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However, I have made it to the chamber because how could I not speak in today’s debate? In a Parliament of 128 MSPs who are eligible to speak, this debate, given its importance, should have been oversubscribed.
The outgoing children’s commissioner stated that Nicola Sturgeon “absolutely” failed Scotland’s young people, and that self-same MSP admitted recently that “there is an implementation gap”.
On recycling and waste, Jackie Dunbar referenced the council-led Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire energy-from-waste plant. We MSPs are sent to Parliament to serve our constituents and our country.
The bill provides a choice about whether we support people in need. I challenge all MSPs: are they on the side of those who are most impacted by the cost of living crisis, or are they not?
I recognise that, for her, having 23 islands in her constituency—the most that any MSP in the chamber has in their constituency, I think—that will not be without challenge.
In its briefing prior to the debate, Shelter Scotland reminded MSPs that, in order for homelessness prevention efforts to succeed, there have to be enough homes for people to move into.
It is brilliant to have Ruth Maguire back with us as a friend, a colleague and, indeed, the MSP for my home town. It is absolutely brilliant to see her back in Parliament and looking so well.
It is an important step towards stronger legislation that protects women and girls, and I am sure that MSPs of all parties will support that objective. 17:19 Like Martin Whitfield, I am a late substitute to the debate.