Phase Two: Route Map out of Lockdown

Today the First Minister has revealed welcome measures which will ensure Scotland comes out of lockdown in the safest way possible.

As always we must adhere to these guidelines in order for us to progress into the next part of the Scottish Government’s four phase plan to exit lockdown.

It is essential we must continue to stay two-metres apart when meeting with members from other households, wash our hands thoroughly when we get back in our own homes (20 seconds) and cover our faces when on public transport and in supermarkets.

So what has changed as of today?

Friday 19 June

People who are shielding are able to leave their home for exercise (from 18th June) and to meet with 1 other household outdoors (max 8 people in total) with physical distancing. People who are shielding can take part in non-contact outdoor activities such as golf, hiking, fishing etc.

• People who are not shielding can now meet with more households outside. Limit increased from meeting 1 other household to meeting 2 households; 8 person overall limit and need for physical distancing remains.

• They can also use toilets indoors while visiting the outdoors of another household. (Hygiene measures are essential.)

• Certain household types can now meet others indoors in an ‘extended household’.

• People should continue to stay in their local area (broadly within five miles) as much as possible and should not travel further for leisure or recreation.

Monday 22 June

• Face coverings are mandatory on public transport.

• Places of worship can re-open for individual prayer or contemplation.

• Professional sport can resume – with public health restrictions remaining in place.

• Dental practices can re-open to see patients with urgent care needs.

• Construction sector can implement remaining phases of sectoral plan.

• College and university staff can return to make essential preparations for restart in Phase 3.

• Consistent with Phase 2, accommodation can be provided for those required to stay away from home for work purposes

Monday 29 June

Indoor (non-office) workplaces resume once relevant guidance is implemented.

• Includes: factories, warehouses, labs and research facilities.

• Excludes: indoor workplaces due to open in Phase 3 (e.g. non-essential offices and call-centres).

• Street-access retail can re-open once guidance is implemented. Interiors of shopping centres / malls remain closed for non-essential shops until Phase 3.

• Outdoor markets can re-open once guidance is implemented.

• Relaxation on restrictions on housing moves.

• Outdoor sports courts can re-open.

• Playgrounds can re-open.

• Registration offices open for high priority tasks.

• Marriages & civil partnerships allowed with minimal attendees – outdoors only.

• Zoos and garden attractions can open for local access only (broadly within 5 miles) in this phase.

• Update on remaining Phase 2 changes on Thursday 2 July

Key Public Services Scaling-up and Resuming across Phase 2

Public services will continue to resume and scale-up during Phase 2, continuing those set out in Phase 1. In addition to the services set out above, resuming activity such as visiting support to Housing First Tenants and the resumption of area-based energy efficiency schemes.

Public transport services will increase over the phase, including increased ferry services and capacity. All phase changes apply to islands. Public transport capacity will remain constrained due to physical distancing requirements – and active travel remains the preferred mode of travel.

A wide range of health and social care services are resuming and scaling-up during this phase, consistent with our NHS Mobilisation Plan – including the examples below. See the plan for more details.

• Continue phased resumption of any suspended or postponed GP services supported by digital consultation.

• Reintroducing some chronic disease management.

• Phased resumption of some screening services.

• Continued GP support for shielded patients, including home visits where clinically necessary.

• Increasing health care provision for pent-up demand, urgent referrals and triage of routine services.

• Priority referrals to secondary care.

• Consideration to be given to a phased resumption of visiting care homes starting with outdoor visiting where it is clinically safe to do so.

• Community optometry practices re-open for face-to-face emergency and essential eye care.

• Plan with COSLA and partners to support and (where needed) review social care and care home services.

For more info visit:

Scottish Government

SNP

Black Lives Matter

Alan Brown MP stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matters.

The representative for Kilmarnock and Loudoun is calling on the UK Government to ban the sale of arms to the US and condemned Donald Trump and his administration for their handling of protests. 

Mr Brown has signed two Early Day Motions and has pledged to write to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office over the ugly scenes we are seeing across the Atlantic.

However, the SNP MP recognises this is not just an American problem, but one which affects the whole world.

Commenting, Mr Brown said:

“The scenes we are witnessing at the moment are terrifying. This is not just the murder of one innocent man, it is generations of systemic racism throughout the US police force and western society in general. 

“The amount of emails I have received on this issue from constituents emphasises this. This is not just a problem for American society to deal with, we cannot turn our backs and turn a blind eye. We have a duty as human beings to not stand for this and the best way to do this is get our own house in order, as we also must do more to eradicate racism from our society.

“This week I have signed EDM 525 which calls for the UK Government to support the Black Lives Matter movement. I have also signed EDM 520 calls on the Government to ensure the immediate suspension of sales of teargas, riot shields and rubber bullets to the United States. Additionally, I will write to the FCO (Foreign & Commonwealth Office) to investigate whether UK defence equipment has been used for internal repression in the United States.

“The protests we are seeing are really becoming ugly and this is being fuelled by the response of Donald Trump’s administration. Freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are fundamental rights that every government must respect, including the United States.  

“We expect the United States security forces to exercise maximum restraint in handling the protests and for protestors to be able to demonstrate peacefully. Any violence is unacceptable and the rights to freedom of expression and assembly must be guaranteed and protected by the government.

“As well attacks on protestors, I have to categorically stand up against violence directed at journalists and the media.

“Freedom of the press and freedom of expression and fundamental pillars of our democratic society and there must be no hold-up from the UK Government in condemning the arrest and assault of journalists and media for simply doing their job.”

Tweet

Petition

Alan Brown MP calls for UK Government to extend SEIS

Alan Brown MP calls on the UK Government to extend the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.

The representative for Kilmarnock and Loudoun says the Tories will be treating his self-employed constituents as “second class workers” if they do not extend the initiative.

Although the Job retention Scheme will continue until October, SEISS has yet to be extended by the UK Government. But Mr Brown – along with other MPs – is demanding the Chancellor continues to support the many self-employed workers across the UK. 

Commenting, the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun said:

“As part of a cross-party initiative I signed a letter to the Chancellor calling for an extension to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. 

“It is welcome that they have extended the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, but they must also support the many self-employed constituents in Kilmarnock and Loudoun as well as the rest of the UK. I raised this with Jesse Norman MP as soon as the furlough scheme was announced as being extended.

“Some of my self-employed constituents may be able to return to work over the coming weeks and months, it remains likely that many will not. If the scheme does not continue, they will be left without work and without support.

“I am calling on the Chancellor to ensure SEISS is continued and for him to provide details of an extension as soon as possible. Frankly, the UK Government will be treating the self-employed as second class workers if they do not extend this scheme.

“Additionally, the Chancellor has not taken cognisance of the Scottish Government’s advice on what are acceptable working activities at this moment in time.

“It has never been clearer that Holyrood should be given the borrowing powers in order to set up our own scheme for the self-employed.”

Dominic Cummings Saga

Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP Alan Brown has joined calls for Boris Johnson to sack Dominic Cummings - after it emerged that police investigated the Tory Prime Minister's most senior advisor for breaking his own government's lockdown rules.

Over the weekend, it emerged that Mr Cummings broke multiple lockdown rules to drive 260 miles from his home in London to another home in Durham.

Pressure is mounting on Boris Johnson to sack Mr Cummings. More than 400,000 people have signed a petition calling for Mr Cummings to go, hundreds of constituents have contacted MPs with their concerns, and YouGov polling shows a majority think Mr Cummings should resign.

Meanwhile, Durham Police have confirmed a fresh investigation into Mr Cummings after further allegations of rule-breaking emerged.

Commenting, Mr Brown said: 

“Since Cummings won’t do the decent thing and resign, he should be sacked. It is pathetic to see the UK Government including the Prime Minister make excuses on his behalf. There is no doubt driving 250miles when at least one person has Covid-19 symptoms is reckless.

“Of course, childcare is important, but if someone is fit enough to drive the 250-miles he is fit enough to look after his child. I would plead with constituents not to follow this example.

“If you are so physically ill that you cannot look after your child, then of course you may need to consider alternative arrangements. However, anyone who is ill should not be leaving the house at all. And getting public transport is a big no-no. Therefore, you may need your child to be picked up. However, this would only be in the most extreme circumstances as this still involves risks of spreading Covid-19.

“It is a fact that the worst affected are generally those with underlying health conditions – therefore developing some symptoms does not necessarily mean you will be so ill you cannot function.

“But for now, people in Kilmarnock and Loudoun should continue to stay at home - it really is helping to save lives.”

Virtual Surgery

Next week Alan Brown MP will be hosting a virtual surgery for his constituents.

Due to the current pandemic, the representative has been unable to hold his regular office, outlying and street surgeries. Although, last month he did dedicate a surgery to businesses within the constituency.

Since the outbreak of Covid-19 Mr Brown and his staff have been working from home and continuing to take on constituent casework. This surgery will enable constituents to speak to the MP and raise matters with him directly. 

The virtual surgery will take place on Friday (29th May) at 10am – 12pm and be made up of eight 15-minute time slots for those who need assistance. Constituents can speak with Mr Brown over the phone or via a video call using either Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Commenting, the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun said: “I am looking forward to having my first surgery since the beginning of March – although I did have a surgery specifically for businesses since the outbreak of the virus.

“Despite not having any surgeries, my office has taken on plenty of new cases with so many people contacting us for support and assistance due to Covid-19. Since it’s outbreak, my office has been dealing with more than 1,000 new cases as well as working on previous casework.

“This surgery allows constituents to speak to me directly with any matters they may need assistance with and as always, I will do everything in my power to help.

“Again, I have made special arrangements and had many conversations with constituents over the phone during this time, but this surgery enables me to be even more accessible.

“Constituents can book an appointment by contacting my office on 01563 501412 or by emailing me directly at alan.brown.mp@parliament.uk and detailing your preference of over the phone, Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

“If by the time some constituents get in touch and the surgery is fully booked, there is no need to worry as other arrangements can be made.”

Connectivity for Vulnerable Constituents

Alan Brown MP calls on the UK Government to support the most vulnerable in society.

Mr Brown has written to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport to raise the issue of constituents who are isolated with little or no internet access.

The letter calls on Westminster to take urgent action to support existing schemes to ensure constituents can receive the technology required to help them stay in touch.

The Office for National Statistics has identified 1.9 million households without access to the internet in the UK, who are currently digitally excluded as we face a socially distanced world.

In the letter to Oliver Dowden CBE MP, Mr Brown states: “COVID-19 has resulted in many of our constituents working and learning from home for the first time, but not for people who lack technology and digital skills.

“Digitally excluded people, who are often some of the most vulnerable in our society, find themselves shut in their homes facing social isolation with no means of communicating with the outside world. They are unable to find accurate health information, shop online for essentials, or access the Government services they need to support themselves.”

Meanwhile, yesterday (7th May 2020) the Scottish Government announced a £5m plan to tackle the same issue (The Connecting Scotland Programme). The initiative includes an internet connection, training and a laptop or tablet for vulnerable people who are not online.

Commenting, Mr Brown said: “Times like these has conveyed that connectivity has never been more important than it is today. Not only do we need good internet access to be able to work from home during the pandemic but also for so much more.

“We need it to stay in touch with what is going on during this ever-developing predicament. We also need it to stay in touch with friends and family, we have all been making more Facetime calls in order to achieve this.

“However, there are so many who are not able to do any of these things and that has to change. We must get them online in order to access vital services like health, employment, food shopping and banking.

“Once again the Scottish Government are leading by example through The Connecting Scotland Programme and I hope Westminster follow suit. We have pledged throughout this pandemic that no one can be left behind and I will do everything in my power to ensure we stick together.”

Covid-19 Self-Employed Update

A reminder that today (13th May 2020) you can apply for the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.

For those who are eligible, the scheme will be capped at £7,500 and should take no longer than six working days from the date of application for the money to be paid into your account.

You are eligible if your business has been adversely affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, you need to have traded in the tax year 2019 to 2020 and intend to continue trading.

Other requirements are as follows:

• earn at least half of their income through self-employment

• have trading profits of no more than £50,000 per year

• traded in the tax year 2018 to 2019 and submitted their Self-Assessment tax return on or before 23 April 2020 for that year

Click here to see if you are able to claim.

 You will need both your Self-Assessment Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number and your National Insurance Number for this part.

 If you meet the requirements you can then apply for the grant here

 For this part you will need:

• Self-Assessment Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)

• National Insurance number

• Government Gateway user ID and password - if you do not have a user ID, you can create one when you make your claim

• UK bank details (only provide bank account details where a Bacs payment can be accepted) including:

•  bank account number

• sort code

• name on the account

• your address linked to your bank account

I am aware of some constituents having difficulty with signing into Government Gateway, therefore you should contact HMRC via telephone between 8am and 4pm: 0800 024 1222

Bear in mind they will be experiencing a high volume of calls during this time.

I will continue to work with my colleagues to do all we can to support the self-employed during this difficult time.

I trust this information has been useful but if you have any other questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please be assured that my staff and I are working to ensure that constituents have as much help as possible at this time. From my last update, I realise that there as specific issues we are looking to address and will be in touch shortly with those who require some further help.

2015 General Election

It is unbelievable to think I was first elected five years ago.

Little did I know I’d be contesting in two more general elections in my ‘first term’ as well as having to fight for Scotland’s right to remain in the EU.

It’s been the greatest honour of my life and I cannot thank my constituents enough for their faith in me.

I look forward to continuing to work hard for everyone in Kilmarnock and Loudoun as we fight against this pandemic together.

National Postal Workers Day

From 29th April 2020:

Today is #PostalWorkersDay and it is right that we pay tribute to the fantastic work of postal workers across the country.

I also call on Royal Mail to ensure workers have proper PPE and an end to the delivery of advertising mail.

Also the picture is from this time last year for the record!

UK Gov Challenged on Woeful inaction to Support Business

Alan Brown MP has hit out at the UK Government’s lack of action to support small businesses through the coronavirus crisis.

It has emerged that just over 10% of interested applicants seeking help had completed their applications.

During a Committee evidence session, BEIS Secretary Alok Sharma confirmed that less than half of the 36,000 loans that had been applied for have been approved. However, completed applications make just over 10% of the 300,000 businesses that have enquired about loans - raising the issue of a “forgotten majority” the UK government has left behind.

It was also revealed that total lending to 21st April is now £2.8 billion - a tiny fraction of the £300 billion scheme.

The British Chambers of Commerce have already outlined grave concerns that “a concerningly high number of businesses are still finding accessing the scheme too complex and too lengthy” and the CBI has revealed that “many firms are missing out”.

BEIS Committee member Alan Brown MP said:

“This crisis is a crucial time for the UK government to take the pressure off business, but the support laid out by Westminster means that struggling businesses are missing out on billions of pounds of vital funding.

“Business and industry has been clear - they need urgent financial support to get them through this difficult time. While current support risks a forgotten majority left behind by the UK government, the time for action is now. 

“My Office has been dealing with a number of local businesses and companies who are not getting the support they need due to the barriers put in place by certain banks and the UK Government. This has to change.  

“Westminster must commit to working with the financial sector to ensure that no-one is left behind. I will continue to press for action to ensure that cash gets into the hands of those who need it to protect our economy from the lasting damage this may cause.”

Scottish Government Support for Students

For my constituents who are students at college or university:

The Scottish Government has put in place an emergency £5m fund to assist students who are facing financial hardship as a result of the outbreak of Covid-19.

The £5 million includes an additional £2.2 million for Scotland’s Higher Education (HE) Discretionary Fund specifically to address COVID-19-related hardships, which will be available to colleges and universities immediately.

University and college students will be able to apply for any emergency discretionary payments directly to their own institutions.

Your individual university/college will have more information in due course but in the mean time you can visit the website HERE but I am aware there has been some issues with the site!

Alan Brown MP calls for Coronavirus Compensation Scheme

Alan Brown MP backs campaign for compensation for families of front-line coronavirus victims

The MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun has called on the Prime Minister to support the loved ones of key workers.

Mr Brown, along with 50 other cross-party MPs and 5,000 members of the public have backed a campaign asking for a Coronavirus Compensation Scheme.

The scheme will be for the families of key frontline workers who lose their lives to the virus.

The MPs’ letter to the Prime Minister states ‘those on the frontline of this battle against coronavirus are heroes’ and advocates for the scheme to mirror that already in place for the Armed Forces. The scheme would include; a lump sum up front, a guaranteed income for their family, child payments to eligible children under the age of 18 and contributions towards funeral costs.

The call follows reports that hundreds of doctors are less likely to return to the frontline or increase their hours because they fear their families will not be properly compensated if they lose their lives.

The MPs are proposing the Coronavirus Compensation Scheme should be open to the families of those classified as key workers, notably NHS and social care staff as well as teachers.

Commenting, the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun said: 

“Those on the frontline, who are putting themselves in harm’s way every day to save others, are heroes. They should know that the state will help their families if the worst happens.

“A Coronavirus Compensation Scheme would provide security and comfort for those risking their lives in the face of COVID-19, although of course no money could ever compensate for any loss of life.

“I’m calling on the Government to introduce this compassionate compensation scheme without delay. These workers are risking their own lives for our health and wellbeing – they deserve the security and comfort this brings.”

Sign the petition HERE

ALAN BROWN MP demands Chancellor works with supermarkets to combat Covid-19.

ALAN BROWN MP demands Chancellor works with supermarkets to combat Covid-19.

Last week, the representative for Kilmarnock and Loudoun raised the issue of supermarket delivery slots for those up and down the country.

 Mr Brown weighed in on the Chancellor’s Economic Update on Tuesday night to highlight the difficulties people are facing with trying to get home delivery. Previously, you could get next day delivery for groceries from supermarkets but now some suppliers are taking up to three-weeks.

The MP was contacted by a constituent who under the current circumstances could wait weeks for a home delivery due to following the Government guidance on self-isolation.

Mr Brown raised this case directly with Rishi Sunak MP:

 “I was contacted today by a constituent who is self-isolating and has underlying health conditions. She was trying to get a food delivery, which she vitally needs. Tesco could only do it within 10 days, while other suppliers would take three weeks. There is clearly a massive issue, probably a combination of stock levels and delivery logistics. Will the Chancellor do whatever it takes to work with the supermarkets and logistics companies? There are opportunities to get other people into short-term employment if this is done right and quickly, so that people get the supplies that they need.”

The Chancellor responded:

“The hon. Gentleman is right that the security of our food supply and deliveries is critical. My right hon. Friend the Environment Secretary is already having those conversations and has already taken steps on delivery curfews to ensure that deliveries can continue and to maintain the security of those supply chains.”

Commenting on the event, the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun said:

“I was disappointed with the Chancellor’s answer as I do not think he grasped what I was trying to say.

“I have had several constituents who have contacted me in the past week asking for clarity and what to do if they cannot leave the house and how can they get supplies.

“Some people are fortunate enough to have family and friends who can run errands for them and help them whilst they are rightfully following Government guidance and self-isolating to try and combat Covid-19. However, there are others who have no one to assist them and this is something we really have to look at.

 “Additionally, my SNP colleagues have written to supermarket chiefs urging them to give priority to the elderly and most vulnerable in our society. Of course, this is a measure I fully support and will do all I can to help.

“I am currently working alongside East Ayrshire Council to sign-post constituents to the right areas and to try and assist those who cannot get out of their homes.”

A link to the video can be accessed HERE

Letter to Employers

Today I have written to employers in the area who are putting constituents at risk and taking the ‘business as usual’ stance.

We must be vigilant, listen to Government guidance and do all we can to combat the spread of Covid-19.

Coronavirus: Support for Self-Employed in Kilmarnock and Loudoun

I am calling on constituents who are self-employed to add their voices to the concerns over the Covid-19 outbreak.

Although I welcomed the actions of the UK Government for supporting businesses and employers in the last few days, those who are self-employed have been completely overlooked.

At the moment, the only support available for self-employed constituents who have no income is to claim Universal Credit. Despite the Chancellor’s aims to increase this to the same level as Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), £94.25 per week will not make up for the loss of income many of my constituents will face. I understand that some self-employed constituents with partners in employment cannot access Universal Credit and this is another major problem that needs addressed and resolved.

In the meantime I will do all I can to fight for the self-employed, freelancers and sole-traders during these difficult and unprecedented times.

If you are self-employed and agree the need for more support from the UK Government then please add your details below. This will enable me to update you as matters progress.