MP Settled Status Surgery

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Press release to Kilmarnock and Cumnock Chronicle (28th May 2021):

This week (Thursday 3rd June) Alan Brown MP is hosting a special surgery for EU nationals in the constituency.

The MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun is hosting the virtual event with the application deadline for the settlement scheme due at the end of the month.  

Like the recent regular and special surgeries, the event will be virtual and constituents should contact the office to book either a; telephone, Zoom or Microsoft Teams slot to meet with the MP. 

Mr Brown is encouraging EU nationals in Kilmarnock and Loudoun to apply for the scheme to ensure their right to live, work and study in Scotland. This comes as the hospitality, social care, construction and manufacturing organisations raised concerns that a lack of overseas workers after the pandemic will halt recovery.  

Commenting, the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun said:  

“I am hosting this surgery for constituents to get in touch with any concerns they may have prior to the 30th June deadline. Having it at the beginning of the month allows us time to address any issues and give assistance before applications close.  

“The EU Settlement Scheme is a product of this Tory government, which seems to have completely disregarded the fact that some EU nationals who call Scotland their home face the threat of losing their right to live and work here.

“Of course, if the Tories hadn't dragged Scotland out of the EU against our will, there would be no need for a settlement scheme - but the danger is that much worse will follow in July after the deadline for settled status applications passes and people are stripped of their rights overnight.

"That outcome would severely risk Scotland's recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Without inward migration, our working-age population will decline, making it harder to fund vital public services like hospitals and schools in the future. 

“Since the Brexit fiasco, my office has worked tirelessly supporting EU national constituents who are scared of what the future holds for them. In some cases, we have had people who have lived in the constituency for 40+ years petrified if they will be kicked out of their homes.  

“I want to make clear EU nationals will always be welcome in Kilmarnock and Loudoun, and Scotland as a whole. We want you to stay. Therefore it is imperative you apply for this scheme.” 

For more information on the scheme visit

And to book a slot for the surgery contact Mr Brown on:  

alan.brown.mp@parliament.uk 

01563 501412 

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Rural Surgery

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From Kilmarnock Standard Column of 24th May 2021:

Copying my virtual street surgeries, I took the chance to do a virtual rural surgery. With the best will in the world, my constituency is too large to do any meaningful door knocking in the rural areas. When I was a councillor I tried doing personal leaflet deliveries to the rural area for the Irvine Valley ward. Three full days and I didn’t quite complete the task, so the entire constituency is impossible timewise. Instead, I was able to do one online/by telephone. It was good getting feedback that people appreciated me making myself available in that way.

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Al-Aqsa Mosque Attack

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I am calling on the UK Government to break their silence on the horrific scenes we are witnessing in Jerusalem.

The attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque must be condemned. I visited the West Bank in 2016 and I still stand with the people of Palestine.

Forced evictions must end now.

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Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

CEE Bill: Joint Letter to the PM

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Today is the State Opening of Parliament—with the Queen’s Speech setting out the UK Government’s agenda for the new session.

I signed a joint letter to the Prime Minister calling for the CEE Bill to be part of the speech, two years on from MPs declaring a climate emergency and six months until COP26.

Sign the petition

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Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Virtual Street Surgery: Friday 30th April

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Alan Brown MP hosted a virtual street surgery on Friday 30th April.

The MP for Kilmarnock in Loudoun is looking for new ways of engagement to counter the global pandemic and ongoing restrictions in Scotland.

Mr Brown has targeted certain areas of Stewarton and residents received a letter with the details of how to book a slot at the event.

Before the pandemic, the MP was holding street surgeries on a regular basis where he and his office staff would go door to door to engage with constituents across Kilmarnock and Loudoun. However, due to the restrictions in place, the event will now be virtual.

Previous street surgeries took place in areas such as Muirkirk, Catrine, Knockentiber and Hurlford among others.

Commenting before the event, Mr Brown said:

“I am excited for this week’s street surgery event with residents of Stewarton. I am always looking for new ways to engage with my constituents and remain accessible despite the restrictions in place.

“The past year I have been unable to have face-to-face encounters with constituents as the fight against the virus is the priority for everyone just now and we have had to work around it the best we can. However, I have still been accessible to those who need me.

“My office has been in operation throughout, although staff are working from home, and I regularly hold virtual surgeries where constituents can book a telephone call as well as Microsoft Teams or Zoom call with me to discuss matters. This process will work the same and constituents will have received a letter with the details of how to book a slot.

“Door knocking is a massive part of my role and I love doing it. However, due to the restrictions, this is not feasible at the moment, but I am looking forward to adding to the 4,000 and counting doors we have chapped as a result of our street surgery initiative in the future.

“For the time being, my street surgeries will be virtual and keep an eye out for me lettering you soon, as I look to make this a regular event.”

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Westminster Awards: MP Nominates No-One Dies Alone

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Alan Brown MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun has nominated local charity, No-one Dies Alone for Community Campaign of the Year 2021.  

The MP has put the Ayrshire based charity in the running for a Your UK Parliament Award to pay tribute to the work they carry out locally. The ‘Your UK Parliament Awards’ celebrate people across the UK who have taken action on issues they care about and made a difference in their community.  

No-one Dies Alone currently has 36 volunteers who aim to provide emotional support and befriending services for people who are dying and do not have family, as well as offering respite for those with families. The organisation was set-up by constituent Linda McCurrach in October 2018 after her mother sadly passed away.  

Fortunately, Linda was able to be by her mother’s side when she passed away, but the thought of nobody being there haunted her. After some research, she found there was a charity in Inverclyde who provided end of life companionship but found no Ayrshire alternative – inspiring her to start her own and then achieving charitable status in October 2019.  

Commenting, Alan Brown MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun said:  

“We are blessed that there are so many charitable services who carry out fantastic work across the constituency. There are so many to choose from but the main reason I have decided to nominate No-one Dies Alone is, so much of the work they do goes unnoticed and does not get the credit it deserves.  

“It shows what wonderful people Linda and the rest of the companions are. To put themselves in what is such a difficult situation and give people some peace in their final moments is harrowing – it is truly special to give your time to befriend someone you know you will soon be mourning their passing. 

“They have been able to change the lives of so many people by being there when they have needed it most. Being able to keep someone at peace in the last moments of their life is something to be treasured.  

“Like everyone else, the organisation has also had to adapt to the effects of the pandemic. For a period, they had to suspend their services to just telephone but due to getting as many referrals brought it back. The aspect of giving respite to families is also illustrated through the effects of the pandemic – given some people were unable to travel and spend the last moments with their loved ones.  

 “Instead of being frightened and worried, No-one Dies Alone has illustrated the importance of comfort and peace in one’s last moments and that is something that will live with me forever.” 

Also commenting, Gordon Jenkins, Chair of No-one Dies Alone Board:  

“People who are dying, especially those who are dying and alone, can carry a heavy burden.  So too can families, and those left behind.   

Our compassionate staff and volunteers work at many levels to help them carry the load.  It is very kind of Alan to nominate our organisation as it means the hard work and dedication we have to the cause, and the people we support, is being recognised.” 

You can contact the organisation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

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Virtual Street Surgery: Monday 22nd February 2021

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Delighted to take part in my first Virtual Street Surgery today.

From 2019 we have been doing regular street surgeries but unfortunately due to the pandemic this has not been possible. Therefore, it was good to find an alternative and find new ways of engagement.

I enjoyed discussing matters with constituents from Kilmaurs and getting an idea of what issues, both locally and nationally, matter to them.

If you were unable to make it, no need to worry. If you received a letter from myself you will have the feedback forms that you can send back (free postage) with details of what subjects you would like to bring to my attention.

Keep an eye on the post. I could be coming to your area very soon...

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