'AS another year draws to an end it gives us all a chance to reflect on the year that has gone by and from a political perspective 2016 is certainly a year for the history books.

The vote to leave the European Union will have profound repercussions for all of us for years to come and we are yet to see what a Trump Presidency will mean, not just for the USA but for the world. In many parts of the world there has been conflict, misery and human suffering.

But amidst all these big events and huge changes it is too easy to feel powerless and that nothing any of us does will make a difference. I don’t take that view. On Brexit, I have held a number of public discussions and will host more over the next few months as I believe the public can influence the choices that have to be made and the deals that our governments seek to make. I am also hoping to secure a debate in the Scottish Parliament highlighting the plight of the innocent in Yemen and the fact that our Government in London is supplying weapons responsible for the death of thousands of men, women and children. My point being it does not have to be like this and as citizens of this country we should influence policy on arms sales and foreign affairs.

I also look forward to using my position in Parliament to influence domestic policy here in Scotland when it comes to social security, tackling inequality and poverty and shaping a more inclusive society built on the principles of collectivism and solidarity - what I would call socialism.

"Power in my view is in the hands of the people if the people choose to exercise that power. In many ways, we are witnessing this across nations but worryingly it is being driven by a kind of inward looking right wing populism and is why there must be a socialist alternative.

The principles of collectivism and solidarity are to be found in every community, people giving of their time and energy and money to help others because together that makes a better society. The principles upon which our NHS, our welfare state were built on. The nurses, the doctors, the teachers, the classroom assistants, the carers, the youth workers, the refuse collectors and all the public sector workers, the volunteers and all who give up their time in local communities making our lives and our country a better place. There is much to build on, to be thankful for and to fight for as we look forward to a new year'.