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Alison Johnstone MSP – November / December 2018

Alison Johnstone MSP

Here are some recent highlights of Alison’s activities.

  • Led a debate on Remembering Conscientious Objectors. Details here, and full debate here.

    Alison with members of the Opposing War
    Memorial committee

  • Wrote an article for the National, following the report from the UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, arguing that we need a major change to how we support those most in need in our society.
  • Responded to the Ministerial Statement on the interim findings of the UN Special Rapporteur on UK poverty. Alison asked what additional steps the Scottish Government are taking to help local authorities, the third sector and communities prepare for the final ‘managed migration’ stage of the roll-out of Universal Credit, given the UK Government’s refusal to halt it, despite increasing evidence of the damage caused by its many flaws. Watch here.
  • Spoke out against the UK Government’s decision to extend the Universal Credit roll-out in Edinburgh – read more here.
  • The Times featured Alison’s plans to bring forward a member’s bill if the Scottish Government fails to commit to tightening the laws on foxhunting. Read the article here.
  • Coverage of Alison’s visit to the Scottish Borders with the League Against Cruel Sports recently, to witness the activity of the Lauderdale hunt. Read Third Force News article here.
  • Among Alison’s other debates over the past month, she gave two speeches in the Physical Activity, Diet and Healthy Weight debate, highlighting, among other issues:
    –  that in parts of our more deprived communities we have what are described as ‘food deserts’, where it is impossible to access fresh fruit and vegetables at an affordable price – here;
    – the particular importance of support for the elderly, mothers and babies, and of designing our society to enable healthy living as standard – here.
  • Spoke at the Climate Alarm protest coordinated by Friends of the Earth Edinburgh, calling for an end to Scottish Government apathy towards the climate crisis.


    Alison at Climate Alarm protest, December