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.
Tracy Gilbert MP has condemned the SNP Government over damning figures showing years long waits for vital gynaecological treatment, with NHS Lothian among the health boards failing women across Scotland.
New data obtained by Scottish Labour reveals that, despite repeated promises to prioritise women’s health, the average wait for inpatient gynaecology treatment in NHS Lothian has barely improved, in fact, it has fallen by just 12% since 2019/20, even as demand has surged.
Tracy Gilbert MP said: “This data shows a staggering failure of leadership from the SNP. Women in Lothian are being forced to wait far too long for care, often in pain, often in silence, while the Government spins promises that never materialise.A 12% decrease over five years is not progress: it’s complacency. Women deserve better.
“They deserve a health system that works for them, not against them. Scottish Labour will tackle waiting times head-on, because women’s health can’t wait.”
Tracy Gilbert MP has today welcomed Scottish Labour’s commitment to increase funding for hospices and deliver pay parity for hospice-based doctors, nurses, and care staff across Scotland, including those serving communities in Edinburgh North and Leith.
The announcement, made today by Scottish Labour, will see hospice staff receive wages in line with their NHS counterparts through full funding of the Agenda for Change pay scale, easing the burden on overstretched hospices and helping to secure the future of palliative care services.
Local facilities such as St Columba’s Hospice in Trinity play a vital role in delivering compassionate, end-of-life care to families across the constituency.
However, rising costs and an historic lack of investment under the SNP government have left the sector struggling to recruit and retain staff.
Tracy Gilbert MP said: “Hospice doctors, nurses, and support staff are the beating heart of palliative care.
“They deserve to be paid fairly for the essential work they do, and under a Scottish Labour government, they finally will be.”
Scottish Labour’s plan is designed not only to improve pay but to protect the services that thousands of families rely on every year.
MPs voted by 335 votes to 260 to give the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill their initial backing last night after rebel Labour MPs forced further concessions from the government.
The Government, gearing a humiliating defeat, said it would pause changes to PIP until a review has been carried out.
Despite the concessions, 49 Labour MPs, including local North and Leith MP Tracy Gilbert, voted against their government.
Ms Gilbert was one of only three Scottish Labour MPs to oppose the Bill.
It was chaotic, but campaigners today forced the govt to postpone PIP cuts from their welfare bill.
— Andy McDonald MP for Middlesbrough & Thornaby East (@AndyMcDonaldMP) July 1, 2025
45 MPs – 18 of these Labour – abstained or did not vote.
Labour Campaign for Socialism issued a statement after the vote:
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “This is an utter capitulation.Labour’s welfare bill is now a TOTAL waste of time. It effectively saves £0, helps no one into work, and does NOT control spending. It’s pointless.”
Ms Badenoch said that the Starmer government should ‘ditch the bill, do their homework, and come back with something serious’.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said: “Labour’s behaviour towards people with disabilities is appalling.
“The chaos that Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have presided over has shown total contempt for the vulnerable. And Anas Sarwar has supported them all the way. Westminster is failing. Scotland deserves better.”
Anti-poverty campaign group Trussell said: ‘The government’s bill to cut disabled people’s social security is still proceeding, but with all cuts to PIP now set to be REMOVED. We applaud the power of disabled people, MPs, and community organisations like food banks who have tirelessly raised their voices and stood up for future of disabled people
‘The improvements to the bill agreed in recent days are the right thing to do and will protect hundreds of thousands of disabled people from being forced into severe hardship.
‘This bill should never have come before MPs. This was a chaotic and upsetting process that could have been avoided had this government stuck to its commitments to disabled people.
‘Deep cuts to Universal Credit still stand, and when MPs look at the amended Bill, they must ensure disabled people are protected from severe hardship ahead of their final vote next week. More than three quarters of people claiming Universal Credit and disability benefits have gone without essentials in the last six months.
‘We now have an opportunity to work together to build a more compassionate, effective, and fair system of social security for disabled people, and move towards a future without the need for food banks.’
UK Government’s Plan for Change delivers record settlement for Scottish Government with an extra £9.1 billion over the SR period to deliver public services
Working people across Scotland will benefit from significant investment in clean energy and innovation, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and strengthening Scotland’s position as the home of the United Kingdom’s clean energy revolution.
The UK Government has confirmed £8.3 billion in funding for GB Energy-Nuclear and GB Energy in Aberdeen. This is alongside an increased commitment to the Acorn Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage project, which will receive development funding.
The Spending Review, outlined yesterday, Wednesday 11 June, announces targeted investment in Scotland’s most promising sectors to grow the economy and put more money in working people’s pockets. It delivers an extra £9.1 billion over Phase 2 of the Spending Review, through the Barnett formula.
The government also confirmed £25 million for the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Freeport.
These investments are part of a wider package, with funding for hydrogen production projects at Cromarty and Whitelee.
Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, said: “Putting more money in the pockets of working Scots by investing in the country’s renewal is at the heart of this Spending Review and our Plan for Change.
“The Chancellor has unleashed a new era of growth for Scotland, confirming billions of pounds of investment in clean energy – including new development funding for Acorn – creating thousands of high-skilled jobs.
“Scotland’s leading role at the heart of UK defence policy has been strengthened and there is also significant investment in our trailblazing innovation, research and development sectors.
“And the Scotland Office will work with local partners to ensure hundreds of millions of pounds of new targeted support for Scottish communities and businesses goes to projects that matter to local people. This means that the UK Government is now investing almost £1.7 billion in dozens of important growth schemes across Scotland over 10 years.
“To maximise the benefit of recent trade deals with India, US and the EU we are continuing the Brand Scotland programme to promote inward investment opportunities boosting Scottish exports of our globally celebrated products.
“And we are delivering a record real-terms funding settlement for the Scottish Government with an extra £9.1 billion over the Spending Review period through the Barnett formula. That’s more money than ever before for them to invest in Scottish public services like our NHS, police, housing and schools.
“This is a historic Spending Review for Scotland that chooses investment over decline and delivers on the promise that there would be no return to austerity.”
Investment in Scotland to strengthen UK defence
Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, the Chancellor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027, backing our Armed Forces, creating British jobs in British industries, and prioritising the security of Britain when it is most needed.
The long-term future of the Clyde is secured through an initial £250 million investment over three years which will begin a multi-decade, multi-billion pound redevelopment of HM Naval Base Clyde through the ‘Clyde 2070’ programme.
Investing in innovation and R&D
Scotland will also become home to the UK’s largest and most powerful supercomputer, with up to £750 million committed to its development at Edinburgh University. This world-class facility will give scientists across all UK universities access to extraordinary computer power, further strengthening Scotland’s research and innovation capability.
The UK Government is backing Scottish industry with a share of increased UK-wide R&D spending set to grow from £20.4 billion in 2025-26 to over £22.6 billion per year by 2029-30. Scotland will also benefit from a £410 million UK-wide Local Innovation Partnerships Fund.
Targeted support for Scottish communities
The government is also investing £160 million over 10 years for Investment Zones in the North East of Scotland and in Glasgow City Region, and confirming £452 million over four years for City and Growth Deals across Scotland.
A £100 million joint investment for the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth deal with the Scottish Government (£50 million from UK Government and £50 million from Scottish Government), demonstrating the UK Government’s continued commitment to the Grangemouth industrial area.
A new local growth fund, and investments in up to 350 deprived communities across the UK, will maintain the same cash level as in 2025-26 under the Shared Prosperity Fund. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Scotland Office, will work with local partners and the Scottish Government, to ensure money goes to projects that matter to local people. This investment will help drive growth and improve communities across Scotland.
Supporting Scottish businesses
The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is trialling a Strategic Partnership with Glasgow City Region to provide enhanced, hands-on support to help it develop and finance long term investment opportunities. The NWF has already made its first investment in Scotland with £43.5 million in direct equity for a sustainable packaging company, which is to build its first commercial-scale manufacturing facility near Glasgow.
Through its Nations and Regions Investment programme the British Business Bank is delivering £150 million across Scotland to break down access to finance barriers and drive economic growth.
The settlement also allocates £0.75 million each year to champion our ‘Brand Scotland’ trade missions to promote Scotland’s goods and services on the world stage and to encourage further growth and investment.
A record settlement for Scottish public services
The Government has been clear that local decision-making against local priorities is central to delivering growth.
The Scottish Government will receive the largest real terms settlement since devolution began in 1998, with an average £50.9 billion per year between 2026-27 and 2028-29, enabling the Scottish Government to deliver for working people in Scotland. This includes £2.9 billion per year on average through the operation of the Barnett formula, with £2.4 billion resource between 2026-27 and 2028-29 and £510 million capital between 2026-27 and 2029-30.
This investment and record settlement is made possible by the ‘tough but necessary’ decisions taken in the October Budget.
Edinburgh North and Leith Labour MP Tracy Gilbert has welcomed the statement. She said: “The Comprehensive Spending Review is good for Scotland’s economy and public Services.
“After several meetings with the Secretary of States for Science, Innovation and Technology and Scotland I’m so pleased to see the announcement of funding for the new Supercomputer to be based at EdinburghUniversity.
“This major investment in Edinburgh positions us at the forefront of computing, and technological innovation, not just in the UK, but globally.”
Not unsurprisingly, the Holyrood SNP Government has a number of issues with the likely impact of the Spending Review on Scotland. Post to follow …
Tracy Gilbert, Scottish Labour MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, yesterday (10/06/2025) led a parliamentary debate at Westminster calling for urgent government action to address the demand driving prostitution and sex trafficking across the UK.
The debate, “That this House has considered the matter of tackling demand for prostitution and sex trafficking”, focused on the urgent need to adopt a demand-reduction approach to tackle the exploitation of women and girls who are coerced, trafficked, or driven by poverty into the sex trade.
The speech highlighted the issue in Edinburgh, and some of the vulnerable women who have been affected by this, including Fiona Broadfoot who has spoken out about her treatment whilst working in an Edinburgh brothel.
1/3 In Edinburgh over the weekend, 142 women were being advertised for prostitution on one pimping website alone. I was grateful to lead a debate on sex trafficking and prostitution today in Westminster Hall. pic.twitter.com/dR3rUxXsTC
Ms Gilbert said: “In Edinburgh over the weekend (7th –8th June 2025), 142 women were being advertised for prostitution on one pimping website alone.
“Five of the top ten adverts are explicitly posted by so-called ‘agencies’ – so the site isn’t even tryingto hide the organised nature of this exploitation.”
Tracy Gilbert highligh2ted that current legislation fails to effectively deter those who purchase sex and called on the Government to explore legislative models that criminalise the buying, not the selling, of sex, as adopted in countries such as Sweden and Norway.
In her speech, Tracy Gilbert gave examples of reviews made after the buying of sex some included:
“Bad attitude. Everything was off limits.”
“Finally got her to lay2 there but it’s like shagging a dead fish.”
“No smile, her atrocious English made the interactions even more impossible.”
Tracy Gilbert added: “Men who buy sex are reviewing women as if they are reviewing an Xbox game.
“These comments prove that men who pay for sex treat women as subordinate sex objects whose role is to service their sexual desires.”
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has welcomed the closer co-operation between the UK and the EU following a series of new agreements but said not involving the Scottish Government in any negotiations was “an affront to devolution”.
In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, Mr Robertson said the removal of obstacles to food and agricultural exports, greater support for energy trading and the UK rejoining the Erasmus exchange scheme for students, were all positive aspects of the UK-EU agreement.
But Mr Robertson criticised the lack of consultation with the Scottish Government on key aspects of the deal, particularly on fishing.
He said: “The Scottish Government welcomes the agreement as it represents long-overdue momentum in rebuilding our relationship with the European Union. But no agreement can deliver the economic, social and security benefits we lost with Brexit in 2020.
“We argued for an ambitious package in the interests of people and businesses across Scotland, and there are some positive indicators here, including the agriculture, food and drink agreement which will reduce market barriers; and enhanced cooperation on energy and climate, and a clear intention to rejoin the Erasmus exchange programme.
“The fact that this agreement – not least on fisheries – was reached without the explicit engagement of the devolved governments on the negotiation detail is not just an affront to devolution, it has put at risk, and will continue to put at risk, the benefits of any commitments for the people of Scotland.”
He added: “We still believe Scotland’s best future lies as an independent country within the European Union but we will engage constructively and positively in the next phase of negotiations.
“We also hope to see the UK Government work collaboratively with devolved governments in developing its priorities – as the EU does with its Member States.”
Tracy Gilbert MP Welcomes UK-EU Deal as Major Win for Edinburgh North and Leith’s Young People and Businesses
Tracy Gilbert, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, has welcomed a landmark new agreement between the UK and the European Union.
The Agreement includes:
Trade Boost for Local Businesses: Red tape is being slashed on food and drink exports, helping local producers and potentially lowering prices for families. British steel exports, important to Scottish industry, are now protected from new EU tariffs, saving the sector millions.
Opportunities for Young People: Steps have been taken to rejoin the Erasmus programme and launch a new UK-EU youth mobility scheme, which would allow young people to travel, work, and study more freely across Europe.
Climate and Green Economy Gains: The UK and EU will link their emissions trading schemes, helping British businesses avoid new EU carbon taxes while driving green growth.
Travel Made Easier: UK holidaymakers will benefit from smoother travel with more access to eGates, while a new “pet passport” system will make it easier for families to bring cats and dogs abroad.
Safer Communities: New talks will allow access to EU facial recognition databases, enhancing the UK’s ability to track down dangerous criminals and improve border security.
Tracy Gilbert MP said:“After years of uncertainty for people and businesses following EU exit, this UK-EU Agreement struck by our UK Labour Government brings certainty through a closer relationship with the EU. This new deal strengthens security, supports trade, and opens the door to new opportunities for our young people.
“This deal delivers real, practical benefits for Edinburgh North and Leith whether that be reducing regulation helping businesses to export making it easier for families and holidaymakers to travel across Europe everyone will feel a benefit.
“I welcome the commitment to co-operate further on a Youth experience scheme such as a Youth Mobility Scheme. Such a Scheme would open the opportunity local young people have with countries such as Australia and New Zealand to EU countries. I know my constituents support a Youth Mobility Scheme and I will continue to push for progress.”
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) is delighted to announce a new community partnership with Leith Civic Trust aimed at securing the long-term future of Leith Custom House.
The collaboration promises to transform this landmark historic building into a vibrant civic space and Scotland’s first fully digital museum, creating a ‘town square for the twenty-first century’ that will celebrate Leith’s unique culture and heritage.
Maggie Wright, Chair, Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Leith Civic Trust to help us realise the long-held community desire for a museum for Leith.
“The ambition has always been for this museum to be managed by the community through a community-led charitable trust who would ensure that the museum responds to local needs and aspirations, Leith Civic Trust will help us realise this goal together.
“This project has been a long-time in development, but following the agreement last year with Edinburgh Museums & Galleries, we are delighted that the project now has real momentum”
Following from the strategic partnership with City of Edinburgh Council Museums & Galleries agreed last October, the new community partnership with Leith Civic Trust will ensure that this project is developed for, and by, the local community.
Leith Civic Trust will be adopted by SHBT as the future operator of the groundbreaking museum at the heart of this innovative restoration project.
This marks an exciting new chapter for Leith Civic Trust whose work for over two decades has championed the history and heritage of Leith.
SHBT will support Leith Civic Trust in growing its membership and recruiting new trustees, who will receive in-depth training to manage the digital museum once the restoration is complete.
Cron Mackay, President, Leith Civic Trust, said: “Since our foundation in 1968, Leith Civic Trust has been dedicated to preserving and championing the beauty, history and character of Leith. Leith has a wealth of distinctive stories to tell, and we are delighted that the new museum at Custom House will be a space where all Leithers, old and new, can see themselves represented.
“We look forward to welcoming new Members as we embark on this exciting journey together with SHBT and encourage anyone who may be interested in being involved to get in touch.”
Ben Macpherson, MSP for Leith, attended the event and said: “It is great to see this progress, and further collaboration, towards realising the potential of the Customs House as an even better space for the people of Leith to use and enjoy, and for visitors to come and check out too.
“The plans are exciting and the momentum is building, with more partners getting involved and new potential avenues for funding emerging.
“I pay tribute to everyone that’s been involved in the project – including those who saved the building for the community, and have been engaged for many years now – and I look forward to continuing to support the exciting vision that there is now for the Customs House, and believe that by working together we can all make this happen.”
Tracy Gilbert, Labour MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, said: “One of my very first visits as an MP was to Leith Custom House, and even then, I was amazed by the dedication of the team to securing Custom House as a community anchor.
“The launch of the partnership demonstrates a strong commitment to working with local businesses and residents. I congratulate the whole team on their success so far and look forward to working with them to deliver their ambitious vision.”
