10th May 2021: A Week in Parliament

Congratulations

My column was suspended for the duration of the election period, so it is good to be back as it were. Congratulations to my colleague Willie Coffey MSP on being re-elected once more as a great advocate for the area. Also, well done to Elena Whitham, on being elected as MSP for Carrick Cumnock and Doon Valley. Elena used to work in my office and I know her experiences and dedication will make her a fantastic parliamentarian. It is interesting that Newmilns and Galson currently have an MSP/MP representing local constituencies. Must be a first for the villages!

Election Outcome

It was great that despite covid and horrible weather the election saw the largest voter turnout for a Holyrood election - great for democracy. The big significance is that the election returned a pro-independence majority. The SNP in Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley got over 50% of the vote. It is clear that a majority of people want the electorate of Scotland to have their say in a referendum. I recognise that the views on independence are still split 50/50 so I do not make any assumptions on an outcome. Indeed, while it seems a majority of my constituents are in favour of independence, there is a large cohort who are undecided or against it. When it comes to constituent workload, of course, it doesn’t matter to me what way people voted or how they think – I will always do my best in terms of trying to achieve a positive outcome.

At Westminster however, I will be using the basis of this election to reinforce the fact that Westminster has to agree it is for the people of Scotland to choose their future. Full powers are the best way to shape a post covid green job revival.

“Before I forget”

I would like to pay testament to my good friend Scott Martin, who used the covid lockdown to write a book which he has now self-published. His mum, Anne, suffers from Alzheimer’s and so the book title “Before I forget” alludes to the effects of Alzheimer’s and it was his way of committing his running memories to print; paying tribute to his mum and raise money for Alzheimer's Scotland. He has had two print runs fully sold out, is on a third and taken orders from as far as Australia and the United States. He has raised over £6000 so far for charity, which is fantastic. I am sure every one of us will have a friend or family member who has suffered a form of dementia, and it is extremely difficult to see people’s memories disappear as well as the effect on cognitive functions for more aggressive forms of this horrible disease. I am not a runner, but the book is extremely relatable and a great read. Importantly, any money that helps mitigate suffering or help research into this disease is to be welcomed, so well done Scott. If anyone wishes to order a book but don’t know how then feel free to contact my office on alan.brown.mp@parliament.uk.