30th October 2023: A Week in Parliament

Sunak

It has now been over a year since Rishi Sunak has been Prime Minister of the UK and it has been nothing but a failure. With families struggling to make ends meet as a result of the Tory-led cost of living crisis, families in Scotland are worse off now, under Sunak, than they were under the disastrous Liz Truss. Families in Scotland are now facing; higher mortgage rates and rents; higher food and grocery prices; higher car and home insurance costs; and higher phone and internet costs, all on top of the withdrawal of energy bill support. Neither the Tories nor the pro-Brexit Labour Party offer solutions to the core issues of the UK's deterioration and decline. Both parties remain committed to ineffective Westminster policies that have adversely impacted the economy and caused a surge in the cost of living, from Brexit to austerity measures. Only with independence can Scotland escape Westminster's control and get rid of the Tories once and for all. This will enable us to secure the powers we need to build a wealthier and fairer future in Europe.

Scottish Affairs Committee

I was delighted to take part in my first Scottish Affairs Committee session last week. We heard evidence of Scotland’s scientific research capability from representatives of top Scottish academic and research organisations. My line of questioning was directed around the missed opportunities and funding initiatives after Scotland’s exclusion from the Horizon Scheme. After the questioning session, it became even clearer the negative impact Brexit has had on Scottish universities and their opportunities. You can view my contribution on all my social media channels (X/Facebook/Youtube/Website).

Bellfield Street Surgery

On Friday it was fantastic to get out and about chapping doors in Bellfield. My staff and I chapped over 200 doors on Lammermuir Road, Grampian Road, Ochil Place, Cairngorm Road, Cullin Place and Kinnoull Road. In terms of casework for my office, it was one of the busiest street surgeries we have had. By the time we were finishing up, we saw some of the locals out and about celebrating KillieWeen – the costumes were truly fantastic and it was great to see the community spirit. I look forward to being out and about in Kilmaurs this coming Friday (3rd November 2023), undertaking yet another Street surgery. We will be chapping doors in Braehead Terrace, Jocksthorn Terrace, Kirkland Gardens, Malcolm's Court, Towerhill Avenue, Woodhill Place, Catherine Place, Langmuir Quadrant and Shaw Road.

Laurel Chadwick

The news of former Director Laurel Chadwick's passing was deeply saddening for the entire Kilmarnock FC community. Laurel held the distinction of being Scotland's first female football director and played a vital role in the reconstruction of Rugby Park. Her remarkable contributions were rightfully commemorated with the naming of the Chadwick Stand, ensuring her legacy endures for generations to come. This legacy was prominently celebrated before Sunday's 2-0 victory against Aberdeen, with a heartwarming tribute to Laurel's life and her invaluable role in the club's history. Both sets of fans came together in a moment of respect, partaking in one-minute applause. My condolences go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.