In my column in this week’s East Lothian Courier I discuss the work that is going in to getting the vaccine out, as well as the issues of global inequality in the pandemic response: There are many concerns about the vaccine rollout. If everyone could be given the jag tomorrow, then it would be done. But this is an unprecedented… Read more »
In my column in the Scotsman I write about the need for new thinking on Drug legislation in the aftermath of the American Election. “In some states, it was simply a more liberal view on some aspects, such as the legalisation of marijuana, but in Oregon it was decriminalisation. “There’s a long way to go but it’s a start of rolling… Read more »
I’m delighted to receive this award for Cruelty Free International’s Parliamentarian of the Month, recognising our search for greater information about the way animals are treated in UK laboratories. The public has made it clear it wants an end to the continued high level of animal suffering in UK laboratories. I will continue to use my platform in order to… Read more »
In my column in this week’s East Lothian Courier I discuss the pain caused by the mounting redundancies due to the economic shock of the pandemic. “Sadly, redundancies are mounting as furlough ends. It’s a tragedy for those losing their jobs and finding another isn’t easy. They’ve often given years of dedicated service. Hopefully, the position may be restored when… Read more »
In my column in the East Lothian Courier I look at some of the major consequences of dropping the Furlough Scheme at the end of this month: “As the furlough scheme ends, it’s going to get worse. For that reason, it’s a huge mistake by the Tory Government to be ending the scheme that has worked well and when some… Read more »
In my Column in the East Lothian Courier this week I discuss the need for greater vigilance in the face of rising case numbers in the constituency. “The coronavirus outbreak at the East Lothian Community Hospital and tightened lockdown re-imposed in the west of Scotland show the need for vigilance. “Outbreaks can occur in even the most rigorous of regimes…. Read more »
In my column in the East Lothian Courier this week, I discuss the worrying trend in unemployment, and how that trend looks increase due to the end of the Furlough scheme. “Unemployment is creeping up, increasing by 180 in July from June. More worryingly, it’s up by 70 for youngsters aged 18-24. The rate of 5.6 per cent is still… Read more »
In my column in the Scotsman this week I discuss how “wars fought with weapons exported from developed countries, economic problems and environmental degradation are among the reasons why people leave developing countries in search of a better life.” “I don’t know why poor Mercy Baguma died or what brought her here. But it’s a tragedy that is going to… Read more »
In my column in the East Lothian Courier I write about visiting the East Lothian Community Hospital. It was also an opportunity for me to meet trade union reps, which was humbling. Like others, I’ve seen on social media how hard it is for so many in the NHS who continue to give so much. Hearing the stories personally was… Read more »
In my column in this week’s East Lothian Courier I reflect on how the “downsides of ‘staycationing’ has been felt across the county.” Tourism is vital for East Lothian, with businesses and jobs depending upon it. The recent rush of visitors to hotels and chalet parks has been welcome and badly needed given that so much has been lost. But… Read more »