7th February 2022: A Week in Parliament

Johnson Lies Continues

It seems that Johnson cannot help himself. When he gave the statement on the Sue Gray Report update, he told the lie about Starmer failing to prosecute Jimmy Saville. To think, this was when he was supposed to be showing contrition. Outrageous and straight out the Trump playbook. This is also when he was defending himself about the 12 gatherings at Downing Street, including one within his own flat which the police are now investigating. All events, which he denied knowledge of or blamed others. There should be no hiding place for him, yet he is so brazen and intends to see it out.

Money Squandered

It is also outrageous that the UK Government have written off over £4bn of fraudulent claims through the covid grants and loans systems. With schemes set up so quickly there was always a risk of fraud. However, if it were you or I, and the DWP/HMRC were involved for money owed to them, then you can be sure there wouldn’t be such leniency.

There was also £9bn squandered on PPE purchases including equipment being bought out of date. This is incompetence at the highest level. So £13bn squandered during the pandemic and this April sees a National Insurance hike to raise £12bn. So, we really are paying the price for an incompetent government.

Camberlege Report

I took part in a debate about the Camberlege Report. This report was compiled following an enquiry into three health interventions that have caused damage to people – mesh implants and the drugs primodos and sodium valproate. The key recommendation is that a redress/compensation scheme be set up. To date, the UK Government have failed to act on this recommendation. I put it to the Minister that there is no point in setting up an enquiry to then ignore the key recommendations. I have a constituent who has disabilities caused by the effect of the drug sodium valproate. It is only right she gets compensation and I intend to continue to pursue this injustice.

Energy Cost Crisis

Ofgem has announced the new energy cap will increase by £693 to just under £2000. It is unaffordable for many and National Energy Action estimates that there will be 6.5million households in fuel poverty. It is a real concern and a proper crisis. The UK Government is not doing enough either – a £200 rebate on our bills to be paid back at £40 a year is simply spreading the pain. For their council tax rebate scheme in England, Scotland will get £220m. According to the Tories, we should be grateful. The North Sea Oil and Gas Revenues will have contributed £3bn additional monies to the Treasury in two years, yet we are supposed to be grateful for £220m coming our way?

Scotland Rugby

I was lucky enough to be at Murrayfield for the rugby. It was a fantastic victory over England and very enjoyable. I love when sport puts a smile on your face and allows you to eliminate all the negative thoughts about what is going on in the world.