Latest News – Martin Whitfield MSP
Highlighting need to do better on ASN
Speaking during a Holyrood debate on Additional Support Needs (ASN), Martin Whitfield MSP has highlighted the rapid increase in the number of ASN pupils and the urgent need to provide better support for them. Mr Whitfield made his remarks in a Members' Business debate on ASN provision led by Alexander Stewart MSP. ASN can include having motor or sensory impairments, learning difficulties such as dyslexia, English as an additional language or a range of emotional and social difficulties. The motion set out the statutory framework for ASN provision, which was established by the Education (Additional Support for Learning) Scotland Act [...]
Comment on East Lothian bus service changes
Commenting in response to this week's announcement of sweeping changes to bus services run by Lothian Buses and East Coast Buses in East Lothian, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “I know that many people are seriously concerned about the changes to local bus services announced this week by Lothian Buses. In particular, the significant changes to the 26 and X6 services have been raised with me by several constituents. "I have arranged a meeting with Lothian Buses to highlight these concerns and the lack of consultation on the changes, as well as to ask about a possible pause or amendments to [...]
Martin visits ELCAP
Martin Whitfield MSP and Douglas Alexander MP have visited local care provider ELCAP for an update on its work and latest developments. ELCAP has been providing care and support for individuals who are affected by learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health problems for 36 years. It operates in over 30 towns and villages across East Lothian and Midlothian, delivering more than 10,000 hours of support each week to over 200 individuals. In addition to this community-based support, ELCAP also provides respite care from premises in Dalkeith and Tranent. Speaking after the visit, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “It was a [...]
Comment on Torness generation milestone
Commenting on the announcement that Torness Power station has reached the milestone of 300TWh of electricity generation, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “For 37 years Torness has provided clean, reliable energy, as well as supporting hundreds of skilled jobs and apprenticeships and contributing to the local economy. “I welcome its latest electricity generation achievement, which further underlines the importance of not shutting the door on new nuclear projects in Scotland.”
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (OCAM) and Martin Whitfield MSP is backing The Eve Appeal's bid to close the diagnosis gap and support ovarian cancer research. Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women, yet awareness of the signs and symptoms is low. Evidence suggests that low symptoms awareness leads to a later diagnosis, and worse outcomes. The Eve Appeal is seeking to raise public awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, address the inequalities and ‘postcode lottery’ highlighted in the national ovarian cancer audit and ensure that the prevention and early diagnosis of the [...]
Parliamentarians attend ‘Breaking Bread’ event
Members of Longniddry Christian Aid Committee have welcomed Martin Whitfield MSP and Douglas Alexander MP to a coffee morning held at Longniddry Parish Church. The group’s ‘Breaking Bread’ event was part of a national initiative by Christian Aid which involves local and regional groups hosting events at which their MP can meet the local Christian Aid team. It is also an opportunity for politicians to meet other residents and constituents in a welcoming environment to discuss issues they are concerned about. The main topic of this meeting was global debt crisis, which traps millions of people in poverty. As set [...]