6th February 2023: A Week in Parliament

Virgin Money

I was delighted to meet with members of Virgin Money to hear more about their partnership with the Good Things Foundation in trying to eradicate digital poverty. It was great to hear from Vicky, Colin, Julie and Grace about the plans that are in place through the National Databank to try and help those in data poverty. Kilmarnock’s Virgin Money is one of 16 stores across the UK distributing free O2 sim cards to those who need them. For those struggling, anyone over the age of 18 can drop into the store at the Foregate and approach them for six months of free data. We all know how important the internet and connectivity are in this day and age - everything is online. Be it banking, working, applying for jobs, general information and other day-to-day life tasks. We have to raise awareness and get this information out there. I am well aware of the irony of promoting this on social media etc. when we are trying to get this information out to digitally excluded constituents, but it is important we promote it and hope word of mouth gets it to those who need it. My office will start referring constituents and we will also distribute the information to the local authority and community councils.

Irvine Valley Surgeries

This Friday (10th February) I will be in the Irvine Valley carrying out some surgeries as I try and work back in a regular pattern for engagement and accessibility for constituents. Like my Street Surgeries, this was a regular staple of my pre-covid yearly planner but of course, was unable to participate for the last couple of years. I will be at the Portland Trust in Galston from 9.15 am – 10.00 am, the Morton Hall in Newmilns from 10.15 – 11.00 am and Darvel Town Hall from 11.15 am – 12.00 pm. Constituents who have an issue they would like to raise, or even if they would just like to chat, then please look out for me this coming Friday at the venues listed above. However, if you won’t be able to make any of the surgeries but need assistance with any matter dealt with at Westminster such as social security, employment or immigration issues, I will do all I can to help.  You can call my constituency office, email me or come along to one of my regular surgeries.  For devolved issues such as education, health and housing then it may be more appropriate to contact your local Councillor or Member of the Scottish Parliament.

House of Lords

Reports are circulating that £7m has been spent renovating the door of the House of Lords. The cheek of doing this amidst the current cost of living crisis speaks volumes and conveys how out of touch this Tory Government really are. Instead of wasting taxpayers' cash renovating this archaic institution, they should be abolishing it. The Lords personifies everything that is wrong with the broken Westminster system and the sooner Scotland becomes independent and escapes this the better.