Meeting of the Parliament 14 January 2020
That is very kind of you.
People will be aware of the abuse that the Roma community is putting up with across Europe, and the draconian laws that are being put in place at a time when we are seeing a rise in fascism. I would have thought that that would indicate to the UK Government a need to rein back on its approach rather than follow the approach that is being taken elsewhere.
Members talked about the young ambassadors, and it was great to hear about Davie Donaldson and his sister. A lot of people are engaged—that is not to take anything away from Davie and his sister—and there is a growing willingness on the part of young people to engage with Article 12 in Scotland, which is an organisation that empowers young people. I have said it before, but I make no apology for saying again that one of the most compelling things that I have heard is that a young woman who received a lot of abuse at high school has been empowered by Article 12 in Scotland and is going back into the school to deliver diversity training. I will not mention the place, but I see that the Minister for Older People and Equalities, Christina McKelvie, knows where it is. Such progress is very positive.
We must keep talking about the issue and encourage local authorities to ensure that their councillors understand not just the planning basis but the ethical basis on which they make decisions. We need more things like the wee card that Ms McKelvie mentioned, which is good. I remember taking a lot of evidence on mobile medical records. Anything that circumvents problems and makes life easier for folk is to be welcomed.