PM Resignation - Kilmarnock Standard comments

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My comments regarding the Prime Minister’s resignation:

“I suppose it is no surprise that I am relieved that Johnson eventually resigned as Prime Minister. I have called for his resignation for some time. He bulldozed his way through his tenure; from lying to the Queen and proroguing Parliament to partying in Downing Street during the pandemic – then lying about it. There’s so much more I could say on his antics but I am conscious of going over old ground. Tory MPs knew what they were getting with Johnson, but they didn’t care as long as it bought them success in an election. It is a sign of how damaged Johnson is when the same self-serving politicians have suddenly found a moral high ground stating that Johnson is not fit for office.

“He is the most self-serving of any Prime Minister, certainly in my time as an MP but for as long as I can remember. He showed no regard for anyone bar himself, which is personified by the number of Ministers who resigned over the past week. Of course, I have plenty of disdain for Westminster but the skeleton government that is in place, as a result of the resignations, is really concerning. They are not fit for Ministerial roles and it worries me about what will happen in the coming weeks/months.

“Although I am pleased Johnson is gone, it has to be reiterated that he will be replaced with another Tory that the people of Scotland did not vote for. We must have a say on our future and I hope the new PM does not stand in the way of democracy. Since 2014 we have seen three different PMs, which will be four by the time Johnson’s successor is announced, and two Tory Governments we did not vote for. We cannot fall for Project Fear again, remember they told us Brexit and Boris Johnson as PM was fantasy? Oh, how wrong they were.”

Press Release: IndyRef 2

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 Alan Brown MP welcomes indyref in 2023

The representative for Kilmarnock and Loudoun has echoed the statement made by the First Minister who has promised a referendum on Scottish independence on 19th October 2023.

It will be almost 10 years since the last vote and Mr Brown feels now is the time for the people of Scotland to have a say on their future.

Commenting, the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun said:

“The mandate for a second referendum is clear. Opposition parties can spin it whatever way they like but at the end of the day there has been a pro-indy majority at Holyrood for the last three parliaments and so much has changed since 2014.

“The Tories have not won an election in Scotland for nearly 70 years, they have no right to tell us what we can and cannot do. Labour are once again conveying their “Tory Lite” ideology by going through with Brexit and the Lib Dems, who fought for the “People’s Vote” to reverse Brexit but do not offer the same alternative to the people of Scotland?

“Ideally, a referendum will be held with Westminster’s co-operation. Of course they continue to ignore the wishes of voters in Scotland so I welcome the fact that the First Minister is doing all she can to make this happen lawfully, including a referral to the courts.

“This Tory Government is failing in almost every department. They are pitiful in their efforts to fight the cost of living crisis, they were partying in Downing Street whilst we obeyed the restrictions and their austerity cuts have shown nothing but contempt for the most vulnerable in our society. They are now breaking International Law by unilaterally changing the Northern Ireland Protocol.

“We deserve better and this referendum will give Scotland a chance to stand on its own two feet and thrive as an independent nation.”

Mr Brown has also supported Ms Sturgeon’s vow that the next Westminster General Election will be a de facto indyref if Westminster decided to block Scotland’s right to vote.

“I have no qualms about standing on the single issue of independence at the next General Election,” he added.

“If the UK Government wants to stand in the way of democracy, we have no other option but to make the next General Election a statement on independence.”

Dunlop Gala 2022

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As the end of the gala season drew near, I had another great day out at Dunlop Gala. The sun shone and the wind didn’t get too strong making for a very pleasant afternoon.

I am really impatient when it comes to being in a queue, but when it is local events like these, it is great to see queues at the stalls! It has been very enjoyable being at all the various galas and fairs over the past couple of months. In all cases, a return since 2019, and very noticeable that crowds are bigger than average as people making the most of getting out and enjoying these community events.

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Take a Bow 10 Year Anniversary

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Take a Bow Development Trust celebrated 10 years by putting on the musical Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Grand Hall. It was a great event, showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of so many kids. It was impressive to see some who have been with Take a Bow for the ten-year journey and hear how many have gone on to courses associated with the arts following their experiences with Take A Bow. Most heartening of all though was seeing the unbridled joy of the youngest performers, who were having a ball while performing!

Having taken over the former New Farm Community Centre in 2019 just pre covid, then I am sure the organisation will go from strength to strength. The board of trustees need to be commended too for the work they are putting in to support the running of the centre and the company.

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Press Release: Kilmarnock Cross Pop-Up Surgery

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This week (Friday 24th June 2022) Alan Brown MP is hosting a special pop-up surgery at The Cross in Kilmarnock.

The representative for Kilmarnock and Loudoun will be in the town centre on Friday from 12pm – 1pm. Constituents will be able to approach the MP if they are out and about in the town and speak to him about potential casework or even just for a friendly chat.

This will be the third time in the last three years Mr Brown will be hosting this surgery in the heart of Kilmarnock – having been there in June 2019 and August 2020.

Commenting, the representative for Kilmarnock and Loudoun said:

“I am looking forward to being at The Cross on Friday for the pop-up surgery. With a lot of restrictions now being eased, I am delighted to get back out in the constituency, be visible and having face to face interactions. I have still been having regular virtual surgeries – all through the pandemic – but it is far better to be able to engage with constituents in person.

“I have had a couple of pop-up surgeries so far this year, most recently a supermarket surgery at Asda at the end of April, as we try and move forward post covid restrictions. The past few weeks have been great with all the gala days in and around the constituency and being able to speak with constituents face to face.

“The surgery at Kilmarnock Cross is turning into an annual tradition with me being there the last two summers! It’s a great location right in the middle of the town with plenty of people and therefore lots of visibility.

“It is important to show constituents I am available and approachable if they wish to discuss anything. Additionally, my office is now open for constituents to pop in on an appointment basis. In the coming weeks, I hope to have face-to-face office-based surgeries but the option for virtual appointments will still be made available for those who wish. It is important to make my constituents feel comfortable but also for the flexibility factor as it is not always feasible for people to take time out of their day to attend an appointment when there is the option to do this over the phone or Microsoft Teams/ Zoom.

“If you can’t manage along to The Cross but need assistance with any matter dealt with at Westminster, such as; social security, employment or immigration issues, please contact my office and I will do all I can to help.”