M&S shame over 2 Sisters closure
The closure of 2 Sisters in Cambuslang is a devastating blow to our area.
It has employed generations of families and been a major part of the local economy for decades.
News that the company is stopping its operations is heartbreaking and my thoughts go out to all the workers affected.
It is unfortunately a case of profit coming before people, and despite the best efforts to save it, the choice was made to shut it by shareholders far away from Cambuslang.
Marks and Spencer is the biggest contract at 2 Sisters and, as such, the company has massive purchasing power.
While their corporate website and adverts say they put people first, it is the complete opposite in the case of 2 Sisters.
Local employees have supplied the food for M&S’s production line for years and now the corporate giant is turning its back on them.
And it’s not just in Cambuslang – it is doing it in Annan too.
Over 1000 Scottish jobs are at risk because of M&S’s corporate approach.
There has been inadequate action from the Scottish Government too. In the run-up to the closure being decided, Ged Killen MP and I wrote to the government urging it to launch a full taskforce.
Before this, ministers had only supported a working group, something much less substantial.
Now, the government has committed to upgrading to an action group, but it is really dragging its heels.
As workers start negotiating their pay-offs, the government is waiting a week to set up a phone call.
I’ll keep the pressure on ministers to make sure local people get the best deal they can.
Cambuslang Main Street
In a Scottish Parliament debate on air pollution, I raised the case of Cambuslang Main Street.
The road is one of the most polluted in Scotland.
No wonder, with the volume of traffic, dirty air gets trapped between the high buildings.
The impact of pollution like this is startling and it has a major effect on the health of those exposed to it.
I raised points made by Halfway and Cambuslang community councils on air pollution – and called for the SNP government to make South Lanarkshire a low-emissions zone.
Football Act: Repealed!
Good news – my Bill to scrap the discredited Football Act has been enacted.
A significant victory for fans and campaigners.