14th November 2022: A Week in Parliament

Triple Lock

Last week I made a speech on the Triple Lock and the effect that the cost of living crisis will have on pensioners. It is a disgrace the Tories will not commit to the Triple Lock and we are having to wait until this week (Thursday 17th November) to find out.

The UK is one of the most unequal countries in the world and this continues into retirement age. The Gini coefficient shows that the UK is 14th out of 14 north-west European countries. It is the same for the S80:S20 quintile share ratio; when we compare the ratio of the poorest to the richest, the UK has by far the worst ratio and is again 14th out of 14. Scandinavian countries— funnily enough, all small, independent countries—lead the way on these measures.

Last year’s breaking of the triple lock cost each pensioner £520 on average during the cost of living crisis, and the Red Book shows that it will take £30 billion in total from pensioners by 2026-27. At least uprating the state pension this year in line with September’s 10% inflation rate will give some certainty of income. If the Tories do reinstate the triple lock it is welcome, however, it is a sorry state of affairs we are essentially celebrating not cutting pensions further. This personifies the level of compassion of this Tory Government.

My office has been dealing with several cases for pensioners lately and it is heartbreaking to hear of the struggles they are facing as a result of this Westminster Government. I ask once again for constituents to check if they are eligible for pension credit as this gets them additional support over and above the credit payment itself.

Remembrance Sunday

I was honoured to lay a wreath at two Remembrance Sunday services across the constituency. Firstly, I attended the East Ayrshire Council service at the Dick Institute before heading to Rugby Park for the club’s official service at the memorial garden. As always, they were both very moving experiences and allowed for some much-needed time for reflection. I also laid a wreath at Newmilns War Memorial, where my Great Uncle Hugh Wilson is listed as one of the war dead. It is important we take this time every year to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom and as MP, I feel honoured to lay a wreath in their memory.

Stewarton Book Nook

 The fantastic award-winning Booknook in Stewarton recently relocated a few doors up to much larger premises. They do a fantastic job with visiting authors, a book club, and all sorts of activities for children. Importantly, of course, a fantastic range of books is effectively handpicked. I have been given the honour of officially opening the new premises this Friday (18th November) at 7pm. It would be great to see a large turnout. Bookshops add to the high street hand the personal aspect is so much more enjoyable than the books the supermarkets try to entice us with. I know from my last visit I will not be going home empty-handed!