19th December 2022: A Week in Parliment

Cold Weather

I am sure like many, I was glad to see the end of the cold snap we have just endured. Given concerns about energy capacity, having a cold snap coinciding with a big drop in wind and therefore wind generation is not good. I also had to deal with frozen pipes, a fate many will have suffered. Not having a boiler operational for a couple of days was frustrating. However, I realise that for many people, they might be struggling to afford to turn on their heating. I spoke in a debate on the use of prepayment meters – these are a real problem for people because if they hit £10 of credit then their energy is automatically turned off. Standing charges still apply even if no energy is being used and so debt builds up, making it harder to clear. It is awful, and I have long argued that having higher standing charges on prepayment meters is a further tax on the poorest. I will continue to argue for a fairer system of charging, including a “social tariff” that covers the most vulnerable.

Opinion Polls

There have been six opinion polls conducted since the supreme court ruling that the right to hold a referendum on Scottish Independence is reserved to Westminster. All six show that there is a majority in favour of independence. It seems many people now understand that this is not a voluntary union and are moving towards supporting independence. It is possible this is a temporary surge, but when datasets are interrogated, it can be seen that the younger generations are all in favour of being a normal independent country. If the direction of travel continues, Westminster will not be able to continue to deny democracy. It also should be a wake-up call for Keir Starmer, who is doubling down on his rhetoric that he will not work with the SNP. It appears to be another party who is willing to overlook the views of the voters of Scotland.

Strikes

It is unfortunate so many have felt the need to strike to push for better wages and/or terms and conditions. These are decisions not taken lightly. It has also allowed the Scottish Government’s attitude to dealing with the unions contrast sharply with the Tories. The Tory Government seems hellbent on having a fight with the unions – shades of Margaret Thatcher. However, I am not sure taking on nurses will win much favour from the public. I was happy (and relieved) that Unison and Unite voted to accept the Scottish Government’s NHS wage rise offer. I hope the RCN in Scotland follows suit – if they do accept, then it will also allow their colleagues south of the border to put more pressure on the Tory Government. It really is a tough period, and even to help pay for increased settlements then this increases the tax burden. That is the reality of the financial position.

Christmas

I hope everyone manages to have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Look out for each other in these difficult times!