My Articles
Our commitment to looked after children and young people
Every child should be able to enjoy a safe, fulfilling, secure and loving childhood. Yet for far too many young people in care, and through absolutely no fault of their own, that’s not the case. Only four percent go to university, nearly half will suffer mental health issues, almost one third will become homeless –…
by Failing to help child refugees is a clear dereliction of the UK’s moral and global duty
When the Tory government announced last week that they were going to end the “Dubs amendment” scheme which allows unaccompanied child refugees into the UK, it’s no surprise that reactions ranged from shock to disgust. And its why, on Friday, I wrote to Theresa May and urged her to reconsider this inhumane decision.
by Theresa May is guilty of abject moral failure on child refugees
Yesterday the UK government snuck out the news that it will fail to meet its commitment to resettle 3,000 unaccompanied child refugees, something which they had promised to do last year following huge pressure from the public, SNP MPs in parliament and the Scottish Government.
by The Article 50 process explained in 200 words
Before the UK begins to leave the EU, the Prime Minister must inform the EU. This is the ‘Article 50 process’. Here’s what you need to know.
by The best deal
It’s not always appreciated, but sorting out spending choices for a country is much like managing a household budget or your personal finances.
by My message to Theresa May on Brexit: live up to your promises to Scotland
Today I’m in Cardiff for a crucial Joint Ministerial Council on Brexit with the Prime Minister and the governments of Wales and Northern Ireland.
by An immigration system that meets Scotland’s needs
Scotland’s Universities enjoy a fantastic reputation around the world, with four institutions in The Times Top 200 list and a proud history of innovation and world leading research. There should really be no problem in attracting international students to come and study here and indeed more than 94 per cent of international students believe Scotland is a “good place to be”.
by Scotland’s place in Europe’s single market is vital for the future
Scotland has huge economic strengths, which we need to maximise and build on.
But our entire economic future – jobs, investment, livelihoods, household incomes and overall living standards – are all being threatened by a Tory hard Brexit.
by The Tory plan to close Glasgow Job Centres must be stopped
The UK government’s plans to close half of Glasgow’s Job Centres are deeply flawed – and the campaign against them is gathering momentum.
by The Brexit court case: what it means
The UK Supreme Court in London ruled that the UK government is required to seek parliamentary approval for the triggering of Article 50 – the instrument that would see the UK leaving the EU.
by Nicola Sturgeon responds to UK Supreme Court ruling
The Scottish Government will bring forward a Legislative Consent Motion and ensure that the Scottish Parliament has the opportunity to vote on whether or not it consents to the triggering of Article 50.
by Taxpayers get more for their money in Scotland
The quality of life we offer, the services we provide and the importance we attach to issues like tuition-free higher education, personal care for our elderly, prescriptions free at the point of need, paying the Living Wage and increasing childcare are all hugely important to attracting people to Scotland and helping to create new jobs.
by Halt Tory closures of Glasgow’s Job Centres
Tory plans to close half of Glasgow’s Job Centres demonstrate the lack of respect the UK Government has for some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities.
by Our action on gender equality
Equality for women is at the heart of the SNP’s vision for an equal Scotland.
From promoting 50:50 gender balance in boardrooms to tackling violence against women, here are just some of the ways we are working to build a more equal Scotland.
by Tory welfare cuts must end
The Tory government at Westminster has cut support for disabled people, vulnerable young adults, the bereaved – and are now abandoning their commitment to pensioners.
by Scotland is a world leader on LGBTI equality: here’s how
Scotland has now been rated the best country in Europe on LGBTI equality by ILGA-Europe for two years in a row. But we know there’s still much more to do to achieve a fair and equal Scotland for all LGBTI people. Here’s just seven ways we’re working towards this goal.
by A Hard Tory Brexit threatens workers’ rights
We live in challenging times – the events of recent months make this the most unpredictable political climate in a generation or more. Brexit looms large over everything. Tomorrow, the Prime Minister will give more detail about her negotiating stance once Article 50 is triggered.
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Fact check: the difference between single market membership and ‘access’
There was a time when the Tories supported single market membership. They now appear to have changed their minds. Instead of single market membership, they’re talking about ‘access’. It’s a con.
by 5 reasons Scottish tourism is going from strength to strength
Whether it’s the scenic beauty of the Highlands, the world’s best golf courses or Edinburgh’s globally-renowned festivals – it’s little wonder tourists are flocking to Scotland.
by 5 ways Scotland is a good global citizen
Scotland has always been an outward looking, innovative and caring nation. By maintaining Scotland’s place in the world as a good global citizen, we can provide leadership on global issues such as equality, sustainable development, climate justice and fair trade.
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Building a fairer social security system
Here’s how we’re using the social security powers at our disposal to build a fairer Scotland.
by Making real and lasting progress in 2017
It’s the start of a new year and so a good time to look forward to new opportunities.
2017 will mark the 10th anniversary of the SNP’s election as the Scottish Government.
by Human rights are the foundation stones of a fairer Scotland
Today at Holyrood, I will lead for the Scottish Government in the first Parliamentary debate of 2017. As we look forward to a New Year, it is both appropriate and symbolic that it will focus on the importance of human rights and Scotland’s place in Europe. And, through our collective commitment to human rights safeguards in our vision for a fairer Scotland, these are perhaps the most powerful values binding our diverse movement for Independence together.
by Moving Scotland forward: 2016 in numbers
2016 has been a year of progress for Scotland. A lot has been achieved in the last year, health spending has reached a record high, crime is at a 42 year low and we’ve committed £750 million to closing the educational attainment gap. Here are just some of the ways that Scotland has been moving forward in 2016.
by Let 2017 be a year of hope
If 2016 was a year of fear, let the next year be one of hope. And let us all hope that, in time, 2017 will be seen to have been a turning point – one in which the values of liberal democracy were able to show that they can and will prevail over the forces which would draw us all backwards.
by How we’re supporting Scotland’s rural and remote communities
We want all Scotland’s communities to thrive. The SNP is committed to supporting those in rural and remote areas of Scotland – here’s 10 things we’ve done over our 10 years in Government.
by 10 ways we’re protecting Scotland’s environment and tackling climate change
Scotland is a world leader on tackling climate change – and we’re taking important steps to protect our natural environment for generations to come.
Here are just ten ways we’re creating a greener, more sustainable Scotland.
by Improving Scotland’s transport system
The SNP is investing in getting Scotland moving – by road, rail, ferry, bike or on foot. Here are just some of the action we’re taking in government.
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