22nd November 2021: A Week in Parliament

Mossgiel Dairy Farm

It was good to get another visit to Mossgiel Dairy Farm – not only has the farmer, Bryce, gone fully organic - he has plans in place to be zero carbon across the entire farm production including deliveries by 2025. He is proof that a business can be green and successful. His organic milk is now served in East Ayrshire schools which is a tremendous way of ensuring healthy local products for our children. Coming to nursery schools next too, so, well done East Ayrshire Council and Mossgiel.

Ayrshire Food Hub

I also held my first open advice surgery since covid restrictions kicked in. This was at the Ayrshire Food Hub at Crossroads. It was great to be able to speak to loads of constituents, some of whom came specifically regarding casework. The place was jumping in terms of customers and is well worth a visit. I couldn’t leave without buying some produce as there are always so much fine items available.

Nuclear Financing Bill

I am on a bill committee for the nuclear financing bill. This is where a committee of MPs debate the entire bill, effectively line by line. It takes up so much time – double sessions Tuesdays and Thursdays, and all the preparation in between. On Wednesday I was working past midnight analysing the clauses, creating amendments and speaking notes. This is the kind of work that generally goes unnoticed by the public. I don’t expect any plaudits for doing another part of my job but it is frustrating to be working hard while some politicians are more worried about lining their own pockets and tarnishing the reputation of all members. I have been told a few times that “all politicians are the same” and “are only in it for themselves”. That is not the case, but I certainly understand people’s anger at how some MPs behave.

Douglas Ross: MP, MSP and Linesman

It is ridiculous that Douglass Ross has managed to forget to report all his additional income as a linesman. Referring himself to the Standards Commissioner is a smokescreen – I give him the benefit of the doubt that it is not corruption given it is well known he is a linesman. I do not believe that he is trying to be covert about the additional income. However, consistently not declaring additional income is an offence. It is as simple as that. He also did not declare his MSP salary – he argues he didn’t think he needed to as he donates it to charity. This is a pathetic excuse. I received one salary payment from being a councillor as well as an MP. I declared this and knew I had to. I think for Douglas Ross it is pure arrogance that has caused this. When the Scottish Parliament Committee investigation into sexual harassment and the behaviour of Alex Salmond was ongoing, Ross kept making the airwaves demanding Nicola Sturgeon resign because “in my opinion, she has broken the ministerial code”. Of course, it was confirmed she didn’t break the code. Should Ross not consider his own position?