LAST week marked a very interesting turn of events as the Westminster Tories charged ahead, denying even a single amendment be made to the European Union Bill.

Last week’s Scottish Parliament vote regarding the bill proved just how little the Tories care about our country’s future. During the campaign, Ruth Davidson backed the vote to stay in the EU, but now she, along with all of the other Scottish Tories, are sitting back and letting Westminster get on with Brexit.

At Holyrood, we voted overwhelmingly to reject Westminster’s bill, but the Tories refuse to make even a small concession towards the democratic will of the people of Scotland.

But in a world that is becoming increasingly divided, it is important that we learn to bond together and support those who have sacrificed to serve us. Our armed forces have earned the right to wear the medals and the insignia they’ve been awarded, but there is currently no law to stop someone from passing themselves off as a war hero.

To address this issue, I gave a speech in Parliament on February 2 supporting the ‘Awards for Valour (Protection) Bill’. I feel it is important that those military who have earned such honours should be respected and acknowledged, and I look forward to the introduction of this Bill and the protection it will bring.

On Friday, February 3, the charity and non-profit organisation Neighbourhood Networks launched a new network in Musselburgh. I was delighted to speak at this event and was very moved by the hopes and dreams shared by those present.

Musselburgh Neighbourhood Network will be a welcome addition to the Honest Toun, as it will provide opportunities for support and friendship to those who use its services. To recognise the great work that this organisation is doing, I submitted a motion to Parliament and am happy to have already received a good response from my colleagues in support.