Prosperity at home and strength abroad
March 2025
Welcome to March’s newsletter. Despite February being a short month, we did a lot of work in the constituency and Westminster, which I’ll be sharing with you in this post.
I’m sure many of you will be aware, in February we marked the third anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and of course, my thoughts are with the Ukrainian people at this very difficult time. Security at home and abroad depends on our commitment to defence, and last week, the Prime Minister made the decision to strengthen this by increasing our defence spending to 2.5% of GDP with the aim of moving towards 3%.
I welcomed comments by my friend and colleague, the Chair of the Defence Select Committee, Tan Dhesi MP, that this is our time to step forward as a nation and take the lead on defence and security matters on our continent. I was glad to see the Prime Minister’s leadership on the global stage and the increase in defence spending which will also bring prosperity and jobs to Glasgow South West.
In my role as an MP, I continue to advocate for the Palestinian peoples' right to return and remain in Gaza – this UK Labour Government is resolutely committed to providing leadership to a two-state solution. Our government would of course oppose any effort to move Palestinians to neighbouring Arab states and to be clear, forced displacement is a violation of international law and our government would reject this in the strongest terms.
In Glasgow South West, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting more constituents in my advice surgeries and on local visits. My advice surgeries are a fantastic opportunity for constituents to share concerns, ask questions, and seek advice on various issues. Further along you can find details about my upcoming appointments.
This month, Glasgow City Council announced in their budget that the Cardonald Library will be reopening after being closed since 2023 without any alternative provisions. While I welcome this announcement by the council, I will continue to work with local activists in the campaign group to ensure this decision is implemented as quickly as possible.
In this month’s newsletter, I will give you an update on casework, my work in Westminster, events happening in and around Glasgow, and grant funding opportunities for charities to access.
As always, please get in touch with any casework enquiries or if you would like to have a chat about any concerns.
Please remember to enable pictures to download on your emails!
Contact:
zubir.ahmed.mp@parliament.uk
0141 266 0233
Casework
In February 2025:
286 new cases have been opened. Constituents have contacted me with casework issues including social security, immigration, housing, governmental policy enquiries, and local issues.
891 emails have been sent to constituents who have been in touch
Across Glasgow South West
Book an appointment!
If you would like any support with casework issues, please get in touch!
I am here to serve you and I would like to offer my support. As an MP, I can advocate on your behalf to external and governmental agencies. This month I wrote to the DWP on behalf of a constituent about their severely underpaid Universal Credit. The constituent has now received £725 of underpaid benefits, plus £50 from the DWP as an apology. I support constituents with similar issues every day, so please do not hesitate to contact me.
Abandoned shopping trolleys
I have been contacted by local residents and Govan Community Council about trolleys from the ASDA Govan Superstore being abandoned in the streets, which is completely unacceptable for our community.
I wrote to ASDA about this issue and received a response from the Public Affairs team. they have a service agreement with Collex to collect any abandoned trolleys that leave the supermarket, but due to the current concern raised at Govan Community Council , they have intrusted Collex to carry out an urgent review of the Trolley Retention System to ensure it's operational at each exit point.
I have also met with the store manager in Govan to make sure this problem is solved - I will keep residents updated as the issue progresses.
Glasgow Live: Glasgow residents fight 'depressing' dumped shopping trolleys in 'mucky' Govan
‘Gies Back Our Books’
It was a pleasure to speak with an inspiring group of children on Cardonald Primary School's pupil committee about their campaign to re-open the Cardonald Library
The ‘Gies Back Our Books’ campaign called for funding to be provided by Glasgow City Council so that the library can restart it's vital services. The library has been closed since 2023 without any alternative provision, but last week the council announced in their budget that the building will be reopening.
The SNP Government have brutally hollowed out local government services to fund their own fiscal mismanagement. The Scottish Government has received a record settlement from the UK Labour Chancellor in the history of devolution, an additional £5.2 billion to fix our vital public services - it is important that this money is utilised at a local level.
I’m proud to support and be part of the ‘Gies Back Our Books’ campaign, and I will do everything I can to ensure this happens as quickly as possible.
Dennis Donnelly Park is officially re-opened!
I was delighted to celebrate and cut the ribbon for the grand reopening of Dennis Donnelly Park on Friday, following the successful resurfacing works completed in 2024.
It was brilliant to see the pitch reopen after the successful resurfacing works were complete and join pupils from St. Marnock's Primary School, representatives from the Scottish Football Association, and the team at CY Turf to celebrate on the day.
Crookston Castle
Crookston Castle is the only medieval castle in the city of Glasgow and it was a pleasure to visit the Castle to talk about their future plans for greater community use and access as one of Glasgow’s most important historic sites.
I was thrilled to learn that Crookston Castle have been selected as one of the projects funded by the Castle Studies Trust for a brand-new archaeology project.
This project will give the community a chance to take part in a geophysical survey, helping to uncover the hidden stories of the Castle.
Work in Westminster
UK Labour Government announces investment in defence spending
Ukraine’s security is our security.
I welcome the Prime Minister’s leadership on the global stage and the increase in defence spending which will bring prosperity and jobs to Glasgow South West.
This safety and prosperity at home and strength abroad is only possible because we are one cohesive United Kingdom. Those who attempt to fragment those bonds at this time of crisis do us all great harm. That’s why the UK Labour Government announced the biggest investment in defence spending since the cold war.
This is time for strong leadership, diplomacy, and determination; peace in Europe and the best outcome for Ukraine.
International Rescue Committee
It was an honour to join my colleagues in Parliament to meet with the International Rescue Committee’s President and former Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, and Oscar-winning actor and the IRC’s new Ambassador, Rami Malek.
I had the opportunity to speak with Rami about our shared experiences in childhood, both growing up with parents who had made difficult journeys to both the US and UK respectively.
The IRC’s origins began nearly 100 years ago in 1933 with Albert Einstein and a small group of humanitarians. Today, the IRC is focused on delivering lasting impact by providing health care, vaccination programmes, education projects, and empowering individuals and communities to become self-reliant, always with a focus on the unique needs of women and girls.
The ICR came to Parliament to launch their 2025 Emergency Watchlist – an assessment of the 20 countries at greatest risk of new humanitarian emergencies – which they say reveals that “the world is on fire, and raised serious concerns about the distressing humanitarian crisis in Sudan which is number one on their Emergency Watchlist for the second consecutive year.
These challenges are immense, especially in a world where international aid is ever more precarious and volatile. I spoke with David Miliband about how action can inspire hope and how global cooperation is crucial to our national prosperity.
Glasgow Times: Glasgow MP meets Oscar winning actor over humanitarian work
Supporting the Palestinian peoples’ right to return
The Prime Minister has been clear about the Palestinian peoples' right to return and remain in Gaza. This UK Labour Government is resolutely committed to providing leadership to a two-state solution and upholding international law.
I have seen the human medical consequences of this conflict in graphic detail and I am acutely aware of the urgency of this situation. I continue to be disturbed by brutal attacks on civilians and children in Gaza. Anyone caught in conflict deserves the right to aid and no one should be left to suffer a humanitarian crisis because of a lack of it.
I asked the Minister what our government can do to help the hundreds of thousands of children physically and psychologically traumatised by 16 months of bombardment and I will continue to advocate for this in my role as a PPS to the Department of Health and Social Care.
Meeting with the Palestinian Ambassador
I met with my good friend, His Excellency Dr Husam Zomlot, with my parliamentary colleagues, Harpreet Kuppal MP and Abtisam Mohamed MP to hear his reflections on the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the Israeli attacks in Jenin.
The catastrophic situation in the Middle East, the complete destruction of Gaza, and displacement of more than 90% of Palestinians is unconscionable and continues to exercise me every day. I am acutely aware of the urgency of this situation and stand ready to support the Palestinian people in any capacity I can - we must never lose sight of the pain, suffering and anguish that the conflict has caused for so many ordinary civilians.
I offered the Ambassador my unwavering support and commitment to the Palestinian people. I stay in regular contact with the Ambassador to help the conversation about Gaza between him and my parliamentary colleagues at the forefront and raise serious concerns about Israeli aggression and occupation in the West Bank.
Meeting with Scottish Water
I met with Scottish Water in Parliament to personally thank the COO, Peter Farrah, for all the team’s hard work after a water main burst in Glasgow which impacted many of my constituents. I was reassured that any ongoing issues in the area are being closely monitored and if anything happens in the future, it will be resolved as quickly as possible.
Discussing inter faith relations with the Dean of Westminster Abbey
I had the honour of meeting with the Dean of Westminster Abbey to discuss the importance of inter faith relations in the UK. This is crucial for fostering respect, and cooperation among people of different religious backgrounds - building inclusive communities that promote peace and understanding.
This UK Labour Government is working to ensure that Britain is a place where all faiths can thrive and be comfortable.
Scottish Labour Conference
A New Direction for Scotland
Only Scottish Labour can deliver the new direction Scotland needs. Last month we saw the first conference for 15 years with a UK Labour Government.
It was a brilliant opportunity to learn from the political transformation in Scotland - with the election of 37 new Scottish Labour MPs, up from just two before the June.
I delivered a speech about the importance of reforming our NHS so that it is fit for the 21st century. Fewer GPs, A&E wait times 100x longer than 13 years ago, one in six Scots stuck on waiting lists, and patients forced to go private. As a transplant and vascular surgeon in Glasgow, I’ve seen the managed decline of our NHS by the SNP first hand.
If Scottish Labour are elected in 2026, Jackie Baillie MSP will renegotiate the GP contract - delivering for patients and GPs - end the 8am rush for appointments, and enable patients who are in need to be seen within 48 hours. The scale of the challenge is huge, and Scottish Labour is willing to be bold enough to take it on - with plans for a ‘clinician led’ revolution of the NHS and reduce NHS Scotland health boards.
Only Scottish Labour will put an end to the postcode lottery in NHS care.
Investment in Grangemouth
The Prime Minister has backed Scotland all the way, getting this over the line and giving Grangemouth the chance of a bright industrial future.
The National Wealth Fund will provide £200 million of investment to new opportunities in Grangemouth as part of a major intervention to ensure the long-term future of the industrial site. The funding will be available for co-investment with the private sector to help unlock Grangemouth’s full potential and secure our clean energy future.
The UK Government is also providing a ‘training guarantee’ for all Grangemouth refinery staff to ensure that any worker who would like skills training at the local college is supported, with funding provided by the UK Government - this will help workers into new, good jobs with local employers.
This is brilliant news for Scotland and the region - a clear sign of the difference a Labour government can make for working people.
Ramadan Mubarak!
Ramadan Mubarak!
On this blessed first week of Ramadan, I wish peace, joy, and countless blessings to all my constituents across Glasgow South West. May this sacred month bring you closer to your faith, fill your hearts with gratitude and love.
May this Ramadan be a time of reflection, self-discipline, and compassion. Wishing you all a restful and spiritually fulfilling period ahead.
As the only Scottish Muslim Member of Parliament, with one of the largest Muslim populations, I am proud to represent such a diverse community and celebrate this blessed month with my constituents and organisations across Glasgow and Westminster.
Community Notice Board
Warm Homes Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount Scheme for 2024/2025 is open until 31st March 2025 for applications from Scottish Gas customers.
This is a one-off £150 payment towards electricity bills, paid directly by energy suppliers to customers. The payment is targeted to those on low incomes including those who receive means tested benefits and is separate from the Energy Bill Support Scheme. Check if you are eligible by calling 0330 808 3880.
Agnes Hunter Trust
Grants will be available to registered charities with an annual income of less than £1 million across Scotland to deliver projects and activities that support disabled people.
Grants typically range between £3,000 and £10,000 and can be used to support service provision that provides opportunities and enables people to lead fulfilling lives, such as:
Advice, support, and information.
Life-skills training.
Employability training.
Volunteering.
Funding is for projects that support a range of specific groups or people, including (but not restricted to) those living with mental ill health, cancer, physical and sensory impairments, and long-term health conditions, as well as people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and other neurodivergent people.
Funding can be used towards an organisation’s core costs or direct project costs, including staff salaries and overheads. The Trust will only award grants that equate to at least 10% of the total project costs.
Asda Foundation announces new funding opportunity for grassroots organisations in Glasgow South West
The Asda Foundation has announced up to £500,000 of funding to help support young people in our communities, with a particular focus on mental health and wellbeing. Grants awarded will be worth between £500 and £1,000 and are aimed at helping grassroots groups support young people between the ages of 13 and 21.
Guidance for Groups:
This funding can be used by groups to host safe spaces for young people to be together, or to support a range of other activities or programmes that are aimed at improving physical health and wellbeing. Funding is available to groups who meet at least one of the following objectives:
Provide services that support, educate and empower.
Connect young people to their peers.
Support rehabilitation and recovery and provide shelter.
Deliver activities / programmes that improve physical health and wellbeing.
Organisations can find more information on how to apply here: https://asdafoundation.org/our-grants/young-futures-fund/
International Women’s Day 2025
GalGael community meals
GalGael host two community meals each week - lunch on a Wednesday from 12:30pm, and an evening meal on Thursdays from around 6pm. After their Welcome session every Wednesday, they host a community lunch which is open for everyone.
Find out more here: Community meals
GalGael is about offering activities that help people regain a positive sense of both self and community.
Kinning Park Complex
Each week Kinning Park Complex have lots of different activities happening in the building. Below is their current weekly programme:
Find out more here: Kinning Park Complex
Corkerhill Community Hub
Looking for something fun to do this month? Corkerhill Community Group have got a variety of activities happening for you to join.
