In my column in today’s Scotsman Newspaper I talk about the need for Scotland to implement a prisoner release scheme for inmates who will not be a danger to the public in order to avoid as far as possible a major outbreak of Coronavirus in our prisons.
I recently asked some questions in parliament about Coronavirus assistance for small businesses, clarity on furloughing staff, assistance for self-employed people and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). These questions were written on behalf of the many constituents who have been in touch with me recently to ask about these issues. I received the written answers to these questions… Read more »
On 24 March the Scottish Government announced they would provide you with support to self-isolate if you’re at very high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This includes including helping you to access medicine and food supplies. To help you further the Scottish Government would like to contact you by text message. If you don’t have a mobile phone, you‘ll… Read more »
A new ‘Scotland Cares’ campaign has been launched today by the Scottish Government to encourage people to volunteer. You can find the Coronavirus volunteering portal at readyscotland.org. The website is being constantly updated and provides advice on volunteering safely and the organisations to register an interest with such as Volunteer Scotland and the Red Cross. While the most important ask… Read more »
Visitors staying on leisure sites asked to return home. I welcome the news the Scottish Government has announced that in line with recent advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) announced by the First Minister, campsites, caravan and holiday parks in Scotland are to close immediately to new arrivals, including tourers, other transient visitors and holiday lets. I also welcome the clarity of… Read more »
The Scottish Government, publishing its child immunisation figures today, reminded parents that it is important that their children continue to get the vaccines they need during this time. Travel for medical purposes is explicitly allowed at this time. Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “I am pleased to see that childhood immunisation rates across Scotland remain very high, reflecting both the… Read more »
This is a difficult time for many in the constituency. We have put these pages together to provide answers for some the frequently asked questions that come in to my mailbox. This is a fast moving situation and the advice will necesarily need to be updated over time. Every update to these pages will be date stamped so you can… Read more »
In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic I have made the regrettable decision to cancel my advice surgeries for the foreseeable future. This is a temporary measure until this situation passes, and rest assured, my office team and I are still on hand to help with your enquiries. You can contact me directly by email: kenny.macaskill.mp@parliament.uk and regular updates will… Read more »
I spoke in a debate on Tackling Alcohol Harm in Westminster Hall on Tuesday (17 March). You can watch the full debate at the Parliament.Tv website here. And read my contribution at Hansard here.
East Lothian Investments has announced a new Business Interruption Loan scheme to support business at this time. They say: “In light of the Covid -19 pandemic, ELI has implemented a business interruption loan which replaces the previous interest free loan offering.” “Loans can be applied for to a maximum of £5,000, interest free with a holiday repayment period of 4… Read more »