Onthank Primary Visit

Last week (Friday 28th February) Alan Brown MP visited Onthank Primary in Kilmarnock.

The representative for Kilmarnock and Loudoun met with the school’s Primary 3 class to take part in a Q&A session. Mr Brown also posed with the pupils to promote World Book Day which takes place this Thursday (5th March).

In its 23rd year, the aim of World Book Day is to encourage children to read and giving them the opportunity to own a book of their own.

Commenting, Mr Brown said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Onthank Primary, it’s always great to go into schools and engage with pupils.

“As always, question and answer sessions are never easy - the pupils certainly put me on the hot seat with some of their questions!

“I was given a tour from some of the students who showed me about the building and I was able to see the top-class work the school has been doing. I was also interested to hear from the class on their current topic of study, Scotland.

“It was great to hear the knowledge the Primary 3s had of their country and I was also asked questions on what my favourite aspects Scotland are.

“The passion and enthusiasm to learn were clear to see and I look forward to seeing how the school and pupils progress.”

Foodbank Collection

The Trussell Trust was also present at Tesco on the day of Mr Brown’s surgery.

They were collecting items for East Ayrshire Foodbank after recent figures have shown usage is at an all-time high.

Data has revealed that between April 2018 and September 2019, 278,258 emergency food parcels were distributed by independent foodbanks in Scotland – with a further 318,214 parcels distributed by the Trussell Trust.

In Kilmarnock and Loudoun, between 1st April 2018 and 31st March 2019, 6228 three-day emergency food supplies were given to local people in crisis, with 2163 of these going to children.

After his surgery, the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun made a donation to the foodbank as well as many other shoppers.

Commenting, Mr Brown said: “It was heartening to see the number of donations but there was a wide realisation and feeling amongst shoppers of disbelief that it shouldn’t come to this. It’s a disgrace.

“Foodbanks and their volunteers do an excellent job of providing support for those who need it, but the fact that they even exist is a damning indictment of Tory policies which are actively driving people into desperate situations.

“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 what has come of their medieval policies which show nothing but contempt for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Below is a list of items local foodbanks are in need of:

UHT/Powdered Milk, cartons of juice, tinned meals (eg. Stew), tinned vegetables, tinned tuna, cereals, sugar, soup, biscuits, pasta, pasta sauce, crisps, toilet roll, tinned beans and tinned deserts (eg. Custard and rice pudding). 

Supermarket Surgery

LAST WEEK Alan Brown MP held a pop-up surgery at Tesco in Auchinleck.

The representative for Kilmarnock and Loudoun was in the Ballochmyle area on Friday where he met with local residents as part of his supermarket surgery initiative.

Commenting, Mr Brown said: “I am always looking for ways to become more accessible to my constituents and supermarkets are a great place for this.

“With it being Valentine’s Day the store was busy with locals in buying last-minute flowers, cards and chocolates for loved ones so it was a good day to be there.

“In terms of new cases, my office picked up a few but the most important factor is being visible and accessible to my constituents.

“Over the past 12-months I’ve held a supermarket surgery twice at Tesco in Auchinleck but I have had a number of other initiatives. I’ve also chapped doors for my street surgeries in Catrine (twice), Muirkirk (twice), Logan, Lugar, Cronberry and Sorn. As well as my regular outlying surgeries in Mauchline, Auchinleck and Muirkirk.

“I’d like to thank the staff at Tesco for their accommodation and I’m looking forward to the next supermarket surgery.”

#Scrap6Months Pledge

Alan Brown MP has pledged his support for a charity campaign to improve access to benefits for dying people.

The Marie Curie and Motor Neurone Disease Association campaign, #Scrap6Months, is seeking a change to the law which demands that a dying person must prove that they have six-months or less to live in order to access benefits quickly and at a higher tier.

The two charities believe that all people should get fast track access to benefits if a doctor says they have a terminal illness.

At present, dying people may have to go through a lengthy process to access benefits, during which they must undergo assessments of their fitness to work or even prove that they are looking for work.

Receiving benefits is vital for many people at the end of their lives as they rely on financial support due to being unfit for work, or because of the increased costs associated with living with a terminal illness.

Estimating how long someone will live is difficult and the six-month rule has no clinical basis or evidence. Many healthcare professionals don’t feel comfortable saying someone has six months left to live.

Commenting at the All Party Parliamentary Group for Terminal Illness event in parliament, Mr Brown said:

“I pledge to proudly support the scrap six months campaign from Marie Curie and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

“I find it ridiculous that at this moment in time, those who are terminally have to ‘prove’ they have less than six-months to live in order to access benefits – it is inhumane.

“Those at this stage should not have to go through this ludicrous process, we should be doing all we can to assist them and give their families peace of mind.

“In a caring, compassionate society dying people should receive all the support available to live with dignity and to make the most of the time they have left. No one who is at the end of their life should have to spend time jumping through hoops or worrying about how to make ends meet.”

Hurlford Street Surgery

I was delighted to get my street surgery initiative off the mark for the new year as my staff and I chapped doors in Hurlford on Monday 27th January 2020.

It was yet another positive experience as I was able to discuss with constituents a range of local and national issues. My office were able to take on some new cases and the most prominent issues in the area were both speeding and potholes.

Looking forward to visiting other areas of the constituency in the coming weeks!

National Autistic Society

At the beginning of October, I had the pleasure of meeting with members from the National Autistic Society before my street surgery in Catrine.

I dropped into the pop-up shop situated on Saint Germain Street in the village to discuss issues with members from NAS as well as local residents.

It was great to hear of the positive relationship between members of Catrine and the residents at Daldorch. It is clear to see Catrine is an inclusive community and I was happy to be a part of it.

Edinburgh Kiltwalk 2019

On the 15th of September, I will be taking part in Edinburgh’s Kiltwalk.

This time I will be walking in aid of Ayrshire Cancer Support. Ayrshire Cancer Support are an excellent local charity who provide free practical and emotional support for people affected by cancer.

I am grateful for all the support you guys gave me back in April at the Glasgow Kiltwalk and any donations this time around would also be massively appreciated.

Remember every pound donated will be topped up 40% thanks to Sir Tom Hunter, so 140% will go directly to the charity and to the people who need it.

If you can, please donate: https://edinburghkiltwalk2019.everydayhero.com/uk/alan-8

Proroguing Parliament/Logan and Cronberry Street Surgery

It has been an eventful week to say the least. On Wednesday (28th August) it came to light that it was the new Prime Minister’s intention to suspend parliament and make a mockery of our democratic system.

Of course, we are now in a position where The Queen has given her go ahead and the unelected new PM will have his wish.

Proroguing parliament is a disaster and means that the Government cannot be held accountable for their actions and therefore cannot be scrutinised. Apparently, this is the longest such suspension since World War 2. Yet there is so much to debate and discuss the practicalities of what they are proposing. What does this mean for travel for our EU citizens resident in the UK, given the Government has also pledged to end freedom of movement on November 1st? How can they do this, leave the single market and not have a border in Northern Ireland? Given the previous ferry contract farces, can we trust them to have the proper contingencies in place?

Whilst this chaos was boiling over, I was in Logan and Cronberry conducting a street surgery with my office staff. Despite the risk of severe rain, the weather kept up and it was great to work our way across the village and engage with constituents.

I was able to discuss at length a whole host of topics. From local matters all the way to what’s going on with Brexit! It’s fair to say there is a lot of frustration at what’s going on at the moment and a sense of disillusion around Westminster related politics.

I was humbled to hear the amount of support from constituents in the area. Even residents I spoke to who had different political beliefs but were still complimentary of the fact I had gone out and chapped doors in the area. Especially as a few constituents made comments about the area being neglected by local politicians and councillors from other parties.

I am hoping to be back in the coming weeks with another street surgery in the Lugar and Muirkirk area.

Boris Appointed PM

Alan Brown MP has slammed Boris Johnson’s appointment as Prime Minister.

Last week, Tory Party members voted for Johnson to be new party leader and in effect the new Prime Minister of the UK.

Johnson defeated Jeremy Hunt in the leadership race by more than 46,000 votes – almost the amount of votes cast in favour of Hunt, 46,656.

And the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun has claimed the new PM has no mandate in Scotland.

Commenting, Mr Brown said: “It’s hardly a surprise the Tory party members have opted to elect Boris as their new leader and therefore in the door at Number 10, I do find it hard to accept.

“Scotland never voted for the Tories. We never voted for Brexit, and we certainly never voted for a hard Brexiteer into Downing Street.

“Less than 100,000 people voted to put him in charge of the entire UK, in other words he has the backing of 0.13% of the electorate – that’s some mandate! Bear in mind the SNP winning the 2016 Scottish Government election, 2017 Westminster election (in Scotland) and 2019 European elections (in Scotland) is no mandate for the people of Scotland to be given the opportunity to choose a different path.

“We know Johnson is populist politician and has no real true beliefs or ideals, he’d say or promise anything to win a vote -suddenly he is an arch unionist and cares for Scotland, despite previously displaying many anti-Scottish traits. It will be interesting to see if he proves us all wrong and calls for a general election. Remember he stated Gordon Brown had no mandate to govern the UK after he replaced Tony Blair back in 2007 and never called for a general election. Let’s see if he has any level of credibility about him at all…”

Child Refugees

Alan Brown MP backs the call to rehome 10,000 child refugees.

The MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun is supporting the campaign for the UK Government and local councils to take in children fleeing war zones.

He’s also calling on East Ayrshire Council to do their bit to help the children fleeing conflict.

Commenting, the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun said:

“It is poignant that on the 80th of the Kindertransport we once again call on the UK to take in children in desperate need of safety and fleeing prejudice.

“All those years ago we took in 10,000 children of predominately Jewish faith from Nazi Germany, Austria and Poland among others. Thanks to this act from the UK Government, it meant these 10,000 children were able to escape hate, prejudice and more importantly, almost certain death at the hands of the Nazis.

“Some of those who came here in the late 1930s happened to be the only survivors from their respective families, this literally saved lives, and they then grew up to be our next generation of doctors, nurses, teachers and firefighters. We have a moral duty to give this new generation of child refugees a chance to live a happy and successful life.

“At the moment no local authority in Scotland has agreed to sign up for this initiative. It would be great if East Ayrshire Council could lead by example and welcome these children who are in desperate need of safety.”

Carers Week 2019

Alan Brown MP pledged his support to unpaid carers across Kilmarnock and Loudoun as part of Carers Week 2019, running from 10-16 June.

Carers Week is a national awareness week that celebrates and recognises the vital contribution made by those caring unpaid for someone living with an illness, disability, mental health condition or as they grow older. Research released for Carers Week suggests there could be many more people than previously thought acting as unpaid carers to their family and friends - as many as 8.8 million adult carers across the UK.

The MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun attended an event in Parliament to celebrate the valuable contribution carers make locally.

The seven charities driving Carers Week 2019 are calling on individuals, organisations and services throughout the country to improve the lives of carers by getting carers connected to practical and financial support, and are calling for a step change in the way society supports those caring unpaid for family and friends.

The call comes after new research revealed that one in three unpaid carers (35 per cent) are always or often lonely, compared with just one in twenty (five per cent) of the general population.

 Alan Brown said:

 “Carers make a huge contribution to our society, providing vital and often hidden support to friends and family members.That is why I am supporting Carers Week 2019 and encouraging individuals and organisations across Kilmarnock and Loudoun to think about what more they can do to get carers connected to support and ensure carers feel valued and supported.

“Caring for family or friends can be a rewarding experience, but without the right support it can also have a huge impact on carers’ lives. Research shows that many carers feel alone and are struggling with low levels of wellbeing despite the invaluable contribution they make.  It’s time carers received greater recognition and support.

 “Government, employers, health and care professionals, schools and universities, and each of us individually, all have a role putting carers in touch with practical and financial help.”

Work Experience Week 2019

Alan Brown MP undertook a series of new job roles during his Whitsun Recess from Westminster.

The MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun decided to once again take on a week of work experience within the constituency as local businesses put him through his paces.

The week began with a trip to MYB Textiles in his hometown of Newmilns. There he learned MYB is the largest producer of theatrical drapes and their fabrics have graced many a film set from Harry Potter to Downtown Abbey.

His week concluded in the convivial settings of the Masons Arms in Galston where he poured pints for regulars.

There was a good mix of work experience for the local MP as he tried to undertake as many different sectors of the working world as possible. From factory work to volunteering, as well as construction to the food & drink industry.

Commenting on his ‘Walk in My Shoes Week’, the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun said: “It was a really enjoyable experience and I look forward to doing it again next year.

“This is the second year in a row I have had the work experience week and it is very much my intention to make it a yearly occurrence.

“It is important to highlight the good work local businesses carry out day in day out across the constituency. I am grateful they were all able to accommodate me and give me a taster of the kind of work they do.

“There was a good mix of work for me to do throughout the week, this also allowed me to see how different businesses operate in different sectors. It was great to visit established businesses who have been massive employers in Kilmarnock and Loudoun for many years as well as new businesses who are only weeks old!

“Of course my work experience at the Howard Centre ties in Volunteers’ Week which started on Monday (3 June 2019). I believe it is vital we highlight the valuable and important work our volunteers carry out across the country.”

Alan Brown MP’s full ‘Walk in My Shoes’ Week is as follows; Monday: MYB Textiles and Café City, Tuesday: Kilmarnock Station Railway Heritage Trust, Wednesday: Mossgiel Farm and DM Fruit Co., Thursday: Howard Centre, Friday: Worksmart Ltd, Brownings the Bakers and Masons Arms.

Visit Alan Brown MP’s Facebook Page (@AlanBrownSNP) to see all pictures and further details of his work experience week.

World Fair Trade Day 2019

Alan Brown MP pledges support for the International Fair Trade Charter and celebrates on World Fair Trade Day

The MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun has joined other Scottish MPs in their public support for the International Fair Trade Charter and officially pledged his support on World Fair Trade Day 2019.

The Charter lays out the purpose and aims of Fair Trade as agreed by the two largest global Fair Trade organisations, the World Fair Trade Organisation and Fairtrade International.

The new document lays out the unique approach, achievements and impacts of fair trade and illustrates how inclusive economic growth, fair wages and better working conditions can be achieved while empowering women and ensuring opportunities for the next generation.

Commenting, Alan Brown MP said: “I am delighted to pledge my support once again for the International Fair Trade Charter.

“We currently live in a world where the richest 1% own more wealth than the rest of the world combined – that is absurd on so many levels.

“Fair Trade is based on modes of production and trading that put people and planet before financial profit. For too long big businesses have been reaping the rewards out of exploitation and that is why this Charter is a massive step in the right direction to eradicating this.

“I’d like to pay tribute to my local East Ayrshire Fair Trade Group, namely Charles Sim, for the excellent work these guys carry out on a daily basis. I have supported many of their initiatives in the past and I will continue to do this.

“We all have the same objective, a more equal and prosperous future for the world we live in.”

Charles Sim, Chair of the East Ayrshire Fair Trade Steering Group said: “I commend Alan Brown MP for pledging to support the Fair Trade Charter and showing his continued support for the Fair Trade movement.

“We hope this good example will encourage others to follow suit as the support of elected representatives is essential to achieve the ambitious goals of the Fair Trade movement.

“Recognition of the Charter can be a crucial contribution on our way to a future where trade is fair and consumers get a good deal at no cost to the quality of life of producers.”

To achieve the ambitious goals laid out by the Charter, the support of more elected representatives, local authorities and public bodies is needed. This way, we can achieve changes in public policy and involve citizens, which is instrumental to building a fair world and raising awareness of these important issues within Scottish communities.

If you or your organisation are interested in more information about pledging your support for the Charter, please contact us through www.scottishfairtradeforum.org.uk.

For more information on the Charter, visit www.fair-trade.website.

Fibromyalgia Awareness Week 2019

Monday 6th May marked Fibromyalgia Awareness Week in Scotland.

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome which impacts the central nervous system and has over 200 symptoms and overlapping conditions. Some of these include; chronic pain, muscle spasms, sleep disorders, mental health and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

In Ayrshire, the group Fibromyalgia Friends United Scotland offer a range of different support networks for people suffering from the disease. In preparation for Fibromyalgia Awareness Week, Alan Brown MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun met with representatives from the social enterprise.

Commenting, Mr Brown said:

“I recently met with Alison (McColl) and Sharon (Turnbull) from Fibro Friends United Scotland who operate outreach groups in my constituency. Groups like Fibro Friends United are so vital in not only being there to raise awareness but to assist those with Fibromyalgia.

“They bring sufferers together and the value in this cannot be underestimated. Those affected have the opportunity to discuss their illness with others who truly understand what they’re going through.

“Fibromyalgia is a disease where those affected feel chronic pain all over their bodies. Given it is an illness which is difficult to diagnose, and one that can affect anyone, clearly there has to be more attention and awareness drawn to Fibromyalgia and that is why I fully support Fibromyalgia Awareness Week as I believe it is imperative everyone has a duty to educate themselves on the symptoms and potential causes of this condition.”

After FFUS meeting with the MP it has been confirmed that East Ayrshire Council will light up the clock on John Finnie Street purple on Saturday 11th May and Saturday 12th May to mark the occasion. Across the country other landmarks such as; The Kelpies, Falkirk Wheel, Camera Obscura and Titan Crane will also be lit up to commemorate Fibromyalgia awareness.

MP Charity Bet

Alan Brown MP won his Ladbrokes charity bet at the Grand National.

The MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun selected local charity Break the Silence to be the beneficiaries of his free bet from Ladbrokes. 

Break the Silence were founded in 2004 who provide a range of tailored, holistic support options for survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse.

Ladbrokes gave the MP a free flutter on the Grand National for whatever kind of bet fancied. Be it an; accumulator, Lucky 15 or a single. He backed the winner, Tiger Roll at 7/2, who romped the race from the start and his £25 on the horse returned £112.50 which will be donated to Break the Silence. The MP also had money on outsiders; Captain Redbeard, Rock the Kasbah and General Principle.

Commenting, Mr Brown MP said: “I am happy my tactic of covering a few different horses paid off, it’s just a shame Captain Redbeard at 50/1 wasn’t the winner though!

“But in all seriousness, I am relieved one of my selections came in so that I could donate the winnings to this excellent group. I would like to thank Ladbrokes for their generous offer of a free bet for such a worthy and good cause.

“I'd like to thank both Alison and Jamie from the bookies for taking the time out their day to show me around the shop at Croft Street in Kilmarnock.

“There are so many wonderful organisations and charity groups locally so it was a difficult choice to just pick one. Break the Silence provide support to survivors of child abuse and rape, and I commend them for the excellent work they carry out on a daily basis.

“I was astounded to hear that one in six males have been subjected to unwanted sexual advances. It is imperative we promote these wonderful groups so that victims know they are not alone and there are top class support networks in place.

“It’s never too late to speak up.”