22nd February 2021: A Week in Parliament

Prison Covid-19 Outbreak

It was a real concern to hear of the outbreak of covid-19 at Kilmarnock Prison. It was so severe that more cases were recorded at the prison than the rest of East Ayrshire put together at that point. It shows how important it is to have the correct controls in place. Within the jail, clearly, the conditions are ripe for the virus to spread. But of course, prison guards are travelling back to their homes so are at risk of then increasing community spread. I have spoken to some people who work there and have submitted a number of enquiries on the healthcare and covid precautions that have been operating. It does also highlight another cohort of workers, those within the prison who can claim to be considered as part of the targeted vaccination programme and this is also an avenue I am exploring.

Governance

Rightly, there are always debates about the quality of Government in Scotland and also at Westminster. It would be fair to say I have a bias in this respect. However, it was interesting to see that the National Farming Union President Minette Batters state she would rather be talking to Fergus Ewing than George Eustice at the moment and that the SNP Government has the most constructive thinking on future agriculture policy. She also praised the Scottish Government for ensuring that farming is sustainable. When this is the voice of English farming, it is praise indeed. However, we need to remember that the internal market bill could still be used to scupper future Scottish Government support for sustainable farming if Westminster pulls their support and decrees that means the Scottish Government is giving an unfair advantage for Scottish farmers within the UK market.

Recess

I have just finished a week’s recess from Westminster. However, given I have been working from home, the recess isn’t really different from any other working day. The only difference being the main question sessions and debates don’t take place. However, I have been on such a bad run in the question ballot system anyway, that I haven’t been asking as many questions in the virtual chamber. Stil,l it allowed a bit of a catch up on emails and I still had plenty of meetings and my virtual surgery appointments.

Virtual Life

As I write I am looking forward to my first virtual street surgery. As I cannot do my regular street surgeries, door knocking, I have targeted an area the way I otherwise would and have offered virtual appointments. I am also doing a business targeted surgery and looking to engage in a virtual meeting with the Kilmarnock Business Association. While the successful rollout of the vaccination continues and gives us hope for the promised normality to return, I have a feeling I will need to continue with these virtual events for the foreseeable future. A reminder too that all staff are still working and routine appointments can still be made – just get in touch with my office for assistance.