Following the news reports and testimony over the last few days, I tabled the following motion in the Commons: “That this House condemns unreservedly the Israeli brutality in East Jerusalem and Gaza; refutes entirely that there is any equivalence with actions by Palestinian demonstrators or militants; notes that there is no comparison between state orchestrated violence perpetrated by a military… Read more »
I was pleased to sign this open letter to the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock MP, calling for better labelling requirements for alcoholic drinks. A new poll from YouGov asked the public what legal requirements they would like to see for alcohol labelling. The majority of those asked supported more information being included on labels including: 75% of people want the… Read more »
The Scottish Government have announced that: “free lateral flow home test kits will be available for pick up without an appointment from many local walk-in or drive-through test sites from 3.30pm each day, or by ordering online or by phone, for people to test themselves twice-weekly.” I would encourage constituents in East Lothian to take up this offer which is… Read more »
I was pleased to co-sign this statement calling on Prime Minister, government ministers and senior civil servants to publish all their private communications with pharmaceutical companies and their lobbyists since the start of the pandemic. The full text of the statement reads: “The alleged ease of access that wealthy business people have had directly to the Prime Minister in order to… Read more »
Mobile testing units will continue to operate across East Lothian for another four weeks in a bid to help identify positive cases of COVID-19 in people who are asymptomatic and break chains of transmission. Members of the public who have no symptoms associated with Covid-19, but who may be infectious and spreading the disease without knowing it, are invited to… Read more »
As the benefits rates change from year to year, Age UK have produced an informative guide outlining the most notable changes this year. This includes information on: Increases to the new and basic State Pension, as well as increases to Pension and Savings Credit. Changes to entitlements for council tax support, housing benefit, winter fuel payment, cold weather payment and warm… Read more »
Today at 12 I held a moment’s silence, along with many across the country. The Pandemic has brought us low as a nation, and yet the resilience and determination to do what is right for those we live amongst has never been stronger. The work of recovery will be hard, and the onus is on us as politicians to work… Read more »
Yesterday the Scottish Government set out indicative dates for further easing of the lockdown across Scotland. You can read the full announcement at the Scottish Government website here: https://www.gov.scot/news/timetable-for-further-lockdown-easing/ “Stay at Home regulations will be lifted on 2 April and replaced with guidance to Stay Local, with more services including hairdressers, garden centres and non-essential click and collect services able… Read more »
From East Lothian Council Two mobile Covid-19 asymptomatic testing units are set to be deployed in East Lothian in a bid to help identify positive cases and break chains of transmission. Members of the public who have no symptoms associated with Covid-19, but who may be infectious and spreading the disease without knowing it, can book a test online or telephone 0300 303… Read more »
In my column in the East Lothian Courier I discuss what I see in the short term as vaccinations continue to be rolled out. “One and a half million doses is something to be proud of for those delivering it and for the rest of us to be reassured by. Minds are now rightly turning to post lockdown but continued… Read more »