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.”
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.”
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
1/2 My Absent Voting Bill has now received Royal Assent and become law, the first Private Member’s Bill of this Parliament! It means it can be used in the Scottish and Welsh elections next year, which feels like a such an achievement. pic.twitter.com/rOKtu53RNR
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.”
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 MPsaid: “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.”
Tracy Gilbert MP has welcomed significant UK-wide investment in community renewable energy projects, which will deliver tangible benefits for local communities in Scotland.
The Great British Energy initiative is backing a total of £4 million into the UK’s community energy sector, supporting 48 community energy projects across Scotland, including two major developments in Edinburgh North and Leith.
Granton Project CIC – Harnessing solar power for community growth, receiving £70,043.
Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op (Phase 3) – Developing local solar capacity, awarded £484,500.
Tracy Gilbert MP said:“These investments demonstrate the UK Government’s commitment to renewable energy and to supporting communities across the country. I am pleased that two of these are in my constituency in Edinburgh North and Leith, which is becoming a true renewables hub.
“The projects will not only generate clean energy but also empower local communities with long-term benefits. Initiatives like these are helping to build a greener, more sustainable future for everyone.”
The Great British Energy investment is part of a wider effort to drive community energy generation growth across Scotland and the UK, ensuring that local areas can take an active role in the renewable energy transition.
Tracy Gilbert, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, has met with Citadel Youth Club and local police officers to discuss growing concerns around youth anti-social behaviour and so-called “baby gangs” in Edinburgh.
The meeting, held yesterday at Citadel Youth Club, focused on the challenges faced by communities and the importance of early intervention and support for young people.
Ms. Gilbert stressed the need for greater investment in youth services and preventative measures, highlighting that providing young people with safe spaces and positive opportunities is essential to tackling anti-social behaviour.
Tracy Gilbert MP said: “I was grateful to meet with local police and the Citadel Youth to listen to their concerns about the rise in youth anti-social behaviour. It’s clear that prevention is key.
“We need more investment in youth services to give young people the opportunities and support they deserve, while also keeping our communities safe.
“I will continue to work closely with community partners, the police, and youth organisations to push for the resources our young people and locals urgently need.”
Tracy Gilbert, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, has welcomed the upcoming public consultation on Edinburgh’s proposed tram expansion, describing it as a “vital opportunity for communities to shape the future of their city.”
The 12-week consultation, beginning Monday 25 August 2025, will gather views on a new north-south tram line stretching from Granton to the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary, alongside wider proposals for a city-wide tram network.
Tracy Gilbert MP said: “This is a much-needed investment in our city’s infrastructure. Expanding the tram network will help deliver a more connected, sustainable Edinburgh. But it’s vital that local people have their say and that their voices shape how this project moves forward.”
The plans include potential routes through existing walking and cycling corridors such as the Roseburn Path, which has prompted strong feelings from residents and active travel groups.
Tracy Gilbert emphasised the importance of listening carefully to community concerns. She added:“While I support the ambition behind this project, I know there are legitimate concerns, especially around preserving green space and existing active travel routes.
“Those must be properly heard and respected. This can’t be a top-down decision.”
The consultation will inform the next stage of the project’s development, including the preparation of a Strategic Business Case, expected to go before the Transport & Environment Committee in 2026.
