Contributions
54 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDEconomic Growth1. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support economic growth in Scotland.10 Jun 2026HANSARDEconomic GrowthUK Government funding is transforming a former Ministry of Defence site in Stirling into a major film studio, creating opportunities for skilled jobs, innovation and growth across…10 Jun 2026HANSARDReferral of Prime Minister to Committee of PrivilegesA referral to the Privileges Committee, particularly involving a Prime Minister, should be rare. The bar should be high, because we have so many other processes available to us in…28 Apr 2026HANSARDReferral of Prime Minister to Committee of PrivilegesTo finish my metaphor—not about the SNP—we must hold steady, make the adjustments needed and focus on getting safely to better conditions. That is the task in front of us, and…28 Apr 2026HANSARD Mountain RescueIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Lewell. In Stirling and Strathallan we are served by three outstanding teams: Lomond Mountain Rescue Team, based in Drymen;…22 Apr 2026HANSARD Mountain RescueThank you, Ms Lewell, for calling me back. Please give me one second to find out where I was—is it still Tuesday? As I was saying, if we want to avoid such situations in the…22 Apr 2026HANSARD Mountain RescueAs a former council leader, I always say that the Scottish Government have to keep on top of what that figure is and invest in it, because volumes can change, and the amount of…22 Apr 2026HANSARDVoluntary Groups and Community CentresIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms McVey. I approach this debate from a position of experience, because I have seen volunteering and community centres from many…25 Mar 2026HANSARD Social Enterprises and Community OwnershipIn constituencies such as mine, social and community enterprises are thriving. They are practical working solutions, driven by local people who care deeply about where they live.…18 Mar 2026HANSARDHeating Oil SupportMany households in the rural part of my constituency—including in Carron valley, whose community council I met on Friday—rely on heating oil and live in older housing stock that…16 Mar 2026HANSARDEconomic Growth14. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support economic growth in Scotland.14 Jan 2026HANSARDEconomic GrowthDoes the Secretary of State agree that yesterday’s SNP budget, which metes out another round of civic vandalism to local authority budgets, demonstrates a failure to understand…14 Jan 2026HANSARDLocal MediaBack in 1991, when I was 15 years old, I applied for work experience at Central FM in Stirling. I was meant to be there for a week, and I stayed for 10 years as a broadcaster.…03 Dec 2025HANSARDSkills, Development and Training: Forth Valley5. What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on skills, development and training for the Forth valley area.26 Nov 2025HANSARDSkills, Development and Training: Forth ValleyYears of SNP underfunding have pushed Forth Valley college into financial crisis. Just when we needed to deliver skills for Stirling’s film studio, the Grangemouth transition, and…26 Nov 2025HANSARD ExxonMobil: MossmorranDoes this decision not just underline the urgent need for a robust industrial strategy in Scotland that protects jobs, strengthens the supply chain and ensures a manufacturing…18 Nov 2025HANSARD Remembrance Day: Armed ForcesOn Sunday, I was at the war memorial in Stirling city centre to lay a wreath and to reflect. Stirling’s memorial was completed in 1922. Six hundred and ninety-two names were…11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipWe have heard an awful lot today about the professionalism of the journalists at the BBC, and I wholeheartedly agree with that, but there are less of them now than there were last…11 Nov 2025HANSARD Business of the HouseFor 17 years, the Stirling Observer has run its “Give a Gift” appeal, rallying big-hearted people, businesses, schools and community groups to make sure no child wakes up on…23 Oct 2025HANSARDDevolution in Scotlandrose—22 Oct 2025