Tag: Tracy Gilbert MP

Edinburgh MP says websites advertising prostitution “facilitating industrial scale sex-trafficking”

TRACY GILBERT URGES POLICE TO LAUNCH CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

On Tuesday, 21 April 2026, Tracy Gilbert MP, the Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, accused websites advertising prostitution of facilitating industrial-scale sex-trafficking in Scotland and revealed she has written to Police Scotland urging them to launch a criminal investigation into the websites, which continue to openly operate in Scotland.

Websites advertising prostitution are commercial online platforms dedicated solely or partly to advertising individuals for prostitution. A report in February by the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner identified nearly 63,000 listings of women across 12 websites advertising prostitution in the UK at a single point in time. In just one month, the same websites received almost 41.7 million visits. 

Frequently referred to as ‘pimping websites’, the UK Government has acknowledged through a written parliamentary question that “adult service websites are now the most significant enabler of trafficking for sexual exploitation”.

Leading a debate in the UK Parliament on sex trafficking in Scotland, Tracy Gilbert MP argued that it is not just third-party criminals using these websites who should be the focus of police attention. Instead, it should be the website operators themselves facing investigation for sex trafficking.

https://twitter.com/i/status/2046563957708558669

In her speech, the Edinburgh North and Leith MP revealed that she had written to the Chief Constable at Police Scotland, urging a criminal investigation into pimping websites.

She stated that websites advertising prostitution knowingly aid prostitution and facilitate the travel of individuals for prostitution – by listing and categorising prostitution adverts according to whether the advertised individual will do so-called ‘outcalls’ – which is where a person travels to the sex buyer for the purpose of prostitution.

These actions, Tracy Gilbert MP stated, mean that the websites themselves constitute human trafficking operations under the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015.

Following the debate, Tracy Gilbert MP said: “It is a national scandal that the individuals operating Adultwork and Vivastreet have not only been allowed to operate for years with total impunity, but that they have been publicly presented by Government and the National Crime Agency as partners in tackling sex trafficking.

“Pimping websites openly and explicitly facilitate the transportation or transfer of individuals for prostitution. The operators of these platforms publish prostitution adverts in a standardised format – which includes specifying whether the individual being advertised will do ‘out-calls’. …Facilitating the transportation of individuals for prostitution is built into the architecture of Adultwork and Vivastreet.

“I believe the seriousness and scale of these activities warrant an immediate criminal investigation.”

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Tracy Gilbert MP tables motion to recognise Anne Munro’s 47 years of service to Leith communit

Tracy Gilbert MP has tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament recognising the incredible contribution of Anne Munro, who is retiring after 47 years of dedicated service with the Pilmeny Development Project in Leith.

The Pilmeny Development Project has been supporting residents since 1979, working to improve the quality of life and strengthen community connections across north-east Edinburgh.

Commenting, Tracy Gilbert MP said: “Anne’s commitment to the people of Leith over nearly five decades has been extraordinary. Through her work with the Pilmeny Development Project, she has made a huge difference to countless lives across our community.

“This Early Day Motion is a small but important way to recognise Anne’s contribution and to thank her for the dedication, compassion and leadership she has shown throughout her career.

“On behalf of Edinburgh North and Leith, I wish Anne a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.”

The link to the EDM is here: 

Anne Munro retires after 47 years from Pilmeny Development Project – Early Day Motions – UK Parliament

Local MP warns women in Scotland are being failed by NHS waiting times

An Edinburgh MP has warned that long NHS waiting times are having a serious impact on women across the Lothians, as concerns grow about a two-tier healthcare system emerging in Scotland.

Private healthcare admissions in Scotland recently hit a record high, raising fresh concerns that patients are increasingly being pushed to pay for treatment due to long NHS wait times.

Tracy Gilbert MP says these delays are particularly affecting women, who are often left waiting the longest for treatment, including for gynaecological conditions and diagnostic tests.

Edinburgh North and Leith MP Tracy Gilbert said: “Across Edinburgh and the Lothians, too many women are being left waiting far too long for the care they need.

“For many women, these delays aren’t just frustrating; they mean months or even years living with pain, uncertainty or conditions that are affecting their daily lives.

“When people feel forced to consider paying privately just to be seen sooner, it raises serious concerns about a two-tier system emerging in our NHS.

“Women across Scotland deserve timely, high-quality care through our NHS, regardless of their ability to pay.”

Tracy Gilbert MP welcomes £921 million additional funding for Scotland in Spring  Statement 

Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, has welcomed the Chancellor’s confirmation  that the Scottish Government will receive an additional £921 million in funding through  Barnett consequential in the Spring Statement. 

Since the General Election in July 2024, the Scottish Government has received nearly £12  billion in extra funding. 

Commenting, Tracy Gilbert MP said: “The Scottish Government has received £12 billion in additional funding since 2024. People in  Edinburgh North and Leith will rightly ask what that money has delivered for them. 

“With pressures on our NHS, housing and local services, this funding must be used to improve  people’s day-to-day lives. It’s time to focus on getting the basics right and delivering for  communities across Scotland.”

Local MP calls for stronger protection for retail workers as shoplifting soars

Scotland has seen a drastic 129% rise in shoplifting since 2021, with 48,564 recorded incidents in the year ending September 2025, according to figures from Police Scotland. Yet only 2,854 people were convicted in 2023/24, showing a growing gap between crime and accountability. 

Tracy Gilbert MP, who worked on the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-Restricted Goods and Services) Scotland Bill before her election to Parliament and has a long history in the trade union movement advocating for worker rights, said: “These figures are deeply concerning. Retail workers are on the frontline, facing increasing risk from shoplifting and associated crime, yet our laws and policing are not keeping pace. Workers and communities deserve better protection.

“This is not just about crime statistics, it’s about real people, and real communities. Adequate resources are required to ensure effective policing, and support for retail staff is urgently needed to tackle this growing problem.”  

The Protection of Workers Bill, which Tracy contributed to before her parliamentary career, provides a vital framework for safeguarding retail staff, ensuring they can carry out their roles safely and without fear. 

Tracy Gilbert added: “We must act now to ensure that Scotland’s workers and communities are protected.

“I will continue to advocate for better policing and laws that safeguard those on the frontline by working with trade unions and employers to ensure retail crimes are reported and prosecuted.”

Relief for community projects as continued funding confirmed

ONE YEAR EXTENSION TO INVESTING IN COMMUNITIES FUND

The Scottih Government has confirmed that Investing in Communities funding will be continued for a further year.

The announcement comes as a huge relief to community projects facing massive cuts to their funding, with services being slashed and some organisations facing closure.

Scottish Greens raised concerns over the uncertainty faced by many of Edinburgh’s third sector projects at a council meeting last month.

A looming catastrophe has been averted with the announcement of one year’s transition funding while a replacement to the Investing in Communities Fund is developed.

Edinburgh Northern and Leith MP Tracy Gilbert took up the case of local community organisations and yesterday received welcome confirmation that fears have been allayed – at least for now.

She said: “Following budget cuts, I raised concerns with the Scottish Government about the future of the Investing in Communities Fund. Ministers have now confirmed a one-year transition extension for existing projects ending in March.

“This will help in the short term, but it falls short of the long-term certainty our community organisations need. I’ll keep pushing for sustained funding and stability for the services people rely on.”

Local MSP Ben Macpherson has also been on the case. He said: “This morning I visited Dr Bell’s Family Centre to discuss a situation that was of real concern.

“Using my decade of experience – including how to get things done for local organisations – I’d written to The Scottish Government about it on Monday and followed this up today, working actively as their/your local constituency MSP … I was therefore very pleased that shortly after the matter had been resolved.

“I know it’s been a worrying time for the centre and am relieved that immediate worries have been lifted. My team and I will keep working with the centre to explore more funding streams, and support the impactful work they do in our communities.”

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Edinburgh projects who received Investing in Communities funding (2023- 26) are:

  • About Youth, Calder Youth Action Project (part of Wester Hailes Together), City of Edinburgh, £105,822
  • Community Renewal Trust, Our Neighbourhood: A new hyperlocal Community Wealth Building partnership, City of Edinburgh, £300,732
  • Dr. Bell’s Family Centre, Start Well, Live Well: Wellbeing Support for Families in Leith, City of Edinburgh, £348,067
  • Edinburgh Food Social Cic, Changing Craigmillar Food Culture, City of Edinburgh, £325,847
  • Fresh Start, Fresh Connections, City of Edinburgh, £280,201
  • North Edinburgh Arts, North Edinburgh Arts Link Up, City of Edinburgh, £331,400
  • Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, Together We Can, City of Edinburgh, £350,000
  • The Venchie Children And Young People’s Project, Family Support Service, City of Edinburgh, £208,732
  • Transition Edinburgh South (Scotland) Ltd, Investing in Gracemount, City of Edinburgh, £302,196
  • Whale, The Arts Agency, Creativity, Place and Enterprise in Wester Hailes (part of Wester Hailes Together), City of Edinburgh, £332,494.

“Grand Theft Tax?” Edinburgh MP questions Rockstar Games’ £70m UK tax breaks amid worker allegations

Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, raised concerns in Parliament on Thursday about the way Rockstar Games has benefited from substantial UK tax relief while facing allegations about its treatment of staff.

The company behind the Grand Theft Auto franchise has reportedly claimed more than £70 million through the UK Government’s Video Games Tax Relief scheme, a policy designed to support the games industry by significantly reducing companies’ tax bills.

Gilbert’s intervention follows allegations from constituents that workers at Rockstar were dismissed after exercising their legal right to organise in the workplace.

The claims raise serious questions about whether companies receiving large-scale tax breaks from the UK Government are meeting basic expectations around fair treatment and workplace rights.

Several constituents have contacted Gilbert, believing they were unfairly dismissed by Rockstar after engaging in lawful workplace organising activity. She has since met with the company alongside fellow Edinburgh MPs Chris Murray and Scott Arthur, and has committed to continuing her support for the affected workers.

Speaking after raising the issue, Tracy Gilbert MP said: “When a company benefits from tens of millions of pounds in government-backed tax relief, what many would describe as Grand Theft Tax, it is reasonable to expect that it upholds basic standards of fairness and respects workers’ rights.

“I have been contacted by constituents who believe they were dismissed for exercising their legal right to organise at work. These are serious allegations, and it is right that they are properly scrutinised, particularly when a company is receiving such substantial tax advantages.”

Ms Gilbert asked Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons, whether he shared her concerns about the reported dismissals and that the issue should be raised with the Chancellor, given the scale of tax relief Rockstar Games has received through the Video Games Tax Relief scheme.

She was reassured that ministers were looking into the matter and that he would be happy to arrange a meeting with ministers regarding the tax relief.

Tracy Gilbert welcomes £150m investment in Scottish Floating Wind 

“Major Vote of Confidence in UK Clean Energy Leadership”

Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith and Chair of the Offshore Wind All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), has welcomed the announcement of a £150 million public investment package into the Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm, a project set to support more than 1,000 jobs and accelerate the UK’s position as a global leader in floating wind.

The investment, jointly backed by GB Energy, the National Wealth Fund, and the Scottish National Investment Bank, marks one of the most significant early-stage commitments to floating offshore wind in the UK to date.

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “This £150 million investment is a major vote of confidence in Scotland’s floating offshore wind ambitions and in the UK’s ability to lead the world in this technology.

“The Pentland project demonstrates what can be achieved when GB Energy and our public finance institutions collaborate to support innovation, job creation, and long-term economic growth.

“As Chair of the Offshore Wind APPG, I’ll continue pushing for the infrastructure investment needed to unlock more projects like this, because the benefits for Scotland’s communities, workers, and supply chain are clear.”

First Private Member’s Bill of new parliament made law by capital MP

Tracy Gilbert MP’s Absent Voting (Scotland and Wales) Bill, the first Private Member’s Bill of the new Parliament, has now received Royal Assent, officially becoming law.

The new legislation will make it easier for voters in Scotland and Wales to apply for a postal or proxy vote in devolved elections, allowing them to do so online.

Currently, voters must apply for postal or proxy votes using physical forms, a process that can be particularly challenging for people with disabilities or those living overseas. The new law will remove those barriers and modernise the voting system ahead of next year’s Scottish and Welsh elections.

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “I’m incredibly proud that my Bill has now become law, and as the first Private Member’s Bill of this Parliament to do so.

“It now gives both the Scottish and Welsh Governments the time they need to implement these changes ahead of next year’s Holyrood and Senedd elections, ensuring voters can benefit from this new, more accessible system.”

Edinburgh MP leads the way with first successful Private Member’s Bill

The first Private Members Bill of this Parliament has passed all stages in the Houses of Commons and Lords. The bill, proposed by Labour MP for Edinburgh North and Leith Tracy Gilbert, will make it easier for voters in Scotland and Wales to apply for a postal or proxy vote in devolved elections next year.

The Private Member’s Bill, Absent Voting (Scotland and Wales) Bill, passed its Third Reading in the House of Lords today (Friday 24 October). As no changes were made to the Bill in the House of Lords it will now go forward for Royal Assent.

Tracy Gilbert MP was drawn 12th in the Private Members Bill ballot last September. Twenty MPs are drawn in the ballot, giving them a right to introduce a bill.

Ms. Gilbert’s bill will allow voters to apply for a postal or proxy vote online, making it easier for voters to participate in elections and ending the anomaly in Scotland and Wales where voters can apply online for UK Parliament elections but not devolved elections.

Currently, voters must apply for a proxy vote by sending a physical letter. This can make the process difficult for people with disabilities or for those living outside the country. This necessary legislative change means voters will now be able to apply online for a postal or proxy vote for Scottish Parliament and Senedd Cymru elections next year.

During the passage of the bill through Parliament, Gilbert won cross-party praise for her bill being called a ‘modern day chartist woman’ by Tonia Antoniazzi MP.

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “I’m thrilled that my Private Member’s Bill is the first of this Parliament to pass both Houses of Parliament. I am grateful for the cross-party support the Bill has received.

“My bill will simplify the process for applying for a postal or proxy vote in next year’s Scottish and Welsh Parliament elections by enabling voters to apply online, extending access to democracy.”

A copy of the Bill can be found here – https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3785

Progress of Private Member Bills (Ballot Bill) (listed in order of ballot)

MemberBillCurrent/Next Stage
Kim Leadbeater, Labour (Spen Valley)Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Lords – Committee Stage
Max Wilkinson, Liberal Democrats (Cheltenham)New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill Commons – Second Reading
Dr Roz Savage, Liberal Democrats (South Cotswolds)Climate and Nature BillCommons – Second Reading
Clive Lewis, Labour (Norwich South)Water Bill Commons – Second Reading
Josh MacAlister, Labour (Whitehaven and Workington)Protection of Children (Digital Safety and Data Protection) Bill Withdrawn
Dr Scott Arthur, Labour (Edinburgh South West)Rare Cancers Bill Lords – Second Reading
Jim Allister, Traditional Unionist Voice (North Antrim)European Union (Withdrawal Arrangements) Bill Commons – Second Reading
Peter Lamb, Labour (Crawley)Free School Meals (Automatic Registration of Eligible Children) Bill Commons – Second Reading
Alex McIntyre, Labour (Gloucester)Controlled Drugs (Procedure for Specification) Bill Commons – Report Stage
Andrew Ranger, Labour (Wrexham)Licensing Hours Extensions Bill Lords – Second Reading
Jake Richards, Labour (Rother Valley)Looked After Children (Distance Placements) Bill Commons – Second Reading
Tracy Gilbert, Labour (Edinburgh North and Leith)Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill Royal Assent
Linsey Farnsworth, Labour (Amber Valley)Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Bill Lords – Second Reading
John Grady, Labour (Glasgow East)Space Industry (Indemnities) Bill Lords – Committee Stage
Rachael Maskell, Labour (Co-op), (York Central)Short-term Let Accommodation Bill Commons – Second Reading
Ruth Jones, Labour (Newport West and Islwyn)Fur (Import and Sale) Bill Commons – Second Reading
Dr Danny Chambers, Liberal Democrats (Winchester)Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill Lords – Committee Stage
Sarah Owen, Labour (Luton North)Fireworks Bill Commons – Second Reading
Wendy Chamberlain, Liberal Democrats (North East Fife)Gambling Act 2005 (Monetary Limits for Lotteries) Bill Commons – Second Reading
Dr Rupa Huq, Labour (Ealing Central and Acton)Sale of Tickets (Sporting and Cultural Events) Bill Commons – Second Reading