In the debate on the Trade Bill I underline the importance of protecting our high quality food and environmental standards, and our NHS, from the vested interests of US companies. “I think it’s absolutely essential that the National Health Service free at the point of delivery, and predicated on being a service delivered by a public duty rather than by… Read more »
Citizens Advice Scotland’s Big Energy Saving Month launches on Monday 11 January. This campaign aims to help people cut their energy bills and get the financial support they are entitled to. According to their website the campaign is about: “giving people the power to save time, money and energy through everyday actions. The campaign raises public awareness of how simple… Read more »
Delighted to sign this pledge calling for MPs to have the power to scrutinise trade deals negotiated by the government before they are finalised and signed, especially as they affect our NHS. This is fundamental to our well-being and to our humanity.
From Tuesday 5 January East Lothian, along with the rest of mainland Scotland will move from Level 4 to a temporary Lockdown. Similar to the restrictions put in place back in March 2020 this means that you should stay at home where possible. There are exceptions for a variety of activities, however these situations will only arise for essential activities…. Read more »
This is not where any of us expected to be last year, nor is it where we would wish to be heading into 2021. The continuing story of the power of human innovation in creating vaccines gives us hope that 2021 will be a better year for all across Scotland and around the World. It is up to us all… Read more »
Today the First Minister announced that East Lothian will move into Tier 3 on Friday 18 December from 6pm. This is disappointing and a hammer blow for many businesses. But public health has to be the priority. We need to redouble our efforts to suppress the virus as Christmas relaxations could compound it. Further financial support is needed along with… Read more »
In my column in this week’s East Lothian Courier I discuss how Brexit consequences are now being felt and they’re uniformly grim, with no redeeming features. “Helping me with my recent flitting were two East European lads. “Hard-working and good company, their English was impeccable and I learned not to assume all migrants from that part of the world are Polish…. Read more »
In my column in the East Lothian Courier I discuss the problem of counterfeit good at Christmastime. “The move into Level 2 is welcome but continual vigilance will be required to keep it that way, let alone make progress. It’s easy to slip back, which was evident from being in London last week – a ghostly train carrying few passengers… Read more »
Around this time last year I had the pleasure of attending an event at the home of the Saltire in Athelstaneford in East Lothian. Restrictions do not allow me to be there today, but I look forward to celebrating the soul of our nation once it is safe to do so. The Scottish Flag Trust Trust looks after the Saltire… Read more »
This year, in order to help make sure everyone has the chance of a proper Christmas Dinner, I am supporting East Lothian Foodbank’s Jingle Bags campaign. The campaign aims to make sure that food bank users have the food available for a proper Christmas dinner. There is a full list of required food items at the Foodbank’s website: https://eastlothian.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/jingle-bags/ My… Read more »