Weekly Bulletin 30th January – 5th February

This week, Ruth has:

• Visited Blacklands Primary and Kilwinning Academy to meet with staff and pupils to learn about Nurture approaches and its positive impact on attainment and inclusion

 

• Met with John Dickie of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) to discuss the work of the Social Security Committee and in particular the proposed Child Poverty (Scotland) Bill and Social Security (Scotland) Bill

 

• Met with Leon Thomson of Visit Scotland to discuss the challenges and opportunities within Scotland’s tourism industry, and the role that can be played by the Cross Party Group on Tourism, of which Ruth is a member

 

• Spoken in a debate to mark the forthcoming International Day of zero tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on 6^th February, focusing on the Scottish Government’s recently published National Action Plan to Prevent and Eradicate FGM, and stressing how we all have a responsibility to challenge the objectification of women, both in our own and in other cultures

 

• As a member of the Local Government and Communities Committee, taken evidence from a range of organisations, such as Sustainable Scotland Network, on Scotland’s draft Climate Change Plan. The Committee also took evidence from a range of people and organisations on the Scottish Social Housing Charter, including from the Minister for Local Government and Housing, Kevin Stewart, and the Scottish Housing Regulator

 

• As a member of the Social Security Committee, taken evidence from the Minister for Employability and Training, Jamie Hepburn, on the topic of Employability and Sanctions