In my column in this week’s Scotsman, I discuss the idea of a four-day week and how “it offers a solution to both the economic fallout from coronavirus and the desire many will have for a different work-life balance.” “It’s being considered by countries from Finland to New Zealand and more will surely follow. It’s time we did the same.”… Read more »
The Scottish Government has rolled out the next step of it’s Test and Protect strategy today (28 May). You can read the full announcement at the Scottish Government website. From today everyone who has symptoms of Coronavirus is asked to book themselves in for a test as soon as those symptoms start to show. Testing is available at several drive-in… Read more »
East Lothian Council have opened up a consultation on Spaces for People in East Lothian. According to the council website “Given the limited space in our towns, it’s important we introduce enhanced spaces for people on foot, in wheelchairs and on bikes. “The requirements for social distancing are likely to remain in place for some time and people will be… Read more »
In my column in the East Lothian Courier I discuss just some of the issues that have been coming up regularly in my mailbox. One of the common themes is people in already difficult circumstances being hit the hardest. As I say in the column: “The most distressing has been the plight of those seeking to maintain contact with terminally… Read more »
Many constituents have written to me this afternoon expressing anger following the press conference where the Prime Minister defended the irresponsible actions of his advisor Dominic Cummings. I share their concerns and anger. For the Prime Minister to suggest that parents who complied with the lockdown rules were not caring enough, or that traveling huge distances across the country somehow… Read more »
The Scottish Government have today published their route map, indicating how we will proceed to ease the lockdown, continue to work to mitigate the damage of the virus and progress to a new normal. It is important for the many isolated and vulnerable people in East Lothian that start bringing this plan into reality, but it is equally important that… Read more »
In my column in today’s Scotsman, I discuss the need for a decent wage for our care workers. “If private sector care homes cannot afford to pay carers a decent wage, they should be taken over by councils or run by not-for-profit organisations.” “I’ve been in many care homes visiting as the constituency representative or meeting elderly friends or relatives…. Read more »
In the debate yesterday about the negotiations of a Future Relationship with the EU I asked Michael Gove whether or not there will be some arrangement to allow law enforcement in Scotland to have access to the European arrest warrant and Europol, both of which are important to ensure the safety and security of our society. His answer was simply… Read more »
I voted against the UK Government’s Immigration Bill last night in a virtual vote in the House of Commons, however due to the Government majority, it passed by a large margin. This was a shameful action. This vote puts us on a path which will be hugely damaging to our country, our economy and our society. We have benefitted as… Read more »
Last week I was informed that East Lothian had raised a large amount of money for Christian Aid week. The theme of the annual fundraiser this year was focussed on the needs of those who have been hardest hit by the coronavirus in the poorest countries with the least developed health systems. I’m really pleased to note that the work… Read more »