Latest News –  Martin Whitfield MSP

Martin Whitfield MSP has attended the official launch of Food Facts Friends' new Midlothian Pantry and Well-Being Hub in Penicuik. Midlothian Pantry offers a selection of foods and essential products for the home that members can choose from. A single member can choose up to £10 worth of items from the Pantry displays for £3.50, whilst if supporting a family with two children under the age of 16, £7.00 will purchase up to £20 of items. The Pantry service is open 6 days a week, offering individuals and families a way of purchasing food and other essentials at heavily discounted [...]

The potential for nuclear power to continue contributing to Scotland’s clean electricity generation and the local economy in East Lothian has been highlighted by Martin Whitfield MSP during a debate at Holyrood. The topic of the debate was the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy made at COP28 last year in the UAE and signed by 22 countries including the UK, USA, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Canada, Poland, Sweden and South Korea. The declaration notes the key role of nuclear energy for achieving global net zero targets by 2050 and recognises the importance of the application of nuclear science and technology [...]

East Lothian Council's decision to allocate £5 million in its capital plans for the repair and refurbishment of the Loch Centre in Tranent has been welcomed by Martin Whitfield MSP. The funds allocated will enable the council to fix the problem with the centre's swimming pool, which has been closed since January 2023, as well as refurbish the centre to ensure it is fit for purpose. Mr Whitfield has welcomed the decision, which comes against a backdrop of financial hardship for all councils, including East Lothian. Commenting, Martin Whitfield MSP said:  "While difficult choices undoubtedly had to be made in [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has welcomed the launch of new campaign on debt advice and support from the Citizens Advice Network. The ‘Stressed About Debt?’ campaign was launched today with figures published suggesting that over 660,000 people have seen their mental health and wellbeing impacted by debt. The campaign aims to re-assure people that debt is nothing to be ashamed of, and that free, expert help is available to them from the Citizens Advice network. Welcoming the campaign, Martin Whitfield MSP said:  "There is growing evidence that the cost-of-living crisis is forcing more households than ever deeper in to debt. "Living [...]

Monday 19 to Sunday 25 February is Victims’ Awareness Week, with this year’s theme being victims’ rights. When someone is affected by crime, it can have a massive impact on their life, affecting them emotionally, mentally, physically, financially and practically. It can be very traumatic, so having the right information at the right time is critical. Victim Support Scotland is the leading charity dedicated to helping people affected by crime across Scotland. It supports victims of crime, witnesses and their family members regardless of when the crime took place or whether it has been reported to the police. It offers [...]

Next week (19-25 February) is Cancer Prevention Action Week and this year's theme is physical activity. Organised by the World Cancer Research Fund UK (WCRFUK), the week aims to raise awareness that being active has many health benefits including reducing the risk of some cancers, including breast, colon and endometrial cancer, and encourage people to be more active in their daily lives through the charity's #MakeYourMove campaign. Most people in the UK do not currently meet the UK Joint Chief Medical Officers’ national recommendations on physical activity, which is at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes [...]