LAST week was certainly a busy one.

I attended my two committees, spoke in two debates, attended the opening of the new plant of McCaskie’s in Wemyss Bay and met with Scottish Government Business Minister, Paul Wheelhouse MSP about Inverclyde’s economy amongst a packed diary.

I was also pleased to support the budget which delivers for Inverclyde. It was supported by 70 votes to 56 and delivers an additional £2.82m taking Inverclyde’s allocation to £162m. 

Inverclyde also receives and additional £2.4m via the Pupil Equity Fund to tackle educational attainment and there is an additional £400m for our NHS.

Furthermore, almost 80 per cent of taxpayers in my constituency will pay less income tax in 2018-19 than they did the previous year, as we voted to introduce a fairer and progressive approach to income tax.

On Tuesday I spoke during the Income tax debate (Scottish Rate Resolution) to highlight the need for income tax reform. 

I also explained that it is right to only increase the top rate by one per cent as this will generate the most income with the least risk of losing revenues next year through higher earners moving their tax south of the border.

On Thursday, I spoke in a debate on Scotland’s need for a differentiated immigration system. Scotland as an outward-looking, progressive country also recognises both the economic and social enrichment new Scots bring to the country. 

Clearly some of the Tory MSPs do understand Scotland’s migration challenge whilst others have an opinion which is dangerous to our economy and public services.