Time to reflect on many issues

Christmas is a time for reflection and as we gather with family and friends, I hope this is a time of joy and hope for the future.

It can, of course, also be a time of anxiety, sadness and loneliness and the result of the general election will no doubt cause great anxiety among many individuals and communities.

From my time as both a constituency and regional list member of the Scottish Parliament, I know the impact austerity policies have on vulnerable people and those on low incomes.

There is now no prospect of the WASPI women securing justice; no prospect of the unfair and unjust Universal Credit system being replaced; and no prospect of significant investment in the public services on which we all depend.

With local government budgets squeezed year- on- year causing reductions in services, it is sometimes hard to be optimistic about the future. However, we can all unite in seeking to ensure that the Scottish Parliament uses all its resources to listen to communities.

Local government cannot do the job it is elected to do without adequate resources. So when the Scottish Government considers the 2020-21 budget, Scottish Labour will be looking for serious investment in our public services.

Alongside the political arguments and decisions made in parliament, at this time of year I am always reminded of the importance of the smaller acts of kindness and generosity that shape our communities every day.

North Lanarkshire Council, supported by a number of local businesses, launched the Give a Gift Card appeal in October. Thousands of gift cards have been purchased and donated by local people, allowing families to choose appropriate presents for their children and teenagers. This has made a real difference to many Christmas Day celebrations.

The council will also be operating the 365 Club over the holidays in a number of locations, providing children and their families with some company, activities, and food. This popular scheme is a small yet practical way of tackling some of the food poverty that exists in our country – but it is not enough.

I will be coming back to the Scottish Parliament in the new year with proposals to enshrine the right to food in Scots law.

Because Christmas can be a difficult time for many people, the council has recognised this too, with the publication of its Surviving Christmas guide, containing numerous suggestions to tackle isolation.

Loneliness is hard, so I appeal to you to look around and see if there is anyone you can make a difference to.

Communities and neighbours can take care of each other as best they can; and in the face of ongoing hostility to working people from this Tory government this is even more important. We all have a part to play, now and in the years ahead.

A simple act of kindness, whether to strangers, friends or neighbours, can restore faith in humanity.

I wish all my constituents a happy Christmas and good New Year.

Making a difference Ms Smith has backed the council’s Give a Gift Card appeal