Optimistic for our future and country
Dear Editor It has been a very interesting year in politics both at home and abroad. Many things that were once thought to be impossible are now the new political reality.
It is abundantly clear that many people are unhappy with business as usual and the United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union in June is just one example of this trend.
I am greatly optimistic about the UK’s prospects for the future.
Our new prime minister, Theresa May, has set about forging a new role for Britain as the world’s foremost champion of free trade.
Moreover, we shall soon have a real opportunity to make policies in areas currently reserved to the EU, particularly in relation
Cllr Alexander Stewart to agriculture and fishing, that better work for people in Scotland.
In Scotland, 2016 saw the Conservatives overtake Labour to take second place in the Scottish parliamentary elections, which also saw the SNP deprived of an overall majority.
In Ruth Davidson, we have someone leading the principle opposition party who is more than able to hold the first minister’s feet to the fire and we have already forced the government to reconsider its approach on many issues.
As part of that rising tide of support, I became a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the first time. After serving as a councillor for over 17 years, I was delighted to be able to continue my public service at a higher level.
I am very grateful to all those people who afforded me the opportunity to represent them and greatly look forward to continuing to do so in the years ahead.
I hope that you and your family had a pleasant Christmas and may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very prosperous new year.
Councillor Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife