We have lost one of our kindest and most passionate politicians

A visibly moved Holyrood chamber reflected the esteem in which Christina was held.

She was one of the kindest, most genuine, passionate, and talented people I have ever met in politics.

For more than a decade she was a colleague, a comrade, a mentor, a role model, and a friend.

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I first came to know her through my time as a youth and student leader with the Scottish Youth Parliament and the National Union of Students. She wore her politics on her sleeve – especially as an MSP and trade unionist who was passionate about her working-class roots and with a background in social work before politics – and from the get-go we enjoyed passionate conversations about overcoming inequalities and unfairness in the world.

She would take great interest in what we had to say as youth leaders and did much to open the doors of the Parliament to bring our voices in; inviting us to attend committees and always open to supporting our campaigns and initiatives.

Years later, when I joined Parliament as a colleague, Christina was always there as a friendly face and voice of encouragement who genuinely cared about you and what you had to say. She willed your success, even when she was elevated to serving across multiple ministerial postings. Throughout the whole time I knew her, she was consistently driven on issues on injustice and of strengthening Scotland.

Another aspect of Christina’s contribution to Scotland’s politics that inspired me was her focus on Scotland’s role in the world. Christina had a distinctive career, especially in the field of EU and international affairs, serving firstly as convener of the Scottish Parliament’s European and External Relations Committee, representing Scotland in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg, and ultimately serving as the Scottish Government’s Europe Minister.

Throughout all of these years, she was a constant supporter of a number of youth education initiatives on international politics.

I also had the pleasure of interviewing her for my research on Scottish diplomacy. She was a fount of knowledge on the topic and was well-regarded by EU diplomats posted to Scotland.

Other ministerial postings enabled Christina to contribute to other causes close to her heart including equalities and health policy. She left a lasting impact with legislation and policy tackling social isolation and loneliness as a health issue, combatting female genital mutilation, and “Clare’s Law”, which allows disclosure of previous violent and abusive behaviour to those at risk.

(Image: PA)

From her early days as an MSP, she was a champion of cancer-related causes and sadly Christina herself was later diagnosed with breast cancer. In recent years she bravely juggled ministerial office with the battle against this dreadful disease. As were so many, I was proud of her and inspired by her resilience.

Her passing at only 57 is truly saddening, especially as she was planning to step back from politics in 2026. Despite the challenges she faced, she had a life well lived, packed with achievements, and a deserved reputation as one of the kindest and most capable of her political generation.

Gary Paterson

via email

I WONDER if the mealy-mouthed politicians over the decades who have frequently referred to the “special relationship” between the Unravelled Kingdom and the Disunited States of (part of) America STILL think this exists after President Orange Buffoon’s imposition of damaging tariff increases?

In my opinion, the only special relationship that existed was that of puppeteer and puppet, as successive Westminster governments have clearly illustrated.

We have to guard against what culture we have left being totally Americanised, or we’ll soon be walking on sidewalks, buying gas for our cars and spelling socks with an X.

Barry Stewart

Blantyre

IN the face of the geopolitical instability created by Donald Trump’s erratic policies, including his infamous 2019 attempt to buy Greenland from Denmark, a compelling case can be made for Greenland to become a Canadian province.

This path would offer security, prosperity, and autonomy for Greenlanders while frustrating Trump’s ambitions and giving Denmark and the EU a graceful exit from a challenging situation.

Greenland’s current relationship with Denmark is an uneasy one. While it has home rule, it remains financially dependent on Copenhagen and lacks full control over its affairs.

Full independence is a long-term goal for many Greenlanders, but economic self-sufficiency remains out of reach. Joining Canada would offer an alternative to outright independence while allowing Greenland to control its resources, benefit from federal investment, and gain a stronger voice on the world stage. As a Canadian province, Greenland could negotiate a degree of autonomy similar to Nunavut’s or even a special status akin to Quebec’s, ensuring that Greenlandic culture and language are preserved while benefitting from Canada’s governance and financial support.

For Greenland, Canada, Denmark, and even the EU, this solution makes sense.

Greenland gets a viable, sustainable future short of independence. Canada gains a vast new province and strengthens its Arctic position. Denmark finds an elegant way out of a difficult situation.

And, as a bonus, Trump is left fuming. It’s a win-win – except for the US President.

Michael Collie

Dunfermline