Scottish Labour politicianPam Duncan-Glancyleads a host of Scots who have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours. The Glasgow MSP becomes a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her public and political service. Duncan-Glancytold BBC Scotland News the award had left her feeling "overwhelmed". She added: "I'm over the moon. It's for services to community, disability, equality and politics - things I am really really passionate about - which is lovely." Duncan-Glancy was the first permanent wheelchair user to be elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2021 and is a tireless disability campaigner. On the moment she found out about the honour, the MSP said: "I was in a meeting and my husband phoned me. I could see my phone ringing and I thought I will get that later. "Then he phoned me back and then texted me saying 'you've got a letter that you need to open - because it had the royal seal on it'. But I couldn't talk to him. "He texted me back and said 'I've opened it - you've got an MBE'. So that's how I found out." The 43-year-old said it was a massive honour. She added: "When I got elected as an MSP, I said I was a wee working class woman in a wheelchair. "To think that I could be a wee working class woman in a wheelchair who's also got an MBE, I just thought that was pretty special." With just 11 months until the next Holyrood election, the MSP said more needed to be done to encourage disabled people to seek election. "We need to support people to be active in their communities in the first place," Duncan-Glancy said. "For disabled people, it can often be about giving them help to get out of bed in the morning. "There's quite a mountain to climb for us to support disabled people to get into politics and it's a mountain we absolutely have to climb. "There should be no space about us, without us." The MSP said she was looking forward to her investiture and hoped to take her sister and husband along because they had "sacrificed a lot over the years for my activism". She also joked she might bump into a football legend who has been honoured with a knighthood. She said: "I mean, if David Beckham happens to be getting his the same day that would be a double bonus." Elsewhere in the honours list,John and Lorna Norgroveare both made OBEs for services to women and children abroad and in Scotland. They set up the Linda Norgrove Foundation in memory of their daughter Linda. The aid worker, from Lewis, was kidnapped by the Taliban and died in an attempted rescue by US forces in October 2010. Recently the charity worked with both the Scottish and UK governments tobring 19 female Afghan medical students to Scotlandto continue their degrees as they were barred by the Taliban from completing their studies in Afghanistan. The couple said: "We dedicate this honour to all those brave women who remain in Afghanistan, or who have made the decision to leave their homes and families behind to move abroad and continue their studies and careers. "Their struggle continues and they are the real heroes of this story." Nationwide CEODebbie Crosbie, the only woman to lead a "big six" bank in the UK, gets a damehood for her services to financial services. Dame Debbie, who grew up in Glasgow, said: "I try to encourage people to think beyond, 'I'm a female', but when it comes to this (honour) I am actually hugely proud." Meanwhile,Roisin Currie, a fellow Glaswegian, has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to hospitality. The Strathclyde University graduate was appointed chief executive of Greggs in 2022 having joined the Newcastle-based bakery chain, in 2010. HistorianAlistair Moffat, 74, who founded the Borders Book Festival, is also recognised in the list. He becomes an MBE in recognition of services to literature and culture. Others recognised includeCharles Pelling, manager of the Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh. He becomes an OBE in recognition of services to veterans. A social media influencer known as the Hillwalking Hijabi has also been recognised. Zahrah Mahmood, 34, president of Ramblers Scotland, is made an MBE for her contribution to voluntary service in Scotland. Recently retired Police Scotland Assistant Chief ConstableGary Ritchiehas been honoured with the King's Police Medal (KPM). The force's chief officer of human resources,Nicky Page, becomes an MBE for services to policing, equality and health. AndJenna Speirs, and her parentsCaroline and Duncan Speirs, have each been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for founding a charity in honour of Jenna's twin brother, Calum, who died of cancer aged 12. The family, from the Isle of Bute, started Calum's Cabin to provide holiday facilities for children undergoing cancer treatment and their families. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: "The honours list showcases the remarkable achievements of individuals across Scotland who have gone above and beyond in their respective fields. "Their service to our communities represents the spirit of dedication and excellence that makes Scotland proud."
Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP 'over the moon' at King's MBE honour
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Pam Duncan-Glancy Receives MBE for Contributions to Community and Disability Advocacy"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Pam Duncan-Glancy, a Scottish Labour politician and Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Glasgow, has been honored with an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours for her significant contributions to community service, disability advocacy, and political engagement. This recognition marks a milestone in her career, particularly as she was the first permanent wheelchair user elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2021. Upon receiving the news, Duncan-Glancy expressed her overwhelming joy, stating, "I'm over the moon" and highlighting her passion for the causes she represents. Her husband delivered the news during a meeting, emphasizing the personal nature of the honor which she describes as a special recognition of her journey as a working-class woman in a wheelchair who has achieved this distinction. The award not only reflects her dedication but also serves as an inspiration for others in similar circumstances.
Looking ahead, Duncan-Glancy advocates for increased support for disabled individuals aspiring to enter politics, stressing the importance of community involvement as a foundational step. She remarked on the significant challenges faced by disabled individuals in political spheres, asserting that there should be no space where they are not represented. In addition to her achievements, the honors list included other notable recognitions such as John and Lorna Norgrove, who received OBEs for their humanitarian work, and Debbie Crosbie, who was honored with a damehood for her leadership in the financial sector. The honors celebrate a diverse array of individuals who have made impactful contributions across various fields, reflecting Scotland's commitment to recognizing excellence and dedication in service to the community.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the significant recognition received by Pam Duncan-Glancy, a Scottish Labour politician, for her contributions to public and political service, especially regarding disability and equality. This acknowledgment serves to elevate her profile within the Scottish political landscape and promotes the importance of inclusion for disabled individuals in politics.
Public Perception and Inspiration
Duncan-Glancy's emotional response to receiving the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) reflects a broader narrative of empowerment and representation for marginalized groups. By sharing her story as a wheelchair user who has achieved notable political success, she inspires others who may face similar challenges. The article emphasizes that her honor is not just personal but represents a victory for the community she advocates for, thus fostering a sense of pride and motivation within the disabled community.
Political Implications
With the next Holyrood election approaching, Duncan-Glancy's statements about the need for greater support for disabled individuals entering politics signify an ongoing conversation about inclusivity in governance. This article subtly serves as a call to action, urging political parties and organizations to implement more substantial support systems to enable disabled representation. The narrative aligns with current socio-political movements advocating for diversity and inclusion in leadership roles.
Potential Concealments
While the article primarily focuses on Duncan-Glancy's achievements, it may downplay the systemic barriers that still exist for disabled individuals in politics. By celebrating her success without a thorough examination of these challenges, the piece could inadvertently suggest that individual triumphs are sufficient, when in fact, broader structural changes are necessary to facilitate genuine inclusivity.
Manipulative Elements
The tone and language used in the article evoke feelings of inspiration and positivity, which may serve to distract readers from ongoing issues within the political system regarding disability representation. While this framing can be empowering, it could also be interpreted as a manipulation of public sentiment to present an overly optimistic view of the current state of affairs concerning disability in politics.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The article appears to be genuine, celebrating a public figure's achievements while addressing important social issues. However, the potential omission of deeper systemic issues surrounding disability representation in politics raises questions about the completeness of the narrative. Overall, it presents a favorable view of Duncan-Glancy's recognition but may lack critical depth regarding the challenges faced by disabled individuals in political environments.
The article contributes positively to the discourse on representation and inclusion but could do more to address the underlying issues that continue to affect disabled individuals seeking political roles.