It was particularly useful to hear the perspectives of young mothers who have experienced the impact of poverty, to hear more about the intrinsic link between women's poverty and child poverty, and to discuss how we need to start telling a different story about poverty in Scotland.

We took to the Chamber to challenge Reform on their racism and their misogyny last night. Lots of speeches from us, Labour and the SNP worth watching, but here's mine ⬇️

Ahead of today's debate, I joined demonstrators from Women Against the Far Right Scotland outside parliament to say no to Islamophobia, no to the weaponisation of violence against women and girls, and no to attacks on Muslim women, and to all forms of misogyny.

I am appalled by the motion Reform has brought to the Scottish Parliament today, an abhorrent attempt to stir up anti-Muslim hatred, to make Muslim women feel othered, unwelcome and unsafe. It is designed to make people feel fearful and push people out of public space. We will not let that happen.

My motion recognises the important role of specialist Muslim-led "by and for" organisations in supporting those affected by Islamophobia and hate crime, and notes the important contributions of anti-racist education programmes and active bystander work in responding to Islamophobia in Scotland.

In my region and across Scotland, anti-Muslim hatred and attacks on Muslim communities are growing, including on the streets, in schools and workplaces, in the media, in politics and online. Islamophobia has a disproportionate impact on Muslim women, who bear the brunt of anti-Muslim hostility.

This year's IAM theme is Don’t Let It Slide, calling on all of us to take action, have courage and recognise everyone's everyday responsibility to address Islamophobia. As MSPs, we must respond to all forms of racism and discrimination and not allow it to be normalised.

Ahead of Islamophobia Awareness Month 2026, I've submitted a parliamentary motion recognising the month as an opportunity to raise awareness of the harms of Islamophobia and to showcase the positive contributions of Muslims in Scotland and across the UK.

THE INDEPENDENT: Contactless border trials at two airports could let Britons use facial recognition rather than show passports at e-gates. Big Brother Watch says 80% of people misidentified in London in 2025 were Black. - by Bryony Gooch

The devastating floods in Nepal were likely a result of the climate crisis. This requires global action, and I am committed to working with the Scottish Government to ensure Scotland is doing its bit to fight for climate justice & support communities at the forefront of the climate catastrophe.

Last week in parliament, I asked Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin MSP what engagement she has had with the government's Humanitarian Emergency Fund team about increasing support to countries affected by climate-induced emergencies, and whether any funds would be directed to Nepal.