Visit to Ucan

Alan Brown MP visited Ucan and got to see first-hand the wonderful and dedicated work which takes place at the social enterprise in Kilmarnock.

Ucan are a business who aim to give individuals with learning difficulties an opportunity of employment and teach them key life skills which enables them to live independently.

The MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun was given a tour of the premises by directors; Matt Buckman, David Campbell and Joe Fairbairn. There, he was able to see the excellent facilities on offer which included; a gym area, kitchen, workshop, radio suite and an I.T. room.

The social enterprise have ambitious plans to open a café and expand their work further afield.

Commenting on the visit, Mr Brown said: “I thought the visit was a real inspiration. It was great to see the happiness about the place and the people working away.

“It was interesting to hear of the life skills which people who come here end up developing, in particular being put on the right track to living independently, and basically just helping them get on in life, it is absolutely fantastic.

“It’s a few years since I visited the premises and I can’t believe how much it has grown since then, which again is testament to the commitment of David, Matt, Joe and all the other staff at Ucan.

“I really can’t wait to see the finished product in terms of their café and retail space!”

Director David Campbell added: “We hope to develop people for work and help them with life skills, therefore we try to help them live more independently.

“There is one example of when one of the guys first joined us he had to be cared for seven days a week, but now that is down to just one day a week. We are not saying all of that is down to us, but it clearly shows the individual has learned a lot and is more stable thanks to our process.

“In terms of the future, what we want to do is firstly get this place finished and get the café open – but we also want to increase our reach. We currently cover the whole of Ayrshire but we would like to expand out to East Renfrewshire and the East Kilbride area.

“The ethos of the company is to build enough projects like the café to try and provide employment for the guys who come here as the trainee to then become an employee.”

Latest Foodbank Figues

A recent report from the Trusell Trust has found the number of Scots using foodbanks has double.

The data which was published today shows that nearly 500,000 emergency food parcels were sent out in Scotland between April 2017 and September 2018. Worryingly, this figure is lower than the total number given 10 independent foodbanks were unable to give details.

However, of the 118 Trussell Trust organisations as well as the 84 independent service details, the report found 480,583 food parcels were issued during this 18-month period.

Experts are also warning that data on food parcel distribution still only provides a partial picture of the number of people in Scotland who are struggling to feed themselves and their families; with most people choosing to use other ways of coping, like skipping meals, rather than use a food bank.

And Alan Brown MP has slammed the Government for their role in this shocking rise. The Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun has laid the blame at the door of the Tories, due to their welfare policies.

Commenting Mr Brown said: “These are shocking figures that illustrate the appalling impact of years of Tory austerity has had on communities across Scotland.

“The Scottish Government is spending hundreds of millions mitigating the worst of Tory cuts but we know there’s a direct link between harmful policies such as Universal Credit and foodbank use. They should be utterly ashamed of these figures—and they must urgently change track.

“Research has shown that changes to the UK-wide benefits system, along with zero hours and temporary contracts that contribute to in-work poverty, is a key driver of foodbank use. The UK Government needs to urgently fix the broken system to ensure a welfare system that delivers on fundamental human rights.”

Scottish Conservative MP, Colin Clark has previously said: “I consider that fact that there are food banks to support people an example of people being charitable.”

And spokesperson for the Scottish Tories also said: “The SNP has more than enough powers to deal with the very problems its complaining about.”

Despite these comments from Scottish Conservatives, Mr Brown said: “The report states that the UK benefits system is a “key driver” of foodbank use. Furthermore, the Trussell Trust’s most recent figures show a 15% year-on-year increase, which is linked directly to the roll out of Universal Credit.”

Also commenting, Sabine Goodwin from Independent Food Aid Network stated: “We need action that deals with the root causes (of food poverty). We need a social security system that is fit for purpose, and wages that are related to the cost of living.”

Finally, Mary Anne MacLeod from A Menu for Change: “The Scottish Government should be commended for its plans to help families put food on the table through the new income supplement (promised by 2022)”

“These figures are truly shameful in rich Scotland and they make for uncomfortable reading for our political leaders.”

Christmas 2018 E-Card Competition

My office received over 200 entries!

Trying to choose the finalists.

Choosing the winner.

The winner and runners up

Winning design by Nyla Bolton of Annanhill Primary in Kilmarnock.

2nd place design by Jay McIntyre of Park School in Kilmarnock.

3rd place design by Tyla Savage of St Patricks Primary in Auchinleck.

A selection of the best designs in my constituency office window.

It’s that time of year again and time to announce my Christmas E-Card Winner.

This year’s winner was Nyla Bolton of Annanhill Primary, Kilmarnock with Jay McIntyre of Park School, Kilmarnock taking 2nd place and Tyla Savage of St Patrick’s in Auchinleck coming in 3rd.

My office received over 200 entries and the standard of work was incredibly high – every entrant should be really proud of their work.

The quality was so high that we decided to wrap up the office with some of the best entries. These designs will be in my constituency office window for the duration of the holidays so if you are out and about in Kilmarnock why not take a wander past and see if you can spot yours!

Democracy Matters - Local Conversations

The Scottish Government is inviting people to join a conversation about community decision making, called Democracy Matters.

On the 10 September 2018 there will be an event in the Tower Room at Kilmarnock Train station from 6pm-8pm organised by Elevat8 Community Interest Company. The event is FREE but to book a place and more info please click on the link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/democracy-matters-tickets-48876303339?ref=estw

If you are part of a local group or voluntary organisation you may also be eligible for funding to allow you to host your own event: https://www.voluntaryactionfund.org.uk/funding-and-support/democracy-matters-community-engagement-fund

East Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau Survey

East Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau are currently doing some local research on the alleged mis-selling of the Green Deal in Ayrshire.

 If you have the Green Deal, live in EAST AYRSHIRE and would like to take part in their research you can go online to complete it using the link below or drop in to their Kilmarnock Bureau for a paper copy. To say thank you for completing the survey, they are running a FREE PRIZE DRAW for a £50 GIFT CARD. They will announce the winner in a few weeks once the survey is closed.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DealornoDeal

Fenwick Pop-Up Surgery

On Friday 22nd June I will be holding a pop-up surgery in Fenwick Church Hall.

Often the best way to raise issues with me is face-to-face, but if you are unable to attend, then please email me direct at alan.brown.mp@parliament.uk or call my office on 01563 501412.

EU Withdrawal Debate and Tory Power Grab

Most people will by now have picked up that the evening debate on the 12th June on the EU Withdrawal Bill was a democratic outrage. The debate on the devolution aspects of the debate was restricted to only 15 minutes! All of which were taken up by the Tory Government Minister, with not one SNP MP allowed to speak at that juncture.

This Tory Government power-grab was approved following a 15 minute debate, ignoring the voice of Scotland’s Parliament which withheld consent.

I myself tried to raise two points of order about the Government’s approach to the proceedings as you will see from the video. The Tories just don’t get it! and Labour once again failed to defend the interests of devolution.

The lack of respect for the Scottish Parliament and Devolution was then further disregarded when, during PMQ's on Wednesday 13th June, Ian Blackford called on the Prime Minister to bring forward emergency legislation to remove the power grab against the Scottish Parliament. The Prime Minister refused to address the concerns of the SNP, which led to the SNP walkout.

Using Standing Order 163 – which enables any MP to move “That the House sit in private” – the SNP used the Parliamentary procedure to stop the Withdrawal Bill proceeding without proper debate on devolution matters.

Over the last two days, Devolution has been treated with contempt by the UK government.

The UK Government must now bring forward emergency legislation to remove the Clause 11 power grab element of the EU Withdrawal Bill.

SNP MPs have been clear - Scotland’s voice must and will be heard.

My 'Work Experience Week' continues

Tuesday saw me take to the streets with Ayrshire Police Division PC John Douglas and PC Sarah Paterson.

As town centre officers PC Douglas and PC Paterson work in the core town centre of Kilmarnock and the issues they focus on are Drugs, Dishonesty Crimes and Anti-Social Behaviour.  They can walk up to 30,000 steps a day! and try to spend most of their time out in the town centre each day with limited time in the office.

On Wednesday I began my day at my local butchers - Afton Glen Meats Galston - Afton Glen meats in Galston.  Butcher Ian Holloway gave me a tour of the premises where I saw the preparation areas where he and his team make their own rolls and pies and where they butcher their meat.

Ian produces over 100 dozen rolls a week along with around 1000 pies each week for his shop and another 2000+ pies for MotherwelI FC. I can testify to how great those pies are!

I learned about the traceability of the meat he butchers and was then set to work making slice sausage. It’s a labour intensive process with half an hour of mincing, mixing, mincing again, kneading and then moulding being carried out before leaving the bars to set for around an hour. Each batch is made from around 30llbs of flank and produces 9-10 bars and Ian produces almost 100 bars on a Saturday alone!

It was a fascinating look behind the scenes and great to get hands on experience but I’m not sure if I’ll be asked back…I managed at least to provide some amusement to the team (and wipe out their supply of plasters) with my shocking knife skills!

Following my early shift at the butchers I got the opportunity to drop in to Ayrshire (East) Foodbank CVO East Ayrshire Ltd in Darvel to chat with Foodbank Development Worker, David Skilling, see their set up, meet the volunteers who keep the place running and help out a little.

The Darvel Foodbank is the main storage area for the whole of East Ayrshire and sends out an average of 250 packages a month, issuing 900 packs since January and feeding 1217 adults and 612 children giving a combined total of 1829 people - That's an average of 12 people a day they feed.

They rely on the support of the local community and local businesses for donations and volunteering and their loyal team of volunteers make sure that crisis packs are quickly assembled and distributed – I saw for myself this morning what a well organised set up and team they have there.

Recent changes to Charity Law mean it is much harder for them to do donation drives in supermarkets. I saw for myself how low their stocks were today and now, more than ever, they are reliant on the local community making regular donations either directly to their centres or via any of their drop off points in local supermarkets.  If you are a local business or community organisation who would be willing to host a donation drive then please do get in touch with my office and I can pass your details on to David.     

My 'Work Experience Week' begins

Kicked off my “work experience week” this morning with a really inspiring visit to the award winning team at Alan White Design Ltd Design Ltd (AWD) civil engineering firm at Hill Street, Kilmarnock.

I heard from Managing Director Malachy Ryan about some of the amazing engineering projects they are involved with both here in Scotland, the UK, and on the International scene.

For example, here in Scotland, AWD were involved with the technically challenging design of a propping system for the building of the fabulous V&A museum of Design in Dundee. For this project the AWD team had to come up with a completely bespoke and flexible system that had to cope with the intricate building specification with multiple curved walls constructed from reinforced concrete.

While on the international scene, AWD designed a suspended access system for the iconic West Gate Bridge in Melbourne, Australia. Not only did the AWD design ensure a safe working environment at full bridge access, allowing the bridge to remain open to the 170,000 vehicles per day for the duration of the project - they even made sure the employee facility/mess areas had a fully functioning dedicated BBQ space!

And if all of the above wasn’t enough to impress me, Malachy then went on to tell me how AWD are helping to inspire the next generation of engineers by getting involved with primary school STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, and Mathematics) projects; sponsoring the girls football team at Gargieston Primary School & Nursery; official sponsor of Kilmarnock Football Club; and running next month’s Roon The Toon 10K in aid of Hillhouse charity.

Thanks to Malachy and the rest of the AWD team for such an enjoyable visit.

I am also going to take Malachy’s favourite Voltaire quote with me back to Westminster: "No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking."

P.S. If you have a passion for civil engineering then check out the AWD website (www.alanwhitedesign.com) for more details as AWD are always on the lookout for new and enthusiastic talent to join their team.

The recent Easter recess was an excellent opportunity to catch up with some of the great groups and businesses in my constituency:

The Wednesday Waffle club in Onthank Community Centre – a community run group which offers a hot meal to everyone attending, and many activities including trips out and cooking lessons.

The April board meeting of the Kilmarnock Town Centre Partnership to hear about the work and ideas being undertaken with Celebrate Kilmarnock to... help improve the town centre.

Meeting the award winning team Utopia Computers. Always happy to support local businesses, and needless to say my first port of call for all things computer orientated.

Visit to Centrestage with my wife Cyndi to collect our T-shirts from Centrestage chief operations officer Paul Mathieson for this year’s Kiltwalk.

The Open Day for The Portland in Galston - a great example of what local people can achieve by transforming a former derelict into a valuable resource for their local community.

Working for you in Westminster

Here's a summary of the work I did in Parliament last week.

Fur Trade in the UK

I was shocked to hear the extent of real fur being sold in faux fur products on the UK High Street during the recent Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee evidence session.

I suspect that like me, many consumers would expect products containing real fur to be expensive – apparently that is not the case and many of the cheaper products and those with fur trims and embellishments are being mis-labelled as synthetic when in fact they contain real fur.

Consumers need to be able to fully trust the information on the product label, and retailers need to be fully aware of what is in the products they are selling to the public.

During the EFRA evidence I also learned about the stringent labelling processes and standards that are enforced in countries like the US and Switzerland. If countries like these can demand accurate labelling on their products then why not the UK?

Many people make their buying choices based on ethical and moral grounds and the idea that we are being misinformed due to technicalities like product label composition is despicable.

You can view the whole evidence gather session here.

Refugee Family Reunion Bill

In the House of Commons this week, I met with members of the Families Together campaign to discuss the urgency of reuniting refugee families in the UK. Refugees who have been separated from their families continue to be remain apart from their loved ones because of current restrictive UK laws on refugee family reunion.

Refugees should have the right to be with their family, the people that know them best and make them feel safe. But tragically, every single day refugee families already torn apart by conflict and war are being kept apart by restrictive UK rules.

This urgently needs to change. My SNP Colleague Angus MacNeil is bringing forward the Refugee Family Reunion Bill and I will be attending the Private Member’s Bill vote on 16 March and voting to bring refugee families together again.

You can find more about this issue via the Amnesty International UK website.

East Coast Mainline Franchise and Electric Shock Collar Petitions

I had an early start yesterday morning supporting the petition calling for the East Coast mainline franchise to come back under public ownership.  The petition was handed in to the Department for Transport yesterday.

In the afternoon I signed the pledge and the letter to the Minister calling for a ban on the use of shock collars for dogs.  As a dog owner myself I was pleased to see lots of support for the campaign - These aversive training methods are outdated and cruel, and there is no need for them to be used when there are so many positive training methods available.

You can help the petition get to 10,000 signatures by signing here.