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I am proud to support the MS Society pledge to get #LouderForMS at Holyrood in the next Scottish Parliament to highlight important issues in the MS community and those affected by neurological conditions. The SNP Scottish Government published Scotland’s first National Action Plan on Neurological Conditions which supports people to manage their condition appropriate to their unique and individual needs. If re-elected, we will continue to push forward this Action Plan, working even closer with local communities to meet the needs of every individual affected by MS. Furthermore, if re-elected, we will strengthening Scotland’s new social security system that is person-centred and community-based, with dignity, fairness and respect at the heart of it. We will continue to spread the ‘What Matters to You’ approach which encourages staff to focus on individual needs…

I respect the will of the Scottish Parliament on assisted dying and am committed to ensuring that everyone has dignity and respect at the end of their life. I recently spoke with a member of Dignity in Dying Scotland and had a very considered conversation which covered the topic of an Assisted Dying Bill in Scotland. I explained that whilst I voted against such a Bill in the past, as always I would give any future Bill proper consideration and would look to ensure that it included strong safeguarding measures to protect individuals.  Assisted suicide is devolved to the Scottish Parliament. In 2015 the Scottish Parliament debated Stage 1 of the Assisted Suicide (Scotland) Bill. The debate focused on all matters related to assisted dying, including matters related to both…

The SNP is committed to supporting Scotland’s linguistic and cultural diversity. If re-elected, we will promote, protect and celebrate the Scots language. Education is a crucial aspect of protecting new and young Scots speakers. This is why, over the course of its leadership, the SNP Scottish Government successfully launched and implemented the Education Scotland Action Plan which aims to raise awareness among the wider community, provide online support for learners, and support local authorities in ensuring continuity of Scots language policy across Scotland. In the 2021 Manifesto, the SNP have again committed to supporting Scotland’s languages as it recognises them as an integral part of Scotland’s culture and heritage.  If the SNP is re-elected, we will have a particular focus on arresting the intensifying language shift in the remaining vernacular communities.…

The SNP fully appreciates the impact the Coronavirus pandemic has had on the hospitality sector and that is why, in government, we provided funding of over £3 billion to support businesses affected by Covid-19. As the current Cabinet Secretary of Economy, I recognise the important role pubs play in many peoples’ lives and within communities. To support the sector through the next year, the SNP Government have committed to 100% rates relief for tourism & hospitality for 2021-22. As the vaccine roll-out continues, and the lockdown restrictions are easing, we know more is needed to help hospitality businesses get firmly back on their feet. When it is safe to do so, we will launch a campaign to encourage people to support local tourism and hospitality in Scotland. Fiona Hyslop