A Week in Parliament

The Brexit farce continues with yet another Ministerial resignation. Has there ever been a more incompetent or unstable Government in recent times? Only the end days of the John Major Tory Government can be comparable. Yet, the Prime Minister is blithely touring the UK with stage managed media events to promote her “deal”.

Then you look at two of the senior positions within the Cabinet – Amber Rudd is DWP Secretary only months after being forced to resign after “inadvertently misleading “ parliament over deportation targets. The phrase the man on the street may have used was lying about this matter. Then there is Liam Fox, the International Trade Secretary, who resigned previously for breaching the Ministerial Code, in his role as Defence Secretary. This was because he broke security clearance issues and conflicts of interest by giving government access to his friend and best man, Adam Werrity. I am all for rehabilitation, but it seems some politicians can just continue unabashed. Are these really the people to be trusted to be senior UK positions? Is it any surprise that Liam Fox’s past comments in his new role include slagging British businesses “for spending too much time on the golf course?” Or that a trade deal with the EU would be the “easiest in human history”? It seems his judgement still needs significant improvement, but the UK is reliant on him being able to negotiate skilfully.

Fishing Post Brexit

Future fishing quotas have become headline news. At times it seems this is the most important aspect of Brexit. There is no doubt that fishing is so important to the coastal communities that still rely on the industry. However, there is a reality that within the wider UK economy, the entire fishing and seafood industry only accounts for 0.1% of GDP. The actual marine fishing itself is 0.02% of UK GDP. This is why Ted Heath the Tory Prime Minister said the Scottish fishermen were “expendable”. From his perspective, he was more than happy to trade Scottish fishing quotas for other trade benefits. As a guilty hangover, this is why Tory MPs have made such a big deal about fishing, although over the years they managed to shift the blame to the EU and Common Fisheries Policy.

The actual position is much more complicated – 75% of fish caught gets exported to the EU. Therefore, a trade deal without tariffs is needed to allow that seafood to be exported. A customs agreement is required so the seafood gets exported without delay. These aspects are much more important to the majority of Scottish fishermen, who work in small boats. Yet, there is a risk these matters are overlooked because of the powerful lobby of the Scottish Fishing Federation (SFF), which can be dominated by the big players who have the supersize vessels that catch 80% of the fish, despite being small in number. This is also why the fishermen closest to our area, the west coast based ones have pulled out the SFF. These are aspects I will be weighing up as a member of the Fisheries Bill Committee.

These views were first expressed in the Kilmarnock Standard.

A Week in Parliament

Withdrawal Agreement

As we head towards the countdown to the so called “meaningful vote” on the EU withdrawal agreement, then there will be much debate about what it really means. For a start, it is not “a deal”. It is a withdrawal agreement, which confirms all the aspects that need to be decided before the UK can leave the EU. All the aspects that Teresa May says she has achieved – she hasn’t actually. These are the planned end agreements for her i.e. a free trade deal, ending of free movement, a customs arrangement. Not one aspect of this has been agreed as “a deal”.

The accompanying political agreement contains 144 paragraphs, most of which contain the word “should”. This is in the context of each party should explore options to..”, each party will discuss..” confirming all the outstanding dialogue and negotiations. A critical example near the start of the document is as follows:

“The future relationship should be approached with high ambition with regard to its scope and depth, and recognise that this might evolve over time. Above all, it should be a relationship that will work in the interests of citizens of the Union and the United Kingdom, “

Who can read this and conclude that Teresa May has actually secured a deal? It is also bizarre that for over two years she has blithely stated that “No Deal is better than a Bad Deal”. Now she says this deal is as good as it gets even if there’s stuff in it you don’t agree with it, and so therefore everyone just needs to back it as a No Deal scenario is so bad!

WASPI Debate

I spoke again in a WASPI debate, defending the fact that these women should be compensated for being misinformed about their pension retirement age. Only one Tory backbencher made a contribution – which was truly awful- and one of his key points is that to change anything is unaffordable. Knowing full well that has always been a Tory mantra, I got updated figures from the House of Commons library on what the likely affect has been of the tax cuts introduced in the 2017 and 2018 budgets. Cutting corporation tax, inheritance tax, higher tax thresholds and ISA giveaways is projected to cost £78.6bn by 2025. Think what this near £80bn could be used for instead of lining the pockets of the wealthiest in society. When you hear Tory MSPs calling in the Scottish Government to spend more money then remember they support their colleagues cutting these taxes at Westminster taking £80bn out of the economy.

William McIlvanney Visit

I was delighted to visit William McIlvanney Campus and speak to two Modern Studies Higher classes. It is always enjoyable to be put on the spot, and try to answer as honest as I can. It must be a sign of where the UK is heading when part of their topics are “poverty, health and wealth”.

I am always up for any school visit, and happy to try and assist with any enquiries regards school assignments- just get in touch with my office.

These views were first expressed in the Kilmarnock Standard.

A Week in Parliament

The Deal

At last we have a draft Brexit deal. Or we don’t actually as all the things that the UK haven’t been able to reach agreement is kicked into the transition period to be further agreed or fall apart again which is more likely. With only four additional cabinet resignations, then that seemed almost calm given that both wings of the Tory party hate the proposals.

I have heard a few people say they feel sorry for Teresa May because of the difficulties she has had to put up with and all the infighting. On a human level that is true. However, she was the one who called a general election when she didn’t need to and run the worst campaign ever. She is the one who triggered Article 50 without a plan. She is the one who created “red lines” that she couldn’t deliver on. She is the one who has kept her cabinet on a 50/50 split of extreme right wing Brexiteers and “soft” or remain MPs. She is the one who did a grubby deal with the DUP. She is the one responsible for the Windrush immigration scandal. She is the one not listening or caring about the effects of Tory policy and the hardships they are causing. Therefore, she does not have my sympathy as she has created the entire mess.

The effects of Tory Policies

While I can be politically bias when complaining about UK Tory Government policy, it is an eye opener when the UN Rapporteur, Professor Alton has said that he had encountered "misery”. That the policies are “cruel and misogynistic” and that UK Ministers “are in denial” about the scale of this misery. How damning does evidence need to be before the Tory Government changes some of their policies?

To Resign or Not

David Mundell, the Scottish Secretary threatened to resign if Northern Ireland got treated differently in the Brexit deal. They did and he didn’t resign, and now complains about the colleagues who did resign, as they are ignoring collective cabinet responsibility. I think it fair to say, any talk of resignation from him is all bluff, which doesn’t bode well for him being a strong representative for Scotland within the cabinet.

Stewarton Yuletide

As part of advance preparations for small business Saturday, I visited a number of businesses on Stewarton’s main street. It was thoroughly enjoyable, and all the shops were excited about the forthcoming Yuletide, Thursday 22nd November. With the shops all opening late as well, I recommend a visit to Stewarton – you will not be disappointed!

Kris Boyd

I was delighted to see Kris Boyd get a well-deserved testimonial with Killie. It is also fantastic he is donating any money he makes to his Scott Boyd foundation. The number of goals he has scored is incredible, and I have always thought it unfortunate he has played in some of the poorer Killie teams during his career. We can dream that he might yet end up with silverware at Killie under the tutelage of Steve Clarke.

These views were first expressed in the Kilmarnock Standard.

A Week in Parliament

Armistice Remembrance Events

In the build up to the 100 year anniversary of the end of WW1 and the signing of the Armistice, I was delighted to attend the official opening of East Ayrshire’s Remembrance Garden. It is a fantastic turnaround of the former sunken garden at Holehouse Road, Kilmarnock. A poem was specially commissioned and it is engraved into the impressive entrances to the park. I was struck by the language in the poem – very much our local vernacular. It transpires this was because phrases were taken from letters from local people that were written during the war. A great way of localising the tribute.

I attended a remembrance event at William McIlvanney Campus, consisting of poems, song, drama and music.  It was fittingly emotional and respectful. I also got to saw the research undertaken by the various pupils and there was even a full uniform of a soldier from Kilmarnock on display. A great effort.

On Armistice Sunday, I laid a wreath at Kilmarnock Cenotaph. I am aware that there were many extra special efforts being made this year at memorials all over East Ayrshire, but as they all tend to take place at the same time, then it is not possible to attend the others. I did manage to Rugby Park where there was an afternoon service to remember the football players of the club who lost their lives in both wars. Well done to Ray Montgomerie for organising this.  One that has grown considerably in the past few years.

Westminster Recess

Yes, there was yet another Westminster recess – a November recess that actually only consists of two extra days that the Parliament is not sitting. It does seem strange and I know many members of the public view these things as additional holidays. However, an extra couple of days in the constituency and working in my office was welcome as it allowed me to catch up on casework with my hardworking staff.

Where I do take some issue, is that with Parliament only sitting on a Monday and Tuesday, then the Government tends to make business non-voting, allowing many MPs not to require to turn up. For example, to pad out business, they put on a general debate on Road Safety. A topic that is not unimportant, but there had been a Road Safety debate just two weeks previously in Westminster Hall, and another one programmed as backbench business. So how can this be a good use of parliamentary time in reality? As Transport Spokesperson I made these observations and challenged the Minister to provide updates on any actions from the recent debate on road safety, but from the non-answer it would seem any suggestions for improvement aren’t exactly being taking on board. Another example of UK Government inefficiency.

No.23

And the next weekly Ministerial resignation, number 23 out of the Government is Jo Johnson. I wonder when the farce will end? Given Jo is at the opposite political spectrum to his brother, I do wonder what family dinners will be like for the Johnsons!

These comments were first expressed in the Kilmarnock Standard.

A Week in Parliament

Killieween

Once again I was delighted to take part in the Spooky walk. Another fantastic effort by the volunteers. I also noticed how busy Kilmarnock was that night with loads of the young generation out and about in the pubs all dressed up. It is great to take ownership of the fact that our area is the only part of Scotland that celebrates Halloween on the last Friday of the month. And big kudos to David and staff at the Brass and Granite for organising the festival at the Howard Park on the Sunday, with free kids rides and face painting. If the crowds were anything to go by this is an event that grow in future years so well done to all involved. 

PMQ

I had the luck of being first in a PMQ session. The chance to set the tone for the day. From nowhere I initially stated “DUP” instead of “DWP” which was personally frustrating. However, the substance of my question was the DWP deciding my constituent Laura Nani who has stayed here since 1984, and has a British mother “does not have a right to reside”. When I challenged the PM on this and the impact of other EU citizens, the PM boldly stated that the UK Government are not rejecting anyone. Not only does she have no empathy, she “inadvertently mislead the house”. I would use stronger words, but this is the ridiculous code of the House of Commons and I would breach it by saying a fellow MP told lies.

Small Business Saturday

I managed to secure the visit of the small business Saturday promotional bus to Kilmarnock and was frustrated when I couldn’t attend myself as I was in London! However, it is worth checking out the interviews with local business people – they are the real lifeblood of our high streets, and even more so when we see the struggles of national chains. It might be clichéd, but shopping, eating, drinking and socialising locally is the only way to protect our town centres. 

Tracy Crouch

So the 22nd Minister to resign or be sacked was Tracy Crouch which makes a mockery of “strong and stable” Government. Hers was one of conviction due to the UK Government delaying a reduction in the fixed odds betting limits. She was widely regarded as nice and genuine politician so it is a shame to see her go.

Ministerial Response

After highlighting my frustration on having Ministers respond poorly in debates, I took part in a debate about aviation post Brexit. There is a Minister for Aviation but as she is a member of the House of Lords, she cannot speak in an MP debate, so MPs cannot question her directly or challenge her in a debate. What kind of Government system is this?!

Proclaimers

People often ask me what it is like living in London – usually because they assume I can go sightseeing and/or attend shows etc. The truth is I am too busy working. However, one Thursday I took the opportunity to stay on and see the Proclaimers in concert. They were fantastic, and rounded the night off by finishing their set with “Joyful Kilmarnock Blues”. I can only imagine because I had been shouting for it all night! It would be great to see them back at Killie too.

These views were first expressed in the Kilmarnock Standard.

A Week in Parliament

Ministerial Responses

One of the supposed advantages of securing debates at Westminster is that it is obligatory to have a Minister respond at the end of the debate. This is intended to provide Government thoughts and answers to the person leading the debate and other points raised in other contributions. What this means in reality is that you are completely at the mercy of the competence and knowledge of the Minister responding. My colleague, Gavin Newlands, secured a debate on the HELMS mis-selling of the Green Deal leaving hundreds of my constituents out of pocket and tied to long term loans. However, the Minister responding didn’t have a clue about it and more or less waffled. During her speech she highlighted how many individual complaints have been lodged about HELMS installations. I was able to work out that was only about 10% of the installs. So I put it to her that is 90% of people have not complained - likely because they don’t know how to, or worse, may not be aware they have been potentially ripped off. Then the UK Government have a duty to contact these people to try to understand the bigger picture and provide assistance. She advised that she didn’t know if the UK Government had undertaken an investigation, but if they hadn’t they might consider it. The whole thrust of the debate was MPs calling on the UK Government to take action and therefore not leave it to individuals to act alone and to date, the UK Government have refused to look at collective action. So it is really worrying that a Minister cannot even listen to what is being said and process it logically.

Later that day, another colleague, Ronnie Cowan secured a debate on drugs policy. The Minister responding however advised that she “recuse” herself on issues to do with cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids due to her husband’s business interests. What is the point of a Minister responding when she cannot talk about matter which might come up in a debate? Constituents often complain to me about the poor answers Ministers give back to me after I have asked a question, this can be very annoying. However, I understand there is often a wider political game and the Ministers try not to give concessions in their question responses. Despite this, not being able to provide answers or detail in a debate that lasts an hour and a half is unforgivable. It also shows the real lack of talent within the UK Government at the moment. If these Ministers cannot provide policy detail in debates it means they do not know what is going on in the departments they are responsible for. It really is quite damning.

These views were first expressed in the Kilmarnock Standard.

A Week in Parliament

I tend to use twitter for straightforward updates on my parliamentary work or visits I undertake. In a slight change of tack I highlighted what I thought was pretty absurd – a Scottish MP submitting a question to the Church of England Commissioner. However, as the matter related to an enquiry about commemorating WW1, it managed to cause a backlash as somehow it meant I do not think such commemoration important.

There are so many aspects of why I think there is no merit in a Scottish MP asking questions of the Church of England Commissioner. For a start, it is out with our locus. What if the answer that came back was the Church of England will be doing nothing? What could a Scottish based MP do between mid-October and November 11th to change things? Clearly nothing.

Also, the question was a staged one suggested by the person who was answering: every time the Church of England session is approaching, the Church of England Commissioner puts out suggested questions that an “MP might want to ask”. Therefore, if you submit one of these questions, it is in the knowledge it’s something they think is a good news story.

As for the fact I do not think commemoration important – I have laid a wreath every year I have been an elected official and for many years took part in the Newmilns parade as a member of the Scouts. I am well aware we are nearing the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War One. 2018 is also 100 years since the death of my great uncle in the war. I have had a portrait of him hanging in my house as a mark of respect to his sacrifice. Anyone checking my bookcase will also see a large number of books on World War One, many of which are about the experiences of those who participated in the war. So I am sorry if I offended people but my conscience is clear about the respect I give those who participated in that war in the armed services, medical services and all the other support workers. There is a disappointing irony in other politicians and accusing me of being blinded by nationalism but then use dead soldiers as part of their faux outrage.

Dover Trip

As we head towards Brexit I took a parliamentary trip to Dover to see first-hand how the port operates. The turnaround of ferries in such a short space of time and the number of lorries going in and out was incredible. All based on the fact that they do not necessarily need customs checks because of the current EU Customs arrangements. It has been well trailed that a no deal will cause havoc. They also confirmed that the UK Government’s current preferred option still leaves unresolved issues. As Transport Spokesperson I thought it worthwhile seeing and hearing things directly – it was also confirmation that I cannot take any glib assurances from the UK Government seriously.

These views were first expressed in the Kilmarnock Standard.

A Week in Parliament

Westminster has returned from Conference Recess, not with a bang, but a whimper in terms of UK Government Activity. On a personal note, I am as busy as ever. One piece of legislation they are bringing forward is an Agricultural Bill. I spoke on this bill, partly because I am on the DEFRA Committee. This is another bill which the Scottish Government have concerns over a “power grab”. Just politics? Well, no, the NFUS (who are non-political) took legal opinion on one aspect of the Bill that covers Scotland, and this confirmed that the way the bill is at present means that the UK Government can undermine the Scottish Government in terms of policy and support. And they are concerned about this. So why isn’t the Tory Government listening and being open to amendments?

I took the opportunity to ask the Secretary of State (a)how much lobbying had Scottish Tory MPs had done to recover £160m EU money that was supposed to come to Scotland but withheld by Westminster to go down south and (b) how much of that money they had secured for Scotland. The answer is nothing but I was lambasted by the Secretary of State, Gove, who was shouting at me about how he meets the hard working Tory MPs at Agricultural shows but never SNP MPs. I believe that an absolute tirade from the dispatch box while avoiding the question means you have hit a raw nerve! I will now invite the Secretary of State to the Newmilns Cattle Show, so he can meet me at one in my constituency!

Voting Franchise

The Tories are supporting an overseas voters bill. At present if you live outside the UK although you were a UK citizen, you can vote for up to 15 years after leaving the UK. The Tories want to remove the 15 year limit. Why? Because the majority of the people who are beyond the 15 year limit are pensioners and therefore more likely to vote Tory. What is disgraceful is that they refuse to give the vote to EU citizens and other foreign nationals living and working here. So, people working, and paying taxes do not get a right to vote on political policies that directly affect them, but some-one who may never have paid a single penny in tax in the UK will get a vote for life. By contrast the Scottish Government use a residency rule, so basically if you stay in Scotland for a set period and are paying taxes, you will get a vote. 

Electric Car Charge Fund

I asked the Transport Minister about the allocation of money from a £400m fund for new electric charge-points. I pointed out that Scotland is clearly rural and our landmass is almost 2/3 the size of England. Therefore any fair allocation of money across the UK needs to consider this. His answer? Barnett formula ie 8% of the fund. This is further proof that Barnett is not a protection but a way of giving Scotland a small slice of the cake.

These views were first expressed in the Kilmarnock Standard.

A Week in Parliament

Local Events

In my final week of the “conference recess” I managed further local activities. I attended the open day at the Ayrshire Muslim Education Centre. It was a great event, warm welcome, some education and inspiring words….and fantastic food. It was great to see so many members of the wider community pop in for a visit. I have to admit to being slightly embarrassed at taking a doggy bag of food home, but it seemed rude to say no!

I managed a visit to Brodie Engineering, a company born and bred in Kilmarnock. They do fantastic work in refurbishing out of date rolling stock; repairing crash damaged engines and carriages, manufacturing specialist engineering kit for the rail industry and travelling all over the UK to help with specialist repairs. The rolling stock they refurbish comes from all over the UK as well, so they are a fantastic asset to Kilmarnock. Companies like this not only provide valuable skilled jobs, but due to the fact that they partner with other European companies, it means there can also be accommodation and catering spin offs for other companies in the area. It was great to be able to see success first hand.

I also took part in a workshop organised by EACHa, to look at building on a previous report that made recommendations on what needs to be done to tackle homelessness (and associated causes/symptoms such as addition issues). It is inspiring to be amongst so many members of the community working to change things for the better. It gives hope. However, there was also a reality check of one contributor, who is recovering from addiction and was able to advise that he did not see any of the progress that some of the contributors were stating has happened since the last workshop in May. So, there is still a long journey to go. However, with the will in the room, and the leadership and determination of the Rev David Cameron, I am still confident we can make real progress in helping those who need it, to improve their lives, and life chances.

Tory Conference

I was interested so see how much the SNP were referenced at the Tory Conference…David Mundell took a break from talking about Independence to talk about how “Nicola should get on with the day job” and that she should stop talking about independence; Ruth Davidson spoke about independence and how the Tories will block a referendum and Teresa May herself launched a broadside at Nicola Sturgeon too. It shows that for a party in opposition at Westminster, we must be doing something to be referenced on the main stage so much for what is a UK (or more accurately England and Wales) Tory Conference. I am tempted to suggest the Prime Minster stick to dancing, but perhaps not. I like when people can have a laugh at their own expense, and in that regard the Dancing Queen idea could be commended. However, does anyone think that performance and idea was well executed?

A Week in Parliament

Charity – Memories are Better Than Dreams

One of the joys of my job is meeting inspirational people who provide valuable help and support for others. At Sainsbury’s in Stewarton, I met representatives from the charity “Memories are Better Than Dreams”, who is their “Local Charity of the Year”. Sarah Lynes and Aileen Crichton work in palliative care in Crosshouse hospital and started the charity after being contacted by parents who hadn’t been able to afford a headstone for their child. They have progressed to providing special events/activities that meet the wishes of children and provide lasting family memories. I can only imagine that this work is so rewarding but also sometimes harrowing as well.

Given the committee all work fulltime, any additional volunteer help would be greatly assisted. It may be for example you can provide help with their website rather than being part of the other activities. They can be contacted on Facebook or my office would be willing to co-ordinate any enquiries. Once again, a big well done to the group and to all the others who have contributed to the fundraising activities over the years.

Recess Activities

Again, I am using a recess from Westminster to enable me to be out and about locally. As well as working in my office when I can I have managed to attend the official opening of Bonnyton Thistle’s Townholm facility. That same day I was then hot footing it to Newmilns Food Festival which had another fantastic turnout.

I popped in to a meeting of Pubwatch – a collaboration of 11 pubs in Kilmarnock who work together on initiates and information sharing to make our pubs, clubs (and streets) safer and more enjoyable. What shone through more than anything to me was their love and passion for the town. They are also as a collective organising the next Killie Halloween weekend event which will be great, and are already  working on K-Fest 2019. Further examples of these publicans and establishments going above and beyond is the defibrillator initiative from Brass and Granite, who have managed to raise money and provide defibrillators for some local schools. Meanwhile the Rock Hard Diner have been organising clothes and toiletries collections for the homeless. Any donations gratefully accepted.

At Pubwatch, I discussed an initiative I will be working with them on – “Parliament in the Pub”. I will be hosting open surgeries, within a number of the pubs on a monthly or so basis. The idea being to be visible and available for a chat in a relaxed setting. They do say politics is one of the matters not to be discussed in pubs so we will see how this progresses. My first venture will be in First Edition, with a date still to be confirmed.

I hosted a “supermarket surgery” in Stewarton, another venture to be available in a public setting. One I will be repeating as it was an enjoyable experience.

I also made the unveiling of the “Trust in Killie” History board a Rugby Park. An enjoyable day that happened to coincide with that last minute winner from Stuart Findlay.