30th April 2009

FMQs OU & NHS

Have had a week dominated by student and education issues.  Signed up with student leaders and Liberal and Conservative colleagues to call on the Government to introduce a minimum income for Scotland's poorest students and focus on tackling student hardship. 

We are genuinely trying to offer an alternative to tackling student hardship so the SNP Government's initial response was disappointing - just an attack on students who are raising important issues.  Got to put the question to Alex Salmond at First Minister's question this week but his response suggested he didn't really understand the issue. 

We all know graduate debt is a problem but I and others believe student hardship is a greater priority.  We'll wait and see where this ends up. 

Also attended a colleges event where they talked about the financial difficulties faced by college students and a reception to recognise 40 years of the Open University.  Harold Wilson may have thought of the Open University but it was a Fife woman from Lochgelly who went on to be the MP for Cannock, Jennie Lee, who created it, and it really has opened up educational opportunities for so many people and is a very valued institution.  Of course, Jennie Lee was also married to Nye Bevin, the creator of the NHS, so a significant political legacy in that family.

Had a school visit from Ladybank Primary who were a bright bunch.  All the kids seemed to be enjoying a day out at the Parliament but during the question time with MSPs you can also see the ones who are really interested in politics and its good to hear children taking an interest in the decision that affect them every day.  Off this evening to present awards at the Methil Girls Brigade.  I first met them when they won a competition not long after I was elected and it is an honour to be invited along this evening.

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