A Week in Parliament
/Ayrshire Cancer Support
Another brave person I was friends with eventually lost her battle with cancer. Johanna Collins fought it for ten years. Kept fighting to the end and while doing so also managed to do fundraising for Ayrshire Cancer having organised many balls and social events over the years. This is testament to the work that Ayrshire Cancer Support provides: the driving services provided by volunteers, as well as vital health and counselling services.
There is no doubt that one of the most emotional impacts of Covid-19 has been when people have funerals with limited numbers. I am glad that restrictions are starting to be eased as it really is stressful for people to limit numbers and also not receive the emotional comfort in a group setting, they might otherwise have. That said, the number of people who turn out on the streets to say goodbye and pay respects is at least very fitting and leaves a mark. Even with her death, Jo is raising money with a “Just Giving” fundraising page for Ayrshire Cancer Support. A fitting tribute for her and to a fantastic organisation.
EU vaccine programme
It is universally agreed that only a vaccine can eradicate Covid-19. Therefore, it makes sense for full international co-operation. Why therefore is the UK not collaborating with the EU on their vaccine programme? The answer can only be that they prioritise finding a “British vaccine” over working with the EU. That seems to me that their Brexit obsession is yet again more important than our health.
Intelligence Security Committee
This vital committee has been stalled for months in being set up. Now we know why – stories have emerged that the Tories are trying to stuff it with Tory stooges who will vote for Chris Grayling rather than having a truly independent vote with members. Grayling is, of course, the man who awarded the ferry contract to a company with no ferries or money; allowed Virgin Stagecoach to walk away from the East Coast rail franchise owing taxpayers £2bn and wrecked the prison and probation services in England. Just the man to hold the government and security services to account!
Food Standards Commission
Many constituents contacted me concerned about future food imports requesting a Food Standards Commission be set up. I lodged a petition in the House of Commons on this subject. I thought a concession was achieved when the Tory Government agreed to set up a Trade and Agriculture Commission. However, their latest appointment says it all - Shanker Singham – the former advisor to a Tory minister, and a hard Brexiteer. Last month, he wrote on 'ConservativeHome' that maintaining our current high animal welfare standards would make the UK a ‘pariah state.’ Just the man to have input into trade deals. They are shameless.
Summer Financial Update from Chancellor
Absolutely nothing for Scotland. [£20m to be exact]. That is what Scotland really means to this Government. To recover from the Covid-19 recession, Scotland needs the financial levers to invest in infrastructure.
