Local lockdown highlights Covid fears

The local lockdown in East Dunbartonshire and other regions has highlighted the fragility of the situation in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.

Collectively everyone has made incredible sacrifices since March but it is so important for us to stay on our guard even when we’re visiting family and friends indoors. Restrictions are getting tighter but we must all play our part in beating this virus. It’s crucial we keep socially distancing and wearing masks when in shops and public spaces as well as maintaining good hygiene practices.

It’s an incredibly busy time In Holyrood, with huge amounts of legislation being passed and in the pipeline. It was a privilege to play a role in shaping the recently passed Children’s Bill.

This will strengthen and embed the voice of young people in our legal system while ensuring they are given the support they need.

Brexit legislation is, of course, adding to the workload and the recent developments with the UK Government’s intentions for Brexit regarding Northern Ireland and the Internal Market Bill are demonstrable of a government determined to hurtle towards no-deal and completely undermining the devolved nations.

The Conservative Government has admitted it is willing to break international law by throwing out the agreement reached with the EU – an unforgiveable action. How can anyone every trust the UK Government again?

That Boris Johnson should be willing to compromise trade deals and their benefits to Scotland during a global health pandemic and at the beginning of an economic recession is astoundingly reckless. And that’s before touching upon the appointment of former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, whose misogynist and climate-denial views are infamous. It is clear: the best way to protect and develop Scotland’s interests is through independence.

Locally, we recently passed the anniversary of the birth of Thomas Muir. The Father of Scottish Democracy was born in Huntershill and his once grand childhood home still stands although its condition has deteriorated considerably. It’s incredibly disappointing that what should be a cherished property with the potential to be a museum to his life, has been left to rot. Following complaints from residents and myself, East Dunbartonshire Council hasve called on the private owner to consider either selling or vastly improving the condition. This legacy to our community – and to Scotland – must not be lost.

I recently held extremely informative meetings with East Dunbartonshire Citizen’s Advice Bureaux which is doing amazing work at a difficult time – and SEPA and council officials to discuss the ongoing problems of flooding in certain parts of the constituency.

Amy Callaghan MP for East Dunbartonshire and I have written a joint letter to George Eustice, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. We’re dismayed by the short-sighted proposal to reduce the Small Brewers Relief. Craft and micro-breweries are a highly successful and growing sector of the Scottish drinks industry and include the fantastic Jaw Brew right here in East Dunbartonshire. Particularly right now, this is absolutely not what our local economy needs.

As always, my office is open although we are working remotely. My surgeries have moved online using Zoom, so please email if you would like an appointment. Please get in touch if there is anything my team and I can help you with – we are here for you. You can contact us by calling 0141 776 1561 or by emailing [email protected].