Foysol Choudhury MSP – Page 2 – The NEN

Outer Spaces: MSP visits creative hub

Outer Spaces is revitalising communities across Scotland by turning vacant commercial properties into vibrant creative hubs.

On Saturday 23rd August, a visit facilitated by the Scottish Contemporary Art Network (SCAN) brought Foysol Choudhury MSP to the Edinburgh Art Festival Pavilion at 45 Leith Street, where he met artists from the Project Cube Studio Programme and witnessed the initiative’s impact first-hand.

Since launching in 2021, the Scottish charity Outer Spaces has been transforming unused office buildings into hubs for creativity, collaboration, and the rise of new artistic voices.

To date, it has brought more than 120 vacant properties back to life, providing free studio space for over 900 artists working across disciplines such as painting, installation, and more.

Foysol Choudhury MSP visited to Outer Spaces (EAF Hub 45 Leith Street) Pic Neil Hanna 07702 246823

The Pavilion also houses HOST, a new six-month residency co-presented by Outer Spaces and the Edinburgh Art Festival (EAF25). HOST gives early-career artists the chance to work in the heart of the city, offering a platform for visibility and growth with support that extends well beyond the festival season.

At a time when rising studio rents and limited opportunities leave many emerging artists struggling to find a place to work, Outer Spaces is breaking down barriers.

Its work supports artists to create and connect, sustains creativity as a vital part of a fair society, and accelerates Scotland’s cultural future by nurturing new voices.

Foysol Choudhury MSP said: ““It was inspiring to see so many talented young artists confidently presenting their work. Opportunities like this don’t just happen; they’re made possible because organisations like Outer Spaces and the Scottish Contemporary Art Network open doors, providing free studio space and a platform for artists to create, connect, and thrive.

“Too often, the high cost of studios and the shortage of opportunities mean that emerging artists struggle to find resources to create. That’s why initiatives like this are so important. They give artists the chance to develop their work, build confidence, be part of Scotland’s cultural sector and shape its future.

“My thanks to Outer Spaces and SCAN for the warm welcome and for the brilliant work you do to support creativity in our communities.”

Photo credit: Neil Hanna (@neilhannaphoto)

Behind the Festival’s Curtains: The Cost to Workers, Residents and Artists

Every August, Edinburgh transforms into the world’s cultural epicentre, with festivals filling every corner of the city (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP).

This year, however, the stage will be busier than ever. Alongside the usual theatre lovers and comedy fans, the capital will welcome an additional influx of visitors as thousands arrive for concerts by Oasis and AC/DC.

It’s a month that draws global attention and economic opportunity. Yet, beneath the spotlight lies a more pressing truth: a festival economy that, while world-renowned, places intense pressure on the very infrastructure residents rely on year-round.

Nowhere is that strain more visible than in housing. When tourists arrive, hotels and B&Bs fill up fast. For people already living in vulnerability, August can mean being pushed further into homelessness. Shelter Scotland warns that major events create a “bottleneck” in temporary accommodation, with people displaced at short notice to make room for tourists.

However, the pressures do not end with housing. Edinburgh’s cultural season is built on the dedication of stage crews, technicians, hospitality staff, and many others who work tirelessly in the supporting industries.

Yet for many, the reality is long, exhausting hours for very modest pay. Often, those hours come under contracts that offer little or no security. With low wages, unstable work, and the seasonal nature of these jobs, it’s a constant struggle to make ends meet, even as the city’s economy thrives on their efforts.

Emerging artists face similar barriers. Simply being in Edinburgh in August can be a financial gamble; some take on debt to perform, while others are priced out entirely. When workers can’t afford to work and artists can’t afford to perform, diversity shrinks, innovation slows, and the cultural richness on which our festivals rely begins to erode.

The Scottish Government is quick to celebrate record visitor numbers, but slower to address the inequalities behind them. A fair cultural strategy cannot be measured by ticket sales alone. It must guarantee that no one is pushed into unsuitable accommodation and ensure fair pay and decent conditions for festival workers, as well as provide real support for emerging artists so they can take part without risking financial hardship.

Last Friday, I hosted a conversation at the Festival of Politics, “Dreaming of a Fairer Future for Culture,” alongside Culture Counts and a panel of inspiring voices from across Scotland’s creative sector.

Edinburgh’s festivals are a treasure, but pride alone will not protect them. Their future depends on whether we confront the pressures that threaten them and act decisively to safeguard the people and communities who make them possible.

If Scotland is to remain a cultural leader, it must honour not just the art on stage, but the lives and livelihoods that keep the curtain rising each year.

Foysol Choudhury aims to return to Holyrood as a constituency MSP

LABOUR LIST MSP SEEKS CONSTITUENCY NOMINATION

Foysol Choudhury MSP aims to return to Holyrood as a Scottish Labour MSP. He has been shortlisted as a candidate for the new Edinburgh Northern seat twinned with Edinburgh South Western.

Since his election in 2021, Foysol Choudhury has served as a regional MSP for Lothian, making history as the first Scottish Bangladeshi elected to Holyrood and the first ethnic minority MSP outside of Glasgow.

As one of the few ethnic minority voices in the Scottish Parliament, he brings crucial lived experience to national politics and has been a tireless advocate for equality, representation, and inclusion. His presence continues to challenge the status quo and push for a more diverse and reflective democracy in Scotland.

Now, drawing on his parliamentary experience and strong record of public service, Mr. Choudhury is seeking re-selection as Scottish Labour’s candidate for the newly formed seat of Edinburgh Northern twinned with Edinburgh South Western.

He is standing as a shortlisted candidate in the party’s internal selection process, and will take part in upcoming hustings, where local Labour members will vote to determine who will represent the party in the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

“It was an honour of my life to represent the people of Lothian,” he said. “Now I am seeking to be the Labour candidate for the twinned seats of Edinburgh Northern & Edinburgh South Western, to continue giving a voice to our communities in Holyrood.”

“I’m honoured to be shortlisted to represent the parts of Edinburgh that have truly shaped my life,” said Choudhury. “I moved here as a teenager, went to Drummond High, built my family and my business in this city, and began my journey as a community activist here. I know the challenges our people face, and I’m ready to keep fighting for them.”

He has spoken out for Drylaw and Wester Hailes, from calling for urgent action housing issues in the region, on the deteriorating Drylaw Shopping Centre to defending essential mental health services like Redhall Walled Garden. He has been a visible and active campaigner on housing, healthcare, education, and environmental justice.

Choudhury currently serves as Scottish Labour’s Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe, and International Development, where he highlights the role of culture in bringing people together and supports international solidarity.

A proud member of Unite the Union and the Co-operative Party, Foysol’s politics are shaped by a strong belief in community, fairness, and standing up for people through collective action.

“I’ve always stood with working people,” he said. “With the backing of ASLEF, the CWU, Co-operative Party, and community organizations, I’m ready to win in 2026, and keep fighting to put power back in the hands of working people.

“That’s what our Labour movement is about, and that’s the fight I’m proud to lead.”

FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MBE MSP_ Leaflet (1)Download

Reigniting the spirit of volunteering in Scotland

Earlier in June, we marked the 40th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week 2025, a moment to celebrate the extraordinary impact of volunteers across Scotland. From 2 to 8 June, organisations, communities and individuals came together to recognise the essential role volunteers play in shaping a more compassionate and connected society (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP).

Behind every community hub, crisis helpline and mentoring programme in Scotland, there is a volunteer quietly making a difference.

This year’s campaign came at a critical time. Volunteering rates, particularly in Edinburgh and across Lothian, have seen a worrying decline. They are down around 8 per cent since 2019, as a result of pandemic disruptions, the rising cost of living and reduced funding for volunteer support programmes. Yet across food banks, youth services and elderly care, the calls for help continue to rise. The need for volunteers has never been greater.

In response, Inspiring Scotland commissioned Catalysts for Change, a new report exploring what motivates people to volunteer, the barriers they face, and how Scotland’s volunteering landscape can evolve. The report was launched during Volunteers’ Week and shared with the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Volunteering, offering practical and timely recommendations to strengthen recruitment, engagement and retention.

Two of Inspiring Scotland’s initiatives bring this work to life. The Specialist Volunteer Network brings together professionals who offer their time and expertise to support charities and community organisations.

Meanwhile, Intandem, a mentoring programme for care-experienced young people, is entirely powered by volunteer mentors. Last year alone, more than 280 volunteers provided consistent weekly support to young people navigating life in or on the edge of the care system.

During the most recent Cross-Party Group meeting, several organisations spoke about the far-reaching benefits of volunteering for both communities and individual wellbeing. Vintage Vibes, a project combatting loneliness among Edinburgh’s older population, matches isolated individuals with committed volunteers. One pairing, Natalia and Maja, shared the joy, connection and sense of purpose their weekly visits bring to both their lives.

Similarly, the RNLI, where volunteers fill 97 per cent of frontline roles, emphasised how life-saving work in schools and coastal communities depends on public goodwill and civic action.

One volunteer, Rachel, described how volunteering gave her confidence, a sense of community, and a renewed sense of direction, something that positively influenced her career. It is proof that volunteering may begin as an act of giving, but it often gives you so much more in return.

While Volunteers’ Week is a national moment of recognition, the value of volunteering is felt year-round. Whether by offering time, skills or simply a listening ear, volunteers form the backbone of Scotland’s social infrastructure. From mentoring teens to delivering meals to vulnerable neighbours, their quiet work touches every corner of our society.

As Co-Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Volunteering, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who dedicates their time to supporting others.

But appreciation alone is not enough. We must make it easier for people to get involved by offering more flexible opportunities, investing in local initiatives, and creating pathways that remove barriers to participation.

By working together, we can rebuild a thriving culture of volunteering and ensure that no community is left behind.

The Scottish Government must match recognition with meaningful investment, stronger coordination, and long-term policy support to help volunteering thrive across the country.

To explore local volunteering opportunities, visit https://volunteer.scot

You can also read the full Inspiring Scotland report: Catalysts for Change: Understanding the motivations of volunteers in Scotland (new report published)

Investing in Early Education: A Key to Inclusion and Equality

Early education plays a crucial role in shaping children’s understanding of diversity, inclusivity, and respect (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP).

Research confirms that children begin forming perceptions about race from infancy, and by age five, many have already absorbed societal biases. Proactively addressing these issues in early childhood education is vital for fostering a more equitable society.

Across Lothian, schools are making strides toward inclusivity through diverse literature, storytelling, and cultural activities. The Building Racial Literacy Programme, designed to help educators implement anti-racist practices, is a step forward; however, it remains non compulsory, leaving gaps in its widespread implementation.

A 2024-2025 study by Queen’s University found that many teachers lack confidence and time to teach languages, which affects efforts to embrace cultural diversity in classrooms. AI-driven solutions are being explored to bridge this gap, particularly in supporting the teaching of mother languages, which are often underrepresented in Scottish schools.

Language diversity is an issue that extends beyond Scotland. UNESCO reports that 40% of the world’s 6,700 languages are endangered, largely due to economic pressures, urban migration, and dominant education systems.

In Scotland, Polish is the most spoken language after English, Scots, and Gaelic, yet it is not recognised as a National Qualification subject. Similarly, Punjabi, spoken in many Scottish homes, is also excluded from national curricula, raising concerns about inclusivity and accessibility.

Several organisations, such as the Anne Frank Trust, Beyond Srebrenica, and Vision Schools Scotland, are working to integrate lessons from history into modern education. These initiatives provide valuable frameworks for fostering racial awareness, but more support is needed to equip educators with training and resources to facilitate meaningful discussions about race in age appropriate ways.

Critics argue that conversations about race should be kept out of education, while others believe schools must take an active role in shaping inclusive social values. The reality is that inclusivity in education is not just an ideal; it is a necessity for a thriving, diverse Scotland.

A collaborative approach involving educators, parents, and policymakers is essential to ensure young learners gain the tools to navigate an interconnected world.

As the Scottish Labour spokesperson for Culture, Europe, and International Development, I remain committed to advocating for policies that integrate inclusivity into early education.

Investing in these initiatives today ensures a generation that values equality, respect, and understanding, building a stronger, more united Scotland for the future.

Patients left in the dark: MSP demands clarity on NHS waiting times

During the First Minister’s Questions on Thursday MSP Foysol Choudhury questioned the Scottish Government on the accuracy of the expected wait times given to patients seeking specialist treatment from the NHS.

He raised concerns about why patients are being left in the dark regarding NHS wait times after being referred to see a specialist.

“Patients and families need to know what to expect. Right now, they’re left in limbo,” he said.

In the exchange, Mr Choudhury pressed the First Minister for a response: “How is the government working to ensure that patients are accurately informed of waiting times for NHS treatment following referrals to a specialist?”.

This question followed a distressing story shared by one of his constituents, whose referral to be seen by a specialist has far exceeded any acceptable limits, with no set date for an appointment after over a year of waiting since the initial referral.

Mr Choudhury also questioned whether the First Minister would acknowledge that his Government has lost control of escalating waiting times for specialist care, as these excessive delays leave patients experiencing prolonged periods of distress and uncertainty, significantly impacting their mental health.

This is not an isolated incident and is a genuine, growing concern across Scotland, with patients being told they are “on the list” without any clear indication as to when their appointment will be. This is illustrated by the following: In NHS Lothian, the number of people waiting over 52 weeks to see a dermatologist has doubled in the last year.

Mr Choudhury hopes the First Minister will consider some steps to improve patient experience and restore trust in the system.

He has called for greater transparency so that every patient can receive a clear idea of how long they may have to wait before accessing specialist treatment. He also emphasised the need for greater certainty around whether and when patients will receive care, alongside improved visibility of waiting times and targets made publicly available.

“Patients cannot, and must not, be left in the dark. We need a system where every person knows when they will be seen and what care they can expect. Until then, I will continue pressing this Government to act.”

Sir Geoff Palmer – An Appreciation

Rest In Peace Professor Sir Geoff Palmer

I am heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend, father figure, and mentor, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer OBE KT (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY).

Geoff wasn’t just my dad’s good friend; he was a father figure to me. From my teenage years, he took me under his wing, offering wisdom, guidance, and a sense of purpose that helped shape the person I am today.

He led by example, with a quiet strength and unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and humanity. His intellect was unmatched, yet it was his kindness and humility that truly defined him.

Sir Geoff inspired me every step of the way, not just through his ground-breaking work and public service but through the way he lived with courage, compassion, and a deep-rooted sense of integrity. It is a huge personal loss, and I know many across Scotland and beyond are feeling the same pain.

Geoff’s legacy is vast, and while there is so much to say about his contributions to equality, science, civil rights and education, for me, his greatest gift was the way he made people feel seen, valued, and empowered.

My sincere condolences to his family & all who knew and admired him. I hope they find comfort in knowing how deeply he touched the lives of so many and how his spirit lives on in each of us who had the honour of knowing him.

I am forever grateful for the memories, conversations, and unconditional support and love he gave me over many years. I will miss him more than words can express. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

A wonderful human, gone but never to be forgotten.

Fashion Disparity in South Asia and it’s Reflection in Scotland’s Retail Landscape

Fast fashion, the process of rapidly producing and distributing inexpensive, trendy clothing, often at the expense of quality and sustainability, has revolutionised the global clothing industry, offering affordable and trendy apparel to consumers. However, this convenience comes at a significant cost, particularly for garment workers in South Asia, including Bangladesh, who face exploitative working conditions and stark pay disparities (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP).

In Scotland, the dominance of retail giants like Zara, H&M, and Primark highlight the disconnect between consumer habits and the realities of fast fashion production. The Journal for Global Business and Community has found that in the UK, this enormous retail industry is valued at approximately £10.9 billion as of 2024. Despite growing concerns about sustainability, the industry continues to thrive due to its accessibility and trend-driven nature.

Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest exporter of apparel, employs over four million workers in its garment industry, the majority of whom are women. Despite their critical role in the global supply chain, these workers often earn meagre wages, with some taking home as little as 50USD a month.

Protests for fair pay have intensified, as workers demand wages that reflect the rising cost of living and inflation. Unsafe working conditions, long hours, and limited labour protections further exacerbate their struggles.

The disparity between the lives of garment workers in South Asia and the thriving retail industry in Scotland underscores the need for greater awareness and accountability. Consumers in Scotland have the power to drive change by supporting sustainable and ethical fashion practices. Initiatives like Zero Waste Scotland’s promotion of second-hand shopping and slow fashion demonstrate a growing shift towards more responsible consumption.

As the chair of the Cross-Party Group on Bangladesh, I emphasise the importance of addressing these issues on a global scale. By fostering dialogue and collaboration between policymakers, retailers, and consumers, Scotland can play a pivotal role in advocating for fair wages and improved working conditions for garment workers in South Asia. Highlighting these disparities not only raises awareness but also encourages meaningful action to create a more equitable fashion industry.

To combat these issues and make real change, Scotland can further promote ethical supply chains, ensuring transparency and fair practices in procurement processes. By doing so, the country can support initiatives that guarantee fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmentally conscious production methods.

This approach aligns with Scotland’s commitment to being a good global citizen, prioritising social justice and environmental sustainability, with commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. Scotland is also a founding member of the Wellbeing Economy Government’s Group (WEGo), aiming to restructure the economy towards a net-zero future and a nature-positive target.

The Scottish Government has interim targets of 56% reduction of carbon emissions by 2020, 75% by 2030, and 90% by 2040, relative to a 1990/1995 baseline making it a leader in advocating for global ethical standards.

Encouraging circular fashion presents another vital step toward sustainability. Scotland can champion initiatives such as clothing repair workshops, second-hand markets, and robust recycling programs, e.g. the Scotland Children’s Hospital Charity, alongside Nathans Wastesavers, who have several very successful clothing and textile recycling banks across Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders.

These efforts help reduce textile waste, extend the life cycle of garments, and foster a culture of reusing and repurposing materials. By embracing circularity, Scotland can significantly contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry.

Additionally, Scotland has the potential to collaborate closely with South Asian countries on these issues, fostering partnerships that aim to improve working conditions and adopt innovative, sustainable technologies.

Such collaborations would not only benefit workers in South Asia but also serve as a blueprint for a global movement toward ethical fashion practices. By leveraging these partnerships, Scotland can make meaningful progress in creating a more equitable and sustainable fashion industry worldwide.

Holyrood to debate Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults bill today

This week parliament will debate and vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults bill (writes Labour Lothians list MSP FOYSOL CHOUDHURY).

In the run up to vote, I have endeavoured to engage with organisations both for and against the bill and hear the views of constituents.

After having considered my position, I will be voting against the bill.

The bill uses a broad definition of terminal illness which would include people with disabilities and those with years to live.

This has been raised by constituents and disabled people’s groups as sending the message that their lives are less valuable and opening them to potential coercion. These concerns are compounded by experiences in other jurisdictions, which have seen the law widened following legal challenges.

I am also concerned that assisted dying would place undue pressure on terminally ill people to end their lives as to not be a burden on their families, and do not believe proposed safeguards protect against this.

I understand some may be disappointed, this has been a difficult decision to make.

In any case, our priority should be ensuring every person can access palliative care, and those with terminal illnesses are well supported.

SUPPORTERS of law change on assisted dying from across Scotland have gathered outside the Scottish Parliament this morning in a powerful demonstration to show their support for Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill as it progresses through Parliament.

Organised by Dignity in Dying Scotland, the event will bring together individuals living with terminal illnesses, bereaved families, and supporters of end-of-life choice. The demonstration will feature placards, and speeches, to demonstrate the groundswell of support for law change in Scotland and symbolise the lives affected by the current lack of assisted dying legislation.

The demonstration takes place on the same day MSPs will be voting at Stage 1 on the Bill, which would give mentally competent, terminally ill adults the right to request assistance to end their lives, introducing oversight and regulation where none currently exists. Polling consistently shows overwhelming public support in Scotland for a change in the law, with 78% backing the proposal.

Ally Thomson, Director of Dignity in Dying Scotland, said: “It is the voices of dying Scots and those who have watched a loved one endure a harrowing death that are at the centre of this bill. Their message to MSPs is clear – it’s time to deliver compassion, safety and choice for people facing a bad death.

“This demonstration is about showing the human cost of the suffering caused by the current blanket ban on assisted dying —a cost that is simply too much for dying people, and their family and friends to bear.

“This Stage 1 vote could be a milestone moment – putting comfort, choice and safety in place of pain and fear. We urge Parliament to listen to the voices of dying people and take this historic step.”

The demonstration will reassemble from 6pm to react to the outcome of the Stage 1 vote, expected around 7pm,