Sign in

Monica Lennon

@monicalennon.bsky.social
3.1K followers 1.1K following 186 posts

Former Scottish Labour MSP for Central Scotland (May 2016-April 2026) Free Period Products Act and Ecocide Bill 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Reflections on the final chapter of the documentary series 7 Up - and the quiet, ordinary mystery of human life. Latest column www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The makers of the 7 Up series set out to prove a point about class. What they achieved is far more profound | Jonathan Freedland
The epic documentary series reveals much about the shifting social attitudes of the last 60 years – and much more about the quiet mystery of human life, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
46010
Reposted by Monica Lennon
NASUWT Scotland @nasuwtscotland.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
NASUWT's support for properly funded suicide prevention in our schools was highlighted to the First Minister this week.
032
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Aileen McHarg @aileenmcharg.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The sort of thing that ought to be of concern to the Scottish Government.
02511
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Alcohol Focus Scotland @alcoholfocus.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Thanks to @monicalennon.bsky.social for asking Parliamentary questions on whether the upcoming alcohol prevention plan will include marketing restrictions and on plans to introduce automatic uprating of minimum unit pricing. 🙌
Screenshot with text reading:

Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce an automatic uprating mechanism for Minimum Unit Pricing.

Answer
The Scottish Government committed in the Preventing Harm, Promoting Recovery: Scotland's Alcohol & Drugs Strategic Plan to the publication of the range of actions it will take in line with World Health Organization advice as part of a future Alcohol Harm Prevention Plan. That plan will set out action to prevent alcohol harm in Scotland, building on the impact of policies such as Minimum Unit Pricing.

Whilst no decision has been yet been taken, the Scottish Government has continued to consider the appropriate next steps for minimum unit pricing. This will be set out as part of the Alcohol Harm Prevention plan in due course.Screenshot with text reading:

Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will commit to bringing forward an alcohol harm prevention plan, including action to restrict marketing and availability of alcohol.

Answer
The Scottish Government published the ‘Preventing Harm, Promoting Recovery: Scotland's Alcohol & Drugs Strategic Plan’ in March 2026, which commits the Scottish Government to a long-term public health approach to reducing alcohol and drug-related harm, including the publication of an Alcohol Harm Prevention Action Plan setting out the next steps for addressing alcohol-related harm in Scotland.

Work is currently underway to develop that Plan, which will set out the next phase of action to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harm. As part of this work, we will continue to assess the evidence on measures that could help reduce alcohol-related harm.

No decisions have yet been taken on specific measures, and further details will be published in due course through the Alcohol Harm Prevention Action Plan.
041
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Future Economy Scotland @futureeconscot.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Audit Scotland’s new report echoes many of the shortcomings we identified with the ScotWind offshore wind leasing round. But more can be done to ensure the wealth generated by Scotland's offshore wind is widely shared. Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/447-re...
1107
Monica Lennon @monicalennon.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Good news: planning decisions on hyperscale data centres have been paused while national guidance is developed. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Call-in procedures & mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments for projects over 50MW will provide additional scrutiny. No room for complacency but this is a victory for campaigners.
1101
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Rachael Revesz @rachaelrevesz.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Wow. Scotland just voted to 'pause' applications for hyperscale data centres. This is massive. I'm just sorry for the other countries where this happened too late or hasn't happened at all. It also shows how powerful community resistance is. Corporate influence can only go so far. #aidatacentre
011
Monica Lennon @monicalennon.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Thank you to constituents who have contacted me about hyperscale data centres. The passing of the Scottish Labour amendment means no planning decisions will be made until national guidance is in place. Scottish Government mandating Environmental Impact Assessments for centres over 50MW is welcome.
172
Monica Lennon @monicalennon.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
It’s an honour to return to the Scottish Parliament as a Scottish Labour and Scottish Co-operative Party MSP for Glasgow. I will work hard to represent the region and fight for a fairer future for all the people and communities who make Glasgow and South Lanarkshire so special.
071
Reposted by Monica Lennon
CNN @cnn.com · 30/08/2026
A water line leak this week in El Reno, Oklahoma, which has cost residents more than three million gallons of water, has been traced to a data center, according to local reports.
25436283
Monica Lennon @monicalennon.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
In my Sunday Mail columm today, I make the case for a moratorium on new hyper-scale data centres in Scotland . I worry that our governments have become too unquestioning in the rush to attract investment. Anyone asking fair questions risks being labelled anti-technology, anti-growth or a NIMBY.
The image is a Sunday Mail newspaper column by Monica Lennon MSP,  as laid out on the page. The main article discusses the proposals for hyper-scale data centres in Scotland. There is a smaller section at the bottom of the page marking the death of Dolly Parton with the headline ‘why all of us should try to be a little more Dolly.”
292
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Duncan Hothersall @dhothersall.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Today the first ever Scottish Borders Pride 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 is happening in Galashiels. Huge kudos to the organisers who have put in a massive amount of work with a focus on accessibility and community engagement. And the sun is shining 🌤️! Visibility for LGBT+ people has never been more important. Happy pride!
3425
Reposted by Monica Lennon
WWF Scotland @wwfscotland.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
At this time of year, many of our seabird visitors are heading back out to sea. Including puffins, which by mid-August head out to bob on the open North Atlantic & North Sea. It’s always a joy to have visiting migrating birds, reminding us of how precious our world is and the need to protect it. 🌍🌊
Four Atlantic puffins with distinctive orange beaks and feet stand on rocky terrain near a blurred coastal background.
052
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Nairn Angus-McDonald @nairnamcd.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
1/7 While I’m naturally disappointed that, despite the tremendous support Monica received from members, cllrs, CLPs and affiliates across the country, her vision and ideas will not now be put before members in the final ballot, I remain immensely proud to have supported her campaign.
131
Monica Lennon @monicalennon.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Thank you to everyone who nominated me, volunteered and cheered me on. We didn’t make the ballot today but your voices still matter. Until we see meaningful and radical change, Scottish Labour remains stuck in the past. We are not listening to all of our members, the wider movement that…
65011
Monica Lennon @monicalennon.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Labour women today stand on the shoulders of sisters who fought hard for gender equality in our parliaments, councils and party structures. I’m one of many women who benefited from all-women shortlists. I will never pull the ladder up on my sisters and I won’t let those who seek to divide us win.
0113
Reposted by Monica Lennon
The Ferret @theferret.scot · 16/08/2026
Only one in eleven major summer festivals analysed by The Ferret has a 50/50 gender split, with representation across all festivals declining at headline level. theferret.scot/scotlands-music-festivals-headliners-male
074
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Shetland Elects @shetlandelects.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
The Orkney Labour branch has nominated Monica Lennon (MSP for Glasgow) for the upcoming Scottish Labour leadership election.
041
Reposted by Monica Lennon
jade42069.bsky.social @jade42069.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
disabled people have been scapegoated for austerity for way too long and it's exhausting. good to see the "burden" narrative being called out directly instead of danced around
042
Monica Lennon @monicalennon.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
It’s the final weekend of the Scottish Labour leadership nomination process. I’m grateful to members, colleagues, trade unions, affiliates and CLPs who have nominated me. 🌹 We are campaigning to make Scottish Labour a proudly democratic socialist party, fit for modern Scotland. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
1164
Monica Lennon @monicalennon.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Thank you to Falkirk East and Linlithgow CLP for backing me for Scottish Labour leader.
141
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Mainstream @mainstreamlabour.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Monica will bring values-driven leadership to Scottish Labour. We hope to see a real contest and debate about Scottish Labour's future.
Euan Stainbank, Labour MP for Falkirk and a member of the Mainstream PLP Group, said:
‘Monica is an excellent candidate, who will bring values-driven leadership to the Scottish Labour Party. I’m delighted, as a member of the Mainstream PLP Group, that she has been endorsed, as I believe she is the candidate who best represents the values of both Labour members and communities in Scotland. 

‘It is imperative that those of us who have the distinct honour to serve in one of Scotland's two Parliaments make sure she is on the ballot.’
071
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Mainstream @mainstreamlabour.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Scottish members are clear that this leadership election must act as a circuit-breaker for Scottish Labour.
Kerry Postlewhite, Chair of Mainstream, said:
‘Scottish members of Mainstream are clear that this leadership election must act as a circuit-breaker for Scottish Labour. They see Monica Lennon as the candidate that can deliver a real reset and carry Scottish Labour to victory. 

‘We hope that Scottish Labour MPs and MSPs will heed the voices of members and affiliates and allow a real debate about the future.’
141
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Mainstream @mainstreamlabour.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
After consultation with our Scottish members, Mainstream is proud to endorse @monicalennon.bsky.social to be the next Leader of Scottish Labour. 🌹🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
Mainstream backs Monica Lennon.

After consultation with our Scottish members, Mainstream is proud to endorse Monica Lennon for Leader of Scottish Labour.
172
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Councillor Barry Douglas @cllrbarrydouglas.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Proud to support my friend and colleague @monicalennon.bsky.social for the Scottish Labour leadership. It’s vital our members get a wide choice of candidates in this crucial election for the future of our party here in Scotland
241
Reposted by Monica Lennon
The Sunday Post @sundaypost.com · 10/08/2026
Monica Lennon: ‘I want a proper fair fight for Scottish Labour leadership… or members will feel squeezed out and silenced’
dlvr.it
Monica Lennon: ‘I want a proper fair fight for Scottish Labour leadership… or members will feel squeezed out and silenced’
In the first in a series of Sunday Post interviews with Scottish Labour leadership hopefuls, we speak to Monica Lennon on boys’ club politics, health inequality and her fight for the party’s future
041
Monica Lennon @monicalennon.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
I am honoured to have been endorsed by UNISON Scotland Labour Link for Scottish Labour Leader. I will always stand up for public services. The leadership I offer is visionary and values-led. I am here to build our movement up, working with trade unions and communities every single day. 💜 🌹
393
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Joe Dromey @joedromey.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
After bruising results in May Scottish Labour will soon elect a new Leader🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🌹 @thefabians.bsky.social will publish a piece from each candidate, on how they plan to rebuild, and take on the SNP. First up is @monicalennon.bsky.social setting out why she has the vision, courage and empathy to lead.
233
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Luke Stronach @lukestronach.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
I am backing Monica Lennon to be the next leader of Scottish Labour and I am calling on MSPs, MPs & Affiliates to makes sure she is on the ballot! Sign the open letter here: actionnetwork.org/petitions/we...
actionnetwork.org
I am Backing Monica, She deserves to be on the ballot!
I'm backing Monica Lennon to be the next leader of Scottish Labour! For Scotland, For Labour, For Us. I am calling on MSPs, MPs & Affiliates to makes sure she is on the ballot! Sign the open lette...
021
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Labour Hub @labour-hub.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Monica Lennon for Scottish Labour leader! Now is the time for Scottish Labour to do something different because continuity will simply not cut it, argues Brian Leishman MP. A radical change in political direction is required if we are to once again win the trust of working-class communities up and…
labourhub.org.uk
Monica Lennon for Scottish Labour leader!
Now is the time for Scottish Labour to do something different because continuity will simply not cut it, argues Brian Leishman MP. A radical change in political direction is required if we are to once again win the trust of working-class communities up and down the country. That is why I have nominated Monica Lennon in this leadership race. She has a proven track record, delivering positive change from opposition in Holyrood. It was her conviction and determination which led to Scotland becoming the first country in the world with universal free access to period products.
331
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Fabian Society @thefabians.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
"I will ensure policy and strategy is developed alongside our members and councillors" To reconnect with communities, Scottish Labour must build a movement rooted in democratic socialism, writes @monicalennon.bsky.social fabians.org.uk/a-new-direct...
fabians.org.uk
A new direction | Fabian Society
Fabian Society
043
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Stop Ecocide International @stopecocide.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
“I’ll continue to focus on my #Ecocide Bill when I return to Parliament” Monica Lennon discusses her record as an MSP for The Scotsman, including championing #Scotland's #EcocideLaw bill. Read here: www.scotsman.com/new... #StopEcocide
092
Reposted by Monica Lennon
ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Hours without a toilet break. Unsafe, dirty, inaccessible facilities. No access to sanitary products. From periods to childbirth to menopause, the rail industry is failing women train drivers. By not improving toilet access they're placing barriers in front of women who may wish to join the grade.
064
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Glen Darroch @glendarroch.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Really looking forward to having @monicalennon.bsky.social back at Holyrood. She is a lovely person there for noble reasons, yet honest, realistic, pragmatic. This is a refreshing listen: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
podcasts.apple.com
Monica Lennon on replacing Anas Sarwar
Podcast Episode · Scotcast · 24 July · 27min
221
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Daily Record & Sunday Mail - Scottish News, Sport, Politics and… @dailyrecord.co.uk.web.brid.gy · 26/07/2026
dailyrecord.co.uk
Scottish Labour need a new direction and Monica Lennon is the one to lead it
"If Burnham can take Labour in a fresh and appealing direction in England, maybe the same can be done in Scotland."
032
Monica Lennon @monicalennon.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Andy Burnham will be appointed as Prime Minister today. In my Sunday Mail column yesterday: Andy Burnham's first test starts in Scotland
Andy Burnham's first test starts in Scotland

Tomorrow, Andy Burnham will walk through the doors of Number 10 as Prime Minister. It is the honour of a lifetime, but it is also a moment of reckoning. After years of political upheaval and declining public trust, people across the UK want politics that improves everyday life rather than simply dominating the headlines.

Burnham earned the nickname "King of the North" by standing up for Greater Manchester and challenging the assumption that every important decision must be made in Westminster. If he genuinely believes power should be shared rather than hoarded, Scotland will be the first place where that philosophy is tested.

After a decade serving in the Scottish Parliament, I know how easily relationships between governments can become poisoned by party rivalry. Labour and the SNP will continue to disagree – often passionately – but governing should never be contaminated by partisan point-scoring. Scotland deserves better than constitutional trench warfare.

Tomorrow, Andy Burnham begins a new chapter for Britain. Whether Scotland chooses to turn the page with him will depend on five simple principles.

First, respect Scotland's democratic institutions.

Holyrood is not a regional council or an outpost of Westminster. It is a national Parliament with its own democratic mandate. Respect means treating disagreement as an inevitable part of devolution, not as a constitutional inconvenience, and working with Scotland's elected representatives even when political differences run deep.

Second, end the era of "Scotifying" Westminster decisions.

For too long, policies have been designed in London before Scottish politicians are asked to add a few local references, wrap them in a Saltire and pretend they were built with Scotland in mind. I've experienced this both within Labour during policy development and in Parliament while scrutinising legislation proposed by Conservative and Labour ministers. If anyone reaches for the …
460
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Record Politics @politics.dailyrecord.co.uk · 28/06/2026
Andy Burnham is not a "messiah" and Scottish Labour needs "more control over its own destiny" if it is to recover from its latest election defeat, says former MSP Monica Lennon.
dailyrecord.co.uk
Andy Burnham not a 'messiah' for Scottish Labour as party needs 'more control'
Monica Lennon, who lost her seat at last month's Holyrood election, has previously called for Scottish Labour to break away from the UK party.
121
Monica Lennon @monicalennon.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
🗞️ My reflections from the doorsteps of Makerfield with Team @andyburnhamgm.bsky.social ahead of Thursday’s knife-edge by-election. 🗳️ Catch my full piece (plus those big World Cup dreams!) in today's Sunday Mail. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⚽️ 🙌 Always the optimist. 😉 Fuelled by strong coffee today! ☕️
A cosy Sunday morning scene featuring a printed copy of the Sunday Mail newspaper resting on a small, round glass table. The main headline prominently reads "Monica Lennon: HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO," featuring a photo of Andy Burnham edited onto a Superman costume. A secondary headline at the bottom reads, "Let’s hope we got a massive World Cup result in the wee hours." Next to the paper sits a geometric-patterned mug filled with coffee. In the softly blurred background, white built-in bookshelves are packed with neatly arranged novels and biographies, sitting above a monochrome geometric rug.
030
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Stop Ecocide International @stopecocide.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Finland's Social Democratic Party (SDP) is now supporting the criminalisation of #ecocide. A party conference resolution has committed it to pursuing #ecocidelaw at the national, regional and international levels. Get the full story: www.stopecocide.eart... #StopEcocide
032
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Stop Ecocide International @stopecocide.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Submissions wanted! 🎨 Is your child/ pupil aged 9-13? We're creating a short animated film to inform young people about #ecocidelaw and we’re looking for artwork and voice submissions to bring it to life! Get involved HERE: www.stopecocide.eart... #StopEcocide #Ecocide
022
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Stop Ecocide International @stopecocide.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
"Adding #ecocide as a 5th crime at the International Criminal Court would be an important step towards accountability" Prof Philippe Sands & Catherine Savard discuss the rapidly growing movement to criminalise mass harm to nature in The BMJ Full story🔗 www.bmj.com/content/... #StopEcocide
183
Reposted by Monica Lennon
South Lanarkshire Council @southlanarkshire.gov.uk · 07/05/2026
Roads closure at Farmeloan Rd/Dalmarnock Rd/Cambuslang Rd junction Rutherglen due to a fire.
001
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Scottish Fire & Rescue Service @scottishfirerescue.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
[Posted at 10.06pm on Thursday, 7 May] Over 100 firefighters are currently tackling a fire on Baronald Street in Rutherglen. We were alerted at 6.19pm on Thursday, 7 May, to reports of a building fire. #ongoingincident #sfrs #ScottishFireAndRescue #Scotland
212
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Glasgow Times @glasgowtimes.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
'You pick your days' - Monica Lennon undergoes surgery on election day
glasgowtimes.co.uk
'You pick your days' - Monica Lennon undergoes surgery on election day
041
Monica Lennon @monicalennon.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Raising my glass (coffee) to our amazing NHS staff from my hospital bed. Timing is everything! Today is the day to vote for real NHS recovery with @ScottishLabour. Not where I expected to be on May 7th but Rutherglen, Cambuslang and Blantyre, my heart is with you. Let’s do this. ♥️🗳️
892
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Labour Unions @labourunionsuk.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Polling day is tomorrow 🌹 Today is about speaking to voters, turning people out and winning every vote we can. ✊ If you can spare an hour, join campaigners on the doors in your area 🚪👟 Find your nearest event: labourunions.org.uk/events
labourunions.org.uk
Find a Labour campaign event near me
Find a local Labour campaigning event near you.
051
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Ballot Box Scotland @ballotbox.scot · 03/05/2026
There's always one: Tim Kelly, Reform candidate for East Kilbride and 4th on the party's South Scotland list, has quit the party with days to go. He remains on ballot as a Reform candidate (and will already have received votes as such) but were he elected (not impossible in 4th) would be Independent
thenational.scot
Reform candidate quits party due to no support for those who go 'off script'
A REFORM candidate has quit the party just days before the Scottish parliamentary elections as he blasts its leadership for not supporting those who…
23921
Monica Lennon @monicalennon.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Rutherglen and Cambuslang is too close to call but the momentum is with me as a strong local champion. If you want to get me off the danger list, please join me on the campaign trail ahead of Thursday 7 May. 👇 #VoteLilacForLennon
221
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Stop Ecocide International @stopecocide.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
#Mauritius has just become the latest country to criminalise #ecocide! Another step toward the global recognition of mass harm to nature as a serious crime. Get the story: www.stopecocide.eart... #StopEcocide
084
Reposted by Monica Lennon
Ballot Box Scotland @ballotbox.scot · 30/04/2026
It's a week to go until polling day, and one of the new things in Scotland is improved accessibility and secrecy of the ballot for blind and partially sighted people, including audio descriptions of ballot papers. Lots of useful info about this from the RNIB here: www.rnib.org.uk/nations/scot...
rnib.org.uk
Voting in Scotland and UK elections
If you're affected by sight loss, we're here for you
36133