Statement by The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, at the High-Level International Conference for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution:
Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Your Excellencies, President Macron and Prince Faisal.I stand before you today, beneath the emblem of the United Nations, to confirm the historic decision of the British government to recognise the State of Palestine.
This step, alongside friends and partners, reflects a longstanding truth.
That statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people and that two states is the only path to security and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
But it also reflects a grave reality.
The two-state solution that for decades has commanded global support is in profound peril.
From continued bloodshed, man-made famine, terrorism and hostage taking, settlement expansion and settler violence.
And Hamas terrorists continue to hold hostages seized in the barbaric attack of October 7th, prolonging the unimaginable anguish of their families.
And in Gaza, the unbearable humanitarian catastrophe worsens as the Netanyahu government chooses to escalate war and hold back aid.
Children dying of starvation while food rots at the border.
And settlement expansion threatens the very viability of a Palestinian state.
The two-state solution risks disappearing beneath the rubble.
That is what extremists on all sides want.
But we refuse to let hope be lost.
Recognition is borne of urgency and principle.
Alongside our unwavering support for the security of Israel and its people.
This pathway is the opposite of Hamas’s hateful vision.
And this process around recognition has helped cement the rejection of Hamas across the Arab world.
Alongside new reforms to the Palestinian Authority.
Because there can be no role for Hamas in the future governance of Palestine.
But recognition must be a spur, not a substitute for urgent action.
A ceasefire now, the release of all hostages, the restoration of aid and a lasting framework for peace.
Recognition is about the future, but it is rooted in our past.
75 years ago, Britain was rightly proud to recognise the State of Israel.
But the promise of upholding Palestinian rights has gone unfulfilled.
For decades, my country supported a two-state solution but only recognised one state.
That changes now.
As we join more than 150 Member States in recognising the State of Palestine and protecting the pathway to peace.
Leading voluntary sector body outlines priorities for next Scottish Government
Scotland’s next Government must play its part in maintaining a strong, sustainable voluntary sector, a leading third sector body has said.
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has published ‘Scotland’s Essential Sector’, its manifesto for next May’s Scottish Parliament elections.
The sector is instrumental in the delivery of public services. Public sector funding makes up 40% of the voluntary sector’s income, with around £1.6billion from local authorities and £1bn from the Scottish Government – much of it through contracts and grants.
The manifesto has been shaped by the sector itself – with organisations asked what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change.
Scotland’s Essential Sector sets out what the sector needs to be stronger, more sustainable, and more empowered – so it can play its full role delivering for communities, and tackling some of the biggest challenges we face as a country.
The six priorities outlined in the manifesto are:
• Delivering fair funding – reforming public sector funding to be multi-year, flexible, sustainable, and accessible.
• Creating a partnership of equals – establishing a formal, long-term partnership between government and the sector.
• Commissioning with communities – embedding ethical commissioning and ending default to commercial procurement.
• Modernising regulation – launching a comprehensive, independent review of charity regulation.
• Securing the future of volunteering – reversing the long-term decline in participation through targeted action.
• Protecting the sector’s voice – introducing anti-SLAPP legislation and safeguarding public interest advocacy.
SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie said: “Voluntary organisations are at the heart of Scotland’s response to the biggest challenges we face — tackling poverty, improving health and wellbeing, supporting children and families, strengthening local economies, advancing climate action, building skills for the future, and much more besides.
“From mental health support to employability programmes, from sports clubs to social care, from community transport to creative arts — voluntary organisations deliver vital support to people and communities in every part of Scotland.
“They are trusted, rooted in communities, and are at the heart of a healthy society, a fair economy, and a strong democracy. They are Scotland’s Essential Sector.
“As we look ahead to the next Scottish Parliament elections, one thing is clear: government cannot meet the needs of people and communities alone.
“The next Scottish Government needs a strong, sustainable voluntary sector.”
Full details of Scotland’s Essential Sector can be found online:
Ben Macpherson rejoins government and Graeme Dey takes up vacant post
Graeme Dey has been appointed Minister for Parliamentary Business and for Veterans by First Minister John Swinney.
Subject to parliamentary agreement and the approval of His Majesty the King, Ben Macpherson will succeed Mr Dey as Minister for Higher & Further Education, while Mr Dey retains his responsibilities for Scottish Government policy on veterans.
The First Minister said: “I am delighted to appoint Graeme Dey as Minister for Parliamentary Business and Ben Macpherson as Minister-designate for Higher & Further Education.
“Graeme Dey brings wide experience of handling parliamentary business to this role and is a minister widely respected across the Parliamentary chamber for his open and constructive approach to finding common ground.
“Ben Macpherson has wider experience across a range of policy areas and will bring a creative and dynamic leadership to higher and further education that is so fundamental to transforming the lives of individuals across the country, and to supporting this government’s ambitious economic agenda.”
Ben Macpherson is the MSP for the Edinburgh Northern & Leith constituency. He grew up in the Scottish capital and graduated at the University of York before studying law at University of Edinburgh and becoming a lawyer.
He served as Minister for Europe, Migration & International Development from June 2018 to February 2020, then Minister for Public Finance & Migration until being appointed Minister for Rural Affairs & the Natural Environment in December 2020.
In 2021 Ben Macpherson became Minister for Social Security & Local Government, a post he held until leaving government in March 2023.
The UK has formally recognised Palestine ‘to protect the viability of a two-state solution and create a path towards lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people’ – but continues to arm Israel
UK Government acts to protect the prospect of a two-state solution as the appalling situation in Gaza worsens, Israel continues its illegal settlement expansions in the West Bank and Hamas continues to hold the hostages
Prime Minister makes clear that Hamas will have no role in the future of Palestine and reiterates his call for them to release the hostages immediately and unconditionally
historic step taken alongside close allies Canada and Australia, as part of wider international effort to support a pathway to peace and protect the equal rights of both Israeli and Palestinian peoples
The UK has formally recognised Palestine to protect the viability of a two-state solution and create a path towards lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people.
The historic decision, announced alongside Canada and Australia, comes as the situation on the ground in Gaza continues to worsen, Israel continues to expand its illegal settlements in the West Bank, and Hamas continues to hold the hostages.
In July, the Prime Minister pledged to act if the situation did not change and firmly believes that the UK has a moral responsibility to do everything it can to support a peaceful future for Israel and Palestine – the prospect of which is slipping further away.
A two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state led by a reformed Palestinian Authority, is the only path to a lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people – free from the horrendous violence and suffering of the last two years.
Recognising Palestine is a historic decision, firmly grounded in the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination, which the government committed to as part of its manifesto.
In a statement this afternoon, the Prime Minister was clear this decision is not about Hamas. They are a brutal terrorist organisation that wants to see Israel destroyed. Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace with recognised borders is the exact opposite of their hateful vision.
The government’s demands on them have not changed. It must release all hostages, agree to an immediate ceasefire, accept it will have no role in governing Gaza, and commit to disarmament.
The UK is also expected to take further action to sanction senior figures in the Hamas leadership in the coming weeks and keep doing everything possible to bring the hostages home.
Our support for Israel’s and the security of its people remains steadfast. But the Israeli government must also change course – halting their offensive in Gaza, letting the desperately needed humanitarian aid in, and stopping their illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Today’s historic decision, taken alongside some of our closest allies, to recognise a Palestinian State, reflects our unwavering commitment to a two-state solution and affirms the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
“Recognition is an important step to preserve the prospect of a two-state solution, at a time when it is now under unprecedented threat. Two states is the only way to safeguard long term peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
“We are clear that Hamas can have no role in Palestine’s future – they are a barbaric terrorist organisation who oppose the very idea of two states. They must release the hostages and relinquish any hold on Gaza. But Hamas are not the Palestinian people.
“Recognition is only one part of what must be a stronger and wider push for peace. We need to end the conflict in Gaza, secure the release of all hostages and get humanitarian aid to all those who desperately need it.
“That requires not just an immediate ceasefire, but a plan for a durable peace, which will be a key to my diplomatic drive at the UN this week.”
Having recognised the State of Israel in 1950, the government believes it can no longer credibly continue to support the two-state solution without recognising both States.
The decision does not remove the demands the government has made of the Palestinian Authority to conduct extensive reform. President Abbas has committed to this reform, including organising new elections within a year of a ceasefire.
The UK will continue to provide technical and financial support to the PA as it delivers these reforms and builds the State of Palestine, including through the work of UK Envoy for Palestinian Authority Governance Sir Michael Barber, who is enhancing the PA’s delivery and governance capabilities.
The government has been clear that recognition is not enough to change the situation on the ground on its own.
That’s why the decision comes as part of coordinated international efforts to build consensus around a Framework for Peace, which addresses governance, security, humanitarian access, and ceasefire monitoring in Gaza, and the foundations of a two-state solution.
The UK will continue working closely with its allies to advance this plan, which recognition forms part of as the first, most urgent step towards lasting peace.
PM statement on the recognition of Palestine:
In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East…
We are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a Two State Solution.
That means a safe and secure Israel…
Alongside a viable Palestinian State –
At the moment, we have neither.
Ordinary people – Israeli and Palestinian…
Deserve to live in peace –
To try to rebuild their lives…
Free from violence and suffering.
That’s what the British people desperately want to see.
Yet, almost two years after the barbaric attacks of 7 October…
Hostages are still held by the terrorists of Hamas.
Recent images show the hostages suffering and emaciated.
Hamas refuse even to release all the bodies of the dead.
I have met British families of the hostages.
I see the torture they endure each and every day…
Pain that strikes deep in people’s hearts across Israel and here in the UK.
The hostages must be released immediately…
And we will keep fighting to bring them home.
Let’s be frank –
Hamas is a brutal terror organisation.
Our call for a genuine Two State Solution…
Is the exact opposite of their hateful vision.
So we are clear –
This solution is not a reward for Hamas…
Because it means Hamas can have no future.
No role in government.
No role in security.
We have already proscribed and sanctioned Hamas…
And we will go further –
I have directed work to sanction other Hamas figures in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches new depths.
The Israeli government’s relentless and increasing…
Bombardment of Gaza…
The offensive of recent weeks…
The starvation and devastation…
Are utterly intolerable.
Tens of thousands have been killed –
Including thousands as they tried to collect food and water.
This death and destruction horrifies us all.
It must end.
We have now evacuated the first group of sick and injured children to the UK…
To be treated by the NHS.
And we continue to increase our humanitarian support.
But still, nowhere near enough aid is getting through.
We call again on the Israeli government…
To lift the unacceptable restrictions at the border…
Stop these cruel tactics…
And let the aid surge in. ***
With the actions of Hamas…
The Israeli government escalating the conflict…
And settlement building being accelerated in the West Bank…
The hope of a Two State Solution is fading.
But we cannot let that light go out.
That’s why we are building consensus with leaders in the region and beyond…
Around our Framework for Peace.
This is a practical plan to bring people together –
Behind a common vision and a series of steps…
Including the reform of the Palestinian Authority…
That take us from a ceasefire in Gaza…
To negotiations on a Two State Solution.
We will keep driving this forward.
As part of this effort…
I set out in July the terms on which we would act –
In line with our Manifesto –
To recognise Palestinian statehood.
That moment has now arrived.
So today –
To revive the hope of peace and a Two State Solution…
I state clearly, as Prime Minister of this great country…
That the United Kingdom…
Formally recognises the State of Palestine.
We recognised the State of Israel more than 75 years ago as a homeland for the Jewish people.
Today we join over 150 countries who recognise a Palestinian State too –
A pledge to the Palestinian and Israeli people…
That there can be a better future.
…
I know the strength of feeling that this conflict provokes.
We have seen it on our streets…
In our schools…
In conversations with friends and family.
It has created division.
Some have used it to stoke hatred and fear.
But that solves nothing.
Not only must we reject hate…
We must redouble our efforts to combat hatred, in all its forms.
We must channel our efforts…
United together in hope…
Behind the peaceful future that we want to see:
The release of the hostages…
An end to the violence…
An end to the suffering…
And a shift back towards a Two State Solution…
As the best hope for peace and security for all sides.
THE Green Party responded: “The UK government has confirmed it will finally recognise the state of Palestine – a welcome step.
“But this must be accompanied by real, concrete actions to bring an end to the genocide in Gaza, including boycotts, sanctions and the end of arms sales to Israel.”
Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “Well done to all those who have tirelessly campaigned for the recognition of Palestine — an inalienable right of the Palestinian people.
“Next, the UK should recognise the genocide in Gaza, end its complicity in crimes against humanity, and stop arming Israel.”
The Conservative Party said: “Keir Starmer’s decision to recognise Palestine does nothing to stop the suffering of the innocent people caught in this war.
“It makes freeing the hostages even harder than it was before.
MSPs on Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee have voiced their alarm at the extent of “legal aid deserts” in Scotland, which are significantly impacting on people’s access to justice.
The Committee has been exploring civil legal assistance, commonly known as legal aid, in response to concerns raised about access to justice. Legal aid deserts can refer to geographical areas, or elements of law, where there is a lack of legal practitioners available.
During the inquiry the Committee heard of the challenges that people had in finding a legal aid solicitor, with some organisations making 50, or more, phone calls, or individuals needing to travel hundreds of miles to access a solicitor who can provide civil legal assistance.
Low fees for legal aid work and administrative complexity are identified as the key drivers behind the shortage of practitioners. The Committee’s report calls for the Scottish Government to take action to improve the situation immediately.
Reform of the legal aid system has been proposed for several years. An independent review of legal aid in 2018 called for reform to ensure greater focus on the needs of clients and simplification of rules.
However, despite committing to bringing forward legislation, the Scottish Government has not introduced a Bill to reform legal aid in the current parliamentary session. The Committee finds this highly unsatisfactory, given the overwhelming calls for change.
The report also recognises that eligibility is a key issue in access to legal aid. The Committee heard that many people who cannot afford to pay privately for a solicitor are unable to claim legal aid due to rules around disposable income and disposable capital. The Committee does not believe that this is tenable and that the figures used to set this should increase in line with inflation since 2011.
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, said: “A shortage of legal aid solicitors and ongoing challenges with access are seriously undermining people’s ability to exercise their rights.
“The consequences can be devastating. Victims of domestic abuse can be left without the support they urgently need, and many people find themselves struggling to access safe and secure housing.
“The case for reform is already clear, and we urge the Scottish Government to move forward with changes that will make a real difference.
“Fee reforms, reducing administrative burdens, and widening eligibility are all vital steps to ensure civil legal assistance is fit for purpose and that people across Scotland can get the justice they deserve.”
Visit is ‘opportunity to highlight role of devolved nations in driving climate action’
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin will undertake a series of engagements in New York as part of Climate Week NYC.
Climate Week NYC brings together global leaders, businesses and civil society to address climate change and promote sustainable solutions.
In recognition of Scotland’s leadership positions as Regions4 President and European co-chair of the Under2 Coalition, Ms Martin will attend a series of meetings with member representatives as part of ongoing work to strengthen the influence of devolved, state and regional governments within international climate discussions.
Attendance at Climate Week will also be a chance to share knowledge and experience on emissions reductions and the need for a just transition with others, as well as action on creating climate resilience and enabling real, lasting and fair change across Scotland.
Speaking ahead of her visit, Ms Martin said: “No community is safe from the impacts of climate change, but the burden isn’t shared equally – with the poorest and most vulnerable suffering the most.
“Climate Week NYC gives Scotland the chance to shape the global conversation on climate finance and climate justice.
“As President of Regions4 and European co-chair of the Under2 Coalition, Scotland is pushing for more ambitious climate action – and we’re making sure that the voices of the Global South, especially women and young people, are heard loud and clear.
“I look forward to the opportunity to further build the influence of devolved, states and regional governments within the international climate debate with a strong focus on capacity building.”
The Cabinet Secretary’s programme will see her addressing the Under2 Global Ministerial Session on Monday 22 September as European Co-Chair of the Under2 Coalition.
She will also represent Scotland as President of Regions4, convening a roundtable of network members on Tuesday 23 September to inform and develop the network’s preparations for COP30.
On Wednesday 24 September the Scottish Government will co-host the livestreamed launch of a case study on the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service, in collaboration with ICLEI and Climate View.
The Cabinet Secretary will deliver opening remarks and take questions during a panel discussion emphasising the importance of and Scotland’s pioneering work on multilevel governance.
The Edinburgh Union will host its inaugural debate on Monday 22 September, with a panel of senior Scottish politicians debating the motion: This House Believes Scotland Should Be Independent.
The debate will feature Fergus Ewing MSP and Ben Macpherson MSP, representing the case for independence, opposite Baroness Annabel Goldie, former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, and Daniel Johnson MSP, representing the case against.
Adding to the politicians, two student speakers will join the debate, taking opposing sides on the motion, and bringing the perspectives of Edinburgh’s student body directly into the discussion.
The debate, taking place just months ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections, promises to be a lively and timely discussion on one of the most contested questions in Scottish politics.
Founded in 2025, the Edinburgh Union, which is part of the Edinburgh Political Union, is the University of Edinburgh’s newest debating society.
It seeks to provide an apolitical platform dedicated to debate and open dialogue. With political and social conversations growing increasingly polarised, the Union’s mission is to develop an environment where ideas can be challenged constructively and where participants from all backgrounds feel empowered to engage in discussion.
This semester, the Union will host fortnightly debates in Edinburgh’s iconic Rainy Hall at New College, bringing together speakers from across the political spectrum. Upcoming motions include This House Welcomes the Legalisation of Assisted Dying and This House Believes Traditional Masculinity is Damaging to Men and Society.
Each debate will offer audience members, comprising students and academics from across Edinburgh with the opportunity to debate and challenge guest speakers from across the political spectrum.
President Finn Tyson said: ““The Edinburgh Union seeks to spark open dialogue in the capital, in a way that is not seen anywhere else in Scotland.
“We want to give students and staff the chance to engage in-person with big ideas, challenge perspectives, and form their own views through reasoned debate – all in away that reflects the diversity and voice of Scotland’s student population.
“More than a decade after the Better Together campaign’s victory in 2014, public opinion on Scottish independence remains deeply divided. That’s why we’re bringing in outstanding speakers from across the political spectrum to debate the issue – and to give our students the chance to question them directly.”
Ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has published a new manifesto, calling on Scotland’s political parties to prioritise good animal health and welfare and support veterinary education by including a number of key asks in their party manifestos.
The manifesto calls on Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) to ensure that veterinary education is properly funded and supported by removing financial barriers for universities and students, so that more homegrown talent, particularly from rural areas, can enter the profession.
The organisation is also urging the new Scottish Government to implement legislation on vital animal welfare issues, such as a complete ban on the sale and use of electric shock collars for dogs and cats and improving the welfare of farmed fish.
Launching the manifesto, BVA Scottish Branch President Vivienne Mackinnon said:“We know that there is already strong political and public backing for many of the welfare priorities we’ve set out — including a complete ban on aversive training devices like shock collars.
“The removal of financial barriers for universities and students to encourage more homegrown talent to enter the veterinary profession is vital to address the current shortage of vets in Scotland. We’re eager to work with all parties on these important issues and are urging candidates to speak with vets in their constituencies to gain a better understanding of veterinary workforce and animal welfare issues.
“Vets play a vital role in keeping pets healthy, protecting both animals and the public from disease, and ensuring high standards across the food supply chain. Our manifesto highlights the key animal welfare and workforce issues that matter most to our members across the Scottish veterinary community and calls for cross-party commitments to take meaningful action”
BVA is urging the veterinary community in Scotland to read the manifesto, share it with their networks, and engage their local MSP on veterinary education funding, shock collar ban, and five other key calls to action:
Improve the welfare of farmed fish- Implement legislation based upon the principles of humane slaughter of farmed fish as set out by the Animal Welfare Committee. As an interim measure, we welcome the new statutory guidance issued by the Government under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
Teach children about animal welfare- Make animal welfare and sentience part of the national curriculum. Children should learn about animals’ needs, duty of care, and the meaning of sentience so they grow up treating animals and people with compassion and respect.
Support the veterinary workforce– Streamline the visa/sponsorship process for international vets to attract and support veterinary talent from overseas and sustain the vital roles they contribute to in Scotland, including public health.
Tighten the regulation of fireworks- Implement the recommendations of the Fireworks Review Group as soon as possible and ensure effective application of Firework Control Zones across the country.
Champion the veterinary voice in farming policy- The veterinary profession should be recognised as a key partner in shaping agricultural policy. The new Government must commit to maintaining the current level of resource spent on the scanning surveillance network to safeguard both animal and public health.
BVA is the leading body representing vets in the UK, with around 19,000 members, including nearly 2,500 in Scotland.
SNP GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS OVER 30,000 VULNERABLE PEOPLE IN EDINBURGH
The SNP Government is supporting 31,810 disabled people in Edinburgh through the Adult Disability Payment, according to new figures from Social Security Scotland.
As of July 2025, 17,865,375 Adult Disability Payments had been made across Scotland, including 1,122,265 in Edinburgh. A total of 484,055 people are receiving support this way.
The Payment, distributed by Social Security Scotland, goes to those with a long-term disability or health condition that impacts their everyday life. It can amount to up to £110 a week.
Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “In government, the SNP has built a social security system rooted in dignity, fairness and respect.
“This had made an enormous difference to people across Edinburgh, with 1,122,265 payments issued and 31,810 vulnerable adults supported to live fulfilled lives.
“Every person who needs support should be able to access it, and the SNP will keep delivering that.
“I encourage everyone in the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency and the wider city who thinks they could be eligible to check and ensure they get the support they are entitled to.”
TODAY (Friday 19 September), the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee will visit Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow in Inverclyde, as well as XLCC, a subsea cable manufacturer, and Peel Ports Group in North Ayrshire.
Taking their scrutiny out of Holyrood, the Committee will be hosted by Ferguson Marine for an overview of the shipbuilding operations, an update on the progress of delivery of Glen Rosa and a meeting with the Senior Leadership Team, including the new chief executive, Graeme Thomson, who took up the position on May 1, 2025.
The Committee has taken a long-term interest in monitoring the much delayed and over-budget delivery of the Glen Rosa (Hull 802), as well as its sister ship the Glen Sannox (Hull 801), which finally went into operation earlier this year. The Committee continues to receive quarterly progress updates.
The delegation will then travel to North Ayrshire to visit XLCC Hunterston to learn more about their new subsea cable manufacturing facility.
Members hope to gain a broader understanding of how renewable energy can be transmitted over long distances, including from offshore wind farms and international interconnectors.
The Committee’s final meeting will be at Fairlie with Peel Ports Group, the UK’s second largest port operator. The Committee hope to learn more about the Hunterston Port and Resource Centre (PARC), a large deep-water industrial port campus owned by the Group, which is being made into a multi-industry energy and marine campus.
The Committee will take the opportunity to discuss the Peel Ports owned Ardrossan Harbour redevelopment project, which aims to upgrade both marine and landside infrastructure to improve ferry services to the Isle of Arran.
Committee Members attending are Convener Edward Mountain MSP, Deputy Convener Michael Matheson MSP and Monica Lennon MSP. Irene Campbell, Labour MP for North Ayrshire and Arran will also be attending the North Ayrshire portion of the visit.
Convener of the Committee, Edward Mountain MSP said:“This visit will begin with us hearing first-hand from FMPG about progress in getting the Glen Rosa fit for launching next year.
“Ferry users on the Firth of Clyde – residents in Arran in particular – have been waiting a long time and want reassurance that the timetable will not slip any further.
“We look forward to hearing about the Glen Rosa’s completion from FMPG’s management and workers and about their hopes and plans for the yard’s future.
“Later when we travel to Hunterston, we’ll have a chance to put questions to Peel Ports about the prospects for the Brodick service being restored to Ardrossan.
“We’re also interested to hear from Peel Ports about their plans to transform Hunterston PARC into a green economic hub and bring skilled employment opportunities to the area. These include exciting opportunities in subsea cable manufacturing and the role this can play in connecting renewable energy to where it’s needed most. We look forward to hearing from XLCC about their cabling project.
“Scrutiny doesn’t just happen at Holyrood. Getting out and about, engaging directly with industry and local stakeholders is an important way of our being able to better understand sectors under our remit.”
