17th April 2023: A Week in Parliament

DWP Report

A recent report by the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee has revealed that the Department for Work and Pensions' health assessment system has resulted in the death of claimants. This shocking finding comes five years after the Committee's initial inquiry, which had already identified significant issues with the system. Despite the Committee's previous recommendations, the latest report has concluded that many of these problems have yet to be resolved, indicating a serious need for essential changes. The report calls for measures that prioritise the improvement of trust and transparency within the system to prevent any further loss of life. Five years ago the Tories were warned about this and chose to sit on their hands and do nothing – meanwhile, claimants lost their lives. This scandalous revelation is yet another example of the Tories' disregard and contempt for the most vulnerable in our society. Their sanction regime has plunged millions of families into poverty, while the SNP-led Scottish Government has prioritised a social security system built on fairness, dignity, and respect. Think about what we could achieve with the full powers.

Grange Street Surgery

This Friday I am looking forward to knocking on doors in the Grange estate as part of my constituency engagement. I will be in the area from 10.00 am – 1.00 pm as my staff and I aim to chap around 300 houses or so. Residents will have received a letter notifying them of my presence this week. However, any constituent who needs assistance with matters dealt with at Westminster such as social security, employment or immigration issues, please get in touch and I will do all I can to help. You can call my constituency office on 01563 501412, email me at alan.brown.mp@parliament.uk or come along to one of my regular surgeries at my constituency office. 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.

Rail Meeting

I participated in a rail stakeholder event. It was interesting to hear how Scotrail is doing as a nationalised rail company. I welcome proposals to reform Sunday timetabling across the country. I also want to see a new station open at Mauchline, which is not yet in the pipeline. However, it was also an eye opener to see how much subsidy is applied to the current Kilmarnock – Glasgow service – effectively £3 per passenger journey which puts matters in perspective.

Kilmarnock F.C.

It’s fair to say that this weekend was a disaster for the club as we slumped into the play-off spot after a 4-1 hammering from Celtic. On a positive note, I did meet legendary footballer and World Cup winner, Jürgen Klinsmann! It was a surprise for everyone to see him rock up at Rugby Park on Sunday. Of course, Mr Klinsmann as South Korea manager, was there to rule the roost over Celtic’s Oh Hyeon-gyu. Great to see such a footballing icon pass through the gates at Rugby Park.