4th December 2023: A Week in Parliament

Labour

Starmer’s recent praise for Margaret Thatcher tells you everything you need to know about the Leader of the Labour Party. Commending the former Prime Minister for her "entrepreneurialism" in dismantling mining and industrial communities is disgraceful. The repercussions of those actions, executed by the Tory Government, continue to linger, particularly affecting communities within my constituency. These communities have still never recovered from the actions of that Tory Government, some of which are in my constituency. We all know what voters they are trying to target and win over here. This is yet another example of the Labour Party abandoning its roots and offering no alternative to the Conservatives. Vote Labour, get Tory-lite.

Foodbank Collection

Last Friday, I visited the Tesco food bank collection on West Shaw Street, held in collaboration with East Ayrshire CVO. Witnessing the remarkable generosity of shoppers was truly heartening. Throughout last week, Paul and Kian from the CVO were dedicatedly stationed at the front entrance, raising awareness for this crucial cause. While at the collection, I had the opportunity to discuss some of the challenges faced by Paul, Kian, and their team. Despite these difficulties, they expressed gratitude for the overwhelming generosity of many individuals. It is disheartening to witness the escalating demand for food banks, reaching record highs. The stark reality that those who were once donors are now recipients is truly heart-wrenching. Especially during this festive season, it is a poignant reminder that, as a community, we must support one another not just during Christmas but all year round. I appreciate the financial struggles many are facing currently due to the cost-of-living crisis, however, if you find yourself in a position to contribute, please consider donating to the food bank. All major supermarkets provide convenient drop-off points, and your support can make a meaningful difference during these challenging times.

Items that would gratefully be received are powdered milk; diluting juice; tinned meats; tinned vegetables; tinned tuna; toilet roll; tinned beans; tinned deserts; soup; biscuits; pasta sauce; toiletries; cereal; noodles and microwaved rice.

Darvel Street Surgery

Looking forward to being in Darvel this coming Friday as part of my Street Surgery engagement. My staff and I will be chapping doors in; Glen Crescent, Hutchinson Drive and Paterson Terrace between 1.00 and 4.00 pm.  It is vital to get out and about and talk to constituents on their doorsteps about matters that are important to them. However, if you will not be in or do not reside in the areas listed above but have an issue you would like to discuss please contact me: alan.brown.mp@parliament.uk / 01563 501412 or drop into my office at 31A Titchfield Street in Kilmarnock (KA1 1QW).