In my main article last Monday, I highlighted the fact that all political parties in Holyrood – with the exception of the SNP – intended to back a proposed Bill that would ensure universal and cost-free access to sanitary items in Scotland and help alleviate what has become known as “period poverty”.
With the most cost-effective sanitary items now available for less than £1, it is a tragic reality that there are women and girls who cannot afford what is not a luxury but a basic necessity.
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However, there was sustained pressure on the SNP from various charities, campaign groups and newspaper columnists as well as more than 100 of their own members urging a change of direction.
I wrote a personal email to every SNP elected member urging them to reconsider the party stance to vote down the Bill.
I began to receive responses from MSPs, who stated their intention to break rank and support the Bill and, by Wednesday afternoon, the party offered its full backing.
Today I will be at the Scottish Parliament for a rally and the afternoon debate in which I look forward to observing the passing of this historic legislation, which is an investment in every woman and girl in Scotland.
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