WASPI, women in parliaments and welfare of dogs

WASPI 
This week the Scottish Government brought forward a motion calling on the UK Labour Government to pay compensation to the 1950s women impacted by the lack of notice to changes to their state pension age. This was a similar debate to one in which I spoke last week. The group known as Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) were found, in a report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) to have been victims of maladministration by the Department of Work and Pensions, yet in December the UK Government announced that it would not pay compensation to those affected, as was recommended by the independent PHSO report. Speaking in this week's debate I highlighted that the decision by the UK Labour Government was unusual, threatening to allow millions of women across the UK to face poverty, undermining an independent institution that helps the functioning of the state and that it is a betrayal of women who thought that voting Labour would see justice for the WASPI campaign. I continue to stand with WASPI campaigners and am a member of the Cross Party Group for WASPI.

Rural Affairs and Islands Committee
Ahead of the final agreement for the 2025-26 Budget, as a member of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, I questioned the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands about the spending plans for the Rural Affairs and Islands portfolio.

Welfare of Dogs
On behalf of the Scottish Liberal Democrats I spoke in the final stage of voting on the Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill. Now passed this legislation will see a new code of practice drawn up for getting a dog, with the aim of promoting responsible dog ownership and making sure people understand the commitment required before they take on a pet. The legislation is also aimed at reducing the puppy farming trade. Figures from SSPCA showing that in the last five years they have rescued more than 260 puppies from the illicit puppy trade. After the rise in pet ownership during the Covid-19 pandemic this is timely legislation. 

Women's representation in parliaments
On Monday afternoon I was able to attend a webinar on Gender Adjustment Mechanisms which support increasing women's representation in parliaments. Chaired by the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Steering Committee, we heard from representatives of parliaments in Malta, Kenya and across the Commonwealth. It’s important to increase women’s representation in parliaments and local government. Women supporting each other, regardless of their politics, is one way to help make progress. 

Constituency surgery
My next constituency surgery will be on Monday, 3rd February, from 12.30pm – 1.30pm in the Shetland Parliamentary Office.