LAST week in parliament, I spoke in three debates, chaired the cross party group on Visual Impairment, asked the First Minister a question about drug driving laws and attended a few meetings and briefings.

Overall, a busy few days.

I spoke in the Article 50 debate last Tuesday, which resulted in parliament voting by 90 votes to 34 calling for the Tory government not to proceed with Article 50 until the UK-wide approach has been agreed to by all four nations in the UK.

On Wednesday, we debated the Tory government Jobcentreplus closure programme.

I was clear with my thoughts and concerns about this appalling decision and how it will affect people who use the Port Glasgow Jobcentreplus.

The parliament voted by 91 votes to 30 against the proposals. Once again, the Tories stood alone and refused to ‘condemn or condone’ the proposals.

On Thursday I led a Member’s Debate about Barnardo’s Scotland Nurture Week. Nurture Week takes place this week. I was delighted that 32 MSPs signed my motion and we had positive contributions from across the chamber.

Member’s Debates tend to involve highlighting local issues and national campaigns and activities and there isn’t a vote at the end. 

In Inverclyde we have the Barnardo’s Nurture Services facility on Terrace Road as well as the Barnardo’s shop on West Blackhall Street.

Nurture Services provide a wide range of activities to assist families and young children.

The services are required and they help turn lives around.