27th November 2023: A Week in Parliament

Autumn Budget

The Chancellor last week announced the Government’s Autumn Budget. Time after time, their actions have failed to live up to the challenges we are facing as a nation, while not doing anywhere near enough to help those on the lowest incomes. Neither Rishi Sunak nor Keir Starmer will change course from the damaging Westminster policies that got the UK into this mess. We have seen nations like the Republic of Ireland offer some real cost-of-living support yet the UK Government is doing nothing to protect people this winter. Just last week I attended Barony Campus in Cumnock to see how East Ayrshire Council’s food provision and procedures work. Since August 2023 the Council has been supporting a half-price school meal option for all paying pupils within Primary 6 and 7 and all academy pupils. This means all paying children receive a healthy meal at lunchtime for £1.08. The commitment to ensuring no child goes home hungry is not only laudable but also imperative in this current, Tory-made cost-of-living crisis – the local authority is doing more to help families than this Zombie Government at Westminster.

Tax Cut

Hardworking people will find a bit of relief with the 2% cut to National Insurance. However, many more people will soon be paying more income tax so what is given is quickly taken away. And there is a £19bn of public sector cuts to follow to offset the NI cut. Also, the Scottish Budget has already been cut in real terms and the capital budget slashed. It is an awful package.

Israel and Palestine

I continue to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas. While any pause in violence is a welcome relief, it must go further. The number of hostages released from both sides is a big step in the right direction and hopefully, this continues until all innocent civilians are reunited with their families. We cannot see a repeat of the carnage that has killed so many innocent people resume after four days. Every ounce of diplomatic effort is needed to ensure this pause becomes a permanent end to the violence. The First Minister has called for the UK to officially recognise the State of Palestine to break the political impasse that has condemned Israelis and Palestinians to successive cycles of violence.

Small Business Saturday

This weekend, on December 2nd, we embrace Small Business Saturday. It's an annual tradition for me to explore local businesses, understanding their operations as part of this celebration, and this year is no exception. In support of this initiative, my office has arranged visits to some businesses situated on Hurlford Road. While I advocate for supporting local businesses year-round, the approaching festive season presents an excellent opportunity to actively back our small enterprises. With Christmas just around the corner, what better time to engage in the spirit of community and choose local businesses for your festive shopping?

If you'd like me to visit your business or organisation in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office. Let's continue fostering a thriving local business community together.