I WAS honoured to be re-appointed to the position of Secretary of State in Andy Burnham’s new Cabinet.
In these challenging times, I am committed to being Scotland’s voice around the Cabinet table, working constructively to solve problems and seize opportunities on behalf of the Scottish people.
The new Prime Minister’s desire to decentralise power to enable communities to shape their own futures will chime with Scottish opinion as much as the rest of the UK. Under Andy’s leadership, we will step up the pace to deliver the tangible change people in Scotland and across the UK want to see.
One example of where we are already making a difference is on youth mobility in Europe. The Erasmus+ scheme supported young people to travel, train, work and live abroad, commanding broad support whatever people’s view on Brexit.
That is why the Government has determined the UK should rejoin the scheme. It will help widen opportunities for young people in East Lothian from all backgrounds to study and train abroad, as well as unlocking opportunities for educational, youth and sport staff.
Another important area for change is the future of National Lottery good cause funding. Since 1994, the National Lottery has generated more than £53 billion for over 680,000 projects. However, for too long, too many grassroots organisations have missed out because of unnecessary bureaucracy and a system that can feel remote from the communities it serves.
That needs to change and we are consulting on how to give communities a greater say over how the funds raised by Lottery players are invested in local priorities.
I am encouraging local residents, charities and community organisations across East Lothian to respond to the consultation and help shape the future of the National Lottery.
As we begin a new chapter with Andy Burnham as Prime Minister, I look forward to continuing to deliver real change to improve the lives of local people.
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