Emma Roddick: My goal is making politics accessible for those who’ve been historically under-represented

When I stay in Edinburgh for business days, I walk down the Royal Mile to get to Parliament. Crisis, the homelessness charity, has recently taken over one of the buildings on the street, and their big red sign is a daily reminder of why I came here – to make things better, in the hope that people in the future no longer experience homelessness the way I did.

Another goal is making politics accessible for others who’ve been historically underrepresented. I’m the youngest minister so far but I want that record broken next time. I’m the first out LGBTQ person to represent the Highlands but I’d like to see the second soon. Though, I know there are a lot of hurdles to overcome to have people feel like politics is for them, rather than something that happens to them.

I suspect a big part of why people feel disconnected from the decisions politicians make is the theatricality of how it’s communicated – nobody really knows, unless they come and see for themselves, how our pre-debate conversations go or what we do outwith the debating chamber.

So, I’ve been reaching out and sharing what really goes on and telling folk how best to contact their local representatives – even change our minds about something – in the hope that it makes even one person feel a bit more interested in what happens in their parliament and ready to influence what comes next.

I’m extremely proud of the work the SNP is doing to make Scotland a fairer country – we’re giving money directly to those who need it through the Scottish Child Payment, Fuel Insecurity Fund and more, strengthening human rights, and doing all that we can to support businesses and the country become more sustainable and successful.

I’m delighted to be doing my part in taking through new policies to support refugees and asylum seekers, tackle inequality, and address depopulation – though, as someone who would often take part in multiple debates a day, it’s a huge adjustment to go from asking questions of government as a backbencher to answering them, and to not be able to speak in any debate I fancy.

Since entering government, I’ve been working long days, then getting home to my “ministerial box” – they’re virtual now, rather than the briefcases ministers carry on TV but the term stuck – which is full of decisions to make and briefings to read.

I’ve also been planning regional travel; filling weekends and recess with everyone who wants to meet with me in the Highlands and Islands. From constituents who have big ideas about improving their local communities to meeting those working hard in our spaceports and schools, I’ve got a big summer coming up – but there’s always room to support more people.

I hope that anyone reading this who has opinions on planned changes to law or could do with some support from their local MSP will reach out to let me know. I am available at emma.roddick.msp@parliament.scot and 01463 563036.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.