23rd October 2023: A Week in Parliament

Gaza

The humanitarian issue in Gaza continues to get worse. The 2.2 million population, of which half are children, normally rely on 400 aid trucks a day to bring in water, food and fuel supplies. After seven days of no relief at all, it puts in perspective the agreement to let just 20 trucks in. People are now potentially dying of thirst or hunger. It is awful.

Council tax freeze 

Having campaigned in Rutherglen, I saw first-hand the leaflets Labour put out condemning potential council tax increases. Sarwar only said last month that increasing council tax would be "making life harder for working people. Then the SNP announced a council tax freeze and suddenly Labour condemn the freeze! Somehow, a council tax rise attacks hard-working people but in this parallel world, a freeze “only benefits the rich”. The hypocrisy is unbelievable. Meanwhile, the SNP will continue to stand up for families in Scotland in the face of the Westminster cost of living crisis - and put money back in people's pockets.

Business Question

Last week at Business Questions, I raised a pressing issue that hits close to home for many in our constituency: the infected blood scandal. Victims, infected as far back as the 1970s and 1980s, are still waiting for justice. Tragically, every four days, another victim loses their battle without closure. Scotland led the way in the UK with a support scheme for victims but compensation from the UK Government is outstanding. I asked the Leader of the House, Penny Mordaunt MP, to confirm whether the government plans to introduce a compensation framework before a potential general election further delays the process. This issue is about justice, not politics. As MP, I am committed to fighting for justice for those affected by this scandal and will continue to champion the cause.

Wear it pink

Last week, I was happy to show my support for breast cancer awareness and wear it pink at parliament - donning a vibrant pink attire alongside my colleagues. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK, with each year around 11,500 women and 85 men losing their lives to the disease. I was delighted to raise awareness and support such a fantastic cause that affects many in our constituency, underscoring the need for continued research, support and early detection to combat this devastating illness.

Bellfield Street Surgery 

I am looking forward to being in Bellfield on Friday (27th October) as part of my Street Surgery engagement. My staff and I will be knocking on doors in; Lammermuir Road, Grampian Road, Ochil Place, Cairngorm Road, Cullin Place and Kinnoull Road between 1.00 and 4.00 pm. It’s always great to get out and about and talk to constituents on their doorsteps about matters that are important to them. However, if you will not be in or do not reside in the areas listed above but have an issue you would like to discuss please contact me: alan.brown.mp@parliament.uk / 01563 501412 or drop into my office at 31A Titchfield Street in Kilmarnock (KA1 1QW).