IN recent weeks some of you will have received my transport survey which I’ve sent to approximately 7,000 people living in Inverclyde.

I’ve already had a high response rate to these surveys, but I encourage all those who received a form to respond so I have the best indication possible of people’s views of Inverclyde’s trunk roads such as the A8, pictured.

On Mondays I’m usually in my Greenock office meeting constituents or at local meetings in Inverclyde, but I had to travel to Edinburgh for the Inter-Parliamentary Forum meeting.

This forum – made up of MSP’s, MPs, Lords, AMs and observers from the Northern Ireland Assembly – seeks to help each Parliament in the UK to have better Inter-Governmental working during and post Brexit. Our next meeting will be held in London in June.

During the sitting of the Scottish Parliament this week, I spoke during a member’s debate about cancer awareness for young people.

This is an important issue as 40 per cent of cancers in adulthood are preventable, indicating that there is a need for every young person to be better educated about cancerous signs and symptoms.

In Inverclyde, the Glow for Gold campaign – which I support every September for Glow for Gold Awareness month – has helped raise the profile of childhood cancers by making people more aware of how prevalent cancer is among children in Scotland and the UK, and their work is to be commended.

Teenage Cancer Trust should also be recognised for its education and awareness programme in schools to empower young people to take control of their own health, and considering 2018 is the Year of Young People.

I believe it’s particularly poignant and appropriate that we all look for ways to better protect the next generation from preventable cancers.

Last but not least, I think it’s important to mention the Conservative’s latest attempts to undermine Scotland.

To try and move along the Brexit talks, the UK Tory Government decided to sacrifice Scottish fisheries by agreeing to keep the fishing policy in place until 2020 – despite this being against the wishes of Scotland’s fishing industry.

This highlights the UK Conservatives willingness to trade away Scotland’s industry yet again as it did in the 1970’s. It also proves why the passing of the Continuity Bill in Holyrood last week was so important and significant. You will be aware of the Westminster power grab of 24 powers. Unfortunately, this number can be added to anytime they like.

Finally, I hope you all have a lovely time over Easter and get to spend time with your loved ones.

I’m sure the kids and grandchildren will be looking forward to the chocolate on Sunday but spending time with family and friends is hugely important. Happy Easter.