A Week in Parliament

In his weekly (letters) column in the paper, Kevin McGregor, the Labour parliamentary candidate took umbrage at my observation of the hypocrisy of Jeremy Corbyn making appointments to the House of Lords. His argument that you have to appoint “anti-Lords” in order to have enough Lords to vote for abolition is palpable nonsense. Firstly this would mean not appointing former Speaker, John Bercow, who “loves the place” and will never vote for abolition. Next, there are approximately 800 Lords. Let’s be generous and assume that 200 of those will vote for abolition. You then need another 600 Lords who are willing to vote for the abolition of the place to be made members. How long would this take? It is clear there will never actually be a situation whereby Labour have appointed enough Lords for them to then vote for abolition. What is required is a Government willing to push through such radical measures rather than leaving it for them to be part of the process.  

It must also be remembered that it was also the Labour Party who was caught up in the whole “cash for honours” scandal whereby there was a pattern of large donors to the Labour Party becoming Lords. There is no doubt that those close to political parties still find their way into the Lords. It is this form of patronage with the major UK parties which is too cosy for them to give up. This is just another strand why I think matters can be handled better in Scotland. Debates can be held about the merits of a secondary chamber ever being required, but if it were deemed beneficial, then it needs to consist of elected members rather than appointments. In the meantime, we are stuck with the absurdity of the £300 per day Lords.

Glasgow COP26

It is great that COP 26 is coming to Glasgow in November. However, it is disappointing that at the moment the UK Government’s preparations are a shambles. From sacking the person they appointed as President, to the revelations from her that the sub-committee set up by the Prime Minister has never met. Then finally to her claims of Johnson admitting he “doesn’t get it” when it comes to Climate Change - so much for it supposedly being a priority! As the SNP’s Spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change, I have long advocated that the Government needs to recreate a dedicated department for these responsibilities. We will know how serious they are if they do this during the forthcoming cabinet reshuffle - and also who then heads it up will be the next indicator. There is no point in setting out aims and targets to be carbon neutral by 2050, but if plans don’t start getting place soon it will be too late. And to get world leaders to agree to necessary measures this year at COP26 then plans, discussions and negotiations need to start happening now or there will be no chance of an agreement in November.

A Week in Parliament

Constituent Success

Sometimes you get a fantastic outcome that really lights up your week. After highlighting a sensitive PIP case for someone who was a childhood sexual abuse survivor, the office of the Secretary of State for the DWP got in touch. They have now awarded a 10 year PIP award, taking her out of the endless cycle of reviews that were causing mental health problems. All sorted within a week. Ideally, I wouldn’t have had to raise it, but it still shows what can be achieved.

Brussels

Just as the UK was officially leaving the EU, I made my first trip to Brussels. This was to meet with an organisation and discuss how I can link up and co-operate with others on my portfolio of energy and climate change. With the UK putting up barriers then it is important that we find other ways of co-operation. Interestingly they thought it was an important gesture for the Scottish Parliament to continue flying the EU flag while we are in the transition period. It was also bizarre that the Liberal Democrats, who try to claim to be the most Euro friendly party voted to take the flag down!

On the day of the withdrawal agreement going through the European Parliament, it was fitting that Auld Lang Syne was sung. There is no doubt they see Scotland in a completely different light now.

On my way home, at the Eurostar passport control, a border guard asked if I supported “The Killies” [sic]. Turns out there is a Killie fan in his office. We sure get about!

Emily Thornberry

Another Labour leadership candidate showed their knowledge and understanding of Scotland with her “I hate the SNP” comments. Given politics has gotten worse with fake news, outright lies and a culture of disrespect, then someone who thinks they could be Prime Minister shouldn’t be sounding off like that. However, I also have to acknowledge that she did make an apology, something else becoming rarer in politicians so maybe we can yet progress to a more respectful political culture.

Trump Peace Plan

So Trump has published a “peace plan” along with Israel. Optimists say it can be a starter for more talks between Israel and Palestine. However, that is naïve, to say the least. The document proposes that Israel annexes the Jordan Valley, which has some decent farmland and the all-important Jordan border. But in exchange Palestine is granted two areas of desert. What an absolute con job! And very transparent at that. I was also disappointed that the UK Government was not more robust. They claim to still uphold the belief that annexation is illegal in international law, so why not condemn these proposals at the very least. I am one of 140 cross-party MPs that have signed a letter which points out the failings of the plan and also where it differs from what has been the UK position for an agreed two-state solution.

A Week in Parliament

Burns Weekend

This year, unusually I have only attended one Burns Supper to date. It was a local SNP one held at Bellfield Bowling Club. These are the ones I enjoy the most – put on by volunteers and all performers on the night, talented amateurs. The venue, also run by volunteers, provides a reminder of the selfless work people do run these venues and maintain them for the wider use of the community.

On Sunday, I laid a wreath at the Burns Memorial in Mauchline, at an event organised by Mauchline Burns Club. Another fantastic organisation who do so much work keeping the work and knowledge of Robert Burns Alive. I had to confess to having a bit of envy at the skills and talents many of the performers have, that I can only dream about!

Climate change and the environment is rightly a big topical issue just now. There are debates about who was first to recognise the impact of man on the environment and subsequent climate change issues. However, it is amazing to think that in 1785 Robert Burns wrote the poem “To a Mouse” with the lines “I'm truly sorry Man's dominion, Has broken Nature's social union”. There is someone who recognised the impact man had on the environment just in terms of farming techniques back then. When we consider that, it is completely ridiculous that we have some people in Westminster that deny man’s impact on the earth!

Tory Ministerial Visit

The start of the Tory government “love-bombing” of Scotland has commenced. Will Quince MP, a junior DWP Minister visited several constituencies in Glasgow. His activities and social media posts show how the Tories view Scotland. He visited and toured Ibrox: while promoting the Rangers Charity is a good thing, it is so transparently cliched that he chooses only to go to Ibrox where many supporters still fly the Union Jack, and many promote the Union. He then had a couple of media posts about having a deep-fried Mars Bar. Yes, Will, we all eat that here. All the time. So, this is a Tory Ministerial view of how to engage with and promote Scotland. Is this type of activity really going to convince a majority of Scots that we are a valued member of the Union?

Broadband

I was disappointed the Scottish Government has had to admit their proposals for 100% broadband will now take two years longer to roll out. However, we need to remember this is a reserved matter. Of the £600m programme, only £21m has come from Westminster. Imagine how much better we would be advanced if Westminster stepped up its contribution? Meanwhile, the UK Tory Government are ducking and diving on a commitment to deliver gigabit broadband to every home by 2025. The language has changed to “gigabit-capable” networks, so I fear rural areas will continue to be ignored by the UK Government. They also seem to be relying on the 10MB/sec universal service obligation rollout which is also too unambitious. I will continue to pursue this matter.

A Week in Parliament

Big Ben

The Tories are getting on with really important matters…such as whether Big Ben will “bong” when the UK leaves the EU on January 31st.  Boris Johnson has encouraged donations to a fundraiser for this without realising the House of Commons Authorities cannot accept such money. This means we have a Prime Minister whose focus isn’t on the real job, and again he shows he has no idea about the actual rules of governance. It really could be a portent of things to come.

Tory Government Lords

The Secretary of State for Digital, sits in the House of Lords. So, MPs cannot directly question her. At the most recent question session we were supposed to be impressed that she was in the public gallery watching, as her Minister made a big deal of pointing this out. From my perspective it illustrated the farce of a Lord being a Government Minister given we cannot question her directly.  Frankly she was also wasting her own time and advisors time by not simply watching from their offices.

Labour Lords

Meanwhile a leaked list confirms that Labour’s “principled” opposition to the unelected Lords continues by them appointing more of their cronies to the place. They are also looking to nominate John Bercow the former speaker and Tory! Their former deputy leader, Tom Watson, who wanted to step down from frontline politics, apparently is now willing to be a Lord. What message does that say about his planned work ethic if this is “stepping down”? Katy Clark, the former MP for North Ayrshire and Arran is another. So we will have 3 former Ayrshire MPs, Clark, Des Browne and George Foulkes who now all have jobs for life in the Lords – in an institution they pretend they want to abolish!

York Lords

It has also emerged that the Tories are looking at proposals to move the House of Lords outside London, possibly to York. I am all for decentralising outside London, but this proposal seems barmy and involves the construction of a new chamber. Who will pay for all this? Well all of us of course, and we Scottish taxpayers will be paying our share for absolutely no net gain at all. When opposition parties talk about Scotland running a deficit just remember our “spend” contains all sort of allocated spend such as this which we have no say on.

Catalonia

Many people would have been horrified by the police brutality in Catalonia, beating up old women because they were casting a vote on independence. The treatment of the Catalonian elected politicians has also been shameful. Yet, according to Lisa Nandy, a Labour leadership candidate, this is an example we should turn to as a lesson in how to beat “divisive nationalism” [ie Scottish nationalism]. So, someone touting themselves as a Labour leader, and by default a future Prime Minister, thinks this is how to treat Scotland. She clearly has no clue what happened in Catalonia, and doesn’t understand Scottish politics. No wonder Scottish Labour really has to consider other options.

A Week in Parliament

My Spokesperson role at Westminster has now changed to Spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change. Given how important the latter is, and that both aspects are so intertwined I am looking forward to both challenging the UK Government on this and hopefully developing policy proposals as well. I have also been reviewing how we do outreach surgeries, in order to be even more accessible and planning survey work to engage with constituents who might otherwise struggle to interact with the office. Busy times ahead!

Australian Bushfires

Many of us will have friends or family in Australia. The ongoing bushfires are both an environmental disaster and devastating for communities and wildlife.  Bushfires are a natural risk in Australia, but this is unprecedented and there is no doubt climate change is a factor. The last 6 years are the hottest years on record and the top ten hottest years occurred since 1998, so there is something happening that cannot be denied. Yet, the Australian Prime Minister is a climate change denier, and in international rankings and assessment of climate change policy, Australia is bottom. The US is second bottom on policy and ranks bottom overall. Things need to change massively for the health of those countries and the wider world. Bear in mind this means Australia and the US faring worse than other massive developing countries such as India and China who often get the finger pointed at them.

Unelected Bureaucrats

We know the Tories rail against the “unelected bureaucrats” of Brussels. Yet Boris Johnson was quite happy to put Zac Goldsmith into the Lords and make him a Government Minister after he had just been kicked out by the voters. He added another ex-MP to the Lords right away and made her a Secretary of State. Neither of these positions is therefore open for us elected MPs to scrutinise and ask questions of directly in Parliament. This sums up the absurd constitutional set up of Westminster and Tory hypocrisy.

Harry and Meghan

I am surprised at the backlash against Harry and Meghan stepping away from Royal duties and that they say they will become financially independent. Why should they be forced to do a job they don’t want to? [I accept this may be a harsh reality for some]. Equally, financial independence should be good for us taxpayers and means they stand on their own two feet like the rest of us have to. Good luck to them being non-royals.

Brexit

So, the third reading of the Withdrawal Agreement was passed on January 9th. Officially the UK leaves the EU on January 31st, although nothing changes at that point as there is an implementation period until December 31st. To avoid a no-deal crash out then there is only 11months to negotiate a deal and have it ratified in both the UK and the EU. We are moving to the period where our future could be left in the hands of Boris Johnson and Donald Trump who he wants to trade with. Who really wants that as our future?

A Week in Parliament

Just like most people, I am sick of the ongoing Brexit process. However, I still have the firm view that I shouldn’t be voting for Boris Johnson’s so called deal, just to “get it done”. It will harm Scotland’s economy as reconfirmed by the Fraser of Allander Institute. While some business organisations say signing up will create certainty, it doesn’t do anything other than moving into a small transition phase.

His deal could have been outright rejected by Parliament in favour of an extension, but a total of 19 Labour MPs supported the second reading of the bill. While they then voted against the programme of the detailed aspect of the bill, it is confirmation that there are swathes of Labour MPs who want any form of a Brexit deal. They argue they represent Leave voting areas, so I accept that is more difficult. However, when the Labour Leader, Corbyn, and Brexit Spokesperson, Keir Starmer deliver speeches outlining how bad the so called deal is, then that position of voting for it becomes more untenable.

Now Johnson is trying for a general election again. No-one trusts him, but all opposition parties did say if an extension is granted that he cannot circumnavigate then there should be one. It is also difficult to keep pointing out how much of a liar Johnson is, how untrustworthy he is, and yet keep him in power. Yet, this seems to be Labour’s position. From calling for a general election as recently as the end of September, it appears they are unwilling to go for one. The reasons are clear – they fear one. Labour MPs openly tell you at Westminster that they will not go for a general election at this stage. So, we have an official opposition who think their position is so bad they will not take the chance to form the next government. Yet in 2017, Labour did much better than predicted, so why not try and improve on that?

The SNP have been working with opposition parties to try to secure a general election, in line with having an extension granted. This at least ticks the boxes of trying to remove Johnson while preventing him having a no deal crash out. If the Tories don’t accept this proposal (or ones similar if Labour change position) then it would seem Johnson really has ulterior motives.

There is no doubt that Johnson wants to go into a general election with the Withdrawal Agreement signed off in Parliament. The only way he can get it through Parliament? Labour MPs supporting the Tories again. That scenario is easily avoided by not voting the withdrawal agreement through. This is why Labour are also arguing that more time is needed to debate a 110 page bill. There is no doubt that is also factually correct, but it seems to be a way of staving off the ultimate position whereby Labour will help the Tories deliver Brexit. I at least look forward to debating that when an election is called.

A Week in Parliament

The Deal

Well, Johnson lost another vote – effectively he has lost every vote to date. This time his intended “meaningful vote” on his so called deal was amended to give Parliament the final say on legislation and prevent a No Deal crash out. It was incredible that following this and his previous submission to the Scottish Courts that he would obey the law and ask the EU for an extension, he stood up in Parliament and said he will do no such thing. This is further confirmation he is a charlatan and it is little wonder the courts have to be used to hold him to account.

Climate Change Debate

There was a climate change debate as part of the Queen’s Speech series of debates. Amazingly, apart from the words “climate change” there was nothing in the Queen’s speech legislation wise. There needs to be a greater investment in onshore wind and other renewables. I have called for a sector deal for marine and tidal energy. There is a nuclear sector deal even although this industry is struggling so why not one for where Scotland is leading the way in technology development. Interestingly, onshore wind was developed in Scotland but without backing from the UK Government who were happy to rely on North Sea gas, it was Germany and Denmark who took over the developments. With a bit of vision from Westminster Scotland could have had a renewable energy jobs boost as well as the oil and gas sector. We cannot lose the opportunities related to marine and tidal.

In the debate there was an amazing contribution from a Tory who argued that Margaret Thatcher shut the coal mines because she recognised climate change issues, and hence the switch to gas. Incredible!

Extinction Rebellion

The Extinction Rebellion protestors have also made this subject headline news. For a few days they disrupted my access to Westminster. No big deal, as they were all friendly peaceful protestors. However, I do not understand why some of them upped the ante by disrupting tube services by climbing on the roofs of the trains. Really annoying people doesn’t help your cause. But the worst aspect of this is they are disrupting those taking the most environmentally friendly form of mechanised transport to their work. Imagine their impact was to make more people take cars or taxis instead?

Farming No Deal

At an EFRA Committee enquiry I had representatives from the beef farming and processing industry confirm that the UK Government’s tariff schedule for operating in a no deal scenario will completely collapse the entire industry. That is the level of reckless gambling the Tory Government is willing to do. They also confirmed that under WTO trading, cheap Argentinian beef will also find its way to our shelves. The issue here being the rainforests being cleared to make way for cattle ranches. It is hard to keep up with all the possible negative consequences of leaving the EU. It is these scenarios that has had parliamentarians voting to prevent a No Deal crash out.

A Week in Parliament

Parliament “Ends”

The longest parliamentary session in history was finally legally prorogued. One aspect of this for myself was that two private members bills I had tabled “fall” and are no longer on the statute books as possible bills. One was for HELMS Green Deal Mis-selling and one was for Multi-employer pensions. The first one was to seek compensation for those that have been affected by the mis-selling of solar panels and energy saving measures, and to date ignored by the UK Government even although it was a UK Government initiative, so they should shoulder some responsibility. The second one mainly affects small plumbing firms, and it means companies may go bust, and owners being made bankrupt and losing their homes – because of changes to how pension fund contributions are assessed. The worst aspect of this is that the fund is actually financially solvent and the assessment process is fundamentally flawed. Overall then, my bills were aimed at protecting a wide range of individuals and companies. I will try again in the new parliamentary session as I cannot let these injustices lie.

Climate Change and Heat

I am a co-author of a report on heat decarbonisation. As we recognise the need for reduce carbon dioxide emissions then one major issue is gas central heating that so many of us use. The predicted future is moving to hydrogen blending in the gas network with eventually the gas we use being hydrogen rather than carbon based. This has huge implications for the boilers we install and possibly changes to oven and hob appliances. Ultimately there will be a change as big as the transformation from local town gas to a national network decades ago. Planning therefore is needed now.

Brexit Racism

As it looks like Johnson’s proposals are doomed, Leave.EU, the campaign funded by Arron Banks and fronted by Nigel Farage, released a tweet meme that stated “We did not win two world wars to be pushed around by a Kraut” with Angela Merkel depicted in a pose similar to a Nazi salute. It was a blatant piece of dog whistle politics: racist and deemed to appeal to racists. I understand people who voted to leave the EU are insulted when they feel they are tarred with the racist brush. Sadly that is the depths of one of the official political campaign groups and they do nobody a service and only cause tensions. These populist tactics really need to end.

October Deadline

Well the day of reckoning approaches. To date Boris has lost 7 votes in the House of Commons and lost in the highest courts. What is in store? Will he cobble a deal? Will he obey the law or pull a stunt that will mean another court case, which is set for October 21st in the Scottish Courts? I know I want a Brexit extension, Boris out of power and an election as soon as possible, even although I know people are fed up with elections.

A Week in Parliament

Brexit Policies

As I write, Boris has made an offer to the EU. There is a suspicion that he isn’t really looking for a deal and the offer to the EU would suggest that. It is full of contradictions but what I find strangest is that it creates a border in the Irish Sea. This means that goods going from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will need checks that don’t happen just now. Such a proposal was why half of Johnson’s current cabinet previously quit Teresa May’s Government and refused to back her “deal”. At least the DUP are openly shameless in just taking more money.

We don’t have long to tell if Johnson’s offer is another bluff or actually something that progress can be made on. On the unlikely event that the EU sign up to this, then all it will do is buy a little time before collapsing at the next stage.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats, who tell us if they get a majority (yes really!) Government with Jo Swinson as Prime Minister they will cancel Brexit by revoking Article 50. Except at the same time, they have an MP, Norman Lamb who is part of a group called “MPs for a Deal”! Yet, while they need a general election to fulfil their aspirations, they are refusing to back a no confidence motion and to try and get an alternative Government. They say they will not support Jeremey Corbyn as a very temporary measure with Jamie Stone MP stating “It is No Deal before Jeremy Corbyn anytime”. While I do not think Corbyn fit to be Prime Minister he still has to be given a chance to form a temporary administration given his position as Leader of the Opposition. They are also arguing that before a general election there has to be a referendum. Yet, this would be a General Election they will go into with a promise to cancel Brexit even if it was voted for a second time. So despite their stated desire to cancel or stop Brexit their actions suggest otherwise. They also try to forget that they were the part that originally argued for an EU referendum!

Labour meanwhile definitely want to negotiate a different Brexit deal, will remain neutral in General Election and then decide how to campaign in another EU referendum, possibly campaigning against their own deal. With such mixed positions from the other opposition parties it allows the Tory slogan of “Get Brexit Done” to gather momentum. Given Johnson has confirmed he won’t ask for the extension required by law, then this is why the SNP are arguing a vote of no confidence is needed rather than putting delaying blocking tactics in place.

And Finally…

At the Tory party conference, Scottish Tory MP Andrew Bowie bemoaned that with devolution the UK Government “gave away” Edinburgh Castle to Scotland. What chance of Scotland being respected by a Tory Government at Westminster when this is the attitude of a Scottish Tory MP?

A Week in Parliament

Unlawful Government

We now have the astonishing confirmation that Boris Johnson was acting unlawfully when he suspended parliament for such a long period, to “stymie parliament”. Perhaps not so astonishing is the fact that he has not shown any contrition nor bothered to say he got it wrong or apologise. He doesn’t care. It was particularly damning that the Government could not provide signed witness statements to confirm their intention wasn’t to block Parliament and it was just a normal process.

Worse, he is suggesting he still will not comply with the law which states by October 19th he needs to request an extension to stay in the EU for another 3 months if he has not got a withdrawal agreement through Parliament. Indeed, a Minister would not even answer my question as to whether they have taken legal advice on other options they might consider to be lawful. That non answer in itself confirms that they are looking to circumnavigate Parliament and the law.

Parliamentary Behaviour

Boris Johnson’s obstinance and belligerence continued in the Commons Chamber. It resulted in tempers flaring on both sides of the House. All very unedifying and he refused to acknowledge that such behaviour can lead to consequences in the behaviour of some members of the public. I have no doubt he is playing to the English Brexiteer audience. Will such behaviour have consequences? No-one can be sure, but a Prime Minister should set a dignified example. I am anything but prolific or well known on social media, compared to many colleagues but in that first week back, I certainly came to the attention of some of the Brexit fans and was trolled a bit. Nothing too extreme, “thick as mince” and that I somehow don’t understand things being the main theme. Someone also stated that the “voters of Kilmarnock and Loudoun will be voting him out soon”. That of course is a possibility I have to contend with in an election, but I remain unsure how someone who lives in Somerset will know what the voters in Kilmarnock and Loudoun think! At times like this though I am glad I am not a social media “star” as I don’t have to put up with endless trolling. Equally, if myself or other political activists (of whatever party) come to your door in the upcoming campaign I would plead for politeness no matter whether you agree with the politics or not.

Rural Broadband Report

As part of my work on the EFRA Committee we undertook an investigation into rural broadband availability. It will come as no surprise that there is a gap in provision between rural and urban, with the blame laid directly at the door of the Westminster Government. By setting population targets then remote rural areas were always going to be left behind. The Committee as a whole also agreed that Scotland should receive money based on need and the geography that tends to be more rural, plus the inclusion of the Highlands and Islands to deliver on. I look forward to the Government response to our report.