ABOUT ME | Mysite 1

Historical Background

The Scottish Parliament was established in 1999 to make laws and debate on political and social issues. Within the Parliament, there are a total of 129 elected representatives or MSPs (Members of the Scottish Parliament). Nicola Sturgeon is the First Minister of Scotland and the leader of the Scottish National Party. Within the MSPs, there are 63 representatives of the Scottish National Party, 31 of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, 24 of the Scottish Labor Party, 6 of the Scottish Green Party and 5 of the Scottish Liberal Democrats. The Scottish Parliament is responsible for a range of policy areas, including health, education and justice. Other matters such as immigration, can be dealt only by the UK Parliament. To find out more information on the Parliament go to http://www.parliament.scot/

My Internship at the Parliament

I worked for the Scottish National Party (SNP) for MSP Colin Beattie. He represents the Midlothian North and Musselburgh. During my time working for Colin Beattie, my tasks at the Parliament usually consisted of writing daily press releases and motions, updating his website and annual newsletter, writing to constituents, preparing presentations and debates, conducting research on the Scottish economy, and collaborating to prepare First Minister Question. One of my biggest tasks was writing a speech on Scotland's economic future and economic data, which was later used in a debate Colin spoke in.

As a member of the Economy, Energy and Fair Work committee, Colin is randomly chosen to speak in debates. I had the unique opportunity to not only research and learn about the current state of the Scottish economy, but to assist Colin in a very important task. Scotland and the UK are facing one of the biggest challenges over the next few years: Brexit. It’s all over the news and a daily topic talked about at work. Although the ultimate economic impact of Brexit is not yet known, it will most definitely affect every business and family in Scotland by exacerbating labor shortages and impeding economic growth. I will say the process of writing it was a challenge, but I learned a lot and developed several skills that I’ll be able to apply in the future.

Lastly, I attended FMQ’s (First Minister Questions) in the debating chamber where First Minister Nicola Sturgeon answers questions from the members of Parliament. It was insightful and educational to see from an outsider how a different system of politics works.

To find out more about MSP Colin Beattie, go to http://www.parliament.scot/msps/currentmsps/colin-beattie-msp.aspx