4th September 2023: A Week in Parliament

Case Success

I'm thrilled for my constituent, Sarah Kjoelstad and her family, on finally receiving 10 years leave to remain. To say it is disheartening that it took this long would be an understatement, especially after the Judge's ruling almost a year ago. The Home Office must improve its processes; too many people endure this stress and anxiety. My office has worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome, but it shouldn't have reached this stage. Sarah’s case highlights the bureaucratic inefficiencies in our immigration system. Her family, including UK citizens, faced unnecessary hurdles since February 2022. Denied due to technicalities, their appeal was approved in December 2022, yet the Home Office delayed issuing the BRP card for almost a year! This left Sarah unable to work, access healthcare, or even open a bank account. It's unacceptable that the Home Office provided no timeline for resolution. As an MP, I'll continue to advocate for individuals like Sarah and push for a more efficient and fairer immigration process. I was delighted to welcome Sarah and her son to the office last week to celebrate her well-deserved grant of leave to remain.

Summer Recess and Return to Parliament

I have had an enjoyable summer recess and it has been great to spend most days in the constituency. I have still been out visiting businesses and organisations throughout Kilmarnock and Loudoun as well as holding office surgeries and a few Street Surgeries to engage with constituents.

One of the highlights was having a kickabout with the Bonnyton Flyers at the Galleon a few weeks ago. The work that John, as well as the rest of the volunteers, carry out is commendable and it is always such great fun. Another highlight was attending the HALO and meeting Dr. Kathleen Rubins, a true inspiration as a NASA astronaut. It is certainly the first time I have – knowingly – met an astronaut, and certainly not an everyday occurrence! Her remarkable story and engaging lecture left a lasting impact, especially on the young minds present. The amount of questions really showed how engaged the young people were. A massive well done to Marie Macklin and the rest of the team at the HALO for organising such a fantastic event.

This week I return to Westminster and will continue to represent all my constituents in parliament to the best of my ability. Coming into the winter people’s energy bills will begin to rise again and I will continue to press the UK Government to deliver meaningful support to ordinary working families.

Energy bill rebate

The SNP is challenging the Labour Party to support a £400 energy bill rebate for households starting in October, countering Rachel Reeves' dismissal of taxing the wealthy to fund cost-of-living relief. Reeves stated she didn't need to raise £12 billion, but independent analysis from the House of Commons Library, commissioned by the SNP, indicates this amount is necessary for energy bill rebates in Scotland and the UK (£11.9 billion). The analysis also shows that scrapping the two-child benefit cap and abolishing the bedroom tax would cost less. Rising energy standing charges and forecasts of further bill increases this winter add urgency to the situation.