Weekly Blog w/c 20^th March

Constituency Advice Sessions and Slateford Rail Depot Community Meeting

On Monday morning, I held advice sessions by appointment at my constituency office on Comiston Road. Throughout the day, I held various meetings – meeting with the Cross-Party Group on Autism and Network Rail. In the evening, I held a community meeting with local residents about the ongoing issues with the Slateford Rail Depot and National Rail. Thanks to those that came along. If you couldn’t make it but want to discuss this issue, or indeed, any other issues, please don’t hesitate to contact me at contact@danieljohnson.org.uk or alternatively call my office to book an appointment on 0131 541 2145.

A busy week in the Scottish Parliament

On Tuesday afternoon I spoke in the Scottish Government Debate: Expansion of Vocational and Technical Qualifications in Scotland’s Secondary Schools. I emphasised my belief that we need an integrated academic and vocational training system, sharing not just a quality of esteem but an equality of rigor and value, to both business and people learning.

On Wednesday morning, I met with pupils from South Morningside Primary School who are studying social studies. As always, it was great to speak with primary school pupils and hear about their thoughts – thanks for an insightful discussion.

In the afternoon, I took part in Portfolio Questions, where I asked the Scottish Government about how much financial support it will provide to the third sector across Edinburgh and the Lothians to support refugees from Ukraine. It’s absolutely crucial that our friends from Ukraine are welcomed and supported and it’s vital that the Scottish Government makes sure the necessary provisions are in place to provide this support.

In Edinburgh Southern

I visited Bridgend Farmhouse with Ian Murray MP where we got the chance to see first-hand the fantastic work which supports so many brilliant projects in the local community.

Unfortunately, Bridgend has recently seen a funding decision go against them, which threatens a lot of the key work they do – arts and crafts, great coffee, community hub and more. We need the Scottish Government to reinstate this funding, so Bridgend Farmhouse can continue the good work they do in Edinburgh Southern. Ian has launched a petition which you can sign here: https://www.ianmurraymp.com/…/21/save-bridgend-farmhouse/