15th January 2024: A Week in Parliament

Post Office Scandal

The recent ITV drama starring Toby Jones has brought the Horizon scandal back into the public eye and has people discussing it again. This is something I have been well aware of, even before my time as MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun. However, as the representative for the area I have dealt with constituents who have been directly affected by this grave injustice. Last week I raised one of their cases in the House. This constituent not only lost their post office franchise as a result of Horizon’s false accusations but subsequently, due to the associated pressures, lost their main business as well. That is what I tried to highlight, it is not only those who were convicted and prosecuted who should be compensated, but those who were wrongly accused. I will continue to fight the case for constituents affected by this miscarriage of justice.

I found it amusing that some people on social media were accusing me of only mentioning the matter because it was on TV! I participated in a select committee enquiry which started in March 2020 and have raised the matter over the years since.

On a separate note, I was disgusted to see a new report emerge which finds that the Post Office claimed £934m tax relief for its compensation payments to the postmasters it persecuted. I do not know where to begin with these findings. It rubs salt into the wounds of those affected and it is fair to say that the Post Office needs a real clear out of its executives.

Airstrikes in Yemen

I share the concerns of many regarding the UK Government's recent decision to partake in airstrikes against Yemen. While we unequivocally condemn the actions of the Iranian-backed Houthis, it is essential to question the purpose of our involvement. The pressing question on the minds of many is: What do we hope to achieve with these airstrikes? The situation in Yemen is undoubtedly complex, and while we condemn the Houthis' actions, it's crucial to critically assess the potential outcomes of our military interventions. History has shown us the dire consequences of engaging in conflicts in the Middle East without a clear and achievable goal. Airstrikes in this case may well be justified but what is the end game here? Haven't we learned from the mistakes of the past? The Prime Minister's decision to engage in airstrikes without seeking parliamentary input raises transparency concerns and undermines democratic principles. Former Ambassador Frances Guy's warning that airstrikes may play "right into extremist hands" underscores the potential unintended consequences. We must weigh the broader impact of our actions, even with the best intentions. I will continue advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and a diplomatic approach to address the root causes of Middle East conflicts and end this indiscriminate killing. Let us learn from the past and pursue peaceful, sustainable solutions to the region's complex challenges.