19th February 2024: A Week in Parliament

Ceasefire Motion

As an SNP MP, I am proud to be part of a party that is leading the way in calling for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Since day one, we have been consistent in our efforts to bring about peace, and I am still astounded that Labour abstained from voting for a ceasefire back in November. I commend the 56 brave Labour rebels who voted in favour of the motion, but it is disappointing that neither Ian Murray nor the newly elected Michael Shanks were among them.

On Wednesday, we will bring a ceasefire vote to Parliament. The situation in Gaza is dire, with Palestinian civilians bearing the brunt of Israel's military campaign. According to recent reports, 92% of the fatalities in Gaza have been Palestinian civilians, including over 14,000 children. This is unacceptable, and the daily death rate in Gaza is now higher than in any major 21st-century conflict.

A ceasefire is essential for the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, where over a million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes. Despite the International Court of Justice's order to increase aid delivery.

It is clear that words of caution from Western leaders have been ignored, and it is time for the international community to be more robust. 

I urge all MPs to vote in favour of the ceasefire motion on Wednesday and to stand up for the rights of Palestinian civilians who have suffered for far too long. Sir Keir Starmer insists any ceasefire must be permanent and not temporary. Of course, that is the end goal as well as a proper Two State Solution. However, the stark reality is that unless both sides are pressured into even a temporary ceasefire, then more innocent lives are lost. I do not understand how the Labour Party cannot see this. 

Wes Streeting, a Labour frontbencher, also says it is difficult for them because they “are preparing for Government”. What on earth does that mean when assessing calling for an immediate ceasefire? 

The volume of correspondence from my constituents in the past four months has been unprecedented in my tenure as an MP. Their profound empathy and humanity make me even prouder to represent them.

Fenwick and Moscow Street Surgery

Looking forward to being in both Fenwick and Moscow this coming Friday (23rd February 2024) as part of my Street Surgery initiative. Constituents in Auchans Place, Blackfaulds Drive, Brookfield Grove, Fowld's View, Fulton's Crescent, Glencraig Terrace, Guthrie's Grove, Holm Crescent, Kilmaurs Road, Kirkton Place, Main Road, Raith Road, Rowallan Wynd, Rysland Drive, Skernieland Road, Waterslap, Weavers Court in Fenwick, as well as all of Waterside, 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. Street Surgeries are always great way to engage with constituents on important local issues.