By Katy Clark MSP

It has been almost thirty years since the creation of the Scottish Parliament and despite the belief that devolution would lead to transformational change for communities across Scotland, the truth is that Scotland’s economy continues to work mainly for the benefit of a wealthy few and social justice is far from a reality. 

 Across the West Scotland region which I have represented since 2021, we see the continuing impact of deindustrialisation on so many communities with unemployment, insecure and low-paid work, health inequalities, inadequate housing provision and poverty continuing to blight the lives of many of my constituents.

Yes, deindustrialisation was the result of the economic policies pursued by the Thatcher government, but its continuing impact on communities across Scotland is exacerbated by a lack of political will within the Scottish Parliament.

The Scottish Parliament isn’t helpless, it’s one of the most powerful devolved legislatures in the world.

It has significant taxation powers, is responsible for the running of many of Scotland’s public services which people rely upon daily and has gained further powers in recent years in areas like social security.

Yet these powers go largely underutilised with the political debate in the Parliament failing to grasp issues like the need to tackle the massive inequalities which exist in our society, to tax wealth, to end the privatisation and outsourcing of our public services, and to expand the rights of working people.

I believe that it’s long past time for the Scottish Parliament to use its powers to create wealth for the many, end inequality and deliver social justice.

That’s why I am seeking support from Party members to once again serve as a Labour MSP for West Scotland.

Over the past five years, I have tried to fight for the interests of communities, workers and trade unions, and for social justice, women’s rights and equality.

I have urged the Scottish Government to use the powers of the Parliament to deliver an industrial strategy for West Scotland which would begin to turn the tide against the legacy of deindustrialisation by creating well-paid, secure and unionised jobs.

I have stood with workers taking strike action and fought for better pay, improved terms and conditions, to protect jobs and for investment in vital public services like the NHS.

I have called for a different approach through the powers of the Parliament on issues like bringing bus services into municipal ownership to reduce fares and deliver for passengers, for greater investment in drug rehabilitation services, and delivering guaranteed work for Scottish shipyards like publicly-owned Ferguson Marine.

As Scottish Labour’s Community Safety Spokesperson, I have worked on issues ranging from opposing cuts to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, tackling sexism, misogyny, violence and the rise of far-right influence in our schools, better investment in community justice alternatives, and improving legal protections for public transport workers who face assault while carrying out their work.

I have fought for the Scottish Government to maximise the use of devolved powers to protect women’s rights, to end privatisation and outsourcing in public services, for a fair funding settlement for councils, more investment in social housing, and for policies to combat poverty.

My Freedom of Information Reform Bill seeks to strengthen FOI law and end the culture of secrecy where private companies, including multinationals, which increasingly are involved in delivering public services and in receipt of public money, are not fully transparent or accountable to the public for services we pay for. 

As well as arguing for maximum use of the Scottish Parliament’s powers, I have not been afraid to speak out and challenge the UK Labour Government on issues which matter to the wider labour movement and when it takes decisions which detrimentally impact my constituents across West Scotland.

I opposed the decision to cut winter fuel payments and changes to the welfare system.  As the convener of the WASPI cross-party group in the Scottish Parliament, I have argued for compensation for the WASPI women and continue to support their campaign to right the injustice which they have endured.

I spoke out against Israel’s genocide in Gaza, called for an end to arms sales to Israel, for the recognition of the state of Palestine, and opposed the way in which pro-Palestine protests have been policed.

If I am given the privilege by Party members and the people of West Scotland to serve as an MSP in the next parliamentary session, I will continue to try to fight for the powers of the Scottish Parliament to be focused on delivering social justice, and on creating wealth through a green industrial strategy.  

I want to thank those Party members who have supported me so far, and UNITE, UNISON, CWU, ASLEF, TSSA, NUM and the Socialist Health Association for their endorsements.

If you have yet to vote and are a Party member in the West Scotland region, please make your voice heard and I hope you will consider voting Katy Clark #1.

Katy Clark has been a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the West Scotland region since 2021. She was previously the UK MP for North Ayrshire and Arran from 2005 to 2015.