To start 2025, I welcome the First Minister’s renewed commitment to tackling Scotland’s challenges and seizing the opportunities ahead.
One challenge that has ramped up is the polarised and toxic politicking. The tone of discourse in these past days has been utterly depressing.
Populism, the spread of misinformation, and threats against politicians holds us back as a society. We need to be honest with the fact that we are a long way off disagreeing agreeably.
Locally, the NHS is facing an unprecedented demand. In 2024 I met with NHS Ayrshire and Arran officials alongside cross-party colleagues to discuss winter preparations.
Despite their best efforts, the combination of a severe flu season and ongoing winter demand has placed immense pressure on the system. I want to thank our NHS staff and encourage everyone eligible to get vaccinated to help ease this burden.
Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP, Elena Whitham. (Image: NQ Archive) Despite these challenges, I fully agree with John Swinney that brighter days are ahead for Scotland. Central to this will be the passing of our budget. I called on Anas Sarwar and my Scottish Labour peers to work with us to get the budget passed, but I am disappointed they have chosen to abstain.
Our budget prioritises the most disadvantaged, with significant investment in social security to ensure that every person—young and old—has a warm home, enough food, and the chance to succeed. We are firm in our belief that there is no acceptable level of child poverty, it must be eradicated completely.
To address the pressure our NHS is facing, the £2 billion increase in funding and plans to treat more patients will be crucial in ensuring the service survives and thrives.
At a local level, councils across Scotland will share a record funding settlement of £15 billion. This would see an improvement in services across Carrick, Cumnock, and Doon Valley.
As we continue into 2025, you have my commitment to fight for a better future for our country, guided by hope and the belief that better days are within reach.