13th February 2023: A Week in Parliament

Darvel F.C.

By the time you are reading this, we will know the fate of Darvel’s tie with Falkirk and whether they will make it to the Quarter Finals of the senior Scottish Cup. Whatever happens, they have defied the odds to get to this stage and that win over Aberdeen in the last round is arguably the biggest giant-killing in the history of the Scottish game. On paper, the Falkirk tie is more winnable, but we know, all too well, that’s not how football works! It’s an occasion I can’t wait for, you can already feel the buzz in and around the Valley. The pride this has given the village cannot be underestimated and massive credit has to go to John (Gall) and Michael Kennedy the manager. You have people with absolutely no interest in football getting right behind the club and that is what makes occasions like these so special. If they are to progress, it would be fantastic if they were to draw Kilmarnock or even a nice easy tie against Ayr United…

Drop-in Events

Last week I attended a few drop-in events at Westminster. These are great ways to raise awareness of important causes and campaigns. I dropped into both Cancer Research as well as FND’s events to gauge a better understanding of these issues and try to do my bit in raising awareness. The Cancer Research drop-in was to mark World Cancer Day (4th Feb) where I met with researchers about the life-saving work taking place in labs across the UK. I also heard about the charity’s volunteer ambassadors who share their experiences of cancer to help inspire and inform the decision-makers who can make a real difference in how the disease is tackled. 

In regards to Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND), I was staggered to hear it affects up to 100,000 adults and 20,000 young adults in the UK. Those affected can experience life-changing symptoms similar to Parkinson’s Disease and long-term disability comparable to that of MS. When I shared this on Facebook, a constituent got in touch to say that she has been diagnosed with FND and it meant a lot to her that this drop in was taking place. It just goes to show how much this really means to so many people - we must do everything we can to play our part and raise awareness.

IFS Report

A recent report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies concludes Scotland’s tax and benefits system is more progressive than the rest of the UK. The report has found that Scottish Government policies since 2017, like changes to the benefits system, have increased the incomes of poorer families with children. Amongst the poorest 30%, they have suggested that Scottish reforms are set to raise the incomes of households with children by around £2,000 per year on average. It is once again a tale of two Governments. At Westminster, they have nothing but contempt for the poorest in our society and reward their cronies with billions of pounds worth of government contracts. Meanwhile at Holyrood, time after time they have demonstrated their commitment to tackling child poverty and delivering progressive policies to benefit our poorest families.

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.

30th January 2023: A Week in Parliament

Onthank Street Surgery

On Friday I was delighted to take part in my first Street Surgery of 2023. I was joined by two of my staff members and Cllr Elaine Cowan as we chapped more than 200 doors across Craufaurdland Road, Kingswell Avenue and Crofthead Avenue. It was great to be out and about and talking to constituents on their doorsteps about matters both locally and nationally. Street Surgeries are a fantastic way to engage with my constituents as I try to get away from the stigma that politicians only chap doors at election time. Pre-covid this was a staple of my constituency engagement, and it is certainly a feature which will be apparent this year as I aim to knock on doors across Kilmarnock and Loudoun. When I have advertised these in the past, at times, people have gotten in touch asking why I am not going to a certain estate or area within the constituency. I have been to several estates across the constituency and there is a reality I cannot be everywhere at once. But this system allows me to speak to way more people than simply holding a surgery in one venue, hoping people will turn up. Meanwhile, standard-type surgeries and my office remains open for enquiries as well. Keep an eye out for various activities in the coming months.

Nadhim Zahawi

Here is yet another sleaze case from the Tories as Rishi Sunak has sacked the Tory Party Chair, Nadhim Zahawi. The former Chancellor was sacked over a breach of the ministerial code by not declaring he was under investigation by HMRC. It is believed he paid around £5m to HMRC in a settlement over tax avoidance – when someone makes £23m profit why do they feel the need to avoid paying tax when clearly they can afford to do so? The Prime Minister has acted and sacked him, but how much did he know in the first place? Over the weekend, Zahawi posted his letter to the PM on Twitter. At no point did he make any apology for his actions or have any admission of wrongdoing…instead, he seeks praise as he details his so-called achievements in Government. we must not forget he also threatened to sue those who first broke the story, yet when sacked he still tried to blame a “hostile media”. The arrogance and self-entitlement never disappear it seems.

Kilmarnock F.C.

A very disappointing weekend for the club as we were comfortably beaten 3-0 by one of our relegation rivals. The defeat at Dingwall has four teams locked on 20 points at the foot of the table but we find ourselves rock bottom on goal difference. Our away form has been so poor this season, with only two points picked up and four goals scored on the road this season. However, our home form has been strong and this makes the Dundee United game at Rugby Park on Wednesday night huge. Hopefully, by the time this comes along a few more signings will be in the door.

23rd January 2023: A Week in Parliament

GRR Bill

Last week was dominated by the Gender Recognition Reform Bill. Regardless, of your stance on the Bill, the latest actions from Westminster are nothing but an attack on our democracy and devolution. My colleague, Joanna Cherry KC, who is against the Bill has even said that this is a decision to be made by the Scottish Government and it is not Westminster’s place to intervene. I believe some of the narrative has been skewed so I hope to clarify a few points. I can understand some of the scepticism towards the age of changing your gender, from 18 down to 16. However, this still has to have an adult’s consent and therefore it is not the case that teenagers have ‘free reign’ to make such a big decision with zero supervision. I also have to stress that you are entitled, in Scotland, to vote at 16, join the army (with parental consent), work and move out of your home/get a mortgage.

Also, this Bill was passed by 2/3s of the Scottish Parliament. Members from all mainstream political parties voted for it, even the Tories. This shows that this is not an SNP-agenda-driven campaign. All Members from the Greens and Lib and Dims voted for it, 18 Labour and two Conservative MSPs voted for it (their Justice and Health Spokespersons), and nine SNP voted against it. This shows that representatives from all across the political landscape came together to vote in favour of this Bill, and Westminster’s latest actions show nothing but contempt for devolution and Scottish democracy.

Finally, regarding the Bill itself, the WHO; Scottish Women's Convention; Scottish Women's Rights Centre; Scottish Women's Aid; Human Rights Consortium; One Parent Families Scotland; STUC; Scottish Refugee Council; Zero Tolerance; Close the Gap; Engender and JustRightScotland all support the Bill.

More Tory Corruption

Now we know the then-prospective chair of the BBC helped Boris Johnson get a guarantor for an £800k loan. Yet another conflict of interest and why would a prime Minister need a loan for £800k? The next scandal was the former chancellor, Nadim Zahawi having to pay millions of tax avoidance money back to HMRC. It all stinks to high heaven.

Burns Federation

Ahead of Burns Night, I was delighted to pop into the Robert Burns World Federation. It was great of Margaret-Ann, Business Manager, to take time out of her day and show me around the premise. I am ashamed to say that this is the first time I have been able to visit – although my Office did take part in their Burns Festival back in July! The Burns memorabilia they have on show is pretty remarkable and I would urge anyone to pop in and see what they have on offer. Additionally, the Learning Centre/Education Suite looks fantastic and is a great place for people to go and learn more about the history of Scotland’s national bard. I couldn’t leave without becoming a signed-up member of the Federation - I also treated myself to a new mug and a jigsaw for some mental downtime for when I am in down in London.

16th January 2023: A Week in Parliament

Back to Parliament

Last week I returned to Westminster after the Christmas and New Year break. As always, it was extremely busy. In the Chamber, I raised the issue of Westminster’s disregard for the Scottish electorate. I also responded to the Ministerial Statement on Industrial action, as well as raising the case of a local business. Struther Farmhouse Tea Room, in the constituency, is facing a 500% increase in their energy bills – with their gas and electric going up by £25,000 in a year! I highlighted the fact that although the bulk of the £56bn energy profits levy is coming from Scotland, so many Scottish businesses are left struggling, in particular those in the hospitality industry. I called for the UK Government to deliver proper support to small businesses or else face the prospect of closures due to these ludicrous running costs. I will continue to raise these issues in Parliament as I know everyone is struggling at the moment with these unaffordable energy prices.

In addition to this, I have been leading on anti-strike legislation currently being pushed through parliament. This is utterly disgraceful and a horrendous attack on millions of public service workers.

Case Success

This week my office got the confirmation of a positive result for a constituent case involving the Home Office. The family of my Syrian constituent, Ahmed, have been stranded in Istanbul for some time and for the past 10 months, he has been waiting on the outcome of their family reunion application – to join him here in Kilmarnock. Whilst in Istanbul, they have been subject to racism and with the recent terrorist attacks in the city, Ahmed was extremely concerned for their welfare. I raised this directly with the Leader of the House last month and I was delighted to hear this week, the Home Office contacted my Office to advise that their application has been approved and Ahmed will be reunited with his wife and three children. Although this is welcome, it still infuriates me that people like Ahmed have to go through this horrible process. I cannot begin to imagine the stress and frustration this causes - let’s hope the backlog clears and others are reunited with their loved ones.

League Cup Semi-Final

Saturday made you proud to be a Kilmarnock fan. Killie Till I Die ringing around the stadium at full-time despite being beaten 2-0 and just moments after a real suckerpunch. It was great to see the fans show their appreciation for the players and management team at the end. We put so much into the game and were robbed of a penalty in the last few minutes – things could have been different. We know these games do not come around often and this was personified in the build-up. The bars and restaurants locally were jumping with friends and families spending time together before heading up to support the team. There are so many positives to take away from the weekend and I am sure we won’t be waiting another 11 years before we can do it all again.

9th January 2023: A Week in Parliament

Happy New Year

I hope everyone lucky enough to have some time off, had an enjoyable and restful festive period. For many, it is a time of year when we catch up and spend time with our nearest and dearest. For others, it can be difficult to spend Christmas without loved ones who are no longer with us. Therefore, I feel it is important to make the most of what we have and cherish these memories while we can. Again, I am aware that not everyone had that luxury and many people worked throughout the festivities. Once again, I would like to convey my gratitude to everyone who did, especially public service workers who did their all to keep us safe over this period.

My staff returned to work last week (Thursday 5th) and the office is open to the public. If you have any issues you wish to raise with me do not hesitate to stop by and speak to a member of staff. Keep an eye out for my surgeries over the next few weeks.

Back to Hampden

This weekend we head back to Hampden for the first time since March 2012, when coincidently, we beat Celtic to win the League Cup. I am sure I speak for most Killie fans when I say it was up there with one of the best days following the club – given silverware doesn’t get dished out that often for us. I know our league form has been up and down but you have got to give it to McInnes for getting us back to a cup semi-final. These games don’t come regularly but there is no reason why a club of our size should not be playing in semis and finals every few years or so – 11 years has been far too long.

It is estimated we will take around 6,500 to the National Stadium on Saturday evening – I am sure this will filter through and give some of the local pubs and restaurants a good turn. There are still tickets available, so if you can afford to go, please do – it’s not to be missed. ‘Mon the Killie.

Affordable Housing

It is fantastic that Scotland is outperforming the rest of the UK by way of building affordable housing. Currently, we are building 13.9 homes per 10,000 population. Compared with 8.0 in Wales, 9.7 in England and 13.0 per 10,000 in Northern Ireland. Since 2007 Scotland has built 113,000 homes - 9,757 in the last financial year. Obviously affordable housing is required to allow people to access their own houses; to stop housing costs causing poverty and to help mitigate homelessness. However, as always, what Scotland does is limited by the lack of borrowing powers, and with Westminster not doing their bit, our budget does not increase with Barnett consequentials either. And thanks to Brexit, costs have increased making it even more difficult, and even more impressive what has been achieved.

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!

12th December 2022: A Week in Parliament

Devolution

Westminster often claims that Holyrood is the most powerful devolved parliament in the world. However, this is a claim which is completely fabricated and not even close to being true. For a start, we are not even the most powerful of the devolved nations! Powers such as energy, except for nuclear, pensions and even the Union are devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly. Therefore, the people of Northern Ireland have the right to hold a referendum on the future, yet the people of Scotland are not granted that privilege. For some time I have made the case for this and I raised it last week at Business Questions. Unsurprisingly, instead of answering the question and explaining why Scotland does not have these specific powers, the Leader of the House (Penny Mordaunt) went on a rant attacking the SNP Scottish Government. One thing is for sure, Westminster standing in the way of democracy is actually gathering more support for the YES movement, as can be seen with the most recent poll conveying support for Scottish independence at 56%.

Open Doors for All

It was great to drop into the Guide Dogs event at Westminster. I was able to hear first-hand issues owners faced and was staggering to learn that 81% have experienced an access refusal in the past and that 73% had experienced this in the last 12 months. I have supported their campaigns in the past and certainly support their calls for making guide dogs welcome and accessible wherever possible.

New Westminster Leader

Last week Stephen Flynn was elected as the new SNP Leader at Westminster. I feel this is a very good appointment and I have no doubts that Stephen is the right man to take the party forward in our pursuit of independence for Scotland. He is young and very enthusiastic, I believe these qualities and fresh approach are exactly what the party needs and will build on the fantastic work Ian has done over the past five-and-a-half years. With Mhairi Black as deputy leader then it really is a fresh young leadership team.

5th December 2022: A Week in Parliament

Small Business Saturday

As part of this annual campaign, this time, I opted to highlight businesses in and around John Finnie Street. At times, too many of us pass through John Finnie Street in our cars on the one-way system rather than shopping on foot. There is a raft of businesses on what was built as a prestigious Victorian Street. I got a whole range of butcher meat at Faulds' The Butcher, including their award-winning black pudding. I pooped into George Tannahill’s to look for furniture and then Sinforiani Bros in West George Street. The latter shop always has a fine array of whisky, gin and wine. There are also books to browse and a range of Italian produce - I always come out with more purchases than intended!

The Proclaimers

On Saturday I was lucky enough to take in The Proclaimers gig at the Grand Hall. They were top class and the atmosphere was great. The atmosphere spread to the town centre with many people making a good night of it. There is no doubt the town centre as a whole gets a boost when headline acts play. In keeping with the Small Business Saturday theme, I opted to eat out at “Exotic Kitchen”, Kilmarnock’s newest (Indian) restaurant - a fantastic evening all in.

Puppy Smuggling

I have signed a cross-party letter in association with the Dogs Trust regarding the illegal Puppy Smuggling trade and the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. This is legislation that had stalled and needs to be reintroduced to parliament. The Dogs Trust have identified that pregnant dogs are now being smuggled in which is clearly traumatic for these dogs. If you are purchasing a dog, always check the reputation of the breeder and ensure that you get to see the conditions they are being raised in and, of course, proof of mother. The timing of the letter is of course also aimed to tie in with the annual campaign to remind people “a dog is for life, not just Christmas”.

Ian Blackford

The SNP Group Leader at Westminster has decided he was stepping aside from that position. I pay tribute to the work Ian has undertaken in that time. He has faced four Tory Prime Ministers in that time and two Labour Leaders. He regularly challenged the UK Government and remained firm on the problems with Brexit, while the Labour Party has moved to mimic the Tories on Brexit for fear of upsetting voters. All polling evidence points to people thinking that Brexit was a mistake and that there is support for re-joining the single market. So, wholesale changes that will improve the economy will actually be supported by the wider electorate. The issue is that Labour and the Tories obsessively focus on appealing to the swing voters in the former “red wall” seats. It is an incoherent way to form a strategy and I am so grateful the SNP has had strong leadership over this period. I know our new Westminster Group Leader will continue from where Ian left off.

28th November 2022: A Week in Parliament

Supreme Court Decision

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that even an advisory referendum on whether Scotland should be an independent country is outside the competency of the Scottish Parliament when considering the 1998 Scotland Act. Some argue that the Union itself and other matters predate the 1998 Act which set up the new Scottish Parliament. However, the 1998 Act is the most recent law, so this has to be the dominant consideration. One good aspect of the judgement was that it was clear. The UK Government had argued it was too early to make a decision and that the court would require to wait until there was a bill for them to consider. A binding decision makes matters clear for all parties.

At the last Holyrood election, the SNP and Greens stood on a platform for holding another referendum. They won – the SNP got 62 out of 73 constituency seats, the equivalent of the Tories or Labour getting 552 seats out of 650 at Westminster! Pro-independence votes also had a majority in the list ballot as well. It is clear that the people voted for parties that offered a referendum and Westminster should work with the Scottish Government accordingly. It is absurd not to. The new stated position for people to have a vote on the principle of independence will be an election, likely the next general election. Democracy cannot be denied forever.

Michele Mone

The Guardian led a story based on internal HSBC documents that show she made an astonishing £29m profit from a company that she referred to Government for a PPE contract. The whole “VIP Lane” where Tory MPs and Lords were able to refer companies for contracts remains a bit of a mystery. Michele Mone has always denied having any links to PPE Medpro, and it is only the leaked documents that prove she was making money out of a company that she referred to the Government. It is absolutely stinking. Her husband actually made £65m profit before transferring £29m to Mone and her children. And as if it could not get any worse, the company failed to deliver the goods. The aprons they sourced did not meet the required specification. In short, a Tory peer has referred a brand new company with no track record in the procurement of PPE to Government. They have awarded a juicy contract and paid up front so absolutely no financial risk to the company. They have failed to deliver the goods – potentially putting NHS staff at risk due to the shortages of PPE – but Mone and her family have trousered £65m in personal profit. It makes me angry and should make many others angry too.

Small Business Saturday

This Saturday, December 3rd is “Small Business Saturday” so I would encourage as many people as possible to get out there for some early Christmas shopping and give our local retailers a boost. I appreciate the cost of living crisis will dictate spending power, but ultimately supporting local traders is what keeps our high streets going.