Thousands of Scots opened their doors to Ukrainians who were forced to flee the war in their homeland. Scotland, like other UK nations, can be proud of the work it has done to support refugees over the last year.
It’s heartwarming to hear stories of Ukrainians settling into their new homes as best they can while still worrying about loved ones overseas. Listening to the experiences of refugees living in Scotland can also offer a fresh perspective on our society.
The case of a young woman raised in the Scottish Parliament yesterday was particularly shocking. Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton spoke of Maria, a young woman living in Glasgow, who had struggled to obtain an appointment for a blood test.
She then took the decision to fly back to her home city of Kyiv and have the test there. It’s a damning indictment of the crisis in our NHS that such a course of action can even be contemplated.
The Ukrainian capital has suffered terribly in recent months from Russian bombing and is bombarded with missiles on a daily basis. Yet a young woman found it easier to have blood tests carried out there than here in Scotland.
All refugees will be desperate to return to their homeland. But while they are here, they have a right to expect decent public services, just like the rest of us.
It’s an inescapable fact that waiting times for GP appointments and hospital services are too long. The Scottish Government announced this week plans to try to mitigate the crisis facing our NHS.
It’s in everyone’s interests that they work. Our health service can’t endure another winter as grim as this one.
Transition time
It is understandable that SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn would like the Cambo oil field to go ahead if it meets climate requirements. He is the MP for Aberdeen South and much of the north-east’s economy is dependent on oil and gas.
Tens of thousands of people will be left without work and communities will be shattered as they were in coal mining areas in the 80s if the industry isn’t replaced. But Scotland’s energy future economy has to be built on renewables instead of fossil fuels.
We should focus on the potential of green energy rather than oil and gas. A just transition presents an opportunity to create well-paid jobs and a sustainable future for communities such as those Stephen Flynn represents.
Scotland should grab it with both hands.
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