June was certainly eventful !
Nicola Sturgeon just can’t stay out of the news.
Arrested by Police Scotland as part of the ongoing police investigation into the SNP’s finances, Humza Yousaf was then quick to offer cringeworthy support – and a bunch of flowers. Later in the month, Hugh Keith KC, at the UK Covid Inquiry, put the former SNP supremo in her place for trying to play politics whilst in the witness box.
The SNP-Green Government had two screeching June U-turns.
The incompetent Lorna Slater had to pause her shambolic Deposit Return Scheme, while blaming the UK Government for imposing 11th hour conditions. As it happens, the Minister knew back in March that the DRS was ill-prepared for launching this August.
Then came the SNP-Green plan on Highly Protected Marine Areas, which would force vulnerable coastal communities to restrict fishing and other vital economic activities. Facing cross-party pressure, this plan was also kicked into the long grass – thankfully.
Finally, as the month came to a close, we heard that the SNP’s auditors can’t give the party’s accounts a clean bill of health. We understand that records of cash transactions and cheques are missing, relating to members’ subscriptions, donations and raffle tickets !
As for my own work, in June, I delivered four speeches in Parliament and raised seven questions to the government. Transcripts are posted on my Scottish Parliament webpage: https://www.parliament.scot/msps/current-and-previous-msps/dr-sandesh-gulhane
Away from Chamber, I met with Glasgow’s Helping Heroes, which partners with SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity, and the Defence Medical Welfare Service.
I also met with the Scottish Hindu Foundation which does amazing work to promote the vibrant tapestry of Hindu culture in Scotland – fostering understanding and cultural exchange.
On National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Day, 27th June, I helped raise awareness of PTSD which is a debilitating condition. Treatment for PTSD can be difficult due to long waiting lists but help is at hand from organisations like Change Mental Health.
The month ended with two delightful meetings.
Pam Gosal MSP and I met with Dr C P Joshi, the Honourable Speaker of the Rajasthan Assembly and we discussed ways in which can strengthen cooperation.
We then welcomed Donna Louise Armstrong and Alex McAnespie of the Homeless Veterans Project to Holyrood and presented them with the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award for their work in providing outstanding support to veterans who are vulnerable. Donna and Alex work tirelessly, voluntarily, to help brave veterans get back on track.
That’s all for this month’s newsletter. Thank you so much for your interest in my work. You are welcome to follow my weekly podcast, Gulhane onPolitics, which you can tune into on major platforms including Spotify, Apple and Google.
