Time to move forward with urgency and tackle injustice

The recent local council elections saw a strong performance from Team Stirling SNP, winning the most seats, votes and highest percentage.

SNP success was replicated across Scotland - we are the largest party in the highest number of councils, and nationwide we had the most gains out of any party.

For a party in government for 15 years, this speaks volumes to the level of trust placed in the party and our leadership by the electorate.

I look forward to working closely with my councillor colleagues, both within the SNP and outwith, to deliver for the people of Stirling and grapple with the issues facing our communities.

The challenges facing us the cost of living crisis, the legacy of the pandemic, climate change and economic regeneration, to name just a few - will require active and engaged local government.

But we’ll never rest on our laurels, and we’ll always take our responsibilities at the local and national level seriously.

Communities across Stirling are facing a huge cost of living crisis, with soaring fuel, food and energy bills, and households facing one of the biggest fall in living standards in a generation.

The Queen’s Speech, designed to signal the UK Government of the day’s legislative priorities and focus for the year ahead, was sadly light on both accounts.

The Prime Minister continues to sit on his hands as even those who elected him to office are crushed beneath an ongoing macroeconomic disaster on his Tory Government’s watch.

Some problems cannot be individualised, they do require a collective response, and it’s the job of the elected government of the day to deliver it.

We need only look to our closest neighbours to see how things could be different.

Independent Norway generates almost 93 per cent of its electricity needs from hydroelectric plants.

In an energy-rich country like Scotland, it’s an absolute scandal that anyone should choose between heating and eating.

Only through the powers of independence can Scotland remedy this injustice, and ensure an energy system fit for the future.

Meanwhile, the UK Government must use the significant macroeconomic policy levers at their disposal, over the economy, fair work, energy and social security to help struggling households. The threat of ‘stagflation’ requires an emergency budget.

Cuts to social security payments should be reversed, and levels adjusted for inflation, to prevent our most vulnerable slipping further into poverty.

The recent energy bill loans must be converted into grants, with VAT reduced or removed completely.

I’m willing to work with anyone to deliver for the people of Stirling. Faith in our institutions, values and democracy depend on elected representatives reflecting their constituents’ priorities. Let’s move forward with fresh urgency, and tackle those burning injustices.

People across Stirling are facing a cost of living crisis