Video: Energy Bill

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I led the SNP at the Second Reading (Lords) of the Energy Bill. It was quite abnormal debating a piece of legislation that I pretty much supported. In fact, I have to admit that I broadly welcome most of the measures in the Bill, particularly those relating to carbon capture storage and hydrogen models.

However, the UK Government has to get over its obsession with nuclear – the only legislation that has gotten more expensive over the years instead of cheaper! Westminster also has to learn from Holyrood by setting up a Just Transition Commission to place fairness and long-term job creation and transfer at the forefront of net zero. It is astounding that they have yet to step up and match the Scottish Government’s £500m just transition fund – something I have called for time and time again, including writing to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Scotland (Alister Jack MP) about.

The bill is also littered with comments that Jack must look at. For example, it states: “the Scottish Ministers, if the regulations contain provision that would be within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament if it were contained in an Act of that Parliament”. The requirement only to consult is not good enough. As an absolute minimum, the UK Government should seek to work with and obtain the permission of the Scottish Government where regulations relate to devolved competency.

This is another example of a power grab, as the matter is set out in the Bill instead of there being collegiate working.

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'The Lives of Reilly' Book Launch

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A fantastic night at Mark 'Mavis' Reilly's book launch at Rugby Park last week.

I cannot wait to get started on 'The Lives of Reilly' to read more about this inspiring journey.

I have already heard some great football anecdotes contrasting with the sheer grit and determination needed for the ultra marathon - and how dangerous the expedition really was.

Also great to see some weel-kent faces back in and around Kilmarnock Football Club as well!

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Workers' Memorial Day 2023

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Friday (28th April) was Workers’ Memorial Day where we reflected and mourned those who have lost their lives to occupational illness or fatal injury, as well as recommit to campaigning for safer working conditions.

As part of this commemoration, I was honoured to lay a wreath at the Memorial Tree at Dean Castle. Along with other local elected representatives, we paid our respects to workers who have been killed, disabled, injured or made unwell by their work.

Additionally, I proudly wore my purple ribbon in parliament all week to show my support for the campaign and mark the occasion.  

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Stewarton Street Surgery

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On Friday (28th April) it was great being out and about in Stewarton carrying out my Street Surgery initiative.

Over the last month, we have been active and carrying this out in different parts of the constituency.

It has allowed my office to better understand local issues residents are facing and assist with matters going forward.

The biggest takeaway from the recent surgeries is how much constituent appreciate us knocking on their doors and taking an interest – irrespective of party politics.

Long may it continue. 

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PCS Strikes

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I would like to reaffirm my support for PCS Scotland workers who were on strike last Friday. Jobcentre staff are striking for better pay and working conditions, as well as standing up to DWP's abhorrent intensive work search scheme.

I popped along to our local job centre on Grange Street to show my support for those on strike. I have called on the UK Government to get around the table and listen to these workers’ concerns as a matter of urgency – hopefully, they see sense and treat them with the respect they deserve.  

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Press Release: Energy Costs event

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Alan Brown MP Tackles Energy Cost Concerns Parliamentary Event

The representative for Kilmarnock and Loudoun is taking a stand against the rising energy costs and unfair treatment many constituents face from their energy suppliers.

Last week (Tuesday 18th April), Mr Brown attended a cross-party event co-hosted by Drew Hendry MP and Anne McLaughlin MP.

At the event, Alan Brown MP supported two energy fairness campaigns to address energy-related challenges faced by people living in Kilmarnock and Loudoun.

Energy suppliers have a history of withholding credit balances, unnecessarily raising direct debit levels, and engaging in discriminatory practices against those on pre-payment meters. These practices tend to impact the most vulnerable members of society. By supporting Drew Hendry MP's "It's Your Money" Campaign and Anne McLaughlin MP's Pre-payment Meter Campaign, Mr Brown is working to make a difference for people living across the constituency.

During the parliamentary event, he participated in discussions about the campaigns and explored ways to collaborate with other MPs to help those most impacted by these unfair practices.

Mr Brown hopes that by attending the event, they can work with others to create a fairer and more transparent energy supply sector while raising awareness about the issues.

Commenting, the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun said:

"Taking part in this energy fairness event last week was a great opportunity to join forces with cross-party MPs to discuss ways to tackle energy-related challenges people living across Kilmarnock and Loudoun are facing.

"Whether it is energy suppliers holding on to customers' money or unfairly penalising people with pre-paid meters, it's clear that there are working practices in this sector that do not serve the best interests of consumers.

"To make matters worse, it is the most vulnerable in our community who are most affected by these practices. Without intervention, energy suppliers will continue to withhold consumers' money and punish those on pre-paid meters, leaving those affected dealing with unnecessary financial burdens.  

By supporting these energy fairness campaigns, Mr Brown hopes to create a more transparent and fair energy supply sector, ultimately providing affected constituents with the financial relief they deserve.

The MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun encourages constituents to stay informed about the progress of these campaigns to ensure everyone gets a fair deal from energy suppliers.

For more information, contact Mr Brown's office on 01563 501412 / alan.brown.mp@parliament.uk / 31A Titchfield Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 1QW

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