In my column in the East Lothian Courier I talk about the threat to Scottish Food standards in the controversial trade talks with the United States. “Farmers and constituents have been in touch, concerned about a reduction in food standards and protections. As USA trade deal negotiations continue, I share those fears, as it threatens those working hard on the… Read more »
In my column in the Scotsman this week I wrote about my first foray into Prime Minister’s Questions: “with fertile East Lothian priding itself on its food and drink sector, any reduction in standards is a huge threat. “With the Tories failing to enshrine protections in the Agriculture Bill and ministers prevaricating a few days previously, I asked Boris Johnson… Read more »
I welcome the First Minister’s announcement today that we will be commencing Phase 2 of the COVID-19 – Framework for Decision Making. Phase 1 has been hard for everyone, especially those who are lonely, vulnerable and isolated. We still need to be cautious. We need to look after ourselves and ca canny when out and about, but for those who… Read more »
I asked Alok Sharma, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, about ending the discriminatory regime of National Grid connection charges. These charges disproportionately affect sites in Scotland, Wales and the North of England, but it is in Scotland where the highest charges anywhere in the UK are applied. In contrast, energy producers based in London and… Read more »
In my column in the East Lothian Courier I write about how “racism afflicts every society and Scotland’s no different.” “Many constituents have been in touch about the events unfolding in the United States and, indeed, there were even some local demonstrations about them. “It’s both frightening and tragic and I’ve co-signed letters to the Government and supported motions seeking… Read more »
I signed, along with many colleagues from across parties, a letter to the Prime Minister calling on the UK Government to implement clean air proposals to help tackle Coronavirus transmissions. Research from Harvard University and QMU London suggests that some air pollution makes people more likely to catch the virus. It is true that air quality has improved since we… Read more »
To date, 10 prison staff have died in service from covid-19. In light of this, earlier this week I asked the Justice Secretary, Robert Buckland, whether he would “commit to adopting the best practice demands of the unions for a safe working environment” as well as pay compensation to the families of the 10 prison staff who have died, and… Read more »
Today at Prime Minister’s questions, I asked Boris Johnson to clarify the UK government’s intentions on animal welfare and food standards. The government have been avoiding the subject: they failed to enshrine protections in the Agriculture Bill, and earlier this week Ministers equivocated on this issue, so I called on the Prime Minister to “be clear today that high standards… Read more »
In the East Lothian Courier I write about how my email inbox is “has been inundated with communications about Dominic Cummings’ behaviour.” “Most are from people who tell me that they’ve never written to an MP before. Many are very distressing, detailing personal sacrifices made or loss endured by them or their family. “They’re entitled to feel angry as the… Read more »
I am encouraging parents of children aged four to five to apply for the Scottish Government’s Best Start Grant. A one-off £250 payment is currently open to eligible families, with a child who was born between 1st March 2015 and 29th February 2016, who will be starting primary school later this year. The payment is part of the Scottish Government’s… Read more »