A Week in Parliament

Unlawful Government

We now have the astonishing confirmation that Boris Johnson was acting unlawfully when he suspended parliament for such a long period, to “stymie parliament”. Perhaps not so astonishing is the fact that he has not shown any contrition nor bothered to say he got it wrong or apologise. He doesn’t care. It was particularly damning that the Government could not provide signed witness statements to confirm their intention wasn’t to block Parliament and it was just a normal process.

Worse, he is suggesting he still will not comply with the law which states by October 19th he needs to request an extension to stay in the EU for another 3 months if he has not got a withdrawal agreement through Parliament. Indeed, a Minister would not even answer my question as to whether they have taken legal advice on other options they might consider to be lawful. That non answer in itself confirms that they are looking to circumnavigate Parliament and the law.

Parliamentary Behaviour

Boris Johnson’s obstinance and belligerence continued in the Commons Chamber. It resulted in tempers flaring on both sides of the House. All very unedifying and he refused to acknowledge that such behaviour can lead to consequences in the behaviour of some members of the public. I have no doubt he is playing to the English Brexiteer audience. Will such behaviour have consequences? No-one can be sure, but a Prime Minister should set a dignified example. I am anything but prolific or well known on social media, compared to many colleagues but in that first week back, I certainly came to the attention of some of the Brexit fans and was trolled a bit. Nothing too extreme, “thick as mince” and that I somehow don’t understand things being the main theme. Someone also stated that the “voters of Kilmarnock and Loudoun will be voting him out soon”. That of course is a possibility I have to contend with in an election, but I remain unsure how someone who lives in Somerset will know what the voters in Kilmarnock and Loudoun think! At times like this though I am glad I am not a social media “star” as I don’t have to put up with endless trolling. Equally, if myself or other political activists (of whatever party) come to your door in the upcoming campaign I would plead for politeness no matter whether you agree with the politics or not.

Rural Broadband Report

As part of my work on the EFRA Committee we undertook an investigation into rural broadband availability. It will come as no surprise that there is a gap in provision between rural and urban, with the blame laid directly at the door of the Westminster Government. By setting population targets then remote rural areas were always going to be left behind. The Committee as a whole also agreed that Scotland should receive money based on need and the geography that tends to be more rural, plus the inclusion of the Highlands and Islands to deliver on. I look forward to the Government response to our report.