6th November 2023: A Week in Parliament

Energy Support

I recently received vital data from Energy UK, revealing changes in energy bills for our constituents in Kilmarnock and Loudoun compared to last winter. The data highlights significant shifts in energy costs. Households consuming less energy will experience higher bill increases this winter due to the withdrawal of government support, including the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme. This data focuses solely on electricity and gas bills, excluding other heating sources. In total, households across Kilmarnock & Loudoun will spend £423,753 more on energy this winter than the previous year. Meanwhile, the most deprived areas of the constituency will see an average increase of approximately £309 to their energy bill. This is why Westminster must bring in real cost-of-living support. We have recently just seen countries like Ireland deliver a package to address the cost of living and help families get by this winter.

I wholeheartedly support Energy UK's proposals. We should consider implementing a Targeted Energy Price Guarantee, with a focus on assisting approximately 5.8 million households receiving means-tested benefits. The cost to the Exchequer is estimated at around £2.3 billion, significantly less than the previous universal support program. Additionally, we should work towards establishing a long-term support framework for the most vulnerable members of our society, potentially in the form of a social tariff. Urgent action on energy efficiency is also imperative, including expediting the allocation of grant schemes designated for this Parliament. I will continue to put pressure on the UK Government to deliver much-needed support for families this winter.

Ceasefire

The international community must support an immediate ceasefire in the region and allow for the creation of humanitarian corridors, as well as establishing a refugee resettlement scheme. We must all unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist attacks from Hamas and call for the unconditional release of all hostages. But we must also ensure that innocent civilians, women and children are protected - and that the Palestinian people are not collectively punished for the actions of a terrorist group. Scotland is willing to be the first country in the UK to offer safety and sanctuary to the people of Gaza and treat the injured men, women and children, where we can. How Keir Starmer and the Labour Party are unable to get behind this is baffling. We have now seen 11 councillors in England, including the Leader of Burnley Council, resign from the party due to Starmer’s lack of humanity.

On a separate point, I am relieved to see that Humza’s in-laws have been able to flee Gaza and have not returned home safely to Scotland – it is virtually impossible to begin to imagine what the family has been going through in the last month or so. I just hope that others are able to do the same and are reunited with their loved ones.

Kilmaurs Street Surgery

Enjoyed being out in Kilmaurs last Friday with my staff and local councillor Stephen Canning. It's always great chatting with constituents on their doorsteps about important local and national issues that matter to them. Plenty of cases were picked up for the office as well!