New MSP speaks out
New Blantyre MSP Clare Haughey used her maiden speech in the Scottish Parliament to speak about her hopes for the constituency.
The SNP member also paid tribute to Labour MSP James Kelly, who she defeated in May.
Talking during the debate Taking Scotland Forward: Creating a Fairer Scotland last Thursday, Ms Haughey spoke about Blantyre’s industrial heritage of coal mining, steel works and manufacturing.
She said that“all those industries played a key part in building up the constituency and the populations of the area” but“local industry was decimated during the Thatcher era”.
She added:“i am extremely proud and humbled to have been trusted by my local community to come to parliament to represent them. I intend to do that to the best of my ability.”
Earlier in her speech, Ms Haughey had spoken of her wish to see a fairer Scotland,“where everyone has the same opportunities to succeed in life regardless of their background, race, creed, age, gender or sexuality.”
Ms Haughey spoke of her previous career as a nurse, focussing on bursaries for midwifery students and the impact of benefits changes on people’s mental health.
She also said she had a “vested interest”in the UK Government’s Trade Union Bill, saying:“as an active trade unionist, I’ve fought discrimination and unfair working practices.this government has pledged to do all that it can to mitigate the bill’s effects.”
Ms Haughey secured the Rutherglen constituency, which takes in Blantyre.
On her predecessor, she said:“i’m sure the people of Rutherglen were grateful for the representation he (James Kelly) gave them here.
“James was elected on the Glasgow list, and has returned to the Scottish Parliament. I look forward to working with him and all the Glasgow list MSPS from across the parties to ensure that the Rutherglen constituency thrives and grows over the next five years.”