Latest News –  Martin Whitfield MSP

Martin Whitfield MSP has welcomed Epilepsy Scotland's new #BeyondSeizure campaign which the charity has launched during this year's National Epilepsy Awareness Week (20-26 May). The campaign has been launched to help raise awareness of the challenges that can be faced by those living with the condition and the lack of funding to support them. The central message it is highlighting is that epilepsy is so much more than seizures and can often impact on many aspects of a person’s life Martin Whitfield MSP said: "I welcome the important work of Epilepsy Scotland and its new #BeyondSeizure campaign. "The campaign aims [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has led a Members’ business debate at the Scottish Parliament on this year’s Foster Care Fortnight, which runs from 13 to 26 May. The South Scotland MSP brought the debate to Holyrood in order to take time to mark the fortnight in the Parliament because foster care is so important for the more than 4,000 children and young people in Scotland who are being fostered. During his opening speech in the debate, Mr Whitfield highlighted the significant amount of work and investment East Lothian Council has made in fostering over recent years in order to help address [...]

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the new Scottish Parliament sitting for the first time. There will be many special events, debates and other activities over the next few weeks to commemorate the parliament's first 25 years, but Martin Whitfield MSP has marked the anniversary with his own brief reflection on the occasion and the important role East Lothian played in delivering devolution. Commenting, Martin Whitfield MSP said: "25 years ago today the new Scottish Parliament sat for the first time, following a long campaign to deliver devolution and restore a parliament in Scotland. "As we celebrate, let us reflect [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has met with representatives of the Scottish Youth Parliament at Holyrood to discuss its latest campaigns. The new national campaigns that Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament have voted to select as their priorities for the next two years are: Increase mental health training and education. Invest in and protect youth work services. End gender-based violence. Martin Whitfield MSP said: "It was great to catch up with some MSYPs at Holyrood this week, and hear about their recent and future campaigns. They do amazing work representing the voice of young people and ensuring their priorities are on [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP is seeking suggestions for a Local Hero who has made a positive difference to the lives of others to attend a special event on Saturday 29th June to mark 25 years of the Scottish Parliament. The event will mark almost 25 years to the day since the Scottish Parliament was officially opened on 1st July 1999. It will also celebrate the achievements of the Parliament over the last 25 years as well as Scottish culture. Launching his search, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “I know many people in East Lothian are committed to giving their time and energy [...]

This May, Fields in Trust, the only UK charity fighting to make sure local parks and green spaces are legally protected, is running its Bark For Our Parks fundraising campaign to support its important work. The charity says our local parks are at risk of being built on and lost forever. So, it is encouraging anyone who cares about their local parks and greens spaces to join them and take a four-legged stand to help protect our parks by taking part in Bark For Our Parks. It is calling all dogs (and their human owners) to take on the challenge [...]