Parliamentary Report 2020/2021 the SPCB Is Not Responsible for the Content of Any External Websites

HERE TO HELP DID YOU KNOW?… Colin Smyth MSP Write to Colin: Since being elected to Parliament Colin has… Member of the Scottish Parliament for South Scotland Region Colin Smyth MSP Responded to over 15,000 17 Buccleuch Street constituents’ cases, including Dumfries, DG1 2AT nearly 4,000 alone since Working hard for South Scotland Region the first covid 19 lockdown Email Colin: in March and held over 800 [email protected] advice surgeries. A JOBS PLAN FOR Call Colin SOUTH SCOTLAND 01387 279205 THANK YOU Website www.colinsmythmsp.com Facebook: colinsmythmsp Supported 100s of local events and campaigns across Twitter: South Scotland. @colinsmythmsp COVID-19 is first and foremost a health crisis, but it has also become an economic crisis, with Spoken in over 650 debates unemployment in our area double and question sessions in the the level of this time last year. Scottish Parliament Chamber, That’s why South Scotland Regional asked almost 600 written MSP Colin Smyth is fighting for a parliamentary questions, proper Jobs Plan for the region. lodged over 60 parliamentary motions with over 20 debated South Scotland Regional MSP the busiest of Colin Smyth’s time He has already successfully Colin Smyth has praised the as an MSP, dealing with over 4,000 Advice Surgeries in Parliament. campaigned for help for those resilience of local residents communications from constituents excluded from initial grants such as Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, during the COVID-19 pandemic. across South Scotland alone since my Advice Surgeries have been Tabled over 220 outdoor education, soft play centres amendments to Colin Smyth said, “I’m proud of the pandemic began. severely restricted. However, I and local guest houses; secured Parliamentary Bills our key workers, such as NHS Colin Smyth added, “There is a funding from the South of Scotland hold: including: and care staff whose selfless unity of purpose from MSPs to Enterprise Agency for local hardship Virtual Advice Surgeries Changing the law to give response to the pandemic has set aside political differences to funds and worked with Unite the Every Monday and Friday powers to councils to run been inspirational. But it’s not work in the national interest. But Union to ensure taxi drivers can 12-2 pm and 4-6 pm local bus services; good enough just to clap for key that doesn’t stop us holding the access discretionary grants from via Zoom/Skype or on the workers. We need to give them the Government to account when we councils. But the MSP believes more Increasing sentences for pay rise they deserve and properly disagree with their strategy, such telephone. support is needed. animal cruelty offences; fund services such as the NHS and as their decision not to introduce Colin Smyth said, “We need a proper To book an appointment call or social care”. mass testing”. Making the new South of Jobs Guarantee Scheme to support email. If these times are not Scotland Enterprise Agency “We also owe a huge debt of “I’ve also raised concerns employers to retain and create new suitable, alternatives can be more locally accountable. gratitude to the many unsung on behalf of thousands of jobs.” arranged. heroes. From our unpaid carers to constituents. For me, that will “Sectors such as hospitality and Face-to-face meetings can also the volunteers in foodbanks, they always be the most important part have stepped up to the mark to of the job as an MSP.” tourism also still don’t have access take place in my Regional Office, Accredited as a Living Wage and support our communities in these to the grants they need. The Scottish where virtual or telephone Carer Positive tough times. Thank you”. Turn to the back page for Government are sitting on substantial surgeries are not possible. Barnett formula consequentials which Engaged Employer The past nine months have been details of how you can contact Colin. it should direct to saving jobs.” Working hard for South Scotland Region Colin Smyth MSP Parliamentary Report 2020/2021 The SPCB is not responsible for the content of any external websites. The cost of this publication has been met from parliamentary allowances. PRAISE FOR FAIRTRADE SAVE OUR SHOPS CHAMPIONS South Scotland’s Town Centres were already being hit hard before the COVID-19 pandemic -- but now our high streets are in crisis with a record number of shops closing. South Scotland Regional MSP Colin Smyth is campaigning for a Town Centre Action Plan to breathe life back into our high streets including: Changes to rates to create a level playing field between the High Street and big online retailers and to bring more independent shops into our towns. FIGHTING FOR BETTER BUSES AND TRAINS South Scotland Regional MSP Colin Smyth was recently presented with a Special Recognition Thanks to amendments proposed by Colin Smyth award by the Scottish Fairtrade Forum at their to the Scottish Government’s recent Transport 2020 Scottish Fairtrade Awards. Bill, the legal ban that stops councils running bus services, is to be lifted. The South Scotland MSP has been a Fairtrade activist for over a decade and has Chaired the Dumfries Colin Smyth said, “We have seen bus fares rise but and Galloway Fairtrade Steering Group since it was even before the COVID pandemic, passenger numbers Support for communities to buy back their high established, supporting the work to secure Fairtrade plummeting, because big bus firms have cut so many street from absent landlords, through community status for the region. ownership of empty shops and funding to save and services”. When he became an MSP in 2016, Colin was elected restore historical town centre buildings. “I’m proud that my proposal to lift the ban on councils as Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party running bus services was agreed by Parliament. Group on Fairtrade, taking the opportunity to raise But it’s now time for the Scottish Government to Fairtrade issues with the Government and hosting Direct grants for businesses hit by COVID pass those powers and funds to councils so they Fairtrade events in Parliament. restrictions to protect jobs in the retail sector. can set up local municipal bus companies that put passengers first, not the profits of big bus firms.” Colin Smyth said, “The basic principle of Fairtrade means producers who grow our food and make many of the products we use everyday, are paid a fair price for those products. I want to pay tribute to volunteers and businesses across South Scotland who support Fairtrade, for the huge difference they make to some Backing for the USDAW Union campaign for of the poorest fair pay and job security for retail workers, countries in the including a minimum wage of £10 per hour world”. and an end to zero-hours and short-hours contracts. Colin Smyth has also led the campaign along with Transport Unions and the Cooperative Party to end Colin Smyth also recently backed the Protection of Workers Bill in Parliament, which means tougher action rail privatisation in Scotland, and bring our railways against those who abuse retail workers. under public ownership. Colin Smyth said “Bringing our railways under public ownership would mean Colin Smyth said, “South Scotland is too often the forgotten region. Government policy is focused on the every penny is spent on better services and keeping big cities but it is our local market towns that are the heart of our communities and economy here in South fares down, and not shareholders profits.” Scotland. Hundreds of local jobs are being lost in retail and we need urgent action from Government to help save our high streets.” Colin Smyth - Member of the Scottish Parliament for South Scotland Region (Scottish Labour) - Working hard for South Scotland Region.

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