As you read this, we will be hours away from our hastily called General Election. 

As candidates and activists pound the wintry streets looking for your support, the country, and our capital city needs a new Government. One that cares about people, invests in public services and will be bold in challenging the major issues of climate change and poverty in the 21st century. 

This Election is about the crisis of living standards and the climate emergency. 

Edinburgh has set a bold commitment of zero carbon by 2030 and needs the support of the whole city to make effective change. Whatever your position on this, we cannot continue to do more of the same.  Labour’s plans for a Green New Deal will kick start a Green Industrial Revolution that will see around 1 million jobs created across the United Kingdom. 

Poverty  

As the Edinburgh Poverty Commission puts forward its interim recommendations, it is startling to see over £80 million of DWP benefits unclaimed in our capital city. In many of the discussions we have had with local people and community projects, in-work poverty is by far the biggest issue we face. With over 80,000 people in this city in poverty, increasing use of foodbanks and continued draconian sanctions on people trying to get by – it is time for change. 

Edinburgh Labour supports the work of the Poverty Commission and will continue to engage with our citizens, with trade unions and the business community to deliver a fairer, living wage capital city where people are more equal. 

A Labour Government will see the end of Universal Credit, invest in public services and much, much more – I only wish the  Scottish Government would do the same! 

For Real Change in Edinburgh, and a new Government that cares about people, this Thursday – 12th December  – Vote Labour and in my own constituency of Edinburgh North and Leith be sure to back Gordon Munro as your MP. 

On behalf of Edinburgh Labour, I wish you all the very best for Christmas and a Happy New Year