THE past two months have been very productive in the Scottish Parliament. On September 25, we adopted the most ambitious climate targets in the world.

This significant feat means Scotland is on track to end its contribution to climate change by 2045.

Our country’s bold leadership has been praised internationally. Patricia Espinosa, head of the UN’s Climate Change Body, regards this as “inspiring, an example of the level of ambition we need.”

This necessary step has been followed by other major ones, like giving our children the same protection as adults from assault, meaning that there is no exemption in court when a child’s safety is being decided. Another important achievement has been the confirmation that Scotland will not allow fracking.

I was also honoured to host the Anthony Nolan Trust. I have been a long-time supporter of the trust – having worked for hospitals, I know what difference charities like this can make to the lives of patients. The trust manages a stem-cell register, helping people with blood cancer get the best possible match.

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Every year 2,000 people in the UK need a match and last year 68,658 potential lifesavers were recruited, and I’m proud Anniesland has 1,026 names on the register.

If you are aged 16-30 you can become a potential lifesaver too, just go to anthonynolan.org. If you are aged over 31 then you can find out ways to help people with blood cancer on the website.

On Saturday, I went to the Unite Stand Up to Racism Rally in Glasgow. It was great to see so many people turn up. I also recently visited Bankhead Primary and spoke with pupils about the role of MSPs. The class was very engaged and bright, with the pupils asking many good questions.

Last week, I met up with Jennifer Nadel - founder of Compassion in Politics. Alongside SNP colleagues including Minister for Equalities Christina McKelvie and Deputy Presiding Officer Linda Fabiani, we discussed ways to put compassion into the heart of politics. This means strengthening a culture of respect and protecting the most vulnerable in society, something the SNP champions.

In terms of our engagement with the Brexit process, protecting people and ensuring the most vulnerable are looked after is our top priority. This is why the SNP are against a no-deal Brexit. The Scottish Government recently produced a report and interactive map showing which groups would be the worst hit by Brexit. Whilst this is a preparatory tool for organisations, the report highlights that urban areas, especially Glasgow, have significant populations at risk from the impact of Brexit. Worryingly, it shows that Drumchapel, Knightswood, Yoker and Scotstoun may be worst affected by Brexit.

The SNP is pushing hard in Holyrood and Westminster against a no-deal. Instead, we want to be closely aligned with the EU, to the greatest extent possible. A willingness to put party politics aside is needed and my SNP colleagues and I will keep on putting the needs of the Scottish people first.