20th May 2024: A Week in Parliament

WASPI Campaign

I want to express my deep frustration regarding the ongoing challenges in the WASPI campaign. Friday should have been the second reading of my Ten Minute Rule Bill at Parliament. Unfortunately, due to it being too far down the order paper, it has had to be rescheduled once again. This is now the second time we've faced such a delay, and it truly highlights the frustrating nature of the Westminster parliamentary process. This continual kicking of the can down the road personifies the treatment various UK governments have inflicted on these 1950s-born women. Governments of all political colours have had the chance and the power to rectify this grave injustice, yet time and time again, they have let these women down. It's a significant and disheartening reflection of their priorities. Last week, I had the opportunity to speak in the debate led by my SNP colleague, Patricia Gibson. The representation from the Tories overall, as well as the Labour front benches, was horrendous. With a Labour Government likely at the next General Election, the pressing question remains: will they commit to paying these women what they are rightfully due?

Infected Blood Scandal

At last the infected blood Inquiry report is due to be published. Another Westminster scandal that has dragged on for decades. It is particularly tragic for those who have family members that have died before they can ever see any proper admission of guilt and apologies from the UK Authorities. Clearly compensation doesn’t bring people back to life either.

Kilmarnock F.C.

I had a very Killie-orientated weekend. It kicked off on Friday night with Forever and Ever's End of Season Party. Over 100 of us packed into the Barclay Suite to celebrate what has been a wonderful season to be a Killie fan. The three guests—Alan Mahood, Stevie Murray, and Pat Nevin—were all fantastic, and it was great to reminisce about their time at the club and mingle with the supporters. Then onto Saturday, where we travelled to Dens Park for a party in the stands. More than 1700 Killie fans backed the team in our final game of the season. It was an amazing sight, with the sea of blue and white cheering the team on. It was then a quick turnaround as we had to get back from Dundee and have a quick change to head out for the Club's official Player of the Year and Hall of Fame night. What a fantastic occasion! Well done to all the winners and new inductees. It was great to see both Gus Macpherson and Mark Reilly rewarded for their service to the club over the years—two very worthy inductees. A special mention to the late, great Tommy Burns, who was also inducted into the Hall of Fame. For me, he is the most influential figure in the club's history in the last 50 years. It was touching to see his wife Rosemary and other members of his family present to witness this well-deserved recognition. What a wonderful weekend it was. I now look forward to the European tour starting at the end of July!