MARY More misery is on the way
BY WEST SCOTLAND MSP MARY FEE
There is no sugarcoating the result for Labour last week.
It was a bad night that topped off a bad few years for Labour.
However, as ruthless as the result is for the party, it was a worse result for the poorest, the disadvantaged and the most marginalised in the UK.
With the majority Boris Johnson now has command over, I fear that those Labour always aim to represent will face further attacks through cuts to welfare, attacks on trade unions and further privatisation of the NHS.
I want to thank all the Labour candidates and activists who worked tirelessly throughout the campaign.
A period of rest is well deserved over the Christmas period and then we must be ready to fight alongside parties like the SNP and trade unions against whatever damage the Tories will inflict upon the poorest, the disabled, minorities and workers’ rights.
The work continues in Holyrood
This week in the Scottish Parliament is the final one of the year and we have two bills to pass and a new bill to start debating.
As a strong advocate for equality and human rights, my focus this week will be in the Female Genital Mutilation Bill which aims to strengthen the legal protection for women and girls at risk of FGM.
I sit on the Equalities and Human Rights Committee, which carried out an inquiry into the bill and the wider practice of FGM. It is harrowing to hear how this barbaric act has lifelong consequences for women and girls.
It must be prevented and abolished.
Rights for children and young people
Last week in parliament, I spoke during the Human Rights Defenders debate and praised the actions of children and young people in standing up for their rights and for their future.
Climate change is a serious threat to future generations and it is great to see so many children and young people take a stand and call for greater action to tackle climate change.
I also talked about the excellent work of care experienced children and young people in advancing the debate around how the children’s system impacts on them.
It is clear that in the face of a new Tory majority, children and young people will be leading the fight to make our country a better place.
Generations like mine need to listen and give them our full support.
Merry Christmas to all
As this is my last column before Christmas, I want to wish all constituents and Express readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from me and my staff.