In times like these, when the economy is fragile, and some politicians seek to find arguments with Europe and the UK, it is essential that Glasgow pitches itself for continued investment.

That’s why I was delighted to lead a delegation from Glasgow to Number 10 Downing Street, to present the best of our city to prospective investors.

There are few grander settings in UK politics than Number 10. I must admit, it was a surreal experience to be promoting our home city in a place that has for too long been the domain of the Tories.

Theresa May wasn’t at home, incidentally. I understand she was having trouble being heard in Brussels. And our First Minister was predictably fixated on another divisive referendum.

Meanwhile, I was arguing Glasgow’s case for jobs and investment.

In Glasgow, we have already published our response to Brexit. It is the most comprehensive response of any UK city, compiled in collaboration with the business and academic sectors.

Whilst the report recognises the challenges leaving Europe presents, it outlines a positive plan for protecting the interests of Glasgow.

After all, this is a time for leadership, not further division.

Investors seek stability and to avoid uncertainty.

The indecision over Europe, and the emergence of more ambiguity regarding another Scottish independence referendum, works against the confidence of investors.

One thing is certain though – they knew from our presentation that Glasgow means business and Glasgow is open for business.

Last week I also launched Glasgow’s new anti-poverty strategy, People Make Glasgow Fairer.

Poverty remains a big challenge in Glasgow. Despite the massive progress that’s been made, too many people are struggling to get by.

This has to change!

As a former teacher, I know how important school uniforms are. For one thing, they put an end to the competitive fashion parade in the classroom. But they can also be expensive.

I was therefore delighted to announce that Glasgow’s Labour Council is increasing the school clothing grant to £52. This will benefit some 20,000 families across the city.

What’s more, instead of having to apply, those eligible for the grant will now get it automatically. This ensures that 5,000 families will receive help with school uniforms, who weren’t in receipt before.

There are many ways the Scottish and UK governments can do more to tackle poverty and I will support them if they do.

We are determined to assist families in need and will continue our investment in schools and young people, to make sure that we are playing our part to eradicate poverty in Glasgow.

Glasgow is a city which relies on public transport. A high number of Glaswegians visit family, meet friends and travel to work by bus, train or Glasgow’s famous Subway.

What’s more, in many cases public transport is much more than getting from A to B. It is also a lifeline that prevents our most vulnerable citizens from isolation, with all the associated negative health effects this brings.

For these reasons, your Labour councillors are outraged by the proposed cuts to local bus routes across Glasgow.

Thousands of Glaswegians have signed petitions and written to bus operators, explaining why their penny pinching has a far greater cost to local communities.

Unfortunately, the SNP refuses to back Labour plans to bring bus services back into public control. I wonder why?

Public transport should focus primarily on meeting the needs of the community, not on the bank balances of multinational bus operators.

A better public transport system can only be delivered if transport powers are devolved to local level, to ensure people are put before profit.

Down south, even the Tories are giving cities power to overhaul public transport. The SNP government, however, continues to centralise power at the expense of local communities.

The SNP needs to cut ties with private bus companies and allow Glasgow to deliver the public transport system we need.

Labour has a better way. Call me old fashioned, but why don’t we get the bus companies under regulation?

If it is good enough for some of the biggest English cities, why shouldn’t it be good enough for Glasgow?