FIFE MSP Alex Rowley has said he will be supporting a Bill being brought before the Scottish Parliament that provides for universal free access to period products in Scotland and has encouraged MSPs from all political parties to do the same.

The Bill, which has been introduced by Labour MSP, Monica Lennon, would place a statutory duty on Scottish Ministers to ensure universal provision of sanitary items.

Mr Rowley said: “I am encouraged by the numbers of people who have contacted me about this Bill and urged me to support it.

"The point has been made to me that if it were men that required sanitary products it would have been made free years ago. Access to sanitary products should be a basic right, and the idea that women and girls cannot access these products because they cannot afford them is shocking and must be addressed".

He added: "“I hope the Scottish Government will listen to all the other political parties in the Scottish Parliament and drop their opposition to the Bill and I would encourage people to get in touch with their MSPs and urge them to support this Bill.

“It is fantastic to see support for the Bill from a wide range of campaign groups and trade unions across civic Scotland.

“Due to the hard-work and dedication of grassroots campaigners we have already seen significant progress in addressing period poverty and working towards period dignity for all but this Bill would see a safeguard to that progress for future generations.

“By working together, MSPs will have the power to end period poverty in Scotland once and for all, I hope they will bear this in mind when they have the opportunity to vote on the Bill.”