9th October 2023: A Week in Parliament

Rutherglen & Hamilton West

There is no doubt that the result of last week’s by-election was a sore one and a big loss for the party. Despite running a very positive campaign we were unable to deliver the result we had hoped for. Having been on the doorsteps, the biggest issue on everyone’s lips was, unsurprisingly, the cost-of-living crisis. We need to get real support to those who need it, and this is something I will continue to campaign for. Some may not be aware, but candidates/parties have to pay a £500 deposit to contest in an election campaign and if you get less than 5% of the vote then you lose it. Therefore, it was a horrendous result for the Tories only taking 3.9% of the share. It is no mystery where these votes ended up. It is also telling that at times in recent years some voters have no problem switching between Labour and the Tories.

All in all, a very disappointing result but the party’s attention turns to next year’s general election and winning back the seat which has changed hands at every election since 2010 between the SNP and Labour.

I understand some people want change, but Labour will not offer that – Kier Starmer confirmed there will be no additional money for public services. This means retaining austerity. So when Labour politicians demand more money for councils; more money for the NHS; more money spent on GPs, and more police officers, then they need to explain how to do this without increasing budgets.

Brexit

The UK Government has confirmed new post-Brexit border checks will cost businesses at least £330 million a year. In a letter to the Chair of the Labour Movement for Europe, Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe said: “We estimate these new costs of the model at £330 million p.a [per annum] overall, across all EU imports.” The cost to cover this lies at the door of businesses and then will ultimately be passed to the consumer and contribute to further price inflation not seen elsewhere in comparable countries. With Labour and the Lib Dems supporting this hard-Tory Brexit, only the SNP offers an alternative. Scotland must rejoin the EU, and therefore, the world’s largest single market and return to economic prosperity.

Parkinson’s Group

I was honoured to attend the Ayrshire Parkinson's Group meeting in Irvine. I was invited along by my constituent, Isaac Alvarez, who is affected by Parkinson’s himself and also fundraises on its behalf. He and his son recently trekked 800km on the Camino Santiago, raising an impressive £1,335 for Parkinson’s Research & Ayrshire Young Parkinson’s Group. His dedication is truly remarkable. I met with him initially back in August where I agreed to attend a group meeting. It was harrowing to hear from so many affected by the disease. I would encourage anyone affected to get involved with the support group and continue the great work being done.

The Lounge Café

It was fantastic to drop into the Lounge Café in Bellfield and meet with my constituent, Kenneth Stirling. I enjoyed talking to Kenneth about his future plans for the community café including employment and mentoring for those with additional support needs. Please pop in and give it a try: 81 Whatriggs Road Bellfield KA1 3RB