LABOUR- FRANK MCINALLY

Young people have had their education disrupted for more than a year because of Covid-19.

As Convener of Education in North Lanarkshire, I have witnessed their resilience first-hand, along with the tremendous dedication of teaching and non-teaching staff in schools, community education workers, and parents, many of whom have juggled work with home-schooling.

However, the sad reality is the impact of Covid-19 on young people’s learning has been significant; the attainment gap has widened and the economic outlook is uncertain.

Urgent steps are required. That’s why Scottish Labour has presented a bold National Recovery Plan that includes an exam re-sit guarantee, a comprehensive, needs-based, comeback plan for every pupil, including mental health support, and a new tutoring programme for all pupils.

Scottish Labour has also committed to 5,000 new apprentices and a Youth Jobs Guarantee, ensuring all young people have access to a job.

As a councillor, I have witnessed the scale of cuts to local authorities from the SNP.

These devastating cuts must stop, because cutting core school budgets dilutes the impact of targeted funding measures like the Scottish Attainment Challenge and Pupil Equity Fund.

We also must take steps to tackle child poverty, which directly impacts attainment.

In 2018, I created Club 365, the most comprehensive programme in the UK to tackle child food poverty.

The initiative ensures that children in the most need are fed every day of the year. With Covid-19 pushing more families into poverty, initiatives like this are critical.

I will work to extend Club 365 into South Lanarkshire and across Scotland.

We cannot afford to spend the next five years distracted by the arguments of the past.

We need an MSP in Uddingston and Bellshill with a laser focus on Covid recovery and dedicated to supporting our young people following an immensely challenging year.