Author: Rhoda Grant

 

I have had many constituents get in touch about delivering fast and fair climate action. It is a priority issue for Scottish Labour, and we are working with the UK Labour Government to deliver for Scotland on projects such as GB Energy and the Warm Homes Plan, to speed up our action in tackling the climate crisis.

 

In spite of the hard work being done, I still think that the Scottish Government is not doing enough with their devolved responsibilities to tackle the urgent climate emergency, and I was concerned by how little priority was given to the issue in the budget.

 

In 2025 Scottish Labour will continue to do what it can from opposition – the Scottish Government are due to publish their carbon budgets in Spring and their Climate Change Plan in summer. We will be scrutinising this process closely. Amendments that Scottish Labour submitted to the bill ensure that the Climate Change Plan will be on-time and featuring measurable commitments to action. We will fight to ensure that the plan contains actions to deliver the change that the planet needs.

 

You mention key topics such as a warmer homes and looking after nature, and we will be working with colleagues to ensure that the bills on heat in buildings and nature restoration are as good as they can be. We cannot afford half-hearted legislation on such important issues.

 

However, the reality is that we need a new direction for Scotland to really embrace a greener future. The SNP have been in power for 18 years and have repeatedly failed to back their ambitious rhetoric up with sufficient action to tackle the joint climate and nature emergencies.

 

The election in 2026 is the opportunity for Scotland to choose a different approach. As we approach the election Scottish Labour will set out our plan for how Scotland can embrace the sprint to clean power, deliver green jobs for our remarkable workforce, build sustainably warm homes for everyone, offer sustainable transport options that people can use and support investment in further climate action both to mitigate and adapt against the impact of the climate and nature emergencies.

 

Until then, as you have asked, I will do all that I can to make sure 2025 is the year that gets Scotland’s climate action back on track.

Labour Governments have a pioneering record on development, creating departments for overseas development in the 1960s and 1990s, and we remain committed to rebuilding our development capability when economic and fiscal conditions allow, as per our manifesto.

Scottish Labour also pioneered the Scottish Government’s own programme of international development and humanitarian aid.

No one wanted to see the scenes that unfolded recently at the White House, but it has become clear that this could be a generation defining moment for peace and security in Europe.

Many European nations are having an urgent reassessment of their priorities now that it has become clear Europe must do the heavy lifting in the defence of Ukraine and the continent more widely.

This means taking tough decisions like prioritising defence spending, which the UK Labour Government is doing, increasing defence investment to 2.5% by April 2027. This is the biggest boost to defence spending since the Cold War, and is clearly now vital for keeping Scotland, the UK, and our allies safe.

Security is the first responsibility of every Government, and all our actions should be guided by the need for peace. Scotland and all of the UK stand alongside Ukraine in its hour of need.

National Security is the foundation of the UK Labour Government’s Plan for Change and development directly contributes to that – including through tackling upstream migration, supporting resilience in most vulnerable countries and communities. It will remain an important part of the UK’s soft power and commitment to the international rules-based system.

The UK Labour Government will continue to work with international partners to make a difference through development across the globe. This will focus on humanitarian support to war torn regions including Gaza, the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan. Labour will also continue work to tackle the effects of climate change and support multilateral efforts to improve global health, including through vaccinations.

What this means for specific projects will be determined by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office through a strategic portfolio process, which will prioritise legal obligations and minimising disruption.

Scottish Labour remains committed to maintaining a distinct Scottish Government programme of international development and humanitarian aid.

Highlands and Islands MSP, Rhoda Grant, lent her support to Marie Curie’s largest fundraising appeal month, the iconic Great Daffodil Appeal.

Every five minutes, someone dies without the care they need. The Great Daffodil Appeal, now in its 39^th year, encourages everyone to wear their daffodil pins and donate to the end of life charity through the month of March to help Marie Curie bring expert end of life care to more people.

Meeting with staff and volunteers from Marie Curie, Rhoda Grant heard about the care and support that is provided to people living with terminal illness, their families and carers across Scotland.

The event promoted Marie Curie’s campaign to ensure that everyone no matter who they are, where they are or their diagnosis has access to the care and support they need at the end of life.

The leading end of life charity supported 7200 terminally ill people across Scotland in their own homes and at its two Scottish hospices during 2023/24.

Rhoda Grant MSP said: “I am pleased to support the Great Daffodil Appeal again this year, highlighting the incredible work of Marie Curie in caring for people living with a terminal illness, while supporting their families and carers through what is possibly the hardest time of their lives.

“As an end of life charity, Marie Curie cares for people with varying conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s, and advanced cancer.”

Anne Lane, whose sister Mags was cared for by Marie Cure, spoke at the event. She said: “It wasn’t just Mags who benefited from the incredible work of Marie Curie.

“As her family, we too found immeasurable comfort and guidance during what was an unimaginably difficult time.

“The staff took the time to explain every step, every option, and did so in a way that made us feel seen and heard. They knew our names, our faces, and our worries, and in some miraculous way, made those worries just a little bit lighter.

“Through counselling and emotional support, they helped us navigate not just Mags’s final days, but also our own intricate web of emotions. They reminded us that we were not alone.”

Amy Dalrymple, Associate Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Marie Curie, Scotland, said: “Thank you to Rhoda Grant for her ongoing support.

“Seeing and hearing first-hand stories of how living with a terminal illness and caring for someone is a reminder that many of us have and will encounter Marie Curie at some point in our lives.

“We know that by 2040, a further 10,000 people will be dying with palliative care needs. We need to ensure Marie Curie can be there for everyone across Scotland who needs us, which is why buying a daffodil pin and supporting our Great Daffodil Appeal in March, can help make this possible.

“There’s only one chance to give someone the best possible end of life.

“And one chance for you to help give care that makes all that possible. Care that protects someone’s dignity – instead of leaving them alone or in pain. This Great Daffodil Appeal is that chance.

“Every five minutes, someone dies without the support they need. But by donating and wearing your daffodil this March, you can change that – and help our Marie Curie Nurses bring expert end of life care when there’s no cure, whatever the illness.

“The Great Daffodil Appeal only happens once a year. This is your chance to make it count.”

For information and to donate visit: Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, has hailed the launch of a consortium, spearheaded by the Elsie Normington Foundation, as a truly valuable move to further improve the lives of children and young people with disabilities in the Highlands and support their families and carers.

The Elsie Normington Foundation worked tirelessly for a decade to secure the funding needed to build the Haven Centre on the outskirts of Inverness. The centre, which is Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for children and young people with severe learning disabilities, opened in August 2023.

The Haven Centre is a specialist play centre for children and young adults with complex needs in Highland, with an additional building providing three respite suites and a community café which is open to everyone and supports the running costs of the Haven Centre services.

The consortium brings together five leading Highland charities in disability care and supports collaborative working to provide better, more effective support services for disabled young people, their families and their carers.

Rhoda and her former colleague, David Stewart, are great supporters of the Haven Centre and worked together to help secure the funding for the building of the centre.

Mrs Grant said “The efforts of Elsie Normington herself and all the staff at the Haven have already provided immeasurable support to disabled young people and their families and I am delighted to support the launch of the Haven Consortium which will work collaboratively to provide further support services for centre users and those who support them.

“Respite facilities are also available in addition to a well stocked Café which is open to everyone and helps bolster the running costs of the centre.

“It really is something to be celebrated and I would urge the communities in the Highlands to support the café when they can which will help to fund the responsive support services our disabled young people in the Highlands need.”

The Haven Consortium partners are The Elsie Normington Foundation, Special Needs Action Project (SNAP), Thriving Families, Connecting Carers, and Encompass Caithness.

The picture above shows Rhoda with Kirstin Mackay, Service Manager, Elsie Normington Foundation, during a visit to the Haven Centre last year.

For three years, Ukraine, led by the democratically-elected President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has defended itself against the odds. Last week I and my Scottish Labour colleagues joined the Ukrainian community in Scotland to mark the anniversary of the illegal full-scale Russian invasion and commemorate the lives lost. Countless Scots have supported Ukraine’s fight, whether by supporting refugees or showing solidarity in other ways.

No one wanted to see the scenes that unfolded on Friday night at the White House, but it has become clear that this could be a generation defining moment for peace and security in Europe. It requires serious, grown up leadership, and Keir Starmer spent this weekend meeting world leaders, including President Zelenskyy, assembling a coalition of the willing to find a path that will ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty is backed up by strong security guarantees. As one of Ukraine’s biggest backers so far and one of the major players on the world stage, it is important that the United States is brought along on this process, even if Europe must now do the heavy lifting to assure peace on the continent.

What everyone should now be focused on is how we get a resolution that delivers a lasting peace. This means finding a way to work together for long-term peace in Europe, not only agreeing the terms of a peace deal, but ensuring that peace is then robustly defended. This also means taking tough decisions like prioritising defence spending, which the UK Labour Government is doing, increasing defence investment to 2.5% by April 2027.  This is the biggest boost to defence spending since the Cold War, and is clearly now vital for keeping Scotland, the UK and our allies safe. But, ultimately, if the result is a lasting peace in Europe, it will have been worth it.

Scottish Labour will continue to support a free and democratic Ukraine and the UK Government’s determination to bring a just peace and end the danger of further war on our continent.

Rhoda Grant Scottish Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands has expressed her concerns for her constituents who have not yet had a smart meter installed exposing them to the risk of unnecessary higher energy costs for years to come.

Mrs Grant says she has learned that although the Radio Teleswitch Meters (RTS) are due to be switched off in Scotland in June of this year the smart meter rollout is still behind its stated targets, and this leaves an imminent risk to households in the Highlands and Islands.

Mrs Grant wants all constituents to know that as it stands those that have RTS affected heating and hot water, will need to get a meter change. Some RTS electricity meters can also turn heating and hot water systems on and off during certain hours. When the RTS signal is switched off these meters will no longer function as intended. This means that from June, these meters could be left on peak time rates.

Mrs Grant said “If constituents do not get a smart meter, their heating/hot water could either stay on all the time or not come on at all. Both are worrying prospects for households”.

Mrs Grant fully agrees with the plans and encourages people to switch over to digital smart meters. She says “It is true however that there are issues with the pace of the installation process from request through to final installation. There have been examples of people being faced with no heating or hot water. I have been working with Energy Action Scotland on pressing the regulator on ensuring that it is not possible for an installer to leave anyone without heat or hot water”.

Mrs Grant understands the regulator, Ofgem, will be issuing further communications for households. Mrs Grant urges householders not to wait but to contact their supplier to check the type of meter they have and to book their meter exchange if necessary. If constituents are concerned there is help available: ALIenenergy (alienenergy.org.uk) works across Argyll & Bute, and into Highland and Energy Action Scotland (eas.org.uk), provides a postcode checker on their website to help householders find advice, help and support in their area. Council and social tenants should speak to their landlord.

Many constituents have been in contact with me to highlight the need for fast and fair climate action. I understand and appreciate the concern.

The high number of emails I have received is evidence to the feeling and importance of this issue.

Scottish Labour have spoken out against the dropping of annual climate targets by the Scottish Government, pushed for a stronger bill on carbon budgets, and my colleague Sarah Boyack MSP, as spokesperson for Net Zero, Energy and Just Transition, successfully amended legislation on the Circular Economy Bill to accelerate Scotland’s move towards a greener future.

I understand the need to meaningfully tackle the urgent climate emergency, and it is concerning how little priority was given to the issue in the draft Scottish budget for 2025/26. However, in the coming months, Scottish Labour will be closely scrutinising upcoming carbon budgets in the Spring, as well as the forthcoming Climate Change Plan. It is important this is delivered on-time and features measurable commitments to action.

I will also be working with colleagues to ensure that the nature restoration and heat in buildings policies and are as good as they can be as we cannot afford half-hearted legislation on such important issues.

We need a new direction for Scotland to really embrace a greener future. The SNP have been in power for 18 years and have repeatedly failed to take sufficient action to tackle the joint climate and nature emergencies.

Scottish Labour will ensure a sprint to clean power, green jobs for our remarkable workforce, sustainably warm homes for everyone, better sustainable transport options that people can use and investment in further climate action both to mitigate and adapt against the impact of the climate and nature emergencies.

Many constituents have contacted me around concerns on a proposed tourist tax.

The Visitor Levy consultation is currently being carried out by Highland Council. This consultation will run until March 2025, and looks at the scope for introducing an accommodation tax on visitors.

This process is devolved to the Highland Council and as an MSP, I have no locus in local authority matters. If you have not done so already, I would recommend responding to the consultation, which is available here:

Visitor Levy | Visitor Levy Consultation Document

This consultation process follows from powers granted through the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act that gives local authorities discretionary powers to introduce a visitor levy in their area, for visitors staying in overnight accommodation.

For years, the SNP’s underfunding of local authorities has seen key services like waste management, roads, and libraries are stripped to the bone across the Highland area. Resources are stretched across the board.

Scottish Labour supported the Visitor Levy Bill and supports granting local authorities more agency.  However, any proposals for a tourist tax must be practical and equitable for the businesses and organisations that will be affected. There is significant concern in the proposed structure of taxing revenue on businesses which is different to normal taxation practice.

I and Scottish Labour colleagues will continue to raise this issue and scrutinise proposals put forward.

 

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, has welcomed the news that vaccinations will again be carried out by GPs in the Highlands.

The MSP has been pressing both NHS Highland and the Scottish Government for three years to have the policy of a centralised vaccination programme reversed amid fears that the elderly and young parents who would expect their babies to be vaccinated locally would be faced with costly and lengthy journeys for routine vaccinations.

Rhoda Grant said “There are huge delays in getting people in the Highlands vaccinated and many GP practices are keen to be involved in this, to move things forward.

“Most Highland GPs voted against this change to the GP Contract in 2018 due to the impact this would have on rural health care.

“Children’s vaccinations and flu vaccinations for eligible groups in particular are being badly impacted.

“I have been in touch with NHS Highland over many months about this and just last week I sought an update from them on this. Indeed, my colleague, Jackie Baillie, raised the issue in the Parliament yesterday so I am glad common sense has prevailed.

“Those who have not yet been vaccinated need to be seen quickly, with a catch up on children’s vaccinations being given priority.”

The transcript of Jackie Baillie’s topical question is copied below.

Topical Question Time

Meeting date: 21 January 2025

Jackie Baillie

The First Minister has pointed to the flu outbreak as the reason for the crisis in our hospitals this winter, but that is little wonder when one considers that this year’s flu programme is operating at least a month later than the programme in either of the past two years. Vaccinations are later, uptake is much lower and, consequently, thousands fewer people have been vaccinated.

Some general practitioners, particularly in NHS Highland, have called for vaccinations to return to being delivered by GPs. Does the minister support such a move?

Many constituents have been in touch, contacting about amendments submitted to the Welfare of Dogs Bill which would add questions to the code of practice on the use of electric shock collars (ESCS) and restrict the use of other training tools.

I and Scottish Labour colleagues are supportive of the Bill and the amendments aimed at restricting the use of harmful training tools on dogs, such as prongs and choke collars, as well as ESCS. Welfare organisations, charities, and the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission have stated that their use should be prohibited. The Scottish Government have already stated through their ‘Guidance on Dog Training Aids’ that the most effective method of training dogs is positive training and do not condone the use of static pulse collars or any other method of inflicting physical punishment or negative reinforcement on dogs.

Scottish Labour is committed to strengthening animal welfare protections and have a proud track record of delivering progress on animal welfare in government, from ending the testing of cosmetic products on animals in 1998, to stopping the cruelty of fur farming in 2000, introducing the Hunting Act in 2004, and bringing in the landmark Animal Welfare Act in 2006.

I and my Labour colleagues believe animal welfare must always have a high priority in legislation – animals cannot speak up for themselves, so we must protect them from harm on their behalf.