New Edinburgh Central SNP MSP Marco Biagi has told The Student he is “looking forward” to working with Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) on student issues as part of his new role as an MSP.

As pressure increases on student budgets and living costs, and some Scottish universities continue to shift uncomfortably at being prevented from levying charges on students for studying, issues affecting students look set to take a central role in the next parliamentary term. 

Biagi says he is keen to work with students on these issues, as well as concerns on human rights and aid on an international scale.

He said, “I’m looking forward to working with EUSA. I held a student sabbatical post myself many moons ago and spent five years campaigning on issues that look all too familiar, both down-to-earth like living costs and housing, and high-minded and idealistic like human rights and international development.

“I was all too pleased to sign up to the Reclaim Your Voice pledge. As I said at the EUSA hustings, alone of the four main parties the SNP has never had to be kept on honest on student issues.”

Biagi secured a surprising win on May 5, coming from third place behind Labour’s incumbent Sarah Boyack and the Liberal Democrat Alex Cole-Hamilton to take the seat with a majority of 237 votes.

Biagi admitted that despite being confident, the result was still a surprise. He said: “I wasn’t expecting to be elected, but I wasn’t shocked either. I had noticed a definite turn happening in chats on the streets and the doorsteps in the final few weeks. I just didn’t know whether it was going to be enough. Coming from third to unseat a three-term Labour incumbent frontbencher was always going to be a tall order, even on a great night for the party.

“Overall I aim to bring a fresh face and a fresh approach to the constituency. This constituency has been voting in Labour candidates at every election since 1983. It’s time for some new ideas.”

Biagi also reserved praise for Boyack, who has held the seat since its creation in 1999.  He said he was “glad she’s back on the list” and that “I particularly respect her national work.”

He added, "She said at several hustings that she had dragged Scottish Labour to a position where environmental concerns weren’t an afterthought and I’d agree that their position is down to her.”