Wednesday September 2nd 2026
Katherine Sangster, MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East, Scottish Labour Party writes her first monthly column for Midlothian View.
The SNP have announced their program for Government, I welcome the desire to improve the lives of ordinary Scots in this Parliamentary session, however, I have concerns about the delivery of these promises after 19 years of SNP government with our First Minister at its heart for all of those years.
Scotland deserves concrete goals that will make a difference to residents, timelines for delivery and accountability for the government. As your MSP I am working hard to ensure that the Scottish Government takes meaningful action, I will hold the government accountable when they get it wrong but support them when we are in agreement.
This summer, Andy Burham announced a £2 cap on bus fares across England, I welcome the Scottish Governments trial in Scotland, I know that residents in Edinburgh and Lothians East would welcome this cap as soon as possible.
As the Scottish Labour Education Spokesperson, I want to ensure that every child in Scotland has the access to the education they deserve. The Scottish Government have maintained their commitment to the attainment gap which remains a stubborn feature of the Scottish Education system.
I am deeply concerned by the rising violence in schools, I welcome the commitment to the Gender Equality Taskforce. Our schools must be a safe environment for both teachers and students.
I speak to countless constituents who raise the issues they are having accessing public services, constituents are waiting for NHS appointments, bus services have been cut across the region, and young people do not have the range of opportunities they deserve.
The Scottish Government have had the opportunity to improve our public services; Scotland deserves to see meaningful action and delivery now. Our communities have waited long enough. If you have any issues or concerns that you would like to raise, please do not hesitate to get in touch at Katherine.Sangster.msp@parliament.scot.
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