16th October 2023: A Week in Parliament

Israel and Gaza

I cannot imagine the horrors faced by those Israeli civilians slaughtered, and how it must be for those taken hostage. Truly barbaric and I have no idea what Hamas think they are going to achieve. Israel clearly has a right to protect itself from terrorists. However, equally, they must follow international law, and effectively fighting the entire population of Gaza by turning off power and water supplies is also horrific. They must cease this and there should be wider condemnation of this, whilst still showing solidarity with Israel.

It was moving at SNP conference to hear Nadia – wife of Humza, the First Minister – speak about what her family including her mother and father are facing in Gaza. Humza has shown real leadership on the wider issues of the conflict.

Park School Visit

A recent highlight was doing a visit to Park School and engaging in a Q and A session. A much more enjoyable experience than some of the more heavy politics to consider at present. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon with lots of questions.

Dr Lisa Cameron

Of course, the news of Lisa Cameron defecting to the Tories is a bitter pill to swallow. The timing of the announcement tells you everything, as she was about to lose, heavily, in the local selection contest for next year’s General Election. To go from contesting the candidacy to threatening to trigger a by-election if you are not selected, to then defecting to the Tories is total selfishness. It really does confirm that some MPs do appear to be self-serving politicians which gives us all a bad name. Ironically, given the constituents of East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow voted for SNP representation at Westminster, not the Tories (who came third), the electorate should be given the choice again. I have full trust and belief in the leadership that the party will move on from this.

Ian Murray

What does Labour really stand for? Ian Murray MP, Shadow Scotland Secretary, has confirmed that a UK Labour Government would not devolve more powers to Holyrood, such as employment law. These comments are even more bizarre given Anas Sarwar and Scottish Labour have previously claimed to be in favour of these measures. Sarwar also discussed devolution of drugs laws, possible immigration measures and the like – now ideas all consigned to the bin, and another party advocating that Westminster knows best.

Cost of living support

Last week we saw Ireland implement a series of measures to tackle the cost of living. The total package is worth €14bn and includes €450 energy credit, and temporary mortgage interest tax relief worth up to €1,250, among others. The SNP has repeatedly called for a major package ahead of the UK autumn budget to help families with the soaring cost of living in the UK. It is extremely frustrating that the Tories or Labour will not commit to proper cost of living support, meanwhile, small independent countries like the Republic of Ireland are offering a lot more.