LAST week the First Minister announced the programme for government and I spoke in the resulting debate, attended my two parliamentary committees and questioned the government about a possible James Watt Festival.

I also questioned the First Minister about the impact of Brexit, spoke in a debate marking the 100th birthday of the Junior Section of the Boys’ Brigade and I hosted an event in parliament and also piped at the opening ceremony of the Queensferry Crossing.

Added to this my new staff are beginning in what is an exciting time in the political landscape.

As well as 16 new bills, a range of other measures are to be introduced. The introduction of drug driving as an offence is something I have raised on multiple occasions, including with the First Minister, as well as in written correspondence with the justice secretary.

The one per cent pay cap on public sector workers is to be lifted, a further £60m is to be invested into delivering low carbon solutions, a new investment hub is to be opened in Paris to help maximise export opportunities in our third largest market, increase the age of criminal responsibility in children from eight to 12 to align with international standards and deliver a top up of the Carers’ Allowance.

Add to this providing access to sanitary products for students in schools, colleges and universities to deal with period poverty, exploring a citizen’s basic income scheme and implementing ‘Frank’s Law’ to provide free personal care to those under 65.

This programme for government shows the type of country we want Scotland to be – a more caring country and a more equal country and a country. What’s not to like about that?

This week, the European Committee on which I sit visited Brussels on Monday to meet with the Chief EU Negotiator, Michel Barnier.

The meeting was extremely interesting and helpful to understand the negotiating process taking place between the UK and the EU.

Make no mistake, it’s vital for all of us to get a good deal as it’s vital for the economy and jobs.
So far negotiations have been slow and little progress has been made.

Unless the UK start to treat Scotland and Wales with respect and involve both governments then it will prove to be mission impossible.