9th October 2023: A Week in Parliament

Rutherglen & Hamilton West

There is no doubt that the result of last week’s by-election was a sore one and a big loss for the party. Despite running a very positive campaign we were unable to deliver the result we had hoped for. Having been on the doorsteps, the biggest issue on everyone’s lips was, unsurprisingly, the cost-of-living crisis. We need to get real support to those who need it, and this is something I will continue to campaign for. Some may not be aware, but candidates/parties have to pay a £500 deposit to contest in an election campaign and if you get less than 5% of the vote then you lose it. Therefore, it was a horrendous result for the Tories only taking 3.9% of the share. It is no mystery where these votes ended up. It is also telling that at times in recent years some voters have no problem switching between Labour and the Tories.

All in all, a very disappointing result but the party’s attention turns to next year’s general election and winning back the seat which has changed hands at every election since 2010 between the SNP and Labour.

I understand some people want change, but Labour will not offer that – Kier Starmer confirmed there will be no additional money for public services. This means retaining austerity. So when Labour politicians demand more money for councils; more money for the NHS; more money spent on GPs, and more police officers, then they need to explain how to do this without increasing budgets.

Brexit

The UK Government has confirmed new post-Brexit border checks will cost businesses at least £330 million a year. In a letter to the Chair of the Labour Movement for Europe, Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe said: “We estimate these new costs of the model at £330 million p.a [per annum] overall, across all EU imports.” The cost to cover this lies at the door of businesses and then will ultimately be passed to the consumer and contribute to further price inflation not seen elsewhere in comparable countries. With Labour and the Lib Dems supporting this hard-Tory Brexit, only the SNP offers an alternative. Scotland must rejoin the EU, and therefore, the world’s largest single market and return to economic prosperity.

Parkinson’s Group

I was honoured to attend the Ayrshire Parkinson's Group meeting in Irvine. I was invited along by my constituent, Isaac Alvarez, who is affected by Parkinson’s himself and also fundraises on its behalf. He and his son recently trekked 800km on the Camino Santiago, raising an impressive £1,335 for Parkinson’s Research & Ayrshire Young Parkinson’s Group. His dedication is truly remarkable. I met with him initially back in August where I agreed to attend a group meeting. It was harrowing to hear from so many affected by the disease. I would encourage anyone affected to get involved with the support group and continue the great work being done.

The Lounge Café

It was fantastic to drop into the Lounge Café in Bellfield and meet with my constituent, Kenneth Stirling. I enjoyed talking to Kenneth about his future plans for the community café including employment and mentoring for those with additional support needs. Please pop in and give it a try: 81 Whatriggs Road Bellfield KA1 3RB

2nd October 2023: A Week in Parliament

£20m Funding

Out of the blue Westminster announced a 10-year funding package for Kilmarnock. Obviously, I will always support additional investment and want to see it form part of proper long-term planning. However, it is bizarre that there was no process, no discussions, no bid process but an announcement of “here are towns we have decided to give money to”. The politics are such that yet again, it is an attitude that “Westminster knows best”. Scotland still loses out overall in EU funding we would have received, and had Kilmarnock not been one of the seven Scottish towns chosen I would have raised about the lack of transparency, but at least it has worked in our favour for once! Another issue I have is that for long-term planning for the wider communities I would far rather our surrounding towns and villages had access to the funding, not just Kilmarnock, because Westminster says so. Still, time to get working and planning on making Kilmarnock better as a shopping and leisure centre.

Scottish Affairs Committee

I am pleased to have been selected by the SNP to sit on the Scottish Affairs Committee at Westminster. I look forward to working cross-party to stand up for our best interests and hold the Scotland Office, as well as the wider UK Government, to account on policy that has a direct effect on Scotland. Committees are all about cross-party working, but I have a feeling with Douglas Ross as a committee member, the job of the chair to get consensus will be much more difficult!

Macmillan Coffee Morning

I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who attended my office’s Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday. It was great to see so many organisations have one to raise money for a truly fantastic cause. I also want to pay tribute to those who donated to my JustGiving fundraiser, it is much appreciated. The fundraiser will remain open for another week or so if anyone would still like to donate. The link to donate is pinned on my social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter/X).

Killie Community Walk & Talk

Despite the weather, there was a good turnout at the Killie Community’s Walk & Talk. The club’s charity does so much wonderful and worthwhile work and I really enjoyed partaking in this particular event. It runs every Wednesday afternoon and combines exercise with the love of the football club – everyone is welcome! However, last week the group was treated to 97 Cup Winning Captain Ray Montgomerie and Club Historian John Livingston joining them for the stomp around the town. It was brilliant to hear the stories from Monty - and it is always fascinating to see John Livingston’s remarkable knowledge of the club in action. Massive well done to the club for running these events, and I would encourage constituents to try it out. For more information, please contact the Killie Community.

25th September 2023: A Week in Parliament

Crosshouse Primary

As MP, I was truly honoured to officially open the new Crosshouse Primary School, Communication Centre and Early Childhood Centre. The occasion was made even more meaningful by the fact that my two sons were pupils there over a decade ago. The transformation we witness today is truly remarkable and a testament to the dedication and hard work invested in this project. The building now perfectly embodies the school's motto of 'Be the best you can be.' Moreover, the commitment to inclusivity remains strong with the continued support of the Communication Centre, which caters to children with social and communication disorders. The Centre reflects the local authority’s dedication to providing tailored support for every child's unique needs. One of the pupils from the centre, Oliver Houston aged 11, gifted to me an outstanding drawing of the Titanic. Oliver draws from memory and drew that particular piece off the back of visiting the Titanic exhibition in Belfast – truly fantastic!! As we celebrate the milestone of this new premises, let’s look forward to a future where the school continues to nurture our young people’s minds and embraces diversity. 

PM ditching climate policies

Once again, the Tories have shown their true colours and went back on a series of climate proposals despite Scotland and the rest of the UK’s net zero targets. Last week he decided to delay the prohibition of new petrol and diesel vehicles, dilute the strategy for eliminating gas boilers by 2035, and abandon the mandate for enhancing home energy efficiency – a complete and utter farce. The Tories' reckless plan jeopardizes Scotland's economic future. We are a renewable energy powerhouse, and with the global race to Net Zero, the UK's withdrawal would be catastrophic. Instead of ensuring a smooth energy transition to protect and create Scottish jobs, the Tories seem to prefer a cliff-edge approach. Worse, he claimed to be on the “side of workers” when promising to scrap policies that didn’t even exist in the first place. A total con man. Labour's backtrack on Net Zero investments has allowed the Tories to exploit Scotland and bring us down with the rest of the UK.  

Kilmarnock F.C.

By the time you are reading this column, it is our hope that Kilmarnock can book their place at Hampden for the second year in a row as part of the League Cup. We were all buzzing off of the win against Celtic last month in the last 16, but as Derek McInnes said himself, we have to go all the way now after knocking out the favourites! Last year we saw the lift the town, in particular the hospitality sector, got after Killie was playing on the big stage again so let’s hope for more of the same!

Macmillan Coffee Morning

A final reminder that this week my office will be hosting a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support from 11 am. Please drop in for some coffee and cake as well as support a wonderful cause. If you are unable to attend but would still like to donate, then you can through my JustGiving page. The link to my fundraiser is pinned on both my Facebook and Twitter/X accounts. For more details and information please contact me on: 01563 501412 / alan.brown.mp@parliament.uk

18th September 2023: A Week in Parliament

Suella Braverman

Once again, the Home Secretary’s mask has slipped and her xenophobic rhetoric is out there for all to see. On Wednesday, she tweeted about Starmer’s proposed deal with the EU to take in asylum seekers. In her tweet, she said: “He’ll agree to make Britain the dumping ground for many of the millions of illegal migrants that Europe doesn’t want. And none of this will stop the boats.” The language she has used is abhorrent and divisive. She should apologise for these comments but it is a narrative that suits the Tory Party in its current form. Scotland's open and welcoming approach to refugees and asylum seekers stands in stark contrast to the increasingly insular and inhumane policies of Westminster. It is clear that only with the full powers of independence can Scotland provide refugees with a fair and dignified system that offers them the opportunity and support they need to rebuild their lives.

Crosshouse Street Surgery

I am looking forward to being in Crosshouse on Thursday (21st September) as part of my Street Surgery engagement. My staff and I will be knocking on doors in; Crossdene Road, Springhill Avenue, Corse Place, Loudoun Place, Credon Drive, Craigie Place and Dean Place between 1.00 and 4.00 pm. It’s always great 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).

Gas Safety Week

As part of Gas Safety Week, Centrica has given my office 10 free carbon monoxide alarms to distribute to local businesses and charities. My office has already contacted some organisations who may benefit from this initiative, however, if anyone reading wishes to obtain one for their business/charity, please contact my office for further details. Gas Safety is vitally important and that is why I am happy to team up with British Gas to highlight that gas appliances must be checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Unchecked gas appliances may increase the risk of CO poisoning, gas leaks and fires.

Macmillan Cancer Coffee Morning

This is a reminder that my office is hosting a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday 29th September from 11 am. Feel free to drop in and support this cause and enjoy some coffee and cake! If you are unable to attend but would still like to donate, then you can through my JustGiving page. The link to my fundraiser is pinned on both my Facebook and Twitter/X accounts. However, if you have any issues, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

11th September 2023: A Week in Parliament

Senior Traffic Commissioner Recommendations

I am pleased that common sense has prevailed and that the proposed changes to football supporters’ buses have been shelved. I ran the Irvine Valley Supporters’ Bus for 26 years and still use this form of travel for the vast majority of away games, it was never going to work. I am proud of every single fan who stood up to these draconian proposals and made their voice heard – there is no doubt that the backlash on social media made them rethink these horrendous suggestions – no buses to sop within 10miles of a ground; people can only have a drink in a pub if accompanied by a “substantial meal”. As John Barnes, the Killie commentator posed, how many Killie pies make up a substantial meal?! Scotland has the highest percentage of people who attend football matches than any other country in Europe, and for the Tories to even consider these plans shows how out of touch they are and the contempt they hold for our national game. It seemed to come as a surprise to many that there is a GB Commissioner that can impose policies on Scotland, and this reinforces the powers that Westminster retain.

National Team

I was lucky enough to get to Cyprus on Friday to see Scotland’s excellent win. What a phenomenal start to this Euro’s group and we have all but booked our place in Germany for next year’s tournament. We may in fact qualify this week if Georgia and Norway draw as we play the Auld Enemy in a ‘friendly’ at Hampden. By the time this column goes out to you I hope we have confirmed our place at Euro 2024 and defeated the Auld Enemy for the first time since 1999 – what a celebration that will be! If anyone can, it will be Stevie Clarke.

Spokesperson Role

Last week there was a cabinet reshuffle, and I will no longer be serving as SNP Spokesperson for Energy Security and Net Zero. This role was one I embraced with dedication, and I take great pride in the work we accomplished during my time serving in it. I would like to extend my best wishes to my colleague, Dave Doogan MP, who will now be taking on the responsibilities of this role. I have every confidence in Dave's abilities and I know he will continue to build upon the progress we have made together. Stepping back from the front-bench will free up more time to concentrate on constituency matters and undertake more street surgeries which is always welcome.

MacMillan Coffee Morning

On Friday 29th September my office will be hosting a coffee morning in support of MacMillan Cancer Support. Cancer is a battle that touches the lives of countless individuals and families across our constituency and beyond. Macmillan Cancer Support is doing incredible work to provide vital care, information and support to those affected by this challenging journey. Feel free to drop in on the 29th and have some coffee and cake to raise money for a wonderful cause. If you are unable to attend, but would still like to donate, then you can via JustGiving.

The link is also pinned on my social media accounts…

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4th September 2023: A Week in Parliament

Case Success

I'm thrilled for my constituent, Sarah Kjoelstad and her family, on finally receiving 10 years leave to remain. To say it is disheartening that it took this long would be an understatement, especially after the Judge's ruling almost a year ago. The Home Office must improve its processes; too many people endure this stress and anxiety. My office has worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome, but it shouldn't have reached this stage. Sarah’s case highlights the bureaucratic inefficiencies in our immigration system. Her family, including UK citizens, faced unnecessary hurdles since February 2022. Denied due to technicalities, their appeal was approved in December 2022, yet the Home Office delayed issuing the BRP card for almost a year! This left Sarah unable to work, access healthcare, or even open a bank account. It's unacceptable that the Home Office provided no timeline for resolution. As an MP, I'll continue to advocate for individuals like Sarah and push for a more efficient and fairer immigration process. I was delighted to welcome Sarah and her son to the office last week to celebrate her well-deserved grant of leave to remain.

Summer Recess and Return to Parliament

I have had an enjoyable summer recess and it has been great to spend most days in the constituency. I have still been out visiting businesses and organisations throughout Kilmarnock and Loudoun as well as holding office surgeries and a few Street Surgeries to engage with constituents.

One of the highlights was having a kickabout with the Bonnyton Flyers at the Galleon a few weeks ago. The work that John, as well as the rest of the volunteers, carry out is commendable and it is always such great fun. Another highlight was attending the HALO and meeting Dr. Kathleen Rubins, a true inspiration as a NASA astronaut. It is certainly the first time I have – knowingly – met an astronaut, and certainly not an everyday occurrence! Her remarkable story and engaging lecture left a lasting impact, especially on the young minds present. The amount of questions really showed how engaged the young people were. A massive well done to Marie Macklin and the rest of the team at the HALO for organising such a fantastic event.

This week I return to Westminster and will continue to represent all my constituents in parliament to the best of my ability. Coming into the winter people’s energy bills will begin to rise again and I will continue to press the UK Government to deliver meaningful support to ordinary working families.

Energy bill rebate

The SNP is challenging the Labour Party to support a £400 energy bill rebate for households starting in October, countering Rachel Reeves' dismissal of taxing the wealthy to fund cost-of-living relief. Reeves stated she didn't need to raise £12 billion, but independent analysis from the House of Commons Library, commissioned by the SNP, indicates this amount is necessary for energy bill rebates in Scotland and the UK (£11.9 billion). The analysis also shows that scrapping the two-child benefit cap and abolishing the bedroom tax would cost less. Rising energy standing charges and forecasts of further bill increases this winter add urgency to the situation.

17th July 2023: A Week in Parliament

Thames Water Evidence Session

I was pleased to be asked to be part of the Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs Committee’s evidence session on Thames Water last week. Thames Water, a major UK water company, faced a financial crisis and leadership changes. It has received criticism for polluting rivers, neglecting infrastructure, paying high dividends and excessive executive salaries. The company has £14bn debt, one of the highest among UK water companies, and relies on uncertain dividends to cover interest payments. The session aimed to clarify the situation at Thames Water and investigate the wider water sector's impact on consumers. I was happy to lead in questions to Alastair Cochran (Joint Interim CEO) where I quizzed him on the company’s dividends. It was staggering to see that, from their own figures, 33% of the company’s debt equated to dividend payments, how can that be sustainable? What was also interesting, was that at the outset he advised that they paid out around £4bn in dividends, however, I was given a report during the session which conveyed this number was actually £7.2bn – not even close! I went back to him on that and now he has had to pledge to write to clarify matters. It will be a terrible state of affairs if he was so wrong in his answer.

On a side note, we in Scotland pay less for our water bills as a result of rejecting privatisation, compare that to the state of affairs England.

Two Child Cap

Labour have now ruled out reversing a Tory policy that Labour frontbenchers have called “heinous”, “cruel and inhumane” amongst other descriptions. What is going on with Starmer?

Bonnyton Street Surgery

On Friday I was out chapping doors, along with my staff, in Bonnyton as part of my Street Surgery engagement. We hit around 200 doors and it’s always great to talk to constituents on their doorstep about local and national issues that are important to them. It was yet another positive experience as residents do seem to appreciate you talking to them and listening to their concerns. Thankfully, we missed most of the heavy rain as it only came on for the last half hour or so. Once again, I have to emphasise that this is not party-political, and it is a chance for constituents to raise matters so that we can then take the cases up and make enquiries through my office. 

Killie Foodbanks

It was great to see Killie start the season with a 3-0 win against Annan in the League Cup. Now the football season is back, you will be seeing Killie Foodbanks at every game at Rugby Park. They will be stationed at the blue shed at the rear of the Moffat Stand like they were last season. We could discuss all day the disgrace that is people in 21st century UK there are so many people reliant on them. Pair that with the current cost of living crisis means the demand is higher than ever. Those who once gave now need, so, it is vital we all do our bit and if we can afford to, then please give what you can to a great cause.

10th July 2023: A Week in Parliament

Mhairi Black

I am gutted that Mhairi will be stepping down at the election next year. I know it has been a difficult few years for her since she burst onto the scene at the 2015 election – when we were both elected for the first time. Mhairi made history by being elected the youngest MP since the 17th century at the age of just 20. She has been an excellent public servant and a real inspiration for money young people across the country – she will be sorely missed. I don’t think anyone can blame her for the reasons she cites for stepping down as Westminster really is a toxic environment. I sincerely hope she makes a return to politics at some point and helps deliver independence for the people of Scotland.

Office Surgery

On Friday I held one of my regular constituent office surgeries but on this occasion, I had the pleasure of welcoming pupil Molly. Molly has just completed her primary 7 and will be starting academy come August. A few weeks ago, Molly wrote to me expressing concerns over potential plans to cut school transport and the effect this could have on her and her peers. Acting on behalf of her classmates, she visited the office with her mum and dad to discuss the matter with me. Molly is a shining example of youth making a difference and is a true inspiration. I hope she keeps up this work and gets more and more active – a bright future ahead.

Bonnyton Street Surgery

This Friday I look forward to chapping doors in the Bonnyton area of Kilmarnock as part of my Street Surgery initiative. It has been great this year to get back into this routine as they are always a really worthwhile experience, and it is important to show constituents you are accessible. My staff and I aim to chap around 200 doors in the following streets; -             Annanhill Avenue, Carmel Avenue, Carmel Place, Carmel Terrace, Lennox Crescent and Sannox Road.

For constituents in need of assistance with any matter dealt with at Westminster such as social security, employment or immigration issues, I will do all I can to help. For devolved issues such as education, health and housing then it may be more appropriate to contact your local Councillor or Member of the Scottish Parliament. I am well aware that some residents will be at work or not at home, therefore, we will be posting leaflets with my contact information and details of my next surgery.

Loudoun Branch Stall

 As well as my street surgeries as MP I have also joined a couple of SNP street stalls, which is another way to interact with people. Loudoun Branch SNP held one in Newmilns, and it was great catching up with a few old faces. Some good conversations and I am sure the good weather helped as well.

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.