Annie Wells
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party · Scotland
“If we are serious about supporting our town centres and our high streets, restoring pride in our communities and ensuring that no one is left behind, access to basic banking services must be part of the conversation. There also needs to be a broader rethink of how we protect access to cash.”
“There is a real sense of identity, pride and community spirit, and local services such as banks are part of that fabric. When they disappear, something much bigger is lost.”
“I, too, thank Clare Haughey for bringing this important debate the chamber. Decisions to close Bank of Scotland branches, including the one in Rutherglen, have a profound impact on communities, as Ms Haughey explained very well.”
“I recognise the commercial realities that banks face, but we cannot ignore the social consequences of these decisions. Clare Haughey: I agree with all that Annie Wells has said about the impact on the community.”
“It also risks isolating those who are already vulnerable and sending a message that towns such as Rutherglen and places such as Springburn can be left behind. That cannot be acceptable. I urge Lloyds Banking Group to reconsider its decision before the closure in the summer.”
“Amendment 85 agreed to. The Presiding Officer: We have had detailed consideration of amendments, and members have noted the manner and spirit in which our proceedings have been conducted. That ends our consideration of stage 3 amendments.”
The complete record
Every one of 158 lines we hold for Annie Wells, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 4 of 4.
“To ask the Scottish Government when Public Health Scotland will produce updated statistics on the screening rates for cervical cancer. (S6O-04367)”
“From day 1, the Scottish Government was warned that the bill would not work, and it did not listen to anyone. Four years on, nothing has changed. Will the minister take the opportunity to apologise to all those she has let down? Maree Todd: It is somewhat incorrect to state that, four years on, nothing has changed. In fact, the bill was introduced, it was changed extensively and then we paused. It was then changed extensively again, and again now. I have listened to stakeholders who have raised concerns and I am changing direction again. As I have said multiple times, I hope that the whole of Parliament can get behind what I have put forward today. I look forward to working with all members to deliver the improvements that the people of Scotland need.”
“I join campaigners in welcoming the financial commitment that the Scottish Government made last June, but also in believing that that is only one part of a long-term approach. I look forward to working with members on all sides of the chamber to help to make that goal a reality, and I am eager to see what positive changes we can bring about in 2025 for people who are living with diabetes. 17:37”
“They have advocated for regular reviews on how funding is used, promoting greater access to hybrid closed-loop systems and tailoring approaches for paediatric-specific needs such as remote monitoring. Moreover, they have pressed for ensuring that guidelines are followed by all health boards and clinical staff to ensure safety, and that patients and their families are informed of all available choices in diabetes tech so that they are empowered through making their choice. There are currently 36,000 people across the country who are living with type 1 diabetes, and it is clear that there is a need to address shortcomings in respect of the diabetes technology that could help them to lead better lives.”
“For example, numerous families feel that their needs are not being met, because, although central funding covers insulin pumps and glucose monitors for those under 18, their options are still quite limited. That can contribute negatively to people’s quality of life, which is already impacted by managing their diabetes. According to IPAG Scotland, managing type 1 diabetes means—as we have heard—that an individual has to make an extra 180 decisions every day. Accessible technology that provides real-time information can significantly improve that daily challenge. However, the challenges remain on-going, so we need to consider what can be done to address them. Fortunately, organisations such as Diabetes Scotland and IPAG Scotland have spelled out some recommendations with that goal in mind.”
“That tech spares people who are living with diabetes from having to do painful finger-prick tests regularly. Given that the technology is a vital part of the lives of people who live with type 1 diabetes, proper funding is essential in ensuring that their needs are met. Last summer, the Scottish Government recognised that with its £8.8 million commitment to improving access to diabetes technology, which is very welcome. The same commitment was meant to align with the Scottish Health Technologies Group’s recommendations and with the SIGN guidelines, which are designed to give young people and children access to technology in such a way that they can exercise choice. Despite that positive commitment, however, concerns remain regarding accessibility and choice.”
“I thank my colleague Foysol Choudhury for bringing the debate to the chamber on behalf of those across Scotland who are living with type 1 diabetes. I also thank Emma Harper for sharing the story of her own journey with type 1 diabetes. The debate focuses on the importance of medical technology and, more specifically, on how important diabetes tech is—as we have heard—for individuals in managing their diabetes. According to Diabetes Scotland, diabetes tech aids people in monitoring their blood sugar levels or taking insulin, and includes insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors and hybrid closed-loop systems, which connect a continuous glucose monitor with an insulin pump that adjusts insulin levels automatically in many instances.”
“What is the cabinet secretary’s assessment of the availability of flu vaccine and appointments for people under 65 and not within the at-risk groups who want to be vaccinated but have simply been unable to do so? Neil Gray: We have been working with all health boards to ensure that they are providing ready access to people who are eligible to receive a vaccine and to ensure that barriers to their doing so are removed. I was heartened to hear that many health boards are seeking to provide vaccination clinics for staff, for instance, to increase their access to vaccination. If Annie Wells has specific examples of where that has been an issue, I would be more than happy to hear about them and to raise the matter with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde—or, indeed, with any other health board where that is perceived to be an issue.”