Contributions
57 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDBBC 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 ScotlandI completely agree—that goes back to what I was saying. Donald Dewar said: “A Scottish Parliament. Not an end: a means to greater ends.” If we all remembered to think about the…22 Oct 2025HANSARDDevolution in Scotlandrose—22 Oct 2025HANSARDDevolution in ScotlandWhen the Scottish Parliament was reconvened in 1999, there was an expectation that devolution would not stop at Holyrood, but would build stronger systems of local government.…22 Oct 2025HANSARDDevolution in ScotlandThe hon. Gentleman has talked about the need for different legislatures to learn from each other. Ater 10 years of COSLA saying to the Scottish Government that funding for local…22 Oct 2025HANSARDFuture of Terrestrial TelevisionI entirely agree that we must do all we can to protect digital terrestrial television for as long as it is needed. As a former radio presenter, I would argue that free radio could…04 Sept 2025HANSARD Hospitality SectorIn my constituency of Stirling and Strathallan, castles and scenery may draw tourists, but it is the people in our pubs, cafés, restaurants, clubs and hotels who make them feel…03 Sept 2025HANSARDWelfare FraudDoes the Minister share my surprise that a Member of the party responsible for more than a decade of rising poverty, record benefit delays, and billions lost to fraud and error is…01 Sept 2025HANSARD Strategy for ElectionsIn Scotland, where we have votes for 16 and 17-year-olds in council and Scottish Parliament elections, I have found that some of the most engaging, respectful and searching…17 Jul 2025HANSARD Business of the HouseSometimes, when the puns keep coming, you just have to “Roll With It”. In my constituency, Braehead community garden is a remarkable 2-acre, community-led project where residents…17 Jul 2025HANSARDCredit UnionsIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Twigg. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch (Katrina Murray) on securing this important…16 Jul 2025HANSARDWinter Fuel Payment: Northern IrelandDoes the Minister agree that it is only because of the Barnett formula and a Labour Government that Scotland—including communities in Stirling and Strathallan—now has record…01 Jul 2025HANSARD Business of the HouseThe programme launch for this year’s Bloody Scotland—the country’s leading crime writing festival—took place at the Golden Lion hotel in Stirling. It is the 13th annual festival…19 Jun 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsT5. United Auctions in my constituency has recently become the UK’s first employee-owned livestock auctioneer. Will the Secretary of State commit to doing more to encourage…19 Jun 2025HANSARDSocial Mobility: Careers EducationFor too many people, the belief that intelligence, hard work and perseverance will be rewarded no longer holds true. The ladder of opportunity that once allowed previous…19 Jun 2025HANSARDEngagementsQ12. In Scotland, over 10,000 children are stuck in temporary accommodation, including many in my constituency. Too many families face soaring rents, long waiting lists and…18 Jun 2025HANSARDMental Health Services: Staffing in Rural AreasThe SNP has cut mental health services across Scotland, while failing to recruit the necessary workforce in rural communities such as those in Stirling and Strathallan. What…17 Jun 2025HANSARDFossil FuelsA very happy birthday to you, Mr Speaker. Given the enormous potential for renewable energy generation across Scotland, including in my constituency, does the Minister recognise…10 Jun 2025HANSARD Youth ServicesWhen we talk about youth services, we are really talking about the kind of country we want to be. We often discuss crime prevention, education and mental health in silos, but the…15 May 2025