In May 2021, I entered the Scottish Parliament for the first time as a new MSP, a very proud moment as one of the first women of colour and the first of a Sikh/ Indian background to become an MSP.
It has been a busy yet extremely rewarding year for me, and I look forward to being one of your voices in the Scottish Parliament over the next four years.
We are now in August, and just last week my annual report began hitting doorsteps in West Scotland, for which I am a regional representative.
The year has been one of highs and lows, but I would not change it for the world. There is no better feeling than helping residents with the issues that matter to them. In addition to this, bringing their issues to the forefront of my work in Parliament, means that I can hold this SNP Government to account, becoming a voice for residents in the Scottish Parliament.
Not only this, but I have been assigned the role of Shadow Minister for Higher and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training, and I sit on the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee. My portfolio therefore spans a variety of topics and I work hard to ensure the interests of groups right across society are considered.
The last year has flown by, and at all times I have been sure to make the most of it. I would therefore love to give you a summary of what I have been up to throughout the year.
This year in Parliament, I have made over 100 contributions to debates and have voted over 270 times. A key part of my role is holding the SNP Government accountable, because there are so many areas in which the SNP are failing the people of Scotland; education, health, criminal justice, and transport to name just a few examples.
Sadly, their constitutional obsession takes precedence over the actual issues they are elected to deal with. I will admit, they have become artful dodgers, skilled at denial and deflection, but people are finally waking up. It is becoming clearer and clearer to the people of Scotland that the money supposed to be spent on them, on devolved issues, is instead being spent on reserved matters such as the constitution, foreign affairs, and of course silly pet projects.
Notable debates I have participated in over the last year include my own Members’ Business debate celebrating apprenticeship week, and debates on local issues, such as on the Lomond Banks proposals at Loch Lomond.
Helping residents with issues that matter to them is at the heart of my work. I have held over 50 advice surgeries and responded to over 3,200 emails.
Constituents contact me with a variety of concerns from A&E waiting times, to road safety and saving the Greenbelt – the list is endless.
But the advice surgeries are a great opportunity for residents to pick up these issues with me in-person, and for us to build a rapport. I enjoy hearing about the issues that matter most to my constituents, and that’s where I can make the biggest difference. If you do not raise an issue with me, I am unable to address it – therefore, wherever you live, it’s important to reach out to your representatives in Parliament.
My job also gives me the opportunity to recognise local causes, and I take pride in having submitted over 115 motions recognising achievements by local residents and businesses. Motions are a great opportunity to share some of the fantastic achievements of individuals and groups with other members of Parliament and spread the word on great local causes.
I also do my very best to meet frequently with businesses throughout my region. Over the last year, I have visited over 60 local businesses and events throughout the West Scotland region. Sadly, businesses have faced an increasingly challenging environment over the last few years – and it’s extremely important that we learn how we can best support them. While there were various support measures delivered throughout the different lockdown periods, we know that the Scottish Government was slow on delivering this support and this affects not only the economy, but individuals, their livelihoods, and their families. I will continue to meet with businesses to ensure I am representing their interests, especially throughout these challenging times.
Overall, it has been a busy and productive year, but I look forward to getting back into the nitty-gritty of Parliamentary business – and continuing to serve you, my constituents!
If you have any questions, concerns, or even a positive experience of your local area you would like to share, please do not hesitate to get in touch – I am always more than happy to speak and meet with constituents.
You can contact me or subscribe to my free monthly newsletter via email at pam.gosal.MSP@parliament.scot or telephone 0141 943 1555.
Otherwise, find me on social media –
Twitter: Pam Gosal MSP (@PamGosalMSP) / Twitter
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