I will always hold this failing SNP Government to account

Hello Record readers! What a couple of weeks it has been in Scottish politics.

As Scottish Labour begins the contest for a new leader, I am delighted to take this opportunity to talk to you.

Because while my party looks for a leader, the issues facing the Scottish people – the cost of living, the NHS and public safety – have not gone away.

It’s my job as Acting Leader of Scottish Labour to hold the SNP government to account and to stand up for the people of Scotland – that is what we will do.

As Andy Burnham begins to set out his agenda as Prime Minister, the difference between his priorities and those of the SNP government could not be clearer.

After setting out plans to cut energy bills and relieve VAT on pubs and clubs, Andy Burnham has announced plans to tackle the crisis in care.

This is an issue dear to my heart.

For years I have campaigned to improve care services in Scotland.

For too long vital care service workers have been chronically underpaid, under-supported and underappreciated.

And the patchwork of provision has left many Scots without proper services in their communities.

Since 2011 I have advocated for a National Care Service against SNP opposition.

After the pandemic, the SNP decided to agree to the principle.

But what followed was years spent paying a fortune to big business consultants for a plan that did nothing to improve care services or respect the care workforce.

Despite offering to work with them, the SNP didn’t listen and their failed plans were filed straight in the bin.

That’s why I am delighted that Andy Burnham is bringing forward a proper plan for care in the rest of the UK.

It’s vital that he learns the lessons of the SNP’s failed plans in Scotland and develops a plan to improve care for those in need and drive forward better conditions for the heroic social care workforce.

But the sad truth is that the national care service debacle isn’t the SNP’s only glaring failure.

For years, the SNP has been promising to deliver a new and improved hospital for North Lanarkshire at Monklands.

The new hospital was a landmark pledge in the SNP manifesto in May.

Former Health Secretary and local MSP Neil Gray took to social media throughout the campaign to promise that the new hospital would be delivered.

But lo and behold – just weeks after the election the new hospital was cancelled.

The decision was ostensibly the result of new expert guidance.

The broken promise was bad enough – but this weekend it has been revealed that the reality was much worse.

Government papers have shown that the official advice to kybosh the new hospital was given to the SNP Government in March – long before the election.

Neil Gray and the SNP decided to keep it quiet, promise something they already planned to cancel and kick the can down the road for electoral gain.

This is shocking that they lied to voters.

My promise to Record readers is that I will always hold the SNP Government to account in the interest of the people of Scotland.

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Like many across Scotland, I have been deeply worried about the wildfires that have raged across the Cairngorms National Park.

The scenes of devastation have been terrifying – with acres of farm and woodland now scorched and devoid of life.

Fires have raged close to farmland and put people’s homes and livelihoods at risk.

And with temperatures rising every summer, the need to prepare for wildfires is clear.

Locals in the Cairngorm National Park – particularly in Nethy Bridge which was evacuated – blame the SNP government in Edinburgh for a slow response.

But for me, the main issue is to make sure our fire and rescue services are properly supported and resourced.

The truth is that SNP cuts have taken £900m from fire and rescue service budgets, reduced available equipment and resources, and over 1,200 jobs have been lost in the service.

With the threat of yearly summer wildfires now clear the damage caused by SNP cuts are clear for all to see.

If we are to make sure that Scotland’s firefighters are prepared to do their job then the deep cuts need to end.

It’s time to acknowledge the danger of wildfires and support our firefighters as they work around the clock to keep us safe.

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It’s been an excellent first week of the Commonwealth Games with some great wins for Team Scotland.

Seeing so many watch and enjoy the games has been wonderful, and all of our athletes have done us so proud.

Eight medals in five hours was an incredible display of Scotland’s best.