3rd July 2023: A Week in Parliament

Scottish Questions

At Scottish Questions, I posed a question to John Lamont calling on the UK Government to do more to deliver pumped-storage hydro schemes in Scotland which could create 15,000 jobs and lower our energy bills. However, his answer was pathetic as he clearly had just prepped for a general cost of living question. He waffled on about the energy price guarantee and missed the point completely. It was extremely frustrating as it felt like a waste of time. Here we are, no further ahead with any of these plans being implemented and unable to call Lamont out on his joke of an answer. This exchange personifies how broken the Westminster system is.

Constituent Case

I once again raised a constituent case at Business Questions. Sarah is a Norwegian citizen who won an appeal after her visa application was rejected. She stays here in the constituency with her husband and had to go through the court process via the human rights route. Whilst the appeal was approved, the case now goes back to the Home Office which needs to finalise matters, but this has taken longer than six months now. She needs a biometric residence permit (BRP) which is a physical card used as proof of identity, proof of right to work in the UK and proof of entitlement to public services. Sarah and her husband have a two-year-old son as well and without her BRP card, she cannot work, open a bank account, access healthcare or leave the country. With her effectively being left in limbo, I called on the Leader of the House to try and expedite matters for her. I was not best pleased with Penny Mordaunt’s answer - to try and raise it again at Home Office Questions this week. A classic case of passing the buck from this Tory Government. Whilst Sunak is busy labelling the immigration system as “too lenient”, I have constituents being let down by their failures far too often - even after they win a human rights appeal.

Constituent visit to Westminster

I was delighted to meet my constituent Ewan Carmichael in Westminster last week. Ewan is a very enthusiastic young person who has a great interest in politics – having represented Kilmarnock and the Irvine Valley at the Scottish Youth Parliament previously. He was able to take in PMQs and also see me "in action" in the Chamber, posing a question to the Scottish Secretary. I am glad to hear he enjoyed the experience - and best of luck to Ewan when he goes to study English Literature/Politics at Glasgow University in September.

Party at the Palace

It was an honour to attend East Ayrshire Leisure Trust’s 10th anniversary at the Palace Theatre. As one of the original Trustees, it was fantastic to be part of the celebrations and see how far things have progressed since 2013. The highlight of the day was the performance from the Trust’s youth theatre (EAYT) – outstanding! Exciting times ahead for everyone.

26th June 2023: A Week in Parliament

House of Lords

Another week, another Starmer U-turn. This time it is the House of Lords. He has progressed from abolition of the House of Lords to planning to pack it with Labour Lords. To create a Labour majority, he needs to appoint a further 100 Lords. This would take the house of Lords to almost 900 cronies and donors. It is shameful, and the pretence he needs to pack it first to then abolish it is an expensive joke. It is now over 100 years since Labour promised to abolish the Lords and yet again, the sniff of power means that having the House of Lords becomes an attractive proposition. It is beyond me that a party so far ahead in the opinion polls, is so weak and timid instead of offering a proper alternative. No wonder to people like myself, we do not see a change in Government at Westminster making any real difference.

Coal Mines

Despite the known risks on climate change and a legal commitment to get to get to net zero, the Tories on the Energy Bill Committee removed a clause that would see a ban on the opening of new coal mines in the UK. A Tory MP had the cheek to lecture me about coal mining heritage! Representing the area I do; I am well aware of the damage done to communities when Thatcher closed the mines. I am also well aware that the UK Government provided no help whatsoever when the opencast coal companies in East Ayrshire went bust leaving massive craters. Hypocrisy is never far away when it comes to Tory politicians it seems. They proport the myth it will help with energy security, which it won’t because we don’t burn coal anymore. They proport the myth that new mines will support the British Steel industry which is also untrue as the new mine given planning permission in Cumbria will export 85% of its coal as the high sulphur content means it is not suitable for UK steel making. Utter charlatans.

Cost of Living Crisis

As the Bank of England put up interest rates for the 13th month in a row, this is a real concern for people with mortgages. The Prime Minister, Sunak met mortgage companies and came up with no solution whatsoever. All they did was restate what are existing policies. This is a Government out its depth and oblivious to the damage they have caused. Now they are starting to try and put the blame on the Bank of England for not acting quick enough! So, are they arguing they wanted interest rates raised higher and earlier? If so, I didn’t hear them call for it. If Sunak was so worried about inflation and thought the Bank of England should have been acting sooner, why didn’t anyone in the Tory Government state this publicly and make the Bank of England explain their rationale? They didn’t because it is another false narrative, and it also proves that the pledge to “halve inflation” was a promise out with their control.

19th June 2023: A Week in Parliament

George Leslie

I was saddened to hear George Leslie had passed away. He was a real stalwart of the party and had even held the position of deputy leader. George was a committed supporter of independence and made many sacrifices as a consequence. Such was his commitment, personality and sociability – he liked a dram, conversation, stories and a singsong it is fair to say – that he was well known to many in the independence movement. It was astonishing to hear how many of my current MP colleagues knew George and were touched about his passing.

For myself, the mark of George can be summed up firstly by his story about running along the roofs of tenement buildings in Glasgow with radio equipment to do pirate radio broadcasting to promote the benefits of independence. We have come a long way due to dedicated stalwarts like George. Another testament to his commitment was him running as a General Election candidate in 2010 for Kilmarnock and Loudoun. Frankly, no one else was willing to step up. Although the SNP were making inroads at Holyrood, so many Westminster seats at that time were way beyond us. George gave it his all, manfully door-knocking day in day out, despite a real lack of volunteers to assist. I am well aware the reason I was able to get elected as MP was due to the work of people like George. Finally, as well as a big personality, George was a great animal lover and worked as a vet until he was no longer physically able to. My thoughts go to Nancy who will be feeling his loss most of all.

Boris Johnson

The investigation into Boris Johnson revealed, what we knew all along, his repeated deceit towards both the general public and parliament. Rishi Sunak must respond firmly to his discredited predecessor from the Conservative Party by revoking his taxpayer-funded allowances, disregarding his honours list, and reclaiming his legal expenses. While Johnson may have left the parliament, his detrimental legacy endures. Both the Conservatives and the pro-Brexit faction of the Labour Party continue to enforce Brexit and implement austerity measures, undermining devolution, and depriving Scotland of its democratic right to determine its future. Independence is the only way to escape Westminster control and get rid of unelected and unaccountable Tory governments for good.

Constituency Activities

Over the weekend, it was great to partake in different events across Kilmarnock and Loudoun. On Friday, I had a visit and pop-up surgery at the excellent Ayrshire Food Hub – Crossroads Community Hub. Then on Saturday, I started at Darvel for the Darvelo Cycling Festival which was a success, along with visiting the town square café. It is great to see the use of "The Corner Darvel" - a fantastic space. It was rounded off by attending the Stewarton Bonnet Guild Gala on remarkably their 90th anniversary. As always, a brilliant parade and some fantastic stalls including local businesses such as Lumiescents Candles (pictured). 

12th June 2023: A Week in Parliament

Roon The Toon

Against the advice of my office staff and family, I opted to run “Roon the Toon” again. Concerns were expressed that I had injured my knee by trying to start some training. However, having asked for people to sponsor me I thought I had to give it a go. Relief therefore and not elation was the feeling at the finishing line especially given the heat!

2000 entered and congratulations go to Kilmarnock Harriers once again for a slickly smooth operation. I have no doubt this is one of the best 10km races on the circuit. A huge “well done” as well, to the organisations such as Centrestage and the Salvation Army for music and entertainment to lift the spirits of the runners. And to the crowd who turned out to spur people on, especially the enthusiastic children. Wearing a Killie top gets you that little extra vocal encouragement as well. I have promised myself to be in better shape next time around!

I was running to raise money for the East Ayrshire Recovery Hub, which does fantastic work. What some people go through on their personal recovery journey was all the incentive I needed to finish. Thanks to those who have donated. The JustGiving account is still open if anyone else wants to donate – see my Twitter and Facebook pages for information.

Galston Gala Day

It was an honour to once again crown the Galston Gala Queen. The weather was stunning and there was a fantastic turnout. It was great to see the royal party thoroughly enjoy themselves during the parade. It certainly can create memories for life. Just mingling around the stalls and talking to various people and organisations was also enjoyable. I also believe it is my job to buy losing tickets at all the bottle stalls and pave the way for others to be more lucky – if that isn’t part of my duties I do it well!

Bye, Bye BoJo

So, Boris, the liar resigned instead of facing his fate, while blaming others as usual. When he complains about a kangaroo court, he omits that there were 4 Tory MPs on the committee of 7, so an inbuilt Tory majority. These were all Brexit backers and some if not all supportive of Johnson in the past. So forget a stitch up, he has been found to be lying to Parliament. So many Tory MPs must have buyer’s regret when for backing him previously just because they bought into the myth he “is a winner”. It was always obvious he was unfit for office given how often he has been caught lying and scheming, including in the past, agreeing to hand over a journalist’s address so he could be beaten up and taught a lesson as it were. An outrageous narcissist.

Nicola Sturgeon

Police Scotland found a way to change the narrative in Scotland by interviewing Nicola Sturgeon on Sunday. She has been released without charge and has released a statement saying she is innocent. I hope this is quickly proven to be the case and we can move on. I cannot say any more about a live investigation.

5th June 2023: A Week in Parliament

Covid Enquiry Farce

In the “cannot make it up” next stage, the UK Government are undertaking a judicial review on the right of the judge heading the covid enquiry to request Whatsapp messages of Government Ministers. They set up the enquiry, didn’t set any such rules and then whine when Lady Hallet asked for Johnson’s Whatsapp messages. It is incredible. And of course Johnson says he will hand them over, presumably because he thinks it will incriminate others. Of course he claims he cannot hand over details from before April 2021 because his phone was classed as a security risk. Imagine having a Government that had so many phones classed as security risks? A disgrace in itself. However, these messages could and should still be accessed by security experts. I believe in the principle in the right to privacy over communications  - when it is private dialogue. Given that so much decision making about covid and lobbying about PPE contracts for friends and cronies was undertaken by WhatsApp then clearly the enquiry should have access to them. And to redact, maintain privacy as required as long as the data can be used and understood for lessons to learn on how to handle future pandemics – the whole point of the enquiry.

Whitsun Recess

Parliament had yet another recess. I used it as an opportunity to visit energy and transport firms and operations in the north of Scotland, Orkney and the Aberdeen area. This was to find out what they are doing with regards the journey to net zero and what policy support is required by Government. At the Port Of Nigg, they are close to creating and securing manufacturing opportunities – however, the problem for so long has been the UK Government procurement process and them always squeezing companies on process making them buy equipment from abroad instead of paying a bit more in strike prices to allow investment in manufacturing. Such a short sighted approach.

In Orkney we saw the world leading tidal development as well as hydrogen and battery storage in combination, again, world leading. In Aberdeen we visited a company who have designed and manufacture their own electric car charging system which is designed for those who have to park their cars on the street. This work by Trojan is the key way forward to allow everyone to have their own home charging system even if they do have to park on the street. It was great to see how some people with ideas manage to take them forward. This is the spirit needed to get to net zero and to create more jobs along the way.

While everyone was enjoying the sun, I can confirm it was freezing in Orkney!

Deposit Return Scheme

No matter your views on a deposit return scheme, it is not for Westminster to tell the Scottish and Welsh Governments that they cannot include glass in their deposit return scheme. This is typical of a combination of “we know best” and “just do what we tell you”. Outrageous and part of a worrying trend.

29th May 2023: A Week in Parliament

Cost of Greed Crisis

It is becoming more and more apparent that some companies are deliberately benefiting from the inflationary pressures and using inflation as an excuse to keep prices higher. We have long suspected this with fuel companies not dropping prices in line with the drop in wholesale oil and gas prices. The CMA have now admitted they are looking into this. Supermarkets too are recording higher profits and margins. This has been happening since Covid and I personally have called for a windfall tax on the supermarkets as well as energy companies who have been benefiting during the crisis. It really annoyed me that the Tesco Chairman called for a windfall tax on the energy giants while his company was also increasing profits massively, albeit not at the same billions as the energy companies. Other governments in Europe have taken action on the cost of food essentials and yet again, it is too little, too late by this Tory Government. It is truly sad times when infant milk formula has security tabs because some people are so desperate they are resorting to stealing it. Surely we can do better than this?

Energy Bill

I am on the bill committee for the Energy Bill. Apparently, it is the biggest energy legislation brought in by a UK Government in decades. This means 4 sessions per week debating the bill, line by line, clause by clause. This is the real heavy work of an MP at Westminster and the work that no-one ever really knows about. It can be really dry and at times dull, but it is so important to hold the Government to account; make sure the legislation is fit and proper and to try to force amendments to make the legislation better.

Galas

It’s that time of the year again when many communities put on Galas and Fetes. I love these community events and always try to get round them all. Hopefully the weather will be kind to all. It certainly held up for the Mauchline Holy Fair, which is one of the biggest events with multiple venues for entertainment as well as the traditional stalls. A great start to the gala season!

Johnson

So, there is more evidence that Boris Johnson was deliberately breaking covid rules, this time at his country retreat. His reaction is also typical of the man – not only a lack of remorse or care, but instead sacking the lawyers he has been using at taxpayer expense. The man is a truly narcissistic clown.

Safety Secured

It turns out Killie FC really did step up when required with two victories back-to-back against our closest relegation rivals. Three goals in back-to-back games was also impressive. It is great for the town to have our team playing at the highest level. It is great for the fans too who also stepped up when required. The support at the last three away games was fantastic, particularly during this cost of living crisis. Here’s hoping we kick on next season.

22nd May 2023: A Week in Parliament

Brexit Impact on Scotland

Scotland's consumers and farmers have been severely let down by the self-serving pride of the Tory Government, which prioritises its own interests over the food security of Scotland. Brexit has brought no advantages to Scotland's food and drink industry, instead making it more difficult for farmers and fishers. As people struggle to feed their families, valuable produce is left to waste in the fields due to the disastrous mismanagement of the Tories. The SNP has highlighted five key areas where their action is damaging food security in Scotland; seafood shortages, reduced agricultural workforce, declining exports, uncertain funding for farmers and harming trade deals. The consequences of their failed agenda are hitting families hard, with record-high food bank usage and rising prices. Despite Scotland not voting for Brexit, we are bearing the brunt of its consequences. Independence would provide us with the opportunity to free ourselves from the turmoil of a failed Brexit and regain the security and prosperity offered by rejoining the European Union.

Constituent Success

I was pleased to assist my constituent Ahmed and his family once again, especially after raising their case in the House last year. It resulted in Ahmed's family in Syria being able to join him here in Kilmarnock, and I am grateful that we achieved a successful reunion for them. However, they encountered ongoing challenges with their Biometric Residence Permits, and I am proud to say that my staff once again secured a positive outcome for the family. Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with Ahmed at the Ayrshire Muslim Education Centre, where I not only enjoyed a fantastic Iftar meal but also had the privilege of participating in their joyful celebrations.

Kilmarnock F.C.

As you may have noticed, I have dedicated a fair chunk of my column to Kilmarnock Football Club this season. Every week almost feels like a do-or-die situation for the club, but I am afraid this week it really is. We are now at the stage where it is proper crunch time for Scotland’s oldest professional football club. The result on Saturday (1-0 loss to St Johnstone) was a sore one – but yet again we find ourselves in the fortunate position where we have not been punished for this slip-up given both Dundee United and Ross County lost as well, therefore, no ground was given up. It looks as though a thousand or so will travel to Tannadice on Wednesday night to get behind the lads in the penultimate game of the season. The fans have been top-class all season and have followed the club in their numbers up and down the country no matter how poor the away form has been – fingers crossed that their faith can be repaid. Then onto Ross County at home on Sunday, which could be a final-day shootout! It is in our own hands, let’s keep the faith.

15th May 2023: A Week in Parliament

Energy Bill

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.

Protestors

Last week I am sure most people who were off for the King’s Coronation enjoyed themselves. There is no doubt that the Coronation of His Royal Highness was historic and for many, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime event. However, it was horrendous to see the treatment of peaceful protestors by the Metropolitan Police. These arrests convey what lies ahead for the UK as a result of the Public Order Bill. What is certain is that no matter who wins the next General Election, this Bill and heavy-handed policing is here to stay as Labour has said on the record that they will not repeal this anti-democratic legislation. Voting for Starmer’s Labour at the next election will not bring about any meaningful change, they are determined to shift to the right and back the Tories on just about every issue. Be it tuition fees, welfare, immigration and asylum, as well as so much more. Real change can only be achieved through independence.

Amateur Football

Kilmarnock could dominate the West of Scotland in both Saturday and Sunday amateur football this year. Both Shortlees AFC and Grange Amateurs find themselves in the finals of their respective cup competitions which is a great achievement for the town. Shortlees will take on Bannockburn this coming Monday (22nd May) at New Douglas Park in Hamilton. They are looking to retain the West after winning it last year. Meanwhile, Grange will face East Kilbride Athletic on Sunday 28th of May at Petershill Park. Best of luck lads.

8th May 2023: A Week in Parliament

PMQ

Last week I had a question for the Prime Minister where I raised the issue of one of my constituents. The constituent purchased a brand-new Tesla and the auto-pilot mode installed, deemed fit to drive on UK roads, has a life of its own. Rapid braking and swerving are what you would expect from a drunk driver and not, alleged, state-of-the-art technology worth tens of thousands of pounds! I thought this would be of interest to Sunak, given he knows better than most the importance of wearing a seatbelt in a moving car…I now have a meeting with Mark Harper MP, the Secretary of State for Transport, to discuss the matter further.

Starmer’s Labour

I was shocked that Keir Starmer has done a U-turn on the scrapping of tuition fees. There is no denying he is now Tory-lite, nothing more. If he manages to make government, then this policy U-turn will cost Scotland money as we would have got Barnett from the increased English education spend and therefore the Scottish Government could do more as well. Then for good measure, he announced he was scrapping plans to increase taxes on the most wealthy. So, what does Labour really stand for?

Meanwhile, Labour is campaigning to use the extra revenues from North Sea oil and gas to freeze council tax in England. Not only is that typical short-termism but why should oil and gas revenues from Scotland be used to reduce council tax in England? It is bonkers and extra monies should be invested in a just transition away from fossil fuels.

Constituent Recognition

Last week I presented Elsie Cook with the Early Day Motion I raised for her in Parliament. The motion pays tribute to her outstanding contribution to women's football, not only in Scotland but across the globe – a true pioneer of the women’s game!

I also nominated both Ross and James Gilmour of Thistle Cabs for this year's Parliamentary Taxi & Private Hire Awards. This is off the back of their recent success at the Scottish Passenger Transport Awards, where they won the 'Best Customer Service' category. The awards reception is being held on Tuesday 6th June, at Westminster and I look forward to meeting Ross and James there. Fingers crossed they are victorious and can add another award to the collection!

Kilmarnock FC

It was yet another lacklustre display from Kilmarnock away from home, slumping to a 2-0 defeat at Fir Park. After St Mirren away there was a real hope that we’d turned a corner, in regards to our away form, but conceding early yet again was disappointing. There wasn’t much for the near-2,000 Killie fans to get excited about on Saturday and they were understandably frustrated with the performance. However, it is important we continue to get behind the lads, starting Saturday at home to Livi. Our form was always gonna be massive going into these post-split fixtures so let’s hope we can get a huge three points on Saturday! 

1st May 2023: A Week in Parliament

North Sea Profits 

At the time of writing, it is expected that both BP and Shell are expected to announce major profits this week - with BP expected to report its second-highest first-quarter profit in more than a decade. With the current cost of living crisis and working people struggling to make ends meet it is imperative that this money should be reinvested to bring energy bills down. Furthermore, the money raised should also be redeployed in Scotland’s north east, starting with Westminster matching the Scottish Government’s £500m just transition fund. We are also still waiting on this Tory Government to deliver the long-overdue £1bn carbon capture investment we were promised during the independence referendum in 2014. However, the Labour Party are every bit as backward when it comes to delivering for Scotland’s renewable energy sector. They have admitted their plans to use Scotland’s energy wealth to fund a council tax freeze in England! Only through independence can our energy sector be safeguarded.  

First Minister 

It was great to meet with Scotland’s new First Minister, Humza Yousaf, at Westminster last week. Humza was down in London to meet with the PM as well as members of the party. I firmly believe he will bring a strong voice for the people of Scotland and have full confidence in his ability to lead our party during these challenging times - I am excited to work with him going forward. 

Workers’ Memorial Day 

Friday 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.  

PCS Strikes 

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.  

Stewarton Street Surgery 

On Friday 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.