Scottish SNP MSP with a record in health and social policy
The First Minister and senior officials have travelled to the US for World Cup support and trade talks. Costs, including business-class flights and hotels, have been released, prompting scrutiny from opposition figures who say taxpayers’ money should be spent more wisely. Ministers defend the trips as necessary to arrive ready and to foster international connections.
Scotland has the highest drug-deaths rate in Europe, with 1,133 drug-related deaths in 2025. The government has described the rise as unacceptable and intolerable and is pursuing harm-reduction measures, including decriminalisation in some form. Westminster controls drugs policy, limiting Scotland’s options. Leaders across parties are calling for action and accountability as the issue remains a central political flashpoint.
Cocaine has overtaken heroin as the leading cause of drug-related deaths in England and Wales, with ketamine and nitazenes contributing to a grim national pattern. The latest ONS data show regional inequalities persist, while Scotland debates harm-reduction measures such as safe consumption rooms. A renewed focus on treatment, crime prevention, and social support is urged.