Tag: Foysul Choudhury MSP

Foysol Choudhury: Time for Scotland to support Asylum Seekers 

A new plan brought in by the UK Conservative Government is yet another attempt to remove genuine asylum seekers from the UK (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP).

The scheme will require asylum seekers from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Syria, Yemen, and Libya, who may have been in the UK for up to 18 months, to answer the 11-page document that consists of 50 questions, ranging from political persecution to trafficking experiences.

More shockingly, this form must be answered within 20 days to avoid refusal and must be completed in English. 

These demands being made of the most vulnerable in society are unreasonable and undermine genuine claims of asylum seekers who are traumatised from experiences of conflict or persecution.

Firstly, the language barrier to filling out highly complex questionnaires will automatically exclude those who do not speak English and may also lead to people paying to use translation tools when they can ill afford to do so.

Secondly, the time frame to complete this is unjustified and will exacerbate inequalities between asylum seekers who do not have the assistance to fill in the form.

Legal experts say that a 20-day timeframe is not enough time to seek and receive any legal advice, which could overwhelm our legal system here in Scotland when the service is already under crippling pressure. Due to the crisis in immigration legal aid, there are simply not enough immigration legal aid representatives to assist all the individuals who must complete their questionnaires within short timeframes or face the grave repercussions of their claim being withdrawn.  

This scheme comes at a time when the UK Government is introducing a controversial bill, the Illegal Migration Bill, which means those arriving into the UK by boats are not eligible for asylum claims and could lead to them being deported to a third country, like Rwanda. 

Recent rhetoric by Suella Braverman, Home Secretary of the United Kingdom, fuels anti-migration ideology and the tagline “stop the boats” to control the supposed “waves of illegal migrants” create a negative and manipulated image of asylum seekers.

This is echoed by the Prime Minister, who joins in this discourse of hostility towards those fleeing conflict. The UK government are using their ‘fear of the other’ rhetoric to stoke fears and racism to deflect attention from its policy failures and see it as a vote winner for the next general election. They are using people seeking safety for political gain, trying to deflect attention from the cost-of-living crisis, the NHS crisis and their unpopularity in the polls. 

Despite the false narrative spread by Westminster of an “invasion” of asylum seekers, the UK accepts fewer asylum seekers than other European countries. Whilst the UK issued 10,492 positive decisions in 2021, seven European countries issued more positive decisions than this. These include Germany (59,850), France (33,875), Italy (21,805), Spain (20,405), Greece (16,575), Austria (12,105) and the Netherlands (12,065).  

Furthermore, Westminster is attempting to drive a false narrative that asylum seekers all choose to come to the Global North, and the UK. Suella Braverman has suggested that 100 million displaced people around the world are attempting to enter the UK. Despite this dominant discourse, the reality is very different. Most asylum seekers move to a neighbouring country and currently, 84% remain in the Global South.

Human rights groups and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) claim that the “stop the boats” policy would make the UK an international outlaw under European and UN conventions on protecting asylum seekers.

Fundamentally, seeking asylum is not illegal. The UK was at the forefront of signing the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the 1951 Refugee Convention, which are historic developments to protect and uphold basic human rights. 

Under the Refugee Convention, asylum seekers are under no obligation to apply to the first safe country they reach; enter a country by regular means; or provide documentation. It is important to note that the UNHCR has condemned this bill and has urged the UK Government and all MPs to consider the humanitarian impacts of pursuing this bill.  

What is also concerning, are the claims that right-wing Tory MPs are attempting to amend the bill which would pull the UK out of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Alongside this, Braverman has been advocating for the government to leave the ECHR already, which is worrying to anyone committed to safeguarding fundamental rights. Leaving the convention would put everyone’s rights at risk. It’s a person’s last resort for holding the state to account when it has abused their rights. 

Although asylum is a reserved matter for the UK Government, this new plan for applications will have a direct impact on Scotland. Scotland’s Dungavel immigration detention centre will likely see an increase in the number of people detained here, as the process for securing a successful asylum application will become much harder due to these restrictive rules.  As this centre is based in Scotland and we will be impacted by the higher number of asylum seekers detained, Holyrood must hold discussions with Westminster to ensure that the UK’s commitment to the UNDHR and the Refugee Convention is upheld. 

We must ensure support is provided to asylum seekers to guarantee they face a fair process. The Scottish Refugee Council are working alongside lawyers and experts to propose changes to the current plan.

These suggested amendments to the questionnaire include simplifying the document; providing translations in relevant languages; creating a user-friendly guide for completion of the questionnaire and providing an extension for all unrepresented individuals. 

In response to this plan and the Illegal Migration Bill, we need to encourage the Scottish Government to support asylum seekers with the application form and recognise the importance of entering into a discussion with Westminster, so that commitments in international law can be upheld.  

To raise my concerns about the new bill, last Thursday I asked Shona Robison, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government, what impact the UK Government’s proposed Illegal Migration Bill could have on Scotland’s legal aid services.

The Cabinet Secretary was unable to assess the overall impact this will have but agreed that it is likely to cause a magnitude of issues. I will continue to press these issues in the Scottish Parliament to ensure legal professions are best supported, which will ensure effective assistance is provided to asylum seekers. 

International Mother Language Day 2023

Responding after the International Mother Language Day 2023 event hosted by the Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC), Foysol Choudhury MSP said: 

“It was my great honour to speak at the City Chambers in Edinburgh today in celebration of International Mother Language Day 2023 and to promote linguistic and cultural diversity.

“It is a true honour for me to observe International Mother Language Day in my role as Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development and also as the first Bangladeshi Member of the Scottish Parliament. 

“International Mother Language Day was first proposed by Bangladesh in 1999, being approved by UNESCO that same year.  

“As a national day in Bangladesh, the Head of State and Head of Government lay a floral wreath at the Language Martyrs Monument, as I did today at the Quadrangle with the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, the Rt. Honourable Councillor Robert Aldridge.

“This event gives us a vital reminder about the importance of preserving more than 6000 languages – 23% of which are endangered- and promoting tolerance and understanding.  

“This year’s theme is “Multilingual education – a necessity to transform education”. As 40% of the global population cannot access education in a language they speak or understand, it is not hard to understand why this has been chosen. 

“Much of the internet is only available in 12 languages. As we use the internet for education more and more, it is important that multilingualism online is promoted so that all can access and learn from online content.  

“Otherwise, those who use minority languages may unfortunately face a threat to their education and access to information. 

“The internet can be a force for education and strengthening disappearing minority languages, both through preservation and revitalisation. Apps and resources can be shared to help educate learners, both young and old, to enrich their understanding of their mother tongue.  

“By normalising multilingualism in education, we can also improve access to it and promote language learning.  

“Multilingual education can teach us understanding and tolerance from youth, allowing for better social cohesion throughout life.   

“Our mother tongue, whether it is English, Scottish Gaelic, Irish, Bengali, Urdu, French, Brazilian-Portuguese, Ukrainian, Chichewa, Polish or Mandarin, is the linguistic device that shapes our personal, social and cultural identities. 

“It is the vital tool that helps us transmit, preserve and maintain our different traditions, the sayings, jokes, songs, poems that make all our lives much more vibrant and interesting.  

“A speech by a Ukrainian woman at the event today resonated strongly with me, when she spoke about the importance of the Ukrainian language to her, her devastation at its censorship and why it’s preservation is so important during the conflict in Ukraine. 

“Language is the cultural tool that allows us to share different knowledge to better understand one another, where we come from and what makes us all unique, and to foster tolerance among different groups of people. 

“It is vitally important that languages are preserved and multilingualism is promoted, for the reasons shared by distinguished speakers at today’s event. 

“Thank you to ELREC for organising the event at the City Chambers today and for all the distinguished guests, speakers and performers for helping us to celebrate this important topic. 

“I have lodged a motion at the Scottish Parliament supporting the achievements of International Mother Language Day and I hope we can remember this day as a day to celebrate our differences, whether it is our languages, cultures, or identities that make us who we are. 

“I encourage everybody today to approach our peers and share information about our different languages and cultures, so that we can be enriched by each others’ differences.” 

BME mental health: Choudhury challenges treatment inequalities

Responding to the recently published report by the UK Parliament’s Joint Committee on the Draft Mental Health Bill 2022, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “It is simply unacceptable when those from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds are treated unequally. It is also unacceptable when this unequal treatment is enacted against vulnerable members of our society who need protection and care. 

“It has been five years since Professor Wessely’s landmark review of the Mental Health Act which exposed racial and ethnic inequalities in treatment of patients in England, yet these problems of racial bias in the treatment of mental health are shockingly getting “rapidly worse”. 

“In England in 2021-22, Black people were four times more likely than white people to be detained under the Mental Health Act (MHA), and more than 11 times more likely to be given a community treatment order.

“I am glad to see the Joint Committee on the Mental Health Bill is working to ensure these failures are addressed, however, Scotland needs to learn lessons from these shocking revelations and ensure that Scotland’s mental health legislation contains appropriate safeguards which allow patients to have more choice. 

“Following the introduction of this Bill in England, I am calling on the Scottish Government to review its own practices in relation to Mental Health to ensure that the services we provide in Scotland prioritise racial equity and treat all of our citizens with the dignity and equality they deserve. 

“It is unacceptable that some from minority communities in England are more likely to experience detentions in the face of the Mental Health Act, when instead we should be offering everyone support and choice equally.  

“The Scottish Government should prioritise a review into mental health provision in Scotland to ensure that this shocking case of mental health treatment disparity is not also happening in Scotland. Let’s be a Scotland which truly cares for all.” 

Draft Mental Health Bill: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/draft-mental-health-bill-2022

MSP backs lifesaving CPR campaign to mark Heart Month

Foysol Choudhury MSP is urging people across Lothian to show their support for the British Heart Foundation this Heart Month, by helping to save and improve the lives of those affected by heart and circulatory diseases.  

From learning lifesaving CPR to “Going Red” to support ground-breaking research, the BHF hopes to inspire the nation to get involved and join the campaign this February. 

There are around 3,100 cardiac arrests out of hospital in Scotland every year but sadly just one in ten people survive. However, early CPR and defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival. 

This Heart Month, the BHF is encouraging everyone to learn CPR using its first-of-a-kind tool, RevivR, which helps the public learn this lifesaving skill for free in just 15 minutes – and all that is needed is a mobile phone and a firm cushion.  

RevivR teaches how to recognise a cardiac arrest, gives feedback on chest compressions and outlines the correct steps of defibrillator use, giving anyone the confidence to step in and save a life in the event of the ultimate medical emergency.​ 

Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “This is such an important campaign and I’m delighted to support it. A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time and knowing what to do in those crucial moments could be the difference between life and death. We need more people to know CPR in our communities and the BHF’s RevivR tool makes it easy. It’s free, simple to follow and in 15 minutes you will learn how to become a lifesaver.” 

Alongside learning CPR with RevivR, the BHF is also encouraging supporters to “Go Red” this Heart Month to help fund groundbreaking research into heart and circulatory diseases, which affect around 700,000 people in Scotland. The BHF is currently funding more than £50 million of research in Scotland – research that is funded entirely by donations from the public.  

David McColgan, Head of BHF Scotland, said: “We’re delighted Foysol Choudhury MSP is backing the BHF’s Heart Month campaign, working together with us to help save and improve more lives from heart and circulatory diseases. 

“CPR could be the most important lesson you ever learn. With RevivR, it only takes 15 minutes – that’s a coffee break, half time in the football or the time you might spend scrolling through social media. It could help you save a life.” 

“Our BHF-funded scientists are also working to find the breakthroughs to help those affected by heart and circulatory diseases. Over the last 60 years, research has turned ideas that once seemed like ‘science fiction’ into reality. By going red and supporting the BHF this Heart Month, you will be helping to fund vital research that makes a real difference and helps to keep families together for longer.” 

To find out more – bhf.org.uk/heartmonth #HeartMonth  

Foysol Choudhury MSP: Immoral Trading Must Stop

Zara. H&M. Lidl. Tesco. All high-street retailers who have supposedly been engaging in unethical practices when purchasing from garment factories in Bangladesh. Whilst consumers in the UK often buy items at these popular chains, unfortunately a story of inequality, exploitation and unfair practices lurks behind many purchases (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY). 

Research undertaken at the University of Aberdeen surveyed 1,000 factories in Bangladesh and their findings were shocking.

The cost of materials and production has soared globally. Yet, the research showed that the price we pay to producers in Bangladesh has apparently stayed the same as before the pandemic, two years ago, meaning that garment factories are facing a real term cut. As a result, many factories selling to large, global retailers such as H&M and Zara were supposedly paid below the cost of production for their garments.  

Unethical practice was also evident, with the research concluding that between March 2020 and December 2021, 90% of high street brands were found to be engaging in unethical practices such as cancelling orders and delayed or failed payments.  

Many retailers involved have denied claims. However, if the factories are not being paid enough for their production, unfortunately the workers at these factories may not be being paid enough either.   

Rightly, we fight for the rights of our workers at home. However, it would sadly seem that we neglect the rights of workers globally who are responsible for producing the clothes and items we use regularly. 

Twelve of the brands listed in the report were apparently members of the Ethical Trading Initiative, aiming to promote workers’ rights. This, whilst undertaking business practices which could quash fair pay for workers in Bangladesh.  

We cannot preach about paying workers fair wages globally whilst perpetuating a system of financial exploitation which, unfortunately, ensures that businesses often don’t have the funds to pay their workers a fair wage.

We cannot continue to give with one hand and take with the other when it comes to the visage of fair play versus our unethical trading practices. 

We cannot continue to operate on an ‘out of sight out of mind’ basis. Instead, we need to recognise that these practices are, in part, being propped up by the UK’s global unethical business practice. We need to shift our priorities and act to ensure that all workers involved in our production chains, around the world, have access to workers’ rights.  

I urge governments to ensure that our importers pay the correct costs and make the process ethical. We must not profit at the cost of others around the globe facing exploitation and unfair wages; this immoral trading must stop. 

The University of Aberdeen ‘‘Impact of Global Clothing Retailers’ Unfair Practices on Bangladeshi Suppliers During Covid-19”:

 https://www.abdn.ac.uk/news/documents/Impact_of_Global_Clothing_Retailers_Unfair_Practices_on_Bangladeshi_Suppliers_During_COVID-19.pdf

MSP supports campaign to end cervical cancer in the UK 

Foysol Choudhury MSP supports campaign to end cervical cancer in the UK 

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (23rd-29th January), Foysol Choudhury MSP is supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust as they call for action to eliminate cervical cancer in the UK. 

Cervical cancer currently kills two women in the UK every day and the charity is calling for action, innovation, and awareness to help end cervical cancer. 

Foysol Choudhury MSP is supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, by encouraging women in the Lothian region to attend their cervical screening when invited, and by supporting the efforts of the HPV immunisation programme.  

Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Cervical screening and HPV vaccines can both help prevent cervical cancer and I would encourage everyone who can to make use of these amazing cancer prevention tools.  

“Many do not attend appointments for cervical screening when invited. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust recognises that attending a screening isn’t always easy, but they are there for you with information and support if you ever need them.

“I applaud the work of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust in raising awareness of this important matter. Let’s work together to make cervical cancer a thing of the past.” 

In its latest report, the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity found that only 17% of health professionals working across cervical cancer prevention think enough is currently being done to eliminate cervical cancer in the UK. Only 20% think enough is being done to ensure high levels of HPV vaccine uptake, and just 16% believe that enough is being done to support cervical screening uptake. 

Samantha Dixon, Chief Executive at Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust said: “A world without cervical cancer doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. The UK has the tools to make it a reality which is incredibly exciting.

“We need Government action to get there as soon as possible, but everyone can play their part. Going for cervical screening when invited, and making sure your child is vaccinated against HPV, will help make cervical cancer a thing of the past. 

“We must also continue to invest in research, improve access to treatments, and banish the stigma and blame that too often comes with a cervical cancer diagnosis. Being forward looking should not mean those living with and beyond cancer get left behind.” 

To get involved with Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, and the #WeCan End Cervical Cancer campaign, follow Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust on social media or visit the website at jostrust.org.uk.

Save Muirhouse Millennium Centre

Responding to reports that the Muirhouse Millennium Centre was holding a ‘Save Our Centre’ public meeting last night, Thursday 26th January, due to fears that they are at risk of closure, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “The Muirhouse Millennium Centre is sadly at risk of becoming another community loved facility threatened with closure. 

“Citizens up and down Scotland depend on these community facilities, especially during the cost-of-living crisis where warm banks and food hubs have become a lifeline for many households.

“When local authorities aren’t given adequate funding, it is not just the community centres who miss out. It is the people who themselves are dependent on these community centre services who are hit the hardest, especially in areas of high deprivation.

“Over the past weeks, I have attempted to ask questions in the Scottish Parliament about the Centre being at risk and potential solutions. Unfortunately, my questions have not been chosen but I will continue to try and raise awareness of this matter wherever possible.

“It is time for the Scottish Government to wake up and listen to the effect that their funding cuts are having on local services and people. They have starved Scotland’s councils of funding for years and unfortunately they show no sign of stopping.

“Unless the Scottish Government increases funding to local authorities, community, culture, and sport groups will not have the necessary funds to support essential community centres such as the Muirhouse Millennium Centre. 

“I will continue to support our essential community groups and will be paying close attention to the outcome of the public meeting on Thursday. Enough is enough, action is needed now before the Scottish Government strips away all of our essential community lifelines.”

MSP: Students face housing crisis

“I’m not giving my house to an African”: – Scottish Parliament Roundtable exposes the harsh reality of the student housing crisis in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Responding after hosting a Student Housing and Cost-of-living roundtable in the Scottish Parliament yesterday (25th January 2023), Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Our students are at breaking point.

“Today in the roundtable I hosted at the Scottish Parliament, we heard again and again, from students all across the packed room, about issues such as a lack of housing, unsafe conditions, unscrupulous landlords, sofa surfing and extortionate prices.

“In Edinburgh and the Lothians, we heard about how this student housing crisis has been impacted even more by Edinburgh’s crisis-hit housing market.

“For students facing these problems, it can cause significant mental health difficulties during what is already a very stressful time.

“For international students, this stress can be compounded as landlords are taking advantage of newcomers to the city, charging extortionate rents and asking for unreasonable deposits.

“A student talked about the anxiety felt by Ukrainian students trying to find a safe home in Scotland. 

“Another student told of how a landlord told them “I’m not giving my house to an African”.

“Another told of how “my friend was living in a five bedroom flat sharing with 10 other students” 

“These few examples are totally unacceptable and they are sadly a reflection of wider issues being felt by students across Edinburgh and Scotland.

“What was clear from the roundtable is that students feel the urgent need for a Student Housing Strategy, more regulation of purpose-built student accommodation and more rights afforded to those who are tenants in these accommodations. 

“Students are also calling out for more funding for support with transport, mental health, damp and the cost-of-living.

“We need an urgent solution, now.

“I was glad to see many MSPs in attendance to listen to students’ concerns, as well as representatives from local universities and organisations such as the Edinburgh Student Housing Co-operative, Living Rent and NUS. 

“It is important that moving forward, students, universities, local authorities, the private sector, the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government all work in partnership.

“I will be raising a motion in the Scottish Parliament and asking for a Member’s debate. Now is the time for action, not just words”

MSP attends event championing Scotland’s historic environment 

 Foysol Choudhury MSP for Lothian has attended an event held to highlight the role Scotland’s unique heritage has to play in the country’s economic and green recovery. 

The session at the Scottish Parliament was hosted by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the lead public body that investigates, cares for and promotes the country’s historic environment, including over 300 properties in care.  

The event, How Scotland’s Past Can Support Its Future, championed the important role that Scotland’s historic buildings, sites and heritage sector plays in creating jobs, promoting tourism and supporting the environment. 

Figures from Historic Environment Scotland show the historic environment sector generated £4.4 billion for Scotland’s economy in 2019 and supported 68,000 full-time equivalent jobs in heritage, tourism and construction sectors.  As many as 86 per cent of people also reported a wellbeing benefit from their local heritage. 

The historic environment also has a key role to play in terms of the journey to net zero. A fifth of Scotland’s residential buildings were constructed before 1919 using traditional materials and building skills.  

Making these buildings as energy efficient as possible is a crucial part of the road to net zero, as well as supporting opportunities for re-use and retrofit, helping to boost jobs and skills through the need for skilled labourers and craftspeople. 

MSPs were also updated on progress on the high-level masonry inspections underway at HES to tackle the effects of climate change and other factors on a number of properties in care.  

Since the programme started, HES has been able to reopen or increase access at more than 30 sites, including reopening Dundonald Castle, Burleigh Castle and Inchcolm Abbey, while Doune Castle has almost completely reopened with a safety corridor in place. Inspections have been completed at 25 sites with a further 13 sites due to be completed by spring. 

Foysol Choudhury MSP for Lothian said: “It was great to meet Historic Environment Scotland at the Scottish Parliament, to learn more about Scotland’s heritage and how HES is supporting the economy and journey to net zero.

“I recently raised a question in the Chamber in support of Historic Environment Scotland. I asked the Scottish Government how it plans to ensure that Historic Environment Scotland’s properties will be able to open to a sufficient degree, to allow HES’ revenue to rise as predicted in the budget.

“I look forward to learning more about HES’ projects in the future and to seeing more of these important HES properties open again for the public.” 

Alex Paterson, Chief Executive at HES, said: “Scotland’s historic environment is a part of our everyday lives. It’s our homes and high streets, schools and hospitals. It’s also transport infrastructure like canals and bridges. The historic environment is central to our lives and our sense of place, identity and to our wellbeing.  

“There is clear economic value in investing in the historic environment to deliver these core agendas, with the reuse and adaptation of existing heritage assets being integral to a net zero transition.

“I would like to thank Graeme Dey for welcoming us to the Scottish Parliament and to all the MSPs who came to find out more about how Scotland’s past can support its future”. 

Choudhury: Avoiding a Pet Crisis across Edinburgh & The Lothians

Responding after hearing of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home in Seafield facing the cost crisis that is set to put it on its knees, Foysul CHoudhury MSP said: “I was very concerned of hearing the struggles that The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home (EDCH) is currently facing with the rising costs-of-living.

“CEO Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine reached out to me at the end of last year to make me aware of the significant challenges the Pet Home has been going through due the cost-of-living crisis.

“Just last November, the Pet home received next year’s annual electricity and gas costs showing an increase by 205% and 576% respectively – equating to £130K of unanticipated funding that Ms Fyffe-Jardine will desperately need to find. This is an addition to £200K needed to cover increased supplier costs.

“These increases are just unsustainable in addition to coping with the increase of pet owners having to give up their cats and dogs. Lindsay informed me that the phone calls are increasing 7 days a week and the human foodbanks they are supporting with pet food, blankets and leads will increase to 70+ – equating to supporting now 2,600 families across the Lothians, Fife, Falkirk and The Borders.

“I met Lindsay and her amazing team shortly after I got elected in 2021 when I visited the EDCH in Seafield. The Team worked tirelessly during Covid to cope with exponential rehoming when people were losing their jobs, no longer being able to afford them, people going to care homes, having to go to a homeless shelter or other owner’s hardship. This is only set to get worse.

“The energy and cost increases are just exasperating an already struggling pet home, and animal charities like EDCH do not have the option to turn the lights and heating off. They have pets who need their care and rehabilitation as well as staff who need them to care for them while they carry out their mission both on the Home’s site and right across East and Central Scotland.

“EDCH has been working to exhaustion point to avoid a major pet crisis, keeping our communities together, making sure our pets are cared for and assuring owners can keep their pets to avoid the trauma of losing their beloved pet. We all know how our pets play a central part within our family lives, they give many who would find themselves completely lonely and isolated company and a reason to live for.

“In the past months, I have raised questions to the Scottish Government regarding the impacts of the cost crisis on pet ownership and will continue to do so this year. I will be visiting one of EDCH foodbank partners in Granton, run by the Salvation Army tomorrow to raise more awareness, find out more on their needs in the year ahead and how I can support them.

“I will continue to raise awareness in 2023 of this pet crisis that is just on our doorstep and I look forward to visiting the foodbank at Granton Salvation Army and meeting Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home passionate team again.

“Our local animal shelters need our support and we need to see practical action beyond donations to ensure the survival of this 140-year old animal shelter to keep our animals safe and sheltered, and avoid painful separation from their owners.”

“If you are able to donate, EDCH have a winter appeal where donations can be made on Donate – Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home (edch.org.uk)”.