Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
TALKING POLITICS Time for transparency
Lessons have to be learned after the Grenfell Tower tragedy and rightly the public are demanding answers from those in power.
Never has it been more important for there to be transparency at all levels of government.
I recently spoke in the Scottish Parliament about the need for the SNP government to be more open after their woeful record on Freedom of Information requests was laid bare.
Poor response times, fudged answers and more worryingly SNP advisors vetting replies had the parliament rightly collectively furious.
MSPs from all parties have a duty to reassure the Scottish public that all steps are being taken to ensure that a Grenfell disaster will never happen here. A case in point of how powerful a request for information can be was a recent survey that highlighted that none of North Lanarkshire’s 48 council tower blocks have sprinkler systems fitted.
In all, over 300 high-rise blocks in Scotland are without fire suppressant systems – that’s a shocking statistic.
As Conservative Party spokesman on housing, I have called on the Scottish Government to work with councils to ensure every tower block is installed with sprinkler systems as quickly as possible.
It’s vital that we reassure residents in Scotland’s highrise towers they are safe in their homes and that there will never be a repeat of the tragic events that unfolded in London.
There needs to be a joinedup approach from both the government and councils.
It will cost money to fit fire suppressants but so be it – you can’t put a price on people’s lives.
North Lanarkshire are hosting the British Transplant Games.
This weekend there will be four days of sporting magic from those who have benefited from transplants.
It promises to be a great occasion and the athletes taking part will be an inspiration to the many people waiting for, or who have just gone through, a transplant – showing that hopefully there is a full and active life waiting for them.
I can think of no better place to hold this event. It will showcase some of the excellent sporting facilities North Lanarkshire has to offer.
If you are able, please go along and offer your support. There will be something for everyone.
See you there!