Latest News –  Martin Whitfield MSP

Martin Whitfield MSP is backing the retail trade union Usdaw, which launched their annual Respect Week with shocking statistics showing unacceptable levels of verbal abuse, threats and assaults against retail staff. Interim results from over 3,000 retail staff responses show that in the last twelve months (change from last year): 71% (-6) have experienced verbal abuse. 48% (-5) were threatened by a customer. 9% (-1) were assaulted. The annual Respect Week runs from 10-16 November, with Usdaw members raising awareness of the union’s year-round ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign and talking to the public to promote a message of ‘respect for [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has tabled a motion at Holyrood congratulating Zidane Rafique and Summer Ramsay on their election as Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament. Zidane, from North Berwick High School, and Summer, a student at Ross High School, were elected in a by-election following the resignation of two former East Lothian MSYPs, and join Katie Fairfull in representing East Lothian in the Scottish Youth Parliament. Martin Whitfield MSP said:  "I was pleased to table this motion welcoming Zidane and Summer's election to the Scottish Youth Parliament. I know that all the MSYPs do their utmost to represent the views [...]

Small Business Saturday is back and Martin Whitfield MSP is encouraging local businesses and communities to get involved in the leading campaign promoting the nation's small businesses. For the 13th consecutive year, the biggest day for small businesses will happen across the land on the first Saturday of December - 6th December 2025. This year the theme is Nation's Favourite Businesses. The message runs throughout the campaign and on all the posters, posts, jackets and even the campaign's tour van! Martin Whitfield MSP said:  "I have supported Small Business Saturday every year since I was first elected and am pleased [...]

The Countryside Alliance Awards 2026 are now open for nominations – and Martin Whitfield MSP is urging people to get involved and put forward the businesses, pubs and community heroes who make East Lothian special. Affectionately known as the “Rural Oscars”, these annual awards celebrate the very best of rural life: from village shops and family butchers to community pubs, farm shops and innovative rural enterprises. Nominated by the public, the awards give recognition to the people and businesses who go above and beyond for their communities and keep the countryside thriving. Nominations are open until Friday 12 December. Regional [...]

The Station Director at Torness Power Station was among the guests at an EDF Energy drop-in session on its nuclear facilities hosted by Martin Whitfield MSP at the Scottish Parliament. EDF owns and operates Torness, which is due to generate energy until 2030, and Hunterston B on the west coast, which is currently undergoing decommissioning, having generated electricity for 46 years until 2022. The event offered MSPs the opportunity to chat to Paul Forrest, Station Director of Torness, and Andy Dalling, Station Director of Hunterston B, along with Fiona McCall, Senior External Affairs Manager for EDF. The EDF representatives provided information [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has raised the findings of a new report by the Accounts Commission and the Auditor General on improving care experience in Scotland with the First Minister. The report makes clear that there has been a lack of leadership and commitment to implementation of The Promise which has laid bare the Scottish Government's failure to deliver on its promises to young people in Scotland’s care system. Mr Whitfield challenged John Swinney over the findings of the report and asked what he will do now to deliver The Promise. Martin Whitfield MSP said: "The Scottish Government has a responsibility [...]