A Week in Parliament

Covid-19 Latest 

I sense people’s frustrations about the latest restrictions regarding not visiting households. It is tough. However, we have been seeing record numbers of new covid cases. Higher than the spike in March [although many more people are being tested which accounts for some of the extra]. This means tough action is needed. We are seeing more deaths.  

We are always asked, ‘why can I not visit my family at their home, but I can meet them in the pub?’ Well, you don’t have to go to pubs or restaurants if you consider them a risk. However, social distancing measures are in place there as well as track and trace. Remember how fastidious people were initially about wiping all surfaces even if a guest just accessed the house for the toilet? There is no doubt that many of us have relaxed since then increasing risks.  

Incidentally, Nicola Sturgeon has made it clear that she is taking a “UK wide” approach in relation to a pub curfew. She has also asked Boris Johnson that Scotland should at least be given borrowing powers so the Scottish Government can place more restrictions on pubs and restaurants - but have the money to support the businesses. Another example that we cannot implement the decisions we want in the midst of a pandemic.  

Support Package 

I welcome the continued VAT cut for tourism and hospitality and indeed called for it. I welcome additional job support, but it doesn’t go far enough. Self-employed are only getting 20% support. The ones excluded previously are still excluded and full furlough is needed for the likes of the aerospace sector.  

Internal Market Bill 

Further proof that the Tories don’t understand or care about the details of the bill was when a Minster explained that the bill allows them to spend money in Scotland such as the furlough scheme. Given this already happens because employment law is reserved it is no surprise she didn’t let me in to correct the record!  

Architects have now confirmed it will mean the end of Scotland having different building standards – we have had better standards on fire safety and energy efficiency, so this is a concern. The General Teaching Council in Scotland has also confirmed teachers without the qualifications needed in Scotland, will be able to move from England and teach straight away. Real examples that show it is not just an SNP “grievance” as the Tories like to say.  

Westminster Chamber 

The chamber is still heavily restricted in terms of members allowed in due to social distancing. I have always been against the sums of money they propose to allocate to refurbish Westminster. The current proposals are a £4-£5bn refurbishment which involves building a temporary chamber for six years to allow MPs to move out while the refurbishments take place. However, the reality is that these billions of pounds are being spent to recreate a 19th century chamber that cannot cope with future repeats of a pandemic. I intend to raise this matter as it is plain crazy but typical of those who think tradition trumps all else.