Scottish Elections 2021: Evening News readers hold the key to stop another independence referendum – Miles Briggs

As we enter the final stretch of the Scottish Parliament election campaign, many voters across the country are still to decide which party they will lend their support on May 6.

This election campaign has been like no other, with a ban on candidates holding street stalls and door-to-door canvassing only starting recently.

The ability to campaign has clearly been limited, with literature being pretty much the main focus. As one resident said to me, they’ve had enough leaflets through the door to redecorate their bathroom wall.

It has been a privilege to represent you and our community in the Scottish Parliament as your MSP over the last five years. In that time, I have made myself available to help everyone who needs my assistance and support, especially during the pandemic. It’s become clear that things only get done by listening to and working with local people.

I was proud to bring forward my Private Member’s Bill to extend free personal care for the under-65s, known as Frank’s Law. Across Scotland that has helped over 12,000 people and made sure people with life-limiting conditions like dementia, MND and cancer are given the support they and their families need.

More recently I have led the campaign for a new replacement eye hospital, following the decision by the SNP to cut £45m from NHS Lothian. This is my number one priority for the next parliament – to make sure that promises to the people of Edinburgh and the East of Scotland to build a new replacement eye hospital are kept.

The under-funding of NHS Lothian, our councils and key infrastructure projects must be addressed and we must get our fair share. I will never stop fighting for a better deal for every community in Lothian.

Making sure the Scottish government replaces the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion will be Miles Briggs' top priority if re-elected as an MSP (Picture: Greg Macvean)

That is why this election is so important. At the last election, the Scottish Conservatives won the most regional seats in Lothian, helping to stop another divisive independence referendum.

Over the last year, the UK government has risen to this national health emergency. They have provided unprecedented levels of financial support for furlough and led the way globally on vaccinations. Being part of the UK has undoubtedly been beneficial for Scotland in securing jobs and getting people vaccinated.

The lifting of four months of lockdown restrictions this week has been met with joy by people across Scotland and the relief of businesses. The next Scottish Parliament must be about rebuilding our economy and investing in NHS Scotland, not a divisive constitutional debate.

Evening News readers hold the key to stop another divisive independence referendum. That is why I’m asking you to lend your party vote on the peach ballot paper to the Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party to help re-elect me to continue to serve you in the Scottish Parliament and to elect a strong team of MSPs for Lothian.

Politics for me is all about community campaigning and working for our community. If you put your confidence in me again, I pledge to continue to work across the region to provide an effective, enthusiastic and energetic voice for Lothian in parliament.

Please lend your party vote to the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party and together we can move Lothian and Scotland forward.

Miles Briggs is a Scottish Conservative candidate for Edinburgh Southern and Lothian

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