8th January 2024: A Week in Parliament

2024

I wish everyone a Happy New Year. In what is going to be a general election year, I intend to work as hard as ever for my constituents and then work as hard as possible to get re-elected. It is high time that the Tory Government was overthrown. Of his five pledges, the only one Sunak has made was that of halving inflation. Except, of course, they said high inflation had nothing to do with them, so they cannot take credit for reducing it if inflation is outside their control! Starmer unfortunately continues to un-inspire with him continuing to flip-flop on more policies. Far greater change is required.

Alaa Abd el-Fattah

Cross-party MPs have come together to sign a letter urging David Cameron’s intervention in the case of British citizen Alaa Abd el-Fattah, currently imprisoned in Egypt for nearly a decade. I am pleased to announce my support for this crucial initiative. Alaa, a champion of democracy, has faced unjust incarceration for his writings on freedom and social issues. The letter addressed to the Foreign Secretary emphasises the urgent need to secure Alaa's release, highlighting recent positive political developments in Egypt as a potential window for diplomatic intervention. As a signatory to this letter, I am committed to supporting its demands and will keep constituents informed of any parliamentary progress on this matter.

Killie Community

It was inspiring seeing Killie Community share Scott Montgomery’s story on their socials last week. The video detailed Scott’s journey from tragically losing his son Ben last year - at just 20 years old - to cancer, to where he is now. After suffering such a low in his life, one I cannot even begin to imagine, to now being in great physical and mental health is truly fantastic. By joining Killie Community’s various programmes Scott has reaped the rewards for all his hard work. The work the Killie Community do is commendable, and I have been happy to support many of their funding initiatives as well as join them for their Walk & Talk session which takes place every Wednesday. I would encourage everyone to watch Scott’s story and join the Killie Community for their wonderful initiatives that improve your physical health as well as your mental well-being. They are showing why Kilmarnock F.C. is more than just a football club.

Waterside Street Surgery

Looking forward to being in Waterside this coming Friday (12th January 2024) knocking on doors with my staff.  It will be my first Street Surgery of 2024 and one I am relishing as over the past year it has been great to get this back up and running. Constituents in Fenwick Road, Main Road, McKnight Avenue, and Mill Wynd will have received a letter notifying them that I will be there if they wish to speak to me about an issue. 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 don't hesitate to get in touch with me.