One role of an MSP in parliament is to takepart in debates. This is when MSPsmeet in the debatingchamber of the ScottishParliament each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdayafternoon to discussproblems and askparliament to resolve them aswell as debateproposednewlaws. For example, MSPs in the ScottishParliamentdebatedsmackingchildren before it was banned.
Another role of an MSP in parliament is to takepart in questiontime. This is an importantopportunity for MSPs to ask governmentministers (which includes the FirstMinister) importantquestions that matter to theirconstituents. For example, the FirstMinisteranswersquestions every Thursday from MSPs on the work of the government.
A final role of an MSP in parliament is to takepart in "decisiontime". This takesplace at the end of eachday in the debating chamber where MSPsvotetogether to decideparliament'sposition on a debate or law. If the votepasses then it is counted as the will of parliament. For example, MSPs in the Scottishparliament voted to approve the government'sbudget to give all under 21sfreebustravel.
One role of an MSP in their constituency is to work in between the constituency and parliament.MSPssplit their workingweek between the Scottishparliament and the constituency. For example, they spendTuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the ScottishParliament in Edinburgh and the rest of the time in theirlocalarea.
Another role of an MSP in the constituency is to holdlocalsurgeries. This is a dedicatedtime of the week where the locals can go to speak to their MSP about devolvedissues that are important to them. For example, MSPSiobhanBrown holds virtualsurgeries on a Friday from 11am to 12pm.
A final role of an MSP in the constituency is to attendimportantmeetings and events.MSPs will often attend importantmeetings and eventshappening in their localarea. This allowsMSPs to speak to the locals and understandmoreabout the community. For example, Siobhan Brownattended the opening of the newearlyCancer Diagnostic Centre in Ayr of June2021.