News archive 2009
December, 2009
Smith - Time for a fresh start in education with a new Education Secretary
Smith - Scottish Funding Council needs to help more students get college places
November, 2009
Smith - Education Secretary running out of people to blame
Smith hits out at Foulkes' hypocrisy
Smith - We must keep creative talent in Scotland
Smith - Forget Nationalist education, teachers want more clarity
Smith - Teacher numbers need to rise, not stay the same
Smith - Improving behaviour is welcome, but efforts must continue
Smith - Teachers are taking the flak for Curriculum For Excellence
Smith judges pupils’ public speaking
Smith - Stamp out homophobic bullying in our schools
Margaret Smith MSP visits Scottish Gas Mobile Training Unit
Smith - Government must encourage innovative approach to education
Margaret Smith MSP signs up to ‘Think Positive’ mental health campaign
Governments must do more to support Scottish families
Smith welcomes Fatal Accident Inquiries Review Report
October, 2009
Smith backs Scothedge campaign for new hedge laws
Smith supports Sick Kids New Pyjamas campaign
Smith and BRIGS raise Forth crossing concerns with Minister
Hyslop should cut holiday for crunch talks on student hardship
Smith responds to Drumbrae Primary closure consultation
Huge disappointment at Lloyds Foundation funding announcement
Smith joins procession for a Gude Cause
Smith pledges to secure better deal for Scotland’s students
Financial education vital to our children’s future, says Smith
September, 2009
Smith pays tribute to Breast Cancer campaigners
SNP must act to stop skills gap developing - Smith
Government must improve care for vulnerable children - Smith
School building programme token bricks for polling day – Smith
Smith condemns SNP failings on teacher numbers
Smith continues calls for better support for Scotland's students
Smith slams Transport Minister's complacency over trams
Smith condemns SNP’s handling of changes to Children’s Hearing Panel
Smith calls for lessons to be learned on Forth crossing
Excellent Scout Post service will be missed - Smith
Smith calls for stronger Schools Consultation Bill
August, 2009
Smith reveals true extent of student hardship in Scotland
Delay to children's panel reforms will allow time for proper consultation – Smith
School closures consultation launched
Scottish Government announcement on Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi
Smith and Barrett meet Network Rail Bosses
Tram contractors not living up to spirit or substance of contract - Smith
Hope for Edinburgh in the recession
Smith and Barrett meet East Craigs Developers
July, 2009
Forth crossing concerns – Update
John Barrett to stand down at next election as Edinburgh West MP
Forth Crossing Compensation Guidance Issued
Smith welcomes Inquiry decision to save Corstorphine Hill greenbelt
June, 2009
Smith welcomes RHASS to Parliament
Smith joins Transport Committee in questioning Transport Scotland chiefs
Social work resources must be targeted at improving child protection – Smith
Margaret Smith MSP signs up to groundbreaking study into the causes of breast cancer
Smith welcomes Queensferry Churches Care in the Community to Parliament
Smith supports Edinburgh’s world-leading Festivals
Education Secretary burying head in sand over class size challenge
Margaret and John meet the West Neighbourhood Team
Smith and Barrett contact Council over School closure proposals
Lack of grading serious concern for school leavers - Smith
Tesco jobs announcement good news for Edinburgh - Smith
Smith Raises construction concerns about Bridge
Ministers must do more to support Scotland's Teachers - Smith
Poor Council settlement threatening education of our children – Smith
Sun comes out for Clermiston and Drumbrae Children’s Gala
May, 2009
Western General Development Update
Smith welcomes continued Council support for X48
SNP class size commitment a hollow promise
Boundary Commission plans for Edinburgh West published
Smith welcomes Parliament vote to allow FAIs in Scotland
Smith secures working group for vulnerable children
University language budget cuts ‘very concerning’
Salmond’s silence over funding for children in care deafening
Rise in college applications should be used to fill skills gap
Lessons must be learned from Kerelaw
SNP broken promises on education threaten action to tackle indiscipline
April, 2009
Smith concerned over Government cuts in teacher training places
Smith calls for action to support Scottish students
Questions remain over SNP commitment to Scottish skills
Smith warns against further delays to holding FAIs in Scotland
Information for residents concerned about the census rehearsal
Curriculum for Excellence needs more than warm words
March, 2009
Will Education Secretary put two and two together on maths?
SNP gagging Education Committee
It’s time for a fresh Minister, not fresh excuses
Education system must help every child reach their potential
Greater support needed for female science academics
Smith works to secure safe passage of Scottish aid convoy through Syria
Jobs announcement is shot in the arm for Edinburgh
February, 2009
Smith calls for swift resolution to trams dispute
Smith presses First Minister for action to protect Scottish jobs
Tram contractors’ demands unacceptable
Smith welcomes strong Council budget in difficult times
Smith welcomes confirmation of murder clear up fund
January, 2009
Margaret Smith MSP supports Winter Warmth message
Smith calls for more recycling support for local Councils
Smith joins protest against Scottish forests sell off
Smith and Barrett help create new trees for Scotland
Smith supports Edinburgh Council case for Government Housing Funding