News, Views and Opinions
Local roots, global reach
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Standing for Falkirk East and Linlithgow
Martyn Day, An Experienced Candidate and Representative This post will be updated throughout the selection contest, so do check back Updated, Monday 5 May I am ready to support John Swinney as he prepares to lead our party and our country through one of the most important periods in our political journey. I’m ready to…
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Local By-elections
Since the General Election last year we have had a spate of local by-elections in West Lothian, and are now on our third with the current Broxburn, Uphall and Winchburgh campaign. The second of which I have acted as the election agent. As a West Lothian councillor I had the privilege of working alongside SNP…
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The Hidden Cost: How Labour’s National Insurance Hike Threatens Scotland’s Future
The recent changes to Employers National Insurance Contributions (NICs) are more than just a bureaucratic adjustment. It has added to the pressures Scotland faces adding well over £700 million to the cost of delivering public services. Despite this, the UK Government seems to be saying it will only reimburse less than half of that cost.…
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Devolved Budgets
Five months into Starmer’s government, the broken promises are clear. Labour continues to shortchange pensioners, cutting winter fuel payments while claiming to offer “change”. Wednesday this week sees publication of the next Scottish budget for 2025/26. We know from independent analysis by the House of Commons Library that Scotland’s block grant has fallen as a…
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Electoral Mandates in Scottish Politics:
The recent SNP St Andrews Award Dinner highlighted an important moment of recognition, with David Alexander of Falkirk receiving a lifetime achievement award for his 33 years of dedicated service as a councillor. His long-standing commitment to both local government and the independence cause exemplifies the kind of experienced leadership that Scottish politics needs. You…
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A New Chapter: Life After Westminster
After serving as an MP, I’ve been embracing a new chapter in Scottish politics. While adjusting to life beyond Westminster has meant rediscovering weekends, I’ve remained actively engaged becoming Linlithgow SNP Convenor and serving as an Election Agent at last weeks local by-election. The messages from doorsteps are clear: people are struggling with living costs…
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The Close of an Epoch: Remembering Alex Salmond
Posted on October 16, 2024 by Martyn Day A Personal Reflection and Tribute I was shocked and saddened at Alex’s sudden death; a political giant has left the stage. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, particularly his wife Moira at this difficult time. It is hard to believe that Alex has gone. He was a constant…
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Land, the canvas of nature and humanity is damaged
I was delighted to participate in the second edition of the Global Changemaker Academy for Parliamentarians (G-CAP), held from August 5-9, 2024, in Bonn, Germany. This innovative program, a collaboration between the G20 Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and the UN System Staff College, aims to empower legislators worldwide to champion sustainable land management.…
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The Tragedy of Land Degradation
My heart goes out to all those affected by Sundays tragic landslide at the Kiteezi landfill in Kampala, Uganda. The loss of life and the ongoing suffering of the community are truly devastating. I want to commend Rita Atukwasa, whom I know through the UN Global Land Initiative, for her advocacy in Parliament. Rita’s submission…
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Global Perspectives: Embracing Diversity in Challenging Times
I’ve just returned from the UN Global Changemakers Academy for Policymakers, where I studied the G20 Land Initiative and restoration strategies with a diverse group of international political figures. An experience which has reinforced the fundamental truth: diversity is our strength and underscored the value of multicultural collaboration in addressing global challenges. This international experience…
Aye Matters 