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Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has voted in favour of the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill at Stage 3 when it was debated in the Scottish Parliament on June 29th. The new legislation will introduce mandatory safety training for people who wish to purchase and use fireworks. It also introduces powers for local authorities to introduce designated firework control zones, restrictions of the supply and use of fireworks and a new offence to criminalise the supply of fireworks to under-18s. Fiona has previously met with local Constituency group, Blackburn Bonfire Night Action Group (BBNAG) who provided evidence to the Criminal Justice Committee in relation to their innovative approach to tackling the misuse of fireworks when the committee visited Blackburn earlier in the year. Commenting Fiona said;…

During the Scottish Government Debate titled Northern Ireland Protocol Bill which was held in the Chamber of the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 29th June, Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, warned of the dangers of the UK Government's Northern Ireland Protocol Bill. Commenting after the debate Fiona said; “The implications of this Bill are very real and show that the UK Government are willing to risk a trade war with the EU. I was very pleased that there was an all-Party agreement in the Scottish Parliament to the Government motion being debated calling on the UK and EU to negotiate together to resolve issues. This is also the preference of 74% of people in Northern Ireland where businesses also want to keep it as it is supporting Northern…

Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has praised the invaluable role of volunteers across West Lothian following Volunteer’s Week earlier this month.  The British Heart Foundation who have a Book Bank in Linlithgow which contributes to the charity’s efforts help raise vital funds for the charity’s lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases.  Fiona commented,   “I am delighted to celebrate the dedicated staff and volunteers at British Heart Foundation who operate in shops across my constituency, including the Book Bank here in Linlithgow.  “I know many of my constituents, some of whom I have met personally, have seen and felt first-hand the terrible effects of heart disease. Shops like the Linlithgow book bank support the British Heart Foundation in funding around £60 million worth of research projects in Scottish universities.” …

“I was pleased to see that Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for the Mental Wellbeing and Social Care, visited the West Lothian 50+ Network in my Constituency. “The West Lothian 50+ Network is an important organisation which facilitates a range of activities and groups to over 50’s across West Lothian to encourage staying active both physically and mentally while also providing opportunities to meet new people and combat loneliness and social isolation. “The Minister visited the 50+ Network to hear about how the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund is benefitting communities across my Constituency. “Mr Stewart also attended a Men’s Group which has been supported by the Fund and promotes good mental wellbeing amongst the men of West Lothian. “The Fund has benefitted the West Lothian 50+ Network and the…

Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, and Local MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk, Martyn Day, have praised the invaluable role of volunteers during a visit to British Heart Foundation Scotland’s shop in Bathgate – seeing first-hand how their efforts help raise vital funds for the charity’s lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases.  The visit took place after Volunteers’ Week, marking the annual contribution of volunteers up and down the country. In Scotland, around 14,000 volunteers regularly give up their time to help the British Heart Foundation in its 75 Scottish shops.   During the visit, Fiona and Martyn heard more about the role of volunteers taking in donations from the local community and the incredible benefits of shopping preloved, preventing good quality items from going to landfill, creating a sustainable, circular economy and saving money, while also funding…

Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, hosted an event on Wednesday 22nd June in Parliament to highlight the work of Warmworks, the managing agent of the Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme. Warmworks helps with funding and support to households across Scotland, including in West Lothian, who are struggling to stay warm and keep on top of energy bills. Warmer Homes Scotland is the Scottish Government’s national fuel poverty scheme which has supported hundreds of people in West Lothian since its launch in 2015, with each of the homes saving an average of £265 on their energy bills. Speaking after the event in Parliament, Fiona said, “I was very pleased to host an event in Parliament to highlight Warmworks Scotland who are the managing agent of the Scottish Government’s Warmer Homes Scotland…

Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has raised the need for early identification of neurodiverse children and young people and the introduction of adaptations in schools to the Scottish Government. During Education Portfolio Questions at the Scottish Parliament, Fiona asked the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Shirley-Anne Somerville, for more insight into the progress of Scottish Government’s actions on this matter, as set out in the Autism in Schools Action Plan.    Fiona also recently visited the Donaldson Trust– the leading charity in Scotland for neurodiversity, which is based in Linlithgow in Fiona’s Constituency – to hear more about the charity’s work, and what can be done to support neurodiverse young people.   Fiona commented,    “Early identification can make a world of difference to neurodiverse children and young people, allowing them…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, warned of the damaging approach the UK Government is taking to industrial action as strikes continue across the UK. Fiona raised this issue with the First Minister during First Ministers Questions on Thursday 23/06 highlighting the recent comment from an RMT representative who said; “perhaps the UK Government should take a feather out of the Scottish Government’s hat and actually propose a 5% pay deal along with a five-year non-compulsory redundancy agreement.” In her response the First Minister called for the UK Government to end its anti-trade union rhetoric and respect workers across the economy. She also reiterated the need to seek fair resolutions to disputes which is particularly important as we continue to deal with rising inflation which has been exacerbated…

Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, is encouraging local groups to apply for the latest round of Cashback for Communities Funding. Cashback for Communities supports the Scottish Government’s Vision for Justice, helping to build a just, safe and resilient Scotland. The fund focuses on young people at risk of entering the criminal justice system and the communities most affected by crime. Community projects are set to receive up to £20 million over the next three years to continue supporting young people and communities most affected by crime. Since the programme began in 2008, Cashback for Communities has taken funds recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act and provided crucial support to around 1.3 million young people across all local authorities. Fiona said, “I am pleased to see that another round…

Local MSP Fiona Hyslop praises the Men’s Shed movement and Armadale Men’s Shed and the prospect of a Linlithgow Men’s Shed Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has praised the work of the Armadale Shed and the Men’s Shed movement following a Scottish Parliament Debate on Men Don’t Talk: Men's Sheds which was led by Christine Grahame MSP on Thursday 16th June 2022. Fiona also has added her encouragement to the establishment of a Men’s Shed in Linlithgow which is currently being explored. Armadale Men’s Shed is well established and is a recognised pillar of the local Armadale community providing a welcoming place for men to meet to talk and to share and deploy their skills in wood working, metal working and other skills and to teach others. Women also…