Natalie Don MSP has landed two key roles in the Scottish Parliament after being elected as the Deputy Convenor of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee and a member of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee.
In the absence of the Convenor of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, the MSP for Renfrewshire North and West will chair meetings which will consider a range of important issues including welfare policy and social security, poverty action measures, human rights, the third sector, refugees and asylum, tackling inequalities as well as violence against women and girls.
Having previously served as the Depute Convenor of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Board, Natalie Don will also build on her extensive local experience at national level in the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee which will examine policies on climate crisis and environmental protection, biodiversity, sustainable development, fuel poverty, renewable energy, flood prevention and transport strategy.
Natalie Don MSP said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the vital work of two of the Scottish Parliament’s most important committees which scrutinise government policies on a variety of issues which impact on everyday life across the country as well as global efforts to tackle the climate emergency.
“I’m looking forward to taking on the Deputy Convenorship of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee because work ensuring people-centred policies are developed to make our country fairer and improve the lives of Scotland’s citizens – including low-income families and children experiencing poverty – is extremely close to my heart.
“As someone with a real-life understanding of just how tiresome, stressful and cruel welfare application processes can be, I will reflect on my personal experiences during my committee duties and listen very carefully to the views of my constituents, anti-poverty campaigners and other stakeholders.
“With Glasgow hosting COP26 in November, I am really excited about the SNP Government’s plans for Scotland to play our part as a responsible global citizen to lead the world into the net zero age.
“In my previous role on Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Board, I was proud to be involved in bringing real change to Renfrewshire, declaring a climate emergency over two years ago and pioneering Team Up to Clean Up, one of the Council’s most successful campaigns, which highlights the importance of our natural environment and encourages community involvement and action.
“It is a privilege to now have a parliamentary role overseeing national policies aimed at overcoming the climate crisis which, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, remains the greatest challenge facing the planet.”