The week began with Oral Questions to the Home Office, where on the back of a question about anti-social behaviour, I asked the Minister about the link between anti-social behaviour and the lack of provision of youth focused community initiatives and programmes. While a devolved matter, this is an issue that affects the constituency, and it was interesting to hear the UK Government’s view of the issue in England. You can read a transcript of my exchange with the Minister in Hansard, or watch it on ParliamentTV.

Tuesday saw a Statement from the Home Secretary about visas for Ukrainian refugees, where I asked her what discussions she had had with the Scottish Government about how the humanitarian pathway would work in practice. You can read a transcript of my exchange with the Home Secretary in Hansard, or watch it on ParliamentTV

Wednesday saw the President for COP26 come to answer questions from the House, where I pressed him to recognise the importance of addressing biodiversity loss in reaching net zero targets. You can read a transcript of my question in Hansard, or watch it on ParliamentTV.

During Thursday’s Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for International Trade, I asked what conversations she had had with the Scottish Government about increasing Scottish trade with South American countries. The Minister indicated she would be travelling to Edinburgh soon and was looking forward to picking up discussions then. You can read a transcript of my exchange with the Minister in Hansard.

At Business Questions I took the opportunity to congratulate Rutherglen Lawn Tennis Club on their centenary this year, having tabled an Early Day Motion to a similar effect, and noting the importance of exercise and sport for mental wellbeing as well as physical. You can read a transcript in Hansard, or watch it on ParliamentTV.

We also heard an update from the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on sanctions on Russia, where I asked about the impact cancellations of performances by the Russian Ballet would have on the UK venues hosting them. You can read a transcript of my exchange with the Secretary of State in Hansard, or watch it on ParliamentTV.