missed enormously by us all.

Next year is a vital opportunity to show the people of Scotland that they can have a government that listens, delivers, and reflects their priorities in the future.

Our support has grown from 11 MPs in 2019 to 72 today. The task now is to build on that, show results, and take strong policies into the next election.

We can’t fix the NHS without tackling cancer waits. Supporting world-class research, and welcoming the experts who drive it, is part of that solution.

Our NHS and care system rely on skilled workers who have come to this country. Immigration fills the skills gap we desperately need.

The horror in Gaza will not end without action. Recognition of a Palestinian State is urgent for the people of Gaza.

We waved the flag at Lib Dem conference to celebrate inclusivity. Pride in Britain means pride in everyone who calls it home.

In Edinburgh West, I see our communities show unity - planting trees, sharing meals, celebrating together. That’s the example politics should follow. www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...