SCOTLAND is again leading the way to building a fairer and more equal society for all.

As of Monday, the Period Products Act comes into force which legally enforces local councils and education settings to provide period products free of charge to anyone who needs them.

Scotland is now the first country in the world to protect the right to access free periods products by law.

I have personally seen a massive shift in attitude towards menstrual health over the years and a key part of this was educating employers and schools through anti-stigma campaigns.

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These products are not a luxury but a basic need for those who need them. Since 2017, the Scottish Government has invested more than £27 million to ensure free access to products in a range of public settings but this act now takes this commitment a step further.

I am especially proud that Hey Girls, a social enterprise that can be found in my constituency in Musselburgh, has been heavily involved in leading the way to tackle period poverty in Scotland but also ensure the products are environmentally friendly.

With the help of the Scottish Government, Hey Girls has now developed the PickupMyPeriod app to help people find their nearest collection point.

We are facing difficult times currently, with the cost of essentials increasing, and action such as this will go a long way to ensuring no one has to worry about being unable to access these products.

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Period poverty impacts all nations in the UK, and the UK Government should be taking note of the Scottish Government’s actions, especially during the challenging times we are experiencing.

With the cost of living crisis predicted to worsen in October, urgent action is needed now.

These price increases disproportionately affect those on the lowest incomes, and further amplify inequality.

It is difficult to see the Tories so distracted by their own leadership contest and remaining dormant on this issue when EU countries are taking real action to help families, communities and businesses.